All of us would agree on the point that festivals are the lifeline of Indian culture. They define, shape up and delineate Indian traditions, ways of living and a collective wish to disseminate love, affection and bonding that otherwise gets marginalized in our present-day hectic lives. They connect us to the past and make us retain our faith in celebrating what is quintessentially ours. For most of us, they might be the signifiers of a certain ancient or historic tradition, however, their evolution is symbolic of the ways human society is changing and co-opting newer ideas into its folds of thinking. Come December and most of India gets cozy under the warm blankets, however, we still have some festivals that keep us genial and keep our spirits high in the face of chilly winters. So here is a list of some of the Festivals in India in December for the year 2023 that would mark the end of the year with a warm note and welcome the New Year with a bang!
Where: Goa
When: 27th to 30th December, 2023
With a perfect ensemble of electronic music, a hippie backdrop of Goa and irrepressible energy, the Sunburn Festival inspires those who are bitten with the passion to listen to great contemporary music. Just imagine yourself standing on the shore of the vast Vagator Beach as the flashlights unfurl that musical vibe! Yes, that is Sunburn Festival for you. It is the largest Music Festival in Asia that draws hordes of music lovers from all over the world and is one of the biggest festivals in India in December. Bewitching you with its combination of music, dance, entertainment, food, and shopping, this festival takes place at multiple stages where artists perform daily. However, there is something more to it. You will also have enough opportunities to pump up your adrenaline with a range of other activities such as bungee jumping, camping, volleyball and zorbing to keep your spirits high. So if you are in Goa in December attending this festival is one of the first things to do in Goa.
Where: Nagaland
When: Between 1st to 10th December’2023
Myths and legends form an intrinsic part of Naga tribal culture. The Hornbill Festival is named after the colorful Hornbill bird that recurs in Naga folklore. The Hornbill festival is the biggest celebration of the native tribes of Nagaland that attempts to create inter-tribal relations and promote the cultural heritage of the state. Experience a plethora of cultural food, dance, music and handicrafts as you visit this festival and get immersed in it. The central attraction is the Hornbill National Rock Concert after sundown where people compete as well as enjoy. Due to an abundance of Naga cuisine, this festival can easily be termed one of the biggest food festivals in the state.
Where: Mount Abu
When: 29th to Dec 31th, 2023
Mount Abu, the popular hill station of Rajasthan is famous for its scenic beauty and tall mountains, however, it is also well known for holding one of the biggest winter festivals in India. True to the quintessential culture of Rajasthan which believes in great hospitality, this festival welcomes tourists as well as locals with full vigor and warm-heartedness. This is one of the festivals celebrated in India in the winter season and is defined by a procession with highlights of folk and dance performances by troupes from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and nearby states. It revels in the colorful culture of Rajasthan and promises great zeal to whosoever visits it.
Where: Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
When: 1st Nov – 20th Feb 2023
Although Rann Utsav might not be specific to December month only, it is still an inevitable entry into this list due to its popularity and vibrancy. Against the pristine backdrop of the white desert of Kutch, this festival offers a kaleidoscope of colors, beautiful fabrics and Gujarati culture. With a plethora of activities such as Golf Cart, ATV Ride, Camel Cart Excursion, Paramotoring, Meditation, Yoga and tasting Gujarati Cuisine, this festival in India in December is enough to introduce the nation’s culture before the world. If you want to experience something surreal, visit the festival around the time of the full moon and experience an ivory landscape lying in front of you.
Where: Ladakh
When: 1st Nov – 13th December 2003
Galdan Namchot is one of the famous festivals in India that takes place in the winter season. This festival commemorates the birthday and the Buddhahood of the Tibetan saint-scholar, Tsongkhapa who was the founder of the Gelukpa School that believed in and preached Tibetan Buddhism during the 14th century. Today, this Indian festival in December is celebrated with the lighting up of beautiful monasteries and residential buildings and marks the beginning of New Year celebrations in Ladakh that go on till the Dosmoche festival. As you visit this festival, don’t forget to gorge on vegetable and chicken noodle soup or thupkas!
Where: Kerala
When: 6th to 15th December, 2023
One of the oldest Hindu festivals in December in India, Perumthitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy is a pivotal one amongst the Theyyam festivals found in Kerala. This festival is celebrated with the traditional practice of worship known as Theyyam and here you will witness its different forms such as Elayoor Theyyam, Chamundi Theyyam, Panchoorla Theyyam, and Muthor Theyyam to name a few. A dash of bold colors, performances and an array of rituals will define this festival for you.
Where: Alsisar Mahal, Shekhawati Rajasthan, India
When: 9th to 11th December 2023
There is something beautiful about India’s culture. It is vibrant, traditional yet modern at the same time. Magnetic Fields Festival captures this essence of India, set in a gorgeous palace hosting an equally gorgeous music festival. This festival, which has grown by 200 percent since its beginning in 2013, promises to be an immersive, curated experience – with secret, dawn-breaking performances. This festival has gone a long way in defining India’s vibrant and forward-thinking creative community that keeps pace with traditional music to stir the soul. Taking place in a little oasis of wonder in the heart of the Rajasthani desert, this is certainly one of the winter festivals that would change your perception of India. Infarct, within a short span of time, Magnetic Fields has become one of the biggest Music festivals in India in December.
Hope this guide to December festivals in India 2023 will ignite that wanderlust in you to explore the varied terrain of its cultural landscape!
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