The season of festivities is here! India is the land of diversity. There are numerous differences and Lores to be celebrated for each subcontinent region. This blog will explore the regional Indian celebrations from across the country and why they are observed.
It will be a unique opportunity for readers to explore the country’s different cultures and know them better. Let’s find out:
1. Chhath Puja
Cchath Puja is the worship of the Sun-God performed predominantly in Bihar, UP, and other parts of Eastern India. The festival requires families to rise before dawn and the women to give their offerings to God when the Sun rises.
Numerous traditional dishes are associated with this festival, like Litti, Chokha, Thekua, Kasar Ke Laddu, and Kaddu Bhaat. It is a principal festival for the people of Bihar and is revered by them all over the country.
2. Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepavali
Among regional Indian celebrations, the Ganga Mahotsav is one of the most auspicious and is predominantly celebrated in Varanasi. According to legend, it is on this day that the Gods from Heaven descended to Earth and bathed in the holy river.
The festival is celebrated with art performances by maestros like Pandit Birju Maharaj and Zakir Hussein. Dev Deepavali is celebrated on the last day of this festival to celebrate the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon, Tripurasur.
Vedic mantras are chanted on the river banks of Varanasi, and it is truly a sight to behold for any travel enthusiast looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
3. Wangala Festival
While it is lesser-known in other parts of the country, the Wangala festival is truly unique to the Garos of Meghalaya. It is celebrated with 100 drums and is a harvest festival offered to Saljong – the Sun God of fertility.
The first day of the ceremony is known as Ragula and is commonly celebrated at the chief’s house. On Kakkat or the second day of the festival, the tribespeople dress up in colorful clothes and celebrate the occasion by wearing feathered headgears and dancing to the sound of oval-shaped drums!
4. Rann Utsav
The Rann Utsav is one of the most exciting regional Indian celebrations in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. It is a great time to experience camel rides, ATV riding, paramotoring, and archery, among others.
Travelers generally live-in tents, and it is a time to celebrate the eternal horizon of the Salt Desert and learn the stories of the place.
5. Vijaya Utsav
Vijaya Utsav is the annual celebration of Hampi in Karnataka. The festival dates back to the time when the region was commonly known as Vijayanagar. There are various cultural performances, including dance, drama, puppetry, music, and other forms of art. Processions, rituals, and fireworks also mark it.
These are the five lesser-known regional Indian celebrations that deserve more attention for their uniqueness and folklore. Think we missed something out? Let us know in the comments section below!
