Festival

India is a country that packs festivies like no other place in the world. Festivals in India are diverse, colorful and blissful like the country itslfe. While every day is a detsivity, there are few special celebrations that are unmissable experiences.  there are number of Gods. And each festival is more colorful than the other. While every festival in India is worth participating in, there are some you just cannot miss. Here are the most colorful and most lively festivals of India that you would just love being a part of:

1. Holi – a riot of colors.

Every year, in the month of March, the streets of India come alive with a riot of colors. Holi, like most other festivals of India, is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. The festival also marks the onset of spring season. In most parts of India, the celebration of the festival starts almost a week in advance. You should look on the streets for water balloons and color, as you may be targeted anywhere and everywhere. It is a fun festival which brings together people of all ages. For the best Holi experience in India, head to Mathura which witnesses week long celebrations. Holi is truly the epitome of colourful festivals in India!

2. Diwali – a festival of lights.

When talking of the best festivals of India, you just cannot leave Diwali out. Diwali is to India what Christmas is to the Western world. The festival takes place somewhere in the months of October and November, 20 days after Dussehra. You can see houses decked up in colorful lights, people exchanging gifts, and every family having their own firecracker show as well. In fact, the firecracker show is a matter of pride among families. According to Hindu mythology, the festival marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after he defeated the evil Ravana. If you haven’t been part of a Diwali festival in India ever, you are really missing out on a lot.

3. Dussehra – triumph of good over evil.

The festival, much like Holi, is celebrated to mark the triumph over evil. It is celebrated to mark the win of Lord Rama over Ravana. Effigies of Ravana are burnt across all the parts of the country with fire crackers. While Dussehra is Mysore stands out for its decorated palaces and a grand scale, if you are looking for a more traditional experience, head to the Ramleela Maidan in Delhi. The festival is attended by the top politicos, including the President of India, and there is the yummy food of Old Delhi to savor too closeby.

4. Ganesh Chaturthi – a carnival.

Every year, sometime in the months of September and October, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in large parts of the country, with Mumbai being the epicenter. The festival is almost like a carnival in Rio, minus the bikini clad babes. Scores of people take to the streets with a beautifully decked up idol of Lord Ganesha for immersion in a river. The procession is accompanied with drum beats and people having a gala time. You just can’t stop yourself from dancing during this festival.

5. Onam – a cultural experience.

The tranquil setting of Kerala comes to life every year in the months of August and September during the Onam festival. If you are planning a Kerala tour, try and plan it to coincide with the festival. Onam is a 10 day long festival whih sees colorful fairs, awesome dance competitions, and exhilarating snake boat races being organized through large parts of Kerala. Throughout the festival, there is a feeling of bonhomie and happiness. While there are many ways to plan a Kerala tour, planning it to coincide with Onam is probably the most colorful one.

6. Pushkar fair – a congregation of animals.

This isn’t really a festival in traditional sense of the way. However, you just cannot rule it out when talking of the best festivals of India. In the month of November, the state of Rajasthan plays host to Pushkar fair. It is a five day long festival which sees animals being traded, primarily elephants and camels. It is the largest congregation of animals in Asia, and you can some beautifully decked up animals during the festival. There are some crazy competitions taking place on the sidelines too, such as a competition for the longest moustache.

7. Navratri – dance, dance, dance.

The nine days prior to the festival of Dussehra are celebrated as Navratri. During the nine days, nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. This 9 day long festival sees several beautiful banquets being set up across the country. There is gourmet food to be had at these banquets and some amazing music to dance too. Often, people find the love of their life during this festival, as you get a chance to play Dandiya with a member of the opposite sex. Of course, you can always play all by yourself if you cannot find a partner. The idea is to have fun all along.

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, by the sacred River Ganges, Rishikesh is known as ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. Tucked away in Uttarakhand, the town has been dubbed one of India’s most spiritual hubs and a holistic wellness experience. The location plays a key part in contributing to the positive spiritual energy. Since the ancient times, it has been the abode of rishis, yogi and ascetics. Above all, the fresh air of the mountains and the soothing melody of the flowing river creates an ideal escape.

The best of wellness experiences in India, Rishikesh and the Yoga Festival has many compelling reasons to not miss out. The many ashrams, temples and the river banks are a notable spot for both first time and returning visitors to India. In fact, Rishikesh has earned a position among the most-sought tours in India.

Yoga Capital of the World

Since the dawn of civilization in India, Rishikesh has been home to many enlightened souls. Yoga is not merely for our bodies, but also for minds, and souls. Yoga literally means “Union”. The union of mind with the body transcending to union of the self with the divine. The ancient science leads to health in the body, peace in the mind, joy in the heart, and liberation of the soul. Yoga is one of the most sought reasons to travel to India.

International Yoga Festival -1st to 7th March at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

The International Yoga Festival held from 1st to the 7th March is an annual celebration of yoga. Every year this festival brings together yoga enthusiasts from all over the world. It is an opportunity to embrace every major style of yoga and learn from the world’s best enlightened Spiritual Leaders, Master Yoga Teachers, Evolutionary Thought Leaders, and Wellness Specialists. The weeklong event is an ideal getaway to awaken to the best version of self and ignite inner light.Experience Life of Yogi at an Ashram

In Rishikesh, the experience of life at an ashram is truly life-changing and a must-try. Stay at an ashram or join a yoga or meditation class to experience the yogic life. The best part about Rishikesh is that you do not need locking yourself away from civilization, everything about the holy town is spiritual bliss.  Go temple-hopping, visit the river ghats, interact with locals, and learn about the culture of India while add a unique spin of adventure.Temple Visit and Ganges Aarti ceremony

Spirituality and traditions are two sides of the same coin in India. Rituals are so closely entwined with the culture that one give insight into another. The ritual of Ganga Aarti is an insightful cultural experience. It helps understand the importance of Rishikesh and the Ganges. The holy River Ganges is worshipped as a Mother Goddess and every day for centuries the ritual of offering earthen lamps and flowers are practiced. In the evening, when the sun has set and lamps have been lit, make way to the river ghats to stroll. Hear the temple bells ring, hear the chants and watch the worship ritual.

A dose of adventure

With yoga, Rishikesh also elevates moods with a dose of adventure. The option to go white water rafting along the fast-flowing Ganges is an adrenaline-filled adventure. Camping at one of the riverside campsites too is therapeutic. The heavenly view of the starlit sky is a memory to cherish.Stay in the spiritual bliss of Rishikesh

While ashram life is the major appeal of Rishikesh, there are also amazing resorts in the town that imbibe the spirit of wellness. Prominent names include Ananda in the Himalayas, Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Dewa Retreat, Aloha by the Ganges and many more.