India never disappoints anyone with its unique, little anecdotes to tell. Swaying in between the new and the old, India is ready to go past all the hurdles to come out fresher and more energized.
1. Pushkar Camel Festival
Picture Courtesy: tripsavvy
The Pushkar Camel Festival is an annual affair which takes place in Pushkar in the month of October-November. It is a business fair on one hand and a cultural extravaganza on the other. Tourists from across the globe flock to Pushkar to soak in the riot of color and festivities against a backdrop of hills and sand-dunes. Initially, a traditional fair organized for the Marwari community, it turned out to be a lively festival which celebrates the rich culture of this small town of Rajasthan.
2. Paragliding World Championship in Bir
Picture Courtesy: LiveTrack24
Bir is a village located in the west of the state of Himachal Pradesh, northern India. A noted center for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation, Bir had hosted the Paragliding World Cup 2015 as well. The paragliding launch site is in the meadow at Billing, at an elevation of 2400 meters while the landing site and most tourist accommodations are in the village of Chowgan. The Bir-Billing area is a popular site for paraglider pilots from all over the world. The flying season is from September to October, with some flying also done in November. The village continues to host periodic international competitions and events.
3. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
Picture courtesy: India Tours
Dev Deepawali is a sight to behold in Varanasi. Not to be confused with the festival of lights, Diwali (Deepawali), Dev Deepawali takes place 15 days after the Indian festival of Diwali. It is that time of the year when every ghat and temple in the Holi City is lit with earthen lamps. It is said that the city was designed in the shape of a bow, in keeping with the mighty river Ganga and Dev Deepawali is the correct time to see the bow lit to every last inch. The Ganga Aarti you will see in the evening of Dev Deepawali is the most elaborate Ganga Aarti that is performed during the whole year. In this time of the year, Varanasi truly seems like the abode of the Gods!
4. Ladakh Marathon
Picture Courtesy: Ladakh Marathon
The Ladakh Marathon is the World’s highest Marathon that is held at a height of 11,500 ft. Last year the Marathon took place on the 13th of September. The route runs outside Leh Valley and crosses the confluence of Indus and Zanskar which is deemed stunning! Just beyond, there is the Magnetic Hill, where a static vehicle gets pulled up a gradient and even planes avoid going over it. The route runs outside Leh Valley and crosses the confluence of Indus and Zanskar which is deemed stunning! Just beyond, there is the Magnetic Hill, where a static vehicle gets pulled up a gradient and even planes avoid going over it.
5. Champakulam Boat Race, Alleppey
Picture Courtesy: Haindava Keralam
The Pampa River is one of the most important rivers in Kerala, flowing through the village of Champakulam, 15 km near Alleppey. This is where the famous Campakulam Moolam Boat Race takes place every year. Tourists from all over the world and locals flock to this place every year to witness the snake boat race. No one needs a ticket to see this race and that’s the best part about it! Make sure to catch this unique water sport in Alleppey, India every year in the first week in July.
6. Sikh Olympics, Punjab
Picture Courtesy: Indiamart
The Nihang Singhs (the members of the Sikh army that were founded by Guru Govind Singh) have kept the martial tradition alive. The Sikh Olympics, called Holla Mohalla, is celebrated over a period of three days. This events compromises of daring performances like archery, sword fencing, horse riding, shooting etc. It is being celebrated in the state of Punjab since 1701. Expect a lot of tourists and locals from nearby towns and cities to be there. It takes place in a place called Rupnagar, Punjab in the month of March, from 7th to 9th.
7. Rural Olympics, Kila Raipur
Picture Courtesy: The Indian Express
The Kila Raipur Rural Olympics is one of its kind and gathers a massive audience every year. This sports bonanza lasts for 3 days and takes place every year. The main events include dog race, horse dance, camel race, tractor race, and a tug-of-war. The highlight of the Olympics is the bullock cart race, for which the stakes and rewards are the highest. There are also some daredevils who perform stunts like lifting up a bicycle with their teeth only! Rural Olympics is 100 times double the adrenaline and fun than the original Olympics for sure!
8. Rann Utsav, Gujarat
Picture Courtesy: Treks And Hikes
The Government of Gujarat hosts an annual 3-month long festival called the Rann Utsav (festival of the Rann), where tourists can see the various sights of the Rann as well as get a taste of the local culture, cuisine and hospitality. Specially built local houses are also used to house tourists to give them a taste of them. Many adventure clubs and travel clubs organize expeditions. It takes place in the month of November in the Rann of Kutch.
9. World Snow Day – Ski Championship
Picture Courtesy: Doon Live
This breath taking event takes place on January 18th every year, where adults and kids are given out free ski passes. January- March is the best time to ski in Auli, where this event takes place. Tucked in the snow capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Auli is the perfect little town for some adventure!
Featured picture courtesy: Tour My India
