Mahindra Homestays » Festivals

Indian Festivals in February

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:00:09 +0000

Even as the New Year vigour recedes with the advent of the second month of the year, nothing keeps India from celebrating. February brings in pleasant weather and lots of festivities with it in almost all regions through the country!

1. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai – Many international tourists arrive in Mumbai due to its connectivity with international destinations. Landing in February in India, gives you an opportunity to plunge in right into the myriad culture of the country but in an urban set up. The Kala Ghoda region of suburban Mumbai transforms into an energetic venue for various stall, photography exhibitions, theatre, street food stalls and artefacts from all over. It might be overwhelming but also gives a fine picture of modern India embracing its culture and trying to include it in their lives.

2. Taj Mahotsav, Agra – For many first timers, the Golden triangle circuit is a must do, thus touching the 3 main culture heavy cities of India – Delhi, Jaipur and home to one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal, Agra. If travelling in February, you can attend the Taj Mahotsav –a 10 day carnival to celebrate the brilliance of this monumental wonder! The festival is organised by the U.P Tourism and showcases the unique arts, crafts, dances and music of the state.

3. Konark Dance and Music Festival – The exquisite sun temples of Konark become the magnificent backdrop to the annual Dance and Music Festival, every year. Celebrated performers of the country congregate for a period of days to give the public an intimate exposure to classical forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chau Dance. One can also hear may live concerts in an open air auditorium.

4. Goa Carnival – The otherwise laid back state of Goa comes alive in February with the Goa Carnival celebrated in various destinations. It marks the period of festivity before people start fasting for Lent. Enjoy the indigenous floats and parades through the towns, making wonderful photo opportunities. Don’t be afraid to shake a leg with the locals.

5. Delhi Garden Festival – The annual garden festival of Delhi has a legacy of over 7 years. Apart from showcasing a large variety of different flowers, this becomes a reason for the city to step out and enjoy the natural beauty around India. The President’s famous gardens are also opened to public during this period.

6. Khajurao Dance Festival – Khajurao defines Indian architecture with its exquisite representation of the culture in intricate sculptures. These beautiful temples form the backdrop to the annual dance festival, which is regarded as one of the most coveted venues for established artistes in India. Get a quick introduction the Indian cultural scene if you decide to make this part of the itinerary.

7. Maha Shivaratri – Shivaratri is considered one of the major religious festivals of the country is celebrated to commemorate Lord Shiva. One of the key destinations to watch all the fervour is Varanasi, which is considered to be the Lord’s haven. Temples are adorned with flowers and offerings and prayers go on till wee hours of the morning. With Shiva’s own approval on ‘bhaang’ (marijuana based concoction), the city sways in joy with careless abandon!

8. Jaisalmer Desert Festival – Rajasthan is replete with festivals giving a peek inside local life to tourists. The Jaisalmer festival is one of the famous ones, which gives patronage to Rajasthani art forms, showcasing camels and bringing the diversity of the state under one platform. Also, this is a great season to visit Rajasthan when the harsh winter has receded and pleasant weather beckons.

Please note that all festival dates are subject to change, so check the one you are interested in before visiting.

If you would like to join in with some Indian festivals in February yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Homestays offer the perfect opportunity to get a local insight into festivals and your host family will be happy to provide guidance on the best way to experience the celebrations. Check out our Indian homestay collection.

Indian Festivals in January

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:23:52 +0000

There is nothing better than starting the year with a great holiday to one of the most exotic destinations of the world. If you are travelling to India in January, ensure that you check the Indian festival calendar to catch some of these exciting events.

Here are some of the Indian festivals and events in January to check out:

The Jaipur Literature Festival – There is no better way to ring in the New Year with some intellectual company! Asia’s largest Literature festival invites authors and thinkers of international repute to present their work and interact with audiences in the form of readings, discussions, talks and personal interactions. Names like William Darymple, Ahmad Rashid, Avijit Ghosh, Gurcharan Das and John Elliot have been present in the past years so one can expect an impressive list in 2012 as well. Also, the destination could not have been better, as one can complete the Rajasthan sector with ease.

Kambala Buffalo Races – The Mangalore ( South Western) belt of India has an interesting period from January to March where the villages indulge in a unique sport called’ Kambala Buffalo Races’. These are held over the weekends where the young men of the village come together and compete ferociously in slushy fields. A photographer’s delight, this event is definitely not a one to miss.

