Some of us may associate the onset of summer with a time bereft of celebrations. India being a land of diversity, festivities are on the anvil all year round! From harvest festivals to fairs and temple festivals, Village Square presents a lineup of some exciting cultural fests that you can attend in the heartland this April.
Madhavpur Ghed Fair
Where: Madhavpur, Gujarat
When: 6 – 10 Apr 2025
The Madhavpur Fair is an annual cultural event in Gujarat’s Madhavpur village. It celebrates the marriage of Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmani, which is said to have taken place in Madhavpur. This fair comprises a unique blend of customs from western and eastern India.
This is because the fair, hosted in Gujarat, has a connection with the Mishbi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh which traces its lineage back to King Bhishmaka, who was the father of Rukmani and Lord Krishna’s father-in-law.
Since Lord Krishna is said to have established his kingdom in Dwarka, Gujarat, the celebration sees traditional customs, cultural activities and art from Gujarat as well as Arunachal Pradesh.
Pongtu Festival
Where: Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh
When: 11 April 2025
The Pongtu festival is a major celebration of the Tutsa tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Celebrated annually before millet harvesting takes place, the Pongtu festival also serves as an event for fostering brotherhood and unity in the community.
Traditionally, the festival is first celebrated in the Changra village, after which other villages commence their respective celebrations. During the festival, local folk partake in ritual worship, community feasting and don their traditional attire which is defined by unique hand-woven designs. Several dance and music events also take place during the festival, enlivening the atmosphere.
Dhinga Gavar
Where: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
When: 16 April 2025
Dhinga Gavar is a unique festival celebrated in Jodhpur. During the festival, women worship a deity known as Gavar Mata. At the end of the festival, the women dress up to assume forms of different gods and goddesses and use sticks to playfully beat the men they come across.
Bohag Bihu
Where: Jorhat, Assam
When: 14 – 20 April 2025
Bihu is one of the most important agricultural festivals of Assam. Celebrated with great joy, this festival is of 3 types, namely Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu and Bhogali Bihu.
Bohag Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese new year. The festival lasts for 7 days with each day having a specific name and rituals. During the festival, locals prepare traditional delicacies and gather to perform the Bihu dance and songs, adding to the vibe of merriment and festivity.
Kadammanitta Padayani
Where: Kadammanitta, Kerala
When: 14-23 April
The Kadammanitta Padayani, celebrated at Kadammanitta Devi Temple in Pathanamthitta, is a festival honouring Goddess Bhadrakali. The festivities commence with chootu vaipu (ritual fire lighting) followed by performances with percussion instruments like thappu and chenda.
One of the highlights of the festival is eduthu varavu, a beautiful procession featuring various padayani kolams (ritualistic masks). Further, valiya padayani, showcases giant Bhairavi Kolams, crafted from palm leaves and illuminated by traditional torches. The festival also includes Koottakkolam performances and vallappattu (boat songs)
The lead image at the top shows a Bihu dance performance in Assam. (Photo courtesy www.utsav.gov.in)
