December marks the
end of the year, but not sans the air of festivity it deserves. There
is a lot more to the chilling winter than just bonfire and snow; the
utopia of this winter month draws a long list of fests and fairs for
the avid traveler and otherwise, making room from all. This blog will
take you across some of the many festivals this month has to offer,
from every nook and corner of the country. Here we go!
Feast of St Francis
Xavier (Old Goa)
The feast of saint
Francis Xavier is held on 3rd December every year at Velha Goa or Old
Goa which is about 10kms east of Panaji. The mummified body of St.
Francis Xavier is enshrined in a silver casket in one of the chapels
of Basilica of Born Jesus built in 1605 by the Jesuits. The body of
the Saint is exposed to public once every ten years and pilgrims from
all over the world came to pay homage.
Cochin Carnival
(Kochi)
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed to welcome New year during the last week of December every year at Fort Kochi. During the carnival days, different forms of cultural activities and sportsevents like Kalam Vara (floor drawing), tug-of-war, bicycle race, swimming in the sea, beach volleyball etc. are held. The major highlight of the carnival is the massive
procession held on the New Years Day. A decorated elephant leads the
procession accompanied by 'Panchavadyam', music bands, fancy dress,
spectacular floats, folk arts forms of Kerala etc.
Malallapuran Dance
Festival (Mamallapuram, TN)
A four-week,
weekend-only dance festival showcasing classical and folk dances from
all over India, with many performances on an open-air stage against
the imposing backdrop of Arjuna’s Penance.
Hornbill Festival
(Kisama)
This festival
derives its name from the name of the bird that goes by the same
name. It is celebrated in the North Eastern state of Nagaland (a
village called Kisama to be precise) near to the capital city Kohima.
One of the largest festivals of the state, it is celebrated with
traditional music dance and games that are played. There is also a
sale of locally made handicrafts.
Sunburn Festival
(Vagator,Goa)
Sunburn is the Goan
festival of synergy of music, entertainment, sports, food, shopping
and lifestyle that has attracted audiences from every nook and corner
of the globe. Now in its sixth year, Sunburn has become the hottest
dance music property in Asia! The dates for this year are 27th
to 30th December, 2015.
Paragliding Festival
(Saputara)
The ideal festival for the adventure
enthusiasts, the Paragliding Festival in Satpura, Gujrat is the best
thing to attend if a shot of adrenaline rush is what you are looking
for during the month of December. Promoted by the tourism department
of Gujrat, this festival is a 26-day long ventrue that starts in the
middle of the month. With more than 5000 entries, the festival is a
great catch for the Indian adventure holiday seekers.
Christmas (all over
India)
Christmas is
celebrated all over the country with great pomp and show, especially
in Goa, spreading to the entire south where Christians contribute to
a major portion of the population. Apart from the midnight mass that
is held on the 24th December across all churches in the country the
following day is marked by celebrations, fetes, parties and exchange
of gifts.