Kite Flying in Rajasthan – The harvest festival of Baisakhi is held on 14th January all over North India. Rajasthan is especially colourful on this day as thousands of kites sprinkle the blue sky in a competition of might. Local terraces spill with people as teams are formed with vigour to ensure that opponent kites are brought down instantly. This festival gained popularity in Jaipur in the initial years but is now celebrated all over the state.

Pongal - While the North of India celebrates with kites, the same harvest festival in South is known as ‘pongal’ and is celebrated vivaciously across the state of Tamil Nadu and other Southern states with Tamil population. It is best to get invited to a local house so you can see the food preparation and the making of the ‘rangoli/ kollam’ outside houses. Incidentally, pongal is a dish made of milk and rice.

Republic Day in Delhi – Book ahead to sit and watch the annual parade in Delhi, which commemorates the success and independence of India on 26th January every year. Watch the armed forces march impressively and state floats represent the growth in India in a half day parade. The event is held under heavy security but will be a fun experience to see thousands in the stands, cheering on!

Hampi Festival –The pride of Karnataka and the former Kingdom of Vijaynagar, Hampi, celebrates the annual festival of dance and performing arts every year in January. The festival is held in the backdrop of an impressive topography, unique to Hampi. It has gained international acclaim in the last 5 years and one can see a variety of south Indian arts in this forum.

Goan Wine Festival – A relatively new concept, Goa is the chosen destination for The Grape Escapade, a wine and haute cuisine festival. With the influx of western tourists, this is an apt destination for wine connoisseurs. Free wine tasting and attractive discounts on exotic wines are part of the festival. Apart from that, one can enjoy the cultural performances, music concerts and fashion shows.

Bikaner Camel Fair – The winter month of January is an important one for Rajasthan. The camel fair at Bikaner is a great opportunity for photographers to capture camel trading between locals. The destination starts with aplomb with camel parades and also includes races, dancing and pageants for the animals.

Mamallapuram Dance Festival – The coastal town of Mamallapuram hosts a unique dance festival each year in January. The rock sculptures of the town make a wonderful backdrop while Indian art forms are performed by famous artistes in an open air venue.

If you would like to join in with some Indian festivals in January yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Indian Festivals in December

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:00:59 +0000

If you are travelling around India in December there are plenty of festivals and events to get you in a celebratory mood. With dancing, music and crafts you will find plenty happening in all of the most popular travel destinations. Here is a guide to some of the best Indian festivals in December.

New Years & Christmas
Certainly the most popular events of the holiday season, India is a popular destination for a holiday in this time with the weather at it’s best. Places like Goa and Kerala are booked well in advance. Both these destinations have a robust Christian community so one is not too far from local celebrations, albeit a little different from other countries. Nevertheless it’s a great time to explore the sunny beaches or backwaters, as the case maybe.

Nagaland Hornbill Festival
The eastern edge of India is in the midst of an electrifying milieu of culture, dance, food and tradition. Nagaland celebrates the Hornbill Festival from 1st to 7th December each year. The festival is a convergence of all 18 tribes of the state coming together to showcase their unique culture. This event is fast becoming the hottest photography destination. Look out for some photography groups who can lead you for this spectacular event.

Rann Utsav
The music and dance festivals of Western India are known for their vibrancy in colour and cultural energy. The otherwise arid state of Gujarat breaks into a magnificent extravaganza in the second week of December in the Rann Utsav. Folk dances, traditional music and handicrafts are made accessible by the government, by providing luxury tents to accommodate the visitors. Ensure that you are booked well in advance.

Madras Music Season
Still holding onto its authentic character with great tenacity, is the Chennai Music Festival which starts in December and goes onto January. The great Indian stalwarts of classical music showcase their mettle in numerous concerts that are held in the city. A fabulous option to get acquainted with Indian classical music, one can choose to make a quick trip from Bangalore for one of the weekends. Opt for season passes or single concert passes weeks in advance.

Mamallapuram Indian Dance Festival
Not far from the city of Chennai, the small coastal town of Mamallapuram also hosts the Indian Dance Festival in the month of December. This has gained popularity in the last few years, with people thronging by the shore temples to see the extravaganza unfold in such an exotic backdrop. This is approximately held from 25th December to 25th January every year.

