The month of October is associated with festivities all over the country, with occasions like Navratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra marked on the calendar. However India being a land that takes its festivities seriously, there are a host of other festivals that bring the countryside alive at this time of year. From harvest festivals to fairs and processions, these rural festivals showcase the rich heritage of village communities in India. So yes, it’s time for you to plan your itinerary, pack your bags and head to these celebrations now.
Abhaneri Festival
Location: Abhaneri, Rajasthan
Date: 4-5 Oct 2024
In Rajasthan’s Dausa lies Abhaneri, a well-known heritage village. Here, the state tourism department organises a two-day cultural festival annually to encourage visitors to experience local heritage. At this festival, which has been held since 2008, you can witness vibrant local dance forms like ghoomar and kalbeliya, music and drama performances as well as take village safaris on camel carts. Other than the fest, you can pay a visit to the Chand Baori, a historic stepwell, and the Harshat Mata temple while you’re here.
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Yemshe Festival
Location: Phokhungri, Nagaland
Date: 5 Oct 2024
Among one of the major festivals of the Pochury Naga tribe is Yemshe, a harvest festival celebrated with great pomp and joy. Depending on the scale of the celebration, ‘Big Yemshe’ and ‘Small Yemshe’ are organised. During this festival, the entire village comes together to welcome the new harvest, and people engage in cleansing rituals and grand feasts. They also participate in activities like dance, music and sports which add to the exciting atmosphere. The traditional bamboo dance of the community can also be witnessed during this event in Nagaland.
Palli Melo
Location: Rupal, Gujarat
Date: 11-12 Oct 2024
Believed to have been started by the Pandavas at the time of the Mahabharata, Palli Melo is a vibrant procession festival held at Rupal in Gujarat. The name of the festival is derived from the word palli, meaning a big wooden frame, which is mounted in the centre of the village. The frame has five spots to hold the akhand jyot (holy fire). The palli is then carried throughout the village where devotees add ghee to it at every stop as a ritual. People visit Rupal in large numbers from all across the country to seek the blessings of Mata Vardayini and witness the holy ritual.
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Srirangapatna Dasara
Srirangapatna, Karnataka
Date: 4-6 Oct 2024
Started in 1610 by Raja Wadiyar-I, Srirangapatna Dasara is a grand historical celebration of Karnataka. The festival celebrations at Srirangapatna predate the more popular Mysuru Dasara, which became the new venue for festivities with the shifting of the Wadiyar dynasty’s capital in 1799. However, Srirangapatna witnessed a revival of celebrations in 2009, with the scale of organisation getting bigger each year. At this festival, vibrant processions of folk troupes can be seen. A big attraction at the event is the jamboo savari, a grand elephant procession in which bedecked jumbos take part. The celebration is attended in large numbers by people from all over the state. Local crafts, culinary delicacies and cultural events can also be enjoyed during this festival.
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Diskit Gustor
Location: Diskit Monastery, Ladakh
Date: 30-31 Oct 2024
Diskit Gustor is a festival celebrated over two days at the Diskit monastery situated in Nubra Valley. It is one of the oldest surviving monasteries in Ladakh, and is known for the majestic statue of Maitreya Budhha erected here. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. People from nearby villages join this celebration and engage in cultural activities and ritual practices. Among the highlights of this festival is the cham dance performance by the lamas of the monastery. The atmosphere is exuberant with the sounds of instruments like cymbals and longhorns, played by locals, ringing through the air.
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The lead image on top depicts a celebratory dance at the Yemshe festival in Nagaland. (Photo courtesy utsav.gov.in).
