Know about these incredible folk festivals in India
Being one of the oldest civilizations in the world, India is well-known for its rich culture which has its own traditions and customs. Apart from the famous Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi, there are several other spectacular folk festivals observed in small villages and towns replete with traditional songs, dances, and adventure sports. You must visit these five incredible folk festivals in India.
Moatsu Festival in Nagaland
Celebrated every year during the summer season by the Ao tribes in Mokokchung, Nagaland, Moatsu festival is a three-day tribal occasion that symbolizes love, harmony, and connection among the tribal community. It is celebrated soon after the summer crops are seeded. During festivities, people perform traditional folk dances around big bone fires, and the tribal women serve local food along with rice beer.
Hemis festival in Ladakh
The Hemis festival of Ladakh dates back 300 years and is celebrated by Buddhists in June or July. The festival falls on the 10th day of the Tibetan Lunar month of Tse-chu and it commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The festival is organized at Ladakh's Hemis Montessori. The festival's main attraction is a mask dance called cham which is performed by lamas.
Jaisalmer desert festival
Organized by the Rajasthan government, the Jaisalmer desert festival is a three-day event that is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in the state. Set against the beautiful sand dunes of the Thar desert, the vibrant festival is celebrated every year in February with performances of folk singers, puppeteers, fire-eaters, and folk dancers. The festival features Kalbelia performances, camel rides along with turban-tying competitions.
Chithirai in Tamil Nadu
Celebrated every year in the month of April in Madurai, Tamil Nadu at the Meenakshi Amman temple, the festival of Chithirai marks the wedding of Lord Sundareswara and Goddess Meenakshi. The event is organized with processions of golden chariots filled with idols of gods and goddesses, with people dancing to religious songs. The temple is decorated with lively adornments during this time.
Bihu festival in Assam
One of the most popular summer festivals of Assam, Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese new year. There are three types of Bihu celebrated in Assam - Bohag Bihu is observed in April, Kati Bihu in October, and Magh Bihu in January. Bohag Bihu is the most popular among the three and is celebrated for seven days with traditional dance and music performances.