Shilpgram Art and Craft Fair
Being one of the best seasons to visit Rajasthan, many cities host small festivals and fairs to give the visitors a more authentic perspective of their culture. This festival includes more than 400 artisans coming together to showcase their handicrafts, Folk dances and cultural programs. The fair is held in the city of Udaipur.

If you would like to join in with some Indian festivals in November yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Indian Festivals in November

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:23:43 +0000

Come November India welcomes even more visitors from across the world, as the pleasant weather almost in all parts of the country make this the start of the peak holiday season. If planning your trip for November try and incorporate some of the exciting festivals and events to see India at it’s most colourful best.

Chhath Puja
Primarily a North Indian festival, Chhath is celebrated in parts of Bihar but is now gaining popularity in different parts of the country where smaller original communities have immigrated. Special feasts, hymns, folk songs and offering prayers to the Sun God mark this day.

Pushkar Camel Fair
Another jewel in the crown for Rajasthan tourism, the Pushkar Camel Fair is ‘go-to’ destination if visiting in November. Infact many travellers plan this as the main attraction from photography point of view. A small town Pushkar, just off Ajmer, has been the venue for a camel trading fair for decades. A colourful scene unfolds as locals as the desert is dotted with camels and their owners in this annual fair. For the past five years, Pushkar has adapted to becoming more tourist savvy with cafes, international food and bohemian stay options – a perfect milieu for travellers. Don’t forget to pack your camera for this one.

Kapil Muni Fair
Bikaner, a city in Rajasthan, celebrates its biggest cattle fair in this month. Like Pushkar, the town is speckled with all types of cattle and a vibrant local environment.

Ganga Mahotsav
The banks of River Ganga are always bustling with pilgrims due to its divine status, and that becomes reason to celebrate many festivals in places like Benares, Allahabad and Haridwar. The Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated with fervour in Benares with cultural dances and songs. The most enchanting site is the trail of million lamps that are left in the water by pilgrims, in the backdrop of hymns and devotional songs. This is one of the few festivals where the evenings are spectacular to click.

Guru Nanak Jayanti
India has always known to be one of the most secular countries which celebrates all religious festivals. Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and this day celebrates his birth. Widely celebrated in Punjab, the Golden Temple is at its festive best. The Holy Book is carried out in a huge procession amidst drums and music and the temple is illuminated by lights.

Diwali or Deepawali
While this year Deepawali fell in October it is often in early November so check the calendar when planning your travels. It is unarguably India’s most universally celebrated and biggest festival. Celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s homecoming after an exiled life of 14 years, laps are lit in each house. Ofcourse, like any other festival in India, new clothes and sweets are an important part of the day. It also welcomes Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and wealth. During the festival you can see houses glittering with strings of lights and crackers breaking the silence of the nights.

When stopping over at cities try and get a local guide to list out cultural events of the month and don’t miss some of the specific theatre and art events of your stop-over city.

If you would like to join in with some Indian festivals in November yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Indian Festivals in October

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:50:39 +0000

Come October, the monsoons and humidity are replaced with pleasant weather throughout the country and India welcomes a fresh season of travel – be it the beaches of Goa, temples of South India or the intriguing East of the country. There are many local festivals and events happening in October offering the opportunity to enhance your trip with colour, fireworks, celebrations and dancing.

Festivals of Lights, Diwali
Unarguably one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, the Hindu festival Diwali or Deepawali is a delightful addition to your travel plans. The festival commemorates the return of the legendary exiled King, Lord Rama from fourteen years of exile in the forests. Lamps are lit, sweets distributed and the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi is welcomed in houses. Many Indians look forward to a prosperous year ahead of this and get a complete overhaul of houses and clothes at this time. Markets are abuzz with discounts, shops and homes are lit by strings of small bulbs. The good part is that both South and North of India celebrate this with great vigour, so you can be part of the festivities easily.

