Festival in December 2024: A Vibrant Celebration of Indian Culture

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Festival in India

India is known worldwide for its colorful festivals where communities come together to celebrate with devotion joy and fervor. December is no exception as it brings a unique blend of cultural religious and seasonal festivals that light up the end of the year. From elaborate processions and devotional gatherings to cultural showcases and harvest celebrations December offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience India’s diverse cultural tapestry. Let’s take a closer look at the key festivals happening in December 2024 and how you can immerse yourself in these vibrant celebrations.

Here we explore some Indian Festival in December 2024

1. Hornbill Festival

Hornbill Festival

Dates: December 1–10 2024
Location: Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland often called the “Festival of Festivals” is one of India’s most celebrated cultural festivals. This 10-day event highlights the traditions music dances and cuisine of Nagaland’s various tribes. Held at Kisama Heritage Village the festival brings together performers craftsmen and tribes from across the state to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage.

Highlights:

  • Traditional Dances and Music: Each Naga tribe performs its unique dance complete with traditional attire and music.
  • Artisan Stalls: Shop for handmade crafts jewelry and artifacts reflecting the artistry of the region’s tribes.
  • Naga Cuisine: Try local delicacies including bamboo shoot dishes smoked pork and spicy chutneys.
  • Rock Concert and Fashion Show: The festival also hosts modern events like rock concerts and fashion shows showcasing Nagaland’s blend of tradition and contemporary culture.

Experience Tip: Stay in a homestay to get a closer look at local life and gain insights from Naga families.

Read more Itineraries for Nagaland:

2. Christmas

Date: December 25 2024
Location: Nationwide with major celebrations in Goa Kerala and Northeast India

Christmas in India is celebrated with both religious devotion and festive cheer. In states with significant Christian populations like Goa Kerala and the northeastern states churches streets and homes are decorated with lights and nativity scenes while carol singing midnight masses and feasts are essential parts of the celebration.

Highlights:

  • Midnight Mass: Attend the midnight mass in historic churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa or St. Francis Church in Kerala.
  • Street Decorations: Enjoy the beautifully lit streets and markets in cities like Mumbai Kolkata and Bangalore.
  • Feasting: Savor traditional Christmas delicacies including fruit cakes roast meat and various sweets.
  • Christmas Markets: In Goa and Kolkata local markets offer Christmas decorations goodies and crafts perfect for last-minute gifts.

Experience Tip: In Goa take part in the local festivities that include beach parties bonfires and firework displays.

3. Mylapore

Mylapore Festival

Dates: December 21–24 2024
Location: Mylapore Chennai Tamil Nadu

Celebrated in the heart of Chennai’s cultural district the Mylapore Festival showcases Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage through art dance music and street performances. The festival centered around the historic Kapaleeshwarar Temple brings together local artists musicians and dancers making it an ideal destination for experiencing Tamil Nadu’s traditions.

Highlights:

  • Classical Dance Performances: Witness captivating Bharatanatyam performances by young and accomplished dancers.
  • Traditional Music: Enjoy Carnatic music concerts and instrumental performances near the temple.
  • Street Activities: Street performers rangoli (artwork on the ground) and traditional games add charm to the event.
  • Handicrafts and Cuisine: Local vendors offer handmade crafts and traditional South Indian snacks and sweets.

Experience Tip: Take a heritage walk around Mylapore where local guides share fascinating stories about the area’s history and architecture.

Read also packages for Culture tour

4. Gita Jayanti festival

Date: December 13 2024
Location: Nationwide with major celebrations in Kurukshetra Haryana

Gita Jayanti marks the day Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This spiritual festival is celebrated with devotion in Hindu communities across India with Kurukshetra being the epicenter of the festivities. The celebration includes readings discourses and rituals that emphasize the importance of the Gita’s teachings.

Highlights:

  • Gita Path and Yagna: Participate in readings of the Bhagavad Gita and witness sacred fire rituals (yagna) conducted by priests.
  • Spiritual Discourses: Renowned spiritual leaders deliver talks on the Gita’s teachings and their relevance in modern life.
  • Cultural Programs: Dance drama and music performances depict scenes from the Mahabharata bringing the epic’s stories to life.
  • Pilgrimage and Parikrama: Many devotees undertake a parikrama (circumambulation) of the holy places in Kurukshetra.

