2016-10-24

October has almost come to an end and with that begins the festive season. The month of November has many festivals that are celebrated with much pomp and show in India. If you have been wondering what to do in November, we have a list of festivals for you to plan your days and also so that you do not miss out on any of these festivals. From fairs, to religious festivals, there is a lot you can expect from November. Here is the list of November festivals in India that you shouldn’t miss.

Rann Utsav



Celebrated in Kutch, Gujarat, the Rann Utsav is one of the biggest festivals of the state. This is the only festival of Kutch that will give you an insight into the culture and living of Gujarat. The best part about the Rann Utsav is the picturesque landscapes that you will get to witness. The festival is a celebration of dance, music and also the unparalleled beauty of the White Rann. Rann means desert and if you want to experience the best of this festival, you must visit and experience the Rann Utsav on a full moon night when the sands look shining bright. Kutch has always been a prime holiday destination for families.And now with this festival coming up, you have one more good reason to visit Kutch. The fairs that will be set up near the beaches and the celebrations of traditions are a sight worth watching. From Camel Cart Excursion, Meditation, Yoga and even Paramotoring, there is a lot you can expect at the Rann festival. People from all over the world visit Kutch during this festival. You also do not have to worry about the stay since there will be several tents set up on the border of the beautiful White Rann. These tents are luxury tents and your stay in one of these is sure to be a memorable one. Experience the Rann Utsav if you want to a piece of Art, adventure, handicrafts, delicious food and even tour of nearby places.

When: The festival begins from November 1, 2016 and will end on February 20, 2017. Consider visiting the place on a full moon night that falls on November 14, December 14, January 13 and February 11.

Where: Rann of Kutch salt desert in Dhordo, Gujarat

International Yoga and Music Festival



The International Yoga and Music festival first started in November 2008. And since then, it has been organized every year. Nad Yoga Trust and Nada Yoga School organize this festival to ensure that people get an opportunity to learn Indian classical music and also learn yoga. It doesn’t matter what socio-economic status the person belongs to, everybody must be given an equal opportunity is the main aim of this festival. This festival every year is held in Rishikesh and a group of professionals from India and abroad will be the ones teaching. You will be taught various forms and styles of Yoga at the Nada Yoga School. A total of 140 hours will be kept aside only for yoga classes, music and also lectures. Every evening you will also be treated to musical performances by renowned artists from across the country and beyond. The musical performances also include chanting of kirtans and bhajans.

When: November 1-7, 2016

Where: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Pushkar Camel Fair



The Pushkar Camel Fair that is also known as the Pushkar Fair is held every year for five days at a stretch in Pushkar, Rajasthan. The Pushkar Fair is said to be one of the biggest camel fairs of the world where buying and selling does take place, But because it is one of the largest, the fair has also become one of the biggest tourist attractions. During this fair, apart from trade, for tourists there is a lot that one can expect. The fair also organizes several fun filled competition likes matka phod( breaking the pot) , bridal competition and also the longest moustache. These activities are in fact the main reason why tourists come flocking to this mela. To attract more crowds, the Pushkar Mela in recent years has also been organizing a cricket match that happens between foreigners and the local team of Pushkar club. Thousands of people visit the Pushkar Lake only to experience this beautiful festival that is pure joy and fun. Another attraction of this festival is the camel race. The Pushkar Camel Fair sees more than 30,000 horses, camels and cattle. You must have this experience at least once in life.

When: November 8 to 14, 2016

Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan

Wangala Festival

Wangala that means hundred drums is a harvest festival that is widely celebrated in Meghalaya by their tribes called Garo. This festival is celebrated in dedication to Misi Saljong who is a Goddess. Through this festival they offer their thanks to the Goddess and Gods for blessing them with a rich and good harvest. This is one of the most popular festivals of this region and people from all across the country come here to witness the merriment. It usually is celebrated between September to December. They have a special drum called as Nagara that is beaten to gather and solemn people from around the region. If you want to witness the Garo tribe and their distinct culture, you should be a part of this celebration at least once in a lifetime. The Wangala festival is also popularly called as the 100 drums festival and it begins to also mark the end of the agricultural year and also the sowing period. The best part about witnessing this festival is when almost 300 dancers come to the ground to display their dancing skills with 100 drums being played in the background. It is a pure delight to the eyes to watch the display of such great art form in all its splendor and magnificence. The men and women of this region wear vibrant traditional clothes and whole area suddenly comes to life. The groups of dancers that make this festival a hit belong to the Garo hills Apart from this they also have several other activities going on like games and coking competitions and so on.

When: November 10 to 12, 2016

Where: Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Chhath Puja

One of the most popular festivals of India especially the Northern India is the Chhath Puja. It is celebrated and observed on the sixth day of Kartika month and thus it falls in October or November. Chhath Puja is celebrated by people as worship to the Sun god and they ask for the well being and prosperity of their respective family and friends. While offering prayers to the Sun Goa, people chant hymns and also sing folk songs. This is a traditional festival that is elaborately celebrated in Bihar. The Sun in India is believed to be an epitome of energy and life and they also strongly believe that the Sun cures many diseases like leprosy. And thus people worship the Sun God asking to keep their loved ones in the best of their health. In Bihar, the festival goes on for four days and is celebrated with much magnificence. The celebrations also include fasting and offering prayers and also the holy bathing process.