Mysore Dusherra
While almost the entire country plunges into the festivities of Diwali, for many it is preceded by the famous Dusherra. Also linked closely with the epic, Ramayana, Dusherra is celebrated as the victory of Ram over the Lankan King and abductor of his wife, Ravana. Thus Dusherra is always a couple of days ahead of Diwali. While it is celebrated in many parts of the country, the Mysore Dusherra is extremely famous. For this city, the reason of celebration is slightly different – it honours the Goddess Chamnudeshwari, who killed the great demon Mahishasur. A large procession of dancers and singers, led by the current King, spill on the streets for 3 days. The elephants used for these processions cause much intrigue during this time of the year. These three days in October offer true cultural immersion in Karnataka. Many local artistes perform on the heavily barricaded streets, while visitors and locals take in the traditional splendour. Arrive in Bangalore and take a train to Mysore for one of the main days.

Ramlila in Uttar Pradesh
One of the most sacrosanct festivals in India, the Ramlila of Varanasi is an overwhelming experience. The month long festival of story-telling from episodes of the Ramayana, takes place in the town of Ramnagar, across the ghats from Benares. A large field, a school stage, a lake and the fort become part of the moving stages. Children, who play the part of the lead roles in the story, move from one stage to another, with the whole town in tow. The festival is almost holy for the locals here and these children are treated like the Gods for the entire month. If heading towards the holy city of Kashi, join the locals for a peep into the epical Ramayana.

Durga Puja
The eastern part of the country is on a perpetual high in October – after all its time for the ‘pandals’ (temporary tents) to be set, new clothes to be bought and plunge into some indulgence. The festival of Durga Puja commemorates the powerful Goddess. While the celebrations go on for the month, five days are critical in this period and everything comes to a halt in the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Orissa and Tripura. On the last day, idols of Durga are submerged in water bodies across the country and the Goddess is bid adieu until next year. For many, this is an emotional moment and people break down in tears. A photographic delight, this is one riot of colours and energy that one must not miss.

Other festivals and events in October
Some of the other festivals to look out for are Navratri, the Marwar Festival in Rajasthan, the Folk festival in Rajasthan and the Rajgir Dance Festival. A new addition to the calendar this year is the first ever Formula One Grand Prix event on 28th October. This is happening in the capital city of New Delhi. Also, this season Metallica rocks the country in two cities – Delhi and Bangalore on 28th and 30th October respectively.

If you would like to join in with some Indian festivals in October yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Indian Festivals in September

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:37:49 +0000

Almost the entire country comes together in an effusive welcome for the month of September and it is a great season for travelling across the country. Colourful festivals are accompanied by singing, dancing and delicious feasts so get the camera ready and move your feet to the sounds of India celebrating.

Ganesh Chathurthi
While this is a national celebration it is most elaborate in western and southern India
Undoubtedly one of the most vibrant festivals of India, this one celebrates the devotion for the elephant God, Ganesha. Preparations for the festival can be seen almost a month in advance with small pottery towns in south India toiling at different sizes of Ganesha statues. The first week of September sees processions and celebrations and with that, lots of photo opportunities and a local flavour.

At the end of the festival, the clay statues are immersed in a local water body. For this, Mumbai is the perfect place to join the fun! Hoards of crowds converge at the beaches to immerse these statues amidst a din of dance and music.

Ladakh Festival
Base yourself in Leh for this lively northern festival
September is a perfect month to visit the mountains of Ladakh, perfect as you can also enjoy the Ladakh Festival. At the festival, which is held between 1st and 15th of the month, you can try various local cuisines, and see music and mask dances. The locals have a very strong sense of pride attached to this festival and it is a fantastic cultural event which has become a showcase for the region.

For full cultural immersion you can stay with a local family and join them in visiting Leh and other villages along the festival dates.

Onam
The largest festival in the southern state of Kerala
The harvest festival of Onam combined with a perfect setting of the backwaters makes September the perfect time to visit Kerala.

The Onam feast is known as ‘Sadhya’ and the flower carpet in front of every house is called ‘Pookalam’. Elaborate feasts on banana leaves, snake boats out for competitions, new clothes, dance and music bring a contagious energy and vibrance to the region.

September celebrations brings you a choice across the length of the country so take your pick! Is it going to be the serene landscapes of Ladakh or the mania at Ganesh Chathurthi?

If you would like to join in with some Indian festivals in August yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Destination of the month: August Festivals in Jaipur

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 21:07:25 +0000

In Rajasthan visitors find themselves welcomed by warm heartfelt hospitality, a burst of colours, undying focus on food and a host of things that provide a cultural insight into the real India. This month, we celebrate the vibrancy of Jaipur, its capital!

