January brings an array of fests for rural India, defined by a blend of traditions, cultural celebrations and local flavours. From lively harvest festivals to processions and dance festivals, the countryside is buzzing with celebrations that showcase rural India’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast or simply looking for a rural getaway, Indian villages have a lot in store for you. Village Square lists some delightful rural festivals that you can experience this month.
Kanjiramattom Kodikuthu
When: 14 January 2025
Where: Kanjiramattom, Kerala
Kanjiramattom Mosque is located in Kanjiramattom, a scenic suburb in Kerala. Annually, the famed Kodikuthu festival is celebrated here, drawing a large number of pilgrims and tourists. A vibrant atmosphere defines this celebration as traditional folk performances such as Duffmutu, Kolkali and Mappila Pattu take place. One of the major attractions at this event is the Chandanakkudam ritual which involves devotees carrying decorated pots covered in sandalwood paste to the mosque. This is joined by a procession of caparisoned elephants, making it a grand visual spectacle.
Magh Bihu
When: 14 – 15 January 2025
Where: Jorhat, Assam
Magh Bihu, or Bhogali Bihu, is a significant harvest festival in Assam that’s celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the region. The celebration is marked by several traditional customs, one of which is the building of a bamboo and thatch structure called Meji, which is lit in a ceremonial bonfire. During the festival, people also enjoy games like bullfights, buffalo races and cockfights. Community feasts are organised and households prepare various delicacies such as Pitha (rice cakes) and sweets made of jaggery and sesame. Vibrant cultural activities can also be witnessed as traditional Bihu dance and music is performed by local communities to celebrate the festive spirit.
Tusu Parab
When: 14-17 January 2025
Where: Chandil, Jharkhand
Tusu Parab is a folk festival celebrated in the eastern region of the country, majorly in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. Celebrated on the last day of the month of Poush, the festival holds great significance in this agrarian region. Among the major customs is unmarried girls decorating a wooden or bamboo frame with coloured papers and immersing it in the river. Local music and dances also accompany the festivities. Various indigenous delicacies are prepared by households on this occasion.
Modhera Dance Festival 2025
When: 18 – 19 January 2025
Where: Modhera, Gujarat
The Modhera Dance festival, also known as Uttarardh Mahotsav, is among the most popular celebrations of dance, music, art and culture in the region. At this event, performers and troupes from different parts of the country with their varied dance forms can be seen. It takes place at the Modhera Sun temple, an 11th century architectural marvel by the rulers of the Solanki Empire, located on the left bank of river Pushpavati. Also known as Uttarardh Mahotsav, this festival venerates the rotational cycle of the earth around the sun.
Spituk Gustor
When: 27-28 January 2025
Where: Spituk, Leh
Spituk Gustor is a two-day festival at the Spituk Monastery, located in Leh, Ladakh. Monks and pilgrims from all over the world congregate at the monastery for this festival. Several customs such as the burning of effigies take place, symbolising the destruction of evil forces. The highlight of the celebration is the iconic Cham dance, a dance-drama performed by monks clad in colourful costumes and intricately crafted masks. The melodies of cymbals, bells, horns and corn shells add to the exuberance of the performance. This day also commemorates the founding of the Geluk Pa Order of Tibetan Buddhism founded by Je Tsongkhapa. For local communities, the festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and brings harmony, prosperity and peace in the region.
The lead photo shows a graceful dance performance at the Modhera Dance Festival. (Photo courtesy of www.utsav.gov.in)
