Fairs and Festivals in May

If you don’t mind the summer heat, you’ll be able to enjoy some big festivals in India in May. Fortunately, many of them take place in the hills, where it’s not too hot. From breathtaking beauty, the beats of live music and dance performances, delectable culinary will be on offer during the festive season in May. The fresh air of incense filling the air at the Nilgiris…folk and classical dances in Mount Abu… bathing in the ganges river… there is a lot in the month of May.

Mount Abu is one of the mesmerizing and only hill station in Rajasthan. The Summer festival goes alive in the hill station for about two to three days once every year during the time of buddha Purnima. The festival is meant for the purpose of celebrating the joyous life and cultural uniqueness of Rajasthan. This festival welcomes the tourists from all over to see the traditional and cultural beauty of ths state of Rajasthan. The celebration includes many folk and classical dances, boat race in Naini lake, music, fire work, art work etc.

Dates : To be announced. Venue: Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Ganga Dussehra is mainly observed by Hindus in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal, where the river Ganga flows. Devotees gather at the banks of the river Ganges and perform a religious ritual called aarti in which a light lamp is moved clockwise circularly in front of a deity. Taking a dip in the river on this day is believed to bring the devotee to a state of purification and also heal any physical ailments he may have.

Dates : 20 June 2021. Venue: Haridwar, Varanasi, Rishikesh, Prayagraj

Buddha Poornima is a Buddhist festival that is celebrated in most of East Asia commemorating the birth of the Lord Buddha, who was the founder of Buddhism. It is celebrated especially in Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bodh Gaya, various parts of North Bengal and Maharashtra. Being an important landmark of the Indian Buddhist Circuit, Sarnath- where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, hosts an elaborate fair and is home to a public procession of Buddhist relics. Check the Buddhist pilgrimage tours here.

Dates : 26 May 2021. Venue: Bodhgaya

Moatsu festival is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in this little yet beautiful state of Nagaland. People from the entire country come and witness Nagaland’s culture at its best. Making the entire state lively with its vibrant festivities, Moatsu festival is celebrated by Ao tribe of the state. To seek the blessings of God after sowing and harvesting come to an end, is the main idea behind the festival. Rice beer is brewed in large quantities. The main attraction of this event is Sangpangtu, a big fire is lit and the tribesmen and women gather around it and sing songs, indulge in performing arts and dance around making the best of those joyful moments.

Dates : 26 May 2021. Venue: Bodhgaya

Ooty is a famous hill station in the state of Karnataka, India, ideal for visiting any time of the year, but if you are planning for a trip during the summer time, then get ready to celebrate the the summer festival held in the fresh air of the Nilgiris. No other festival promises such scenic beauty and relaxation as this festival does. The festival features boat race, fashion parade, fruits shows and many more.  A flower show to showcase the beautiful floral arrangements, vegetable carvings, flower rangoli etc. is also a beautiful attraction. Since the dates for the festival keep on changing, do confirm them if you plan to go for it.

Dates : To be announced Venue: Ooty, Karnataka