There will not be one dull moment in Jaipur! The royal lineage of the city is present in its every fold. The city is dotted with impressive palaces & monuments, immediately transporting one to regal times. And when you need a break from historical buildings, Jaipur is a haven for shoppers – silver ornaments, a variety of fabric and Indian memorabilia line the streets.

The spirit of Jaipur is best experienced during one of its festivals and in August, you can get a more intimate experience of the local festivals. Teej and Nag Panchami are the two most unadulterated festivals here, which are celebrated without inclination towards tourism.

Teej is celebrated by married women in reverence of the marital bond shared by Lord Shiva and Goddess, Parvati. Processions of brightly dressed women take to the Old city’s streets for two days in the month of August. Fine clothing and jewellery is brought out of closets and the women indulge in traditional folk songs and dances.

In more remote villages, rope swings are hung from trees and women take chances to swing while the village fills with melodious songs. It’s easy to get immersed in this long established tradition. Feel free to join in the dance and singing and don’t forget to carry your camera! The colourful clothes, elegant dancing and some playful banter make for great photo opportunities.

This kind of a festival has very strong family traditions and you can get an upclose view of how Teej is celebrated right where you are staying, if you have stay at a homestay, sharing the culture and lifestyle of your hosts.

Another festival to look out for at this time is ‘Nag Panchami’! The snake is a much revered part of Hindu mythology and this festival is dedicated to the Snake God. Gods like Vishnu, Krishna and Shiva have a strong association with snakes and this unassailable creature gets its fair share of respect.

Besides making offerings of milk, sweets and prayers to the Snake God (especially the cobras), women keep fasts and draw pictures of snakes with white powder outside their houses for protection and respect as part of an age old custom.

One venue that should be part of your itinerary during August is the Hardevja Temple. Snakes are specially caught and fed with a healthy diet of rats and milk for the occasion. Many village folk carry snakes on pots and visit the temple to pay respect. This festival is certainly not for the faint hearted as you will certainly see a large variety of snakes during the celebrations.

Apart from the two exciting festivals in August, Jaipur stands as gateway into the state of Rajasthan and its many other wonders. Its proximity from Delhi (all of 4 hours by car or bus) is the biggest advantage for many travellers. Enjoy the splash of colours, festivals and local essence in the desert capital of the country!

If you would like to experience August festivals in Jaipur yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Indian Festivals in August

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:51:28 +0000

If you are planning a mid-year break, don’t miss the opportunity to experience some fantastic events or festivals spread across the country. There are plenty of Indian festivals in August to include in your travel plans. These high energy and colourful events give you the opportunity to experience India at its best.

Snake Boat Races in Kerala

Head to a rain dotted Kerala to explore the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey. All set for the biggest battle on the serene Punnamada Lake, this month greets you with the biggest snake boat race festival on the second Saturday. A spectacle which should be on your ‘must do’ in India, it is a brilliant display of sweat, sinew and determination. You can stay in a homestay in Alleppey for an opportunity to get up close to the behind the scenes action as well.

Teej Festival in Jaipur

Heading north in August? Get your fineries together and join in the festivities of the traditional Teej Festival in the royal city of Jaipur. Swings are hung from trees and are decorated with garlands of flowers in celebration of the the monsoon. This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati who is worshipped by seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness and an elaborate procession passes through Jaipur.

Monsoon Festival in Delhi

A contemporary festival which has taken the capital city of India, Delhi, by the storm is, the Monsoon Festival. Organised by Red Earth, it hits a nerve for those seeking cultural stimulation from the vastly rich city. Visual arts, dance, music, theatre, heritage walks, workshops and flea markets are structured to bring the forgotten traditional practices into mainstream recognition. The monsoon festival attracts a wide majority of expats and foreign visitors who want to discover the hidden treasures of Delhi amidst contemporary India. The festival happens all over town.

Janashmati in Maharashtra

Most festivals in India have a religious connotation to them and this one brings the communities together with the fun and frolic attached to it. Janashmati is celebrated with colossal zest in the state of Maharashtra. You can see the human pyramids to break a high hung mud pot in small localities. The energy in the towns is high and it’s easily overwhelming.

Other Indian Festivals in August

Some of the other festivals which occur in August are the Gogamedi fair in Rajasthan, a snake festival called Jhapan Mela in West Bengal and the brother-sister festival of rakhi. Add a twist to your itinerary by adding any of these and get a real taste of India beyond the usual itineraries.

