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Festivals in India
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India is a colourful country whatever the time of year and at festival-time, it only gets brighter. Most Indian festivals happen according to the lunar calendar, so check dates before you travel if you're going specifically to see them.
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There are Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim, Sikh and Christian Indian festivals - and those that have no religious significance at all.
Festivals in India - Holi - towns all over India but more popular in the north - February/March
This is your chance to regress to the days of not caring how messy you get! The aim of Holi, which celebrates the new harvest season, is to cover everyone around you in rainbow splatters. Your weapons are coloured powder, coloured water, balloons and water pistols.
Two tips: wear white - the colours will show up better - and be careful to buy natural rather chemical powders, which can be harmful. |
Festivals and events in India - Rath Yatra - June/July - Puri, Orissa
Ruth Yatra translates as car festival but the car is actually three chariots decorated to look like temples. Pilgrims pull the carriages, which carry effigies of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra, through the streets of Puri to the sound of drums and tambourines. It's popular with Indians all over the country.
Festivals and events in India - Vallam Kali - autumn - Kerala
Various vallam kali, which means boat race, are held throughout Kerala. Among the most popular is the Nehru Trophy Race, which takes place in Alappuzha.
Festivals and events in India - Diwali - October/November - countrywide
Lamps and lights are lit all over India for Diwali, the festival of light. Best enjoyed if you have local connections as a lot of the festivities take place in homes. |
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Festivals and events in India - Pushkar Fair - Pushkar Lake, Rajasthan - November
The place to buy a camel, should you so desire - Pushkar Fair is a massive sale of camels and other livestock.
There are also cattle races, beauty contests, craft sales, bathing in the lake and sporting competitions between visitors and locals - have a go if you feel like it. A word of warning: Camels aren't the sweetest smelling of animals! |
Check out the festivals in India for yourself by visiting this colourful and vibrant country on your gap trip. Take a look at the programmes below for ideas for a gap trip to India.
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Give some much-needed help to social or labour projects in Indian villages. You might carry out restoration work or raise awareness of AIDS, and will get a real feel for village life. Trips to top attractions are included. |
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Experience India from different angles, through the sights of Delhi, the ‘yoga city’ of Rishikesh, the Taj Mahal, pink Jaipur, a tiger safari, a volunteer placement in West Bengal and more. |
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Animal lovers can play an active role in caring for mistreated cats, dogs, monkeys, camels and other creatures. Your duties could also include touring with the animal ambulance, manning the rescue hotline and helping with the vaccination programme. |
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A varied programme that sees volunteers working on childcare projects in the Rajasthan Desert then on a community project near Goa’s beautiful beaches. You’ll change people’s lives while soaking up the scenery. Cultural activities included. |
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Mix sports coaching with community projects and give children in India some much needed structure and inspiration. Your community work could be in education or childcare and you’ll round the project off with a week of travelling. |
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Put your skills to good use in a friendly but deprived area of India. Teach in schools or help in childcare centres and run sports sessions for children. You’ll make them smile and improve their health. |
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Combine trekking, a stay in a tribal village, a yoga course and volunteering with children or adults. You’ll get a real taste of India and help areas that haven’t benefited from international money. |
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Make a real difference to the lives of people in Himalayan India. Your work in orphanages, day centres and schools will have a direct impact and will be much appreciated. Cultural activities and a trip to the Taj Mahal included.
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Work in a school, a childcare centre or a school for children of snake charmers! Your time in any of these places will be rewarding and gratefully received. Excursions including camel and tiger safaris are included.
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Carry out work that will benefit an entire Indian community. Your role will be to empower an isolated community and give them the means to tackle poverty, social stigma and lack of education. |
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Travel through the USA, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and India during an unforgettable gap year. Fit in volunteer placements, excursions, paid work opportunities, cultural activities and loads more – but also have time to do your own thing. |
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Discover why so many travellers love this part of the world! Volunteer in India, spend eight weeks in Thailand and work with the wildlife in Malaysia. You’ll get to see things many people miss. |
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