From Kerala in Onam to Kolkata in Durga Puja: Cities to visit during special occasions

India is often called the land of festivals because of its rich culture and heritage. Here, you will find a wide variety of festivals that span the entire calendar year. From nationally recognised festivals like Durga Puja, Eid, Holi, and Diwali, to regional festivals like Onam, Pongal, and Baisakhi, there is always a celebration taking place somewhere in the country. This also means, no matter when you visit India, you're likely to get an opportunity to experience the joy and be a part of a festival. Here are some of the prominent festivals and cities that you can visit to experience India’s vibrant culture first-hand.

With Durga Puja approaching, along with a long weekend this year, it’s best that you plan it well in advance. This festival is celebrated across the country, in Assam, Bihar, and so many other places, you can begin your puja journey from West Bengal, then opt to visit Assam if you have time to spare. During this time, almost all the localities in these places come up with elaborate puja pandals that you will be surprised to see their sheer grandeur and creativity. When in any of these places, going pandal hopping is a must, whereas gorging on the snacks is something that you won’t be able to stop yourself from.

Onam is celebrated for 10 days in Kerala between August and September. Even if you can’t plan an elaborate trip, you can try to visit this destination during this time to enjoy the extra flavour that Kerala has to offer. The highlights of this festival are snake boat races, folk songs, and traditional dance. decorating boats and elephants with flowers, and so much more.

If you have never been to this place, try to visit during the 10-day Dasara festival in Mysuru. The festival culminates on the 10th day on Vijayadashami or tenth day. It’s one of the most awaited festivals in the city, when it’s all decked up, especially the Mysore palace. The main highlight of this festival is the grand procession, which is locally called the Jamboo Savari, when elephants are beautifully decorated and carry the deity’s idol.

If you want to witness the best of Holi, Vrindavan and Mathura have no competition. To be in these places during this time means you get the opportunity to witness Holi in various forms like the famous Lathmar Holi, ladoo Holi, and Phoolon Wali Holi. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that you come back with a bag full of lasting memories.

You should consider yourself luck if you find yourself in Maharashtra during Ganesh Chaturthi. Celebrated for a week, this festival is celebrated with much pomp and enthusiasm. During this time, you will get to see idols of the Ganpati worshipped for 8-10 days in the pandals. Then, on the last day people will come out in large numbers to immerse the idol in the river, also known as Ganesh Visarjan.

It is one of the best festivals to be a part of at least once in your lifetime. For this, you need to plan a visit to Jaisalmer in the month of February. It’s a 4-day festival that is celebrated amid the sand dunes of the Thar desert, and highlights the traditional culture of the region.