'Unity in diversity' is a phrase associated quite often with India. India has a variety of wide-ranging and diverse cultures and traditions. Though there are a few major religious festivals, there are many regional styles of festival celebration. If one is really keen on exploring the culture of India, attending these unique and lesser known festivals of the country is a must.
Being a vast country, India has a plethora of different
cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Every state and city is so different from
the next; every corner of the country brings with itself a variety of customs
and celebrations.
India can be called the ‘Land of Festivals' where rich
cultures, traditions, and beliefs coexist at their vibrant best. Several
prominent Indian festivals are known and celebrated across the globe, of which
some are- Diwali, Christmas, Eid, Holi, etc.
However, apart from these major festivals, there are many
other lesser known festivals as well. Some of them are mentioned here.
1 1. The
Bikaner Camel Festival
This two-day long festival is local to the Indian state of
Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated as a dedication to the camels that serve
the people in the desert regions of Rajasthan throughout the year.
Popularly
known as the ‘Ship of the Desert,' the camel has been a medium of transport and
the main means of sustainable livelihood in this part of the desert. The
festival’s main highlight includes the brightly dressed camels marching in the
sandy areas of the Junagarh Fort.
The celebration is marked by local music,
breed competitions, folk dances, camel races and more. Visitors can enjoy the
traditional fest while also savouring the ‘Bikaner Bhujia’, the delicacy of
Rajasthan. This fest usually takes place on the 14th & 15th of January.
2. Goa Carnival
The Goa Carnival is a festival that is held every year in the month of February. Restricted to Goa only, it is a week-long event that witnesses a new style of festivities. There are many folk as well as rock bands that perform during different days of the carnival.
This celebration was
introduced by the Portuguese who settled in Goa more than five hundred years
ago. Visitors to the Goa Carnival should expect a vibrant new age nightlife,
music, live performances, western dances, and commonality of all genres.
The
main highlight event of the Goa festival is the last day of the event which is
primarily for performers to dance in their customary red and black dresses.
3. Bihu festival of Assam
The Bihu festival is among the most important festivals in the
northeastern state of Assam and celebrated thrice every year. The three
festivals though marks a different phase that revolves around the crop
harvesting cycle of the local people there.
The celebration is also the equivalent of the New Year for Assamese citizens
and is marked by the preparation of local delicacies, worshipping of cows,
wearing colorful dresses and praying to the local gods for a prosperous year
ahead. This festival is considered to be one of the most colorful festivals of
India and is worth a visit for every inquisitive explorer.
4. Hemis festival
Celebrated in the
ranges of Himalayas every month of June, the Hemis festival is an excellent
opportunity to see the lifestyle and culture of the indigenous people of Ladakh
and surroundings. This festival attracts many Buddhist devotees from across the
globe, and the whole scenery of Ladakh goes into a colorful view. This is
enjoyed in Ladakh Gompa, marking the 10th day of the Tibetan
Lunar Year. One of the main reason for the
celebration is also to mark Tantric Buddhism. Everyone dresses up in beautiful attires and
performers entertain the audience too.
5. Hornbill festival
This
festival is celebrated by the tribes of the north-eastern state of Nagaland.
The Hornbill Festival is a unique event that is usually held in the first week
of December. It sees unique cultural displays and is aimed at protecting the
rich ethnic culture of Nagaland and also to conserve biodiversity.
Participating in the festival is mandatory for
every Naga, and this consequently gives us a unique glimpse into their
identities, marked by food, music, dances, and customs.
6.The Bani
festival
This festival is something that is beyond any customary
observance or practice. During the Dusshera festival, the lathi-wielding
devotees from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will gather at the famous
Devaragattu Temple in the Kurnool district to hit each other on the heads to
commemorate the killing of the demon by Mala-Malleshwara (Shiva).
This event continues till the crack of dawn. Usually celebrated in October/November, it’s a lesser known festival
across India.
7. Durga Puja
The celebratory mood of the people of West Bengal is
on a high during Durga Puja. Though relatively unknown across the whole of
India, it is the biggest festival in eastern India. These five days of
celebrations are equally enjoyed by everyone, no matter their color, creed or
social background.
People worship goddess Durga during the festival
days. Durga Puja is celebrated from sixth to the ninth day of the bright Lunar
fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in Ashvin month. The tenth day is celebrated as
Vijayadashami as at this day goddess Durga got victory over a demon.
People from many parts of India and abroad pay a
visit to witness this extraordinary carnival type festival.
Varieties of festivals have always been a part of our
country’s social fabric. There are a plethora of festivals that are celebrated
in India today, and they are not just religious celebrations. They range from
different cultures to cuisines, birds to wildlife, art and architecture to
folklore and much more. It is indeed right to say that India is forever
celebrating something.
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