If you would like to join in with some Indian festivals in August yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Get Festive in an Indian Summer: July Festivals in India

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 02:15:55 +0000

During the Indian summer a series of monsoon festivals waft through the country in the month of July. Here are some of the July festivals in India that will be a definite trip highlight. If you can’t stretch yourself across the country, take your pick from one of the regions!

Ladakh – Hemis Festival
Ladakh is maybe best known for it’s overwhelming topography but there is also a strong cultural tradition deep rooted in the region. The Ladakhis showcase their rich culture in an array of festivals through the year. The month of July brings with it the colourful Hemis festival.

Just off the Leh town, the ancient Hemis Monastery commemorates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava of Tibet. Colourful masked dancers, local craftsmen and food stalls take over the otherwise serene landscape. A photographer’s delight, plan your Ladakh trip with a slight twist and add to this to your itinerary if you are visiting in mid July.

Orissa – Rath Yatra Festival
If heading to the East, Orissa is a novel destination to explore. Off the radar for many travelling into India, the Rath Yatra Festival of Puri is a burst of colour and culture.

A ten day extravaganza, the festival sees Lord Jagannath with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra be brought out of the temple’s sanctum with hysterical reverence from the locals. Orissa offers a variety of experiences to the traveller so build time into your itinerary to see the wildlife sanctuaries, monuments of great historical relevance and smaller fairs and festivals that the region has to offer.

Haridwar and Rishikesh – Ganga Dusherra Festival
Looking for some spiritual awakening? The banks of the mighty Ganga might be the apt place for your next holiday in July.

The Guru Purnima and Ganga Dusherra festival in Rishikesh has a strong local flavour that immerses you in it. Watch hordes of devotees come into the town in caravans and take over the streets of Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Chants, devotional songs and prayers resonate in the streets. The banks are packed with people who want to take a holy dip. So if you are looking to absolve your sins, take a plunge into the religious mayhem!

Kerala – Snake Boat Races
‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala throws up its unique culture towards the end of the month with the start of the famous Snake Boat Races.

The Pampa River is the first to witness the battle amongst the villages that put their entire pride at stake. More than 100 seater boats line up on the calm waters of the Pampa River for the Champakulum Race at the end of July. Regarded as one the most prestigious races in Kerala, centuries have passed but the fervour has not paled at all, here is a slice of authentic Kerala! For one of the best vantage points for the Champakulum Race stay at the Akkarakalam Memoirs homestay, which is situated at the banks of the Pampa River. Your host Jobin will be happy to help you understand the subtleties of the race right from his backyard.

Have a wonderful and festive July!

If you would like to experience some of the July festivals in India contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans. There is currently 50% discount on selected homestays so it’s the perfect time to travel!

Destination of the Month: Experience Baisakhi in Punjab

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 05:41:54 +0000

Punjab is one of India’s most vibrant and unapologetically loud and proud states. In the month of April, the vibrant festival Baisakhi is celebrated here. At this time, the state is drenched in colour, music and revelry. Here is all you need to know about Baisakhi in Punjab.

WHAT IS IT?
Baisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Punjab. It is celebrated with great fervour amongst sikhs, especially in Punjab. It is not only a religious festival but also celebrates the harvest and the start of the Hindu New Year.

RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE
In 1689, Guru Gobind Singh formed the Sikhs into the ‘Khalsas’, eliminating the belief in high and low classes. This day is now celebrated as Baisakhi.

CELEBRATIONS
The bhangra dance is performed by men in vibrant attire. The music is supplied by drum beats. Through the music and dance the story of a farmer’s life from sowing the seed to harvest is told. Many families visit the beautiful Golden Temple in Amritsar on this day to offer prayers and gratitude.

WHEN IS IT?
The exact date of Baisakhi in Punjab changes from year to year. this year it falls on April 14.

WHERE TO STAY FOR BAISAKHI IN PUNJAB?
Land is abundant in Punjab and it is even known as the land of prosperity. So, visitors can find many lavish homestays here such as Majitihia Farmhouse, Mann Farmhouse, Citrus County, Deep Roots Retreat, Jyanni Farmhouse.

Do you want to experience Baisakhi in Punjab? Get in touch with our reservations team who will be able to help you plan your trip.