When: November 6, 2016

Where: The Chhath Puja is a festival that is celebrated across many states in India especially in Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and also Juhu beach, Mumbai. Apart from these places, you can also witness the Chhath puja celebrations in Varanasi on the banks of River Ganga.

Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepavali

Another great and popular festival held in the month of November is the Ganga Mahotsav and also the Dev Deepavali. Both these traditional and beautiful festivals are held every year on the banks of River Ganga. This festival is not just about prayers and offerings but it also has several attractions like music and dance programs that attract thousands of tourists from all across the world. The Ganga Mahotsav goes on for five days long and this a perfect platform to bring the country’s finest culture and also crafts at one spot. You will see both national and international tourists attending this festival. In the past the festival has seen many renowned artists like Ustad Bismillah Khan , Girija Devi and also Bhimsen Joshi. Similarly, Dev Deepavali that falls on the 15 days after Diwali is another traditional festival of India that is celebrated with much pomp and joy. On this day you will millions of brightly lit up earthen lamps on the shores as a dedication to Ganga.

When: November 11 to 14, 2016

Where: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Rajasthan Kabir Yatra

This is one spectacular traveling festival that is in its second year and is celebrated in Bikaner and other parts of Rajasthan. The main aim of this festival is to spread communal harmony and peace among people. Displaying Sufi music, poetry and also Bhakti, this festival is an absolute delight to all those who love music. This festival has been a success owing to the tremendous support received from the Bikaner police. It is called the traveling festival because they take out a Yatra that spreads Sufi to people. The first Rajasthan Kabir Yatra took place in February, 2012 and this year it will be in its second year. If you are an artist this is one festival that you must visit and be a part of. This 5 day long festival has attracted tourists and this year the registration number will be limited to only 200. Visit their website if you want to be a part of this event. The Rajasthan Kabir Yatra will also display the works of photographers, sculptors and also painters that who have drawn their inspiration by Sufi-Bhakti.

When: November 11 and 12,2016

Where: Bikaner and also nearby villages in Rajasthan.

Kolayat Fair

The locals of Bikaner anxiously wait for the Kolayat Fair. The Kolayat Fair also known as the Kapil Muni Fair and is celebrated with much pomp and show. This festival plays a very important role in the lives of people living in Bikaner since it also a rich religious significance. Most tourists that visit this festival come here for one big reason and that is taking a dip in the holy river of Kolayat. They strongly believe that taking a dip in the Kolayat lake will free them off any sins that might have done. If you are a non believer and do not really believe the religious and historical significance of this festival, you will still have a reason to attend this festival and its celebrations. And the reason is that the ghats are beautifully decorated during the Kolayat fair that is an absolute treat to the eyes. The vibrant lights, sight of people and devotes offering prayers and sweets is a sight that is worth watching. Several devotees also light oil lamps and float them on the lake that is another great view. Apart from people, you will even find camels, cattle, buffaloes and horses taking a holy dip in the Kolayat Lake.

When: November 12 to 14, 2016

Where: Kolayat, situated close to Bikaner, Rajasthan

Guru Nanak Jayanti

The Guru Nanak Jayanti also popularly called as the Gurur Nanak Guruparab is festival celebrated by Punjabis all over in dedication to the birth of their very first Sikh Guru named Guru Nanak. In Sikhism, this festival is one of the biggest, most popular and also one of the most revered ones. Every year the date of Guru Nanak Jayanati changes even though it usually falls in the month of November. The Sikh Guru has is the main reasons behind the beliefs that Sikhs follow till today. He played a very important role in shaping their beliefs. For every Gururpurabs, the way of celebrations is almost the same however they chant varied hymns. The celebration starts with processions that take place early in the morning and is also called ad Prabhat Pheris. The place of worship known as Gurudwara, sees several devotes reading the Guru Granth Sahib two days before Guru Nanak’s birthday. This is also a part of the celebration. The main celebrations happen at the Golden Temple situated in Amritsar. The Golden temple itself has scenic location and views to offer. The temple is decorated and illuminated beautifully which is truly a sight to behold. Cities do have celebrations in a pretty grand manner, but if you want to witness the actual traditions, culture of Sikhs and their rituals, the Golden Temple is where you should be.

When: November 14, 2016

When: Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

The Taj Balloon festival

This festival is hosted by the Sky Waltz every year in Agra. the skies are all covered up with hot air balloons and the show is a treat to the eyes. This year’s dates are yet to be announced but let us tell you this is one festival that you shouldn’t miss. Just imagine a bird’s eye view of the world’s most beautiful monument the Taj Mahal; beautiful, isn’t it?  It is said that balloonist from all across the world will reach this venue to grace the skies with hot air balloons and balloonists from at least 15 countries are expected to be there.

When: Dates to be announced soon

Where: Agra, Uttar Pradesh

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