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From beach holidays in overwater villas to stargazing at a jungle campsite or a wellness retreat – summer holidays in India often revolve around kicking back, relaxing and adventuring , as we say, a predictable itinerary. Get away from metropolitan capitals and tourist traps and explore a diverse collection of regions with unique traditions to celebrate summer.
Motsu Festival, Nagaland
This annual sowing festival celebrated by the Ao tribe in Mokokchung, Nagaland focuses on community bonds as the tribe honors their crops. Don’t miss Sangpangtu, a bonfire ritual where villagers dress in their traditional attire and enjoy wine and meat.
When: May 1 to 3, 2024
Yuru Kabgyat, Leh
Also known as the annual festival of Lamayuru Monastery, it is celebrated on the 18th and 19th of the fifth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Dedicated to the Buddhist god of death and guru Padmasambhava, the festival features choreographed Cham routines based on ancient Buddhist scriptures. The monastery itself is an understated gem – visitors find themselves in a surreal moon-like landscape, surrounded by the white limestone mountains that dominate the area.
When: June 3 to 4, 2024
Ganga Dusshera, Uttarakhand
Celebrated over a period of ten days in May or June, the festival honors the descent of the River Ganges from heaven to earth. After nine days of festivities, which include bathing in the Ganges and meditating on the river bank, the festival ends with an evening aarti on Dashami Tithi. Pilgrims come to Prayagraj, Haridwar, Garhmukteshwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi. The subsequent Ganga Aarti is a must-see for spiritual travelers.
When: June 16, 2024 (based on Hindu calendar)
Hemis Festival, Ladakh
Hemis Tsechu Festival celebrates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. Held at Ladakh’s largest monastery, Hemis Gompa, the festival begins with the playing of the Dungchen (a horned instrument) and is accompanied by the Cham dance that celebrates the victory of good over evil. Enjoy the local liquor, Chhang, available at the festival and buy some local handicrafts.
When: June 10 to 23, 2024
Ooty Summer Festival, Tamil Nadu
This 121-year-old event lasting 16 days is organized by the Tamil Nadu Ministry of Tourism and Tourism. Held at the Ooty Botanical Garden and Ooty Lake, major attractions of the festival include boat races, cultural programs and a hot air balloon show. The festival, which attracts hundreds of people to the Nilgiri Hills, also hosts a flower show that displays more than 30,000 varieties of flowers.
When: May 17 to 24, 2024; Flower show will be organized from 24 to 26 May
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