Experience Tip: Visit the Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra a sacred water tank believed to be a spiritual site especially during Gita Jayanti

Read Religious Packages:

5. Vaikunta Ekadasi festival

Date: December 22 2024
Location: Celebrated nationwide with major celebrations in South India temples like Srirangam Tirupati and Rameswaram

Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most important festivals for Lord Vishnu devotees. This auspicious day marks the opening of the Vaikunta Dwara (door to heaven) believed to be open only once a year. Temples across India particularly in South India celebrate this day with special rituals and elaborate decorations.

Highlights:

  • Special Darshan: Temples such as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati allow devotees to pass through the Vaikunta Dwara believed to lead to salvation.
  • Rituals and Prayers: Special prayers bhajans (devotional songs) and yagnas are conducted throughout the day.
  • Temple Decorations: Temples are adorned with flowers and lights and large gatherings of devotees create a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Holy Bath and Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast and take a holy bath as a form of purification.

Experience Tip: Arrive early to witness the morning darshan and avoid long queues especially at popular temples like Tirupati.

Read more Articles:

6. Diwali of Kumaon (Uttarakhand)

Diwali of Kumaon (Uttarakhand)

Date: December (exact dates vary as this is celebrated over several days post the main Diwali festival)
Location: Kumaon region Uttarakhand

Known as Bagwal Diwali in the Kumaon region this unique post-harvest festival includes various folk traditions community prayers and vibrant cultural performances. It offers an intimate look into Kumaon’s rural lifestyle blending the spirit of Diwali with local customs.

Highlights:

  • Bal Mithai and Singori: Sample traditional sweets made from locally sourced ingredients adding a unique flavor to the festivities.
  • Folk Dances: Witness traditional folk dances like Jhora and Chholiya performed in village squares and community spaces.
  • Night Vigils and Bonfires: Communities gather to sing songs light bonfires and celebrate with traditional music.
  • Temple Visits: Participate in temple visits and rituals with devotees offering prayers and lighting lamps to honor the gods.

Experience Tip: Visit local villages and participate in the night vigils and dances for a more immersive experience.

Suggested Itineraries for Uttarakhand:

7. Sufi Festival Ajmer

Dates: December 12–14 2024
Location: Ajmer Rajasthan

The Sufi Festival in Ajmer brings together Sufi musicians poets and scholars from across India and abroad to celebrate the teachings of Sufism. Held near the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah the festival is an enchanting blend of spirituality music and devotion drawing followers of Sufism as well as curious travelers.

Highlights:

  • Qawwali Performances: Enjoy powerful qawwali performances by renowned Sufi singers that evoke devotion and connect audiences with spiritual themes.
  • Poetry Readings: Experience the beauty of Sufi poetry with readings from the works of Rumi Hafiz and other Sufi poets.
  • Workshops and Discourses: Attend workshops and discussions on Sufism its values and its teachings in contemporary times.
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: The festival’s serene environment offers a refreshing spiritual escape.

Experience Tip: Dress modestly as the festival takes place near a significant religious site and attend the evening qawwali for a truly immersive experience.

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8. Winter Festival Mount Abu

Winter Festival Mount Abu

Dates: December 29–31 2024
Location: Mount Abu Rajasthan

The Winter Festival in Mount Abu is a vibrant celebration that welcomes the New Year with cultural performances sporting events and a lively carnival. Held in Rajasthan’s only hill station this festival is known for its folk music dance and firework displays offering a unique mix of tradition and fun.

Highlights:

  • Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional Rajasthani dances like Ghoomar and

Gair as well as live music by local artists.

  • Adventure Activities: Participate in trekking horse riding and boat races on Nakki Lake.
  • Fireworks and Processions: The festival concludes with a grand procession and a dazzling fireworks display over Nakki Lake.
  • Craft Stalls and Cuisine: Sample Rajasthani delicacies and shop for handicrafts at the festival market.

Experience Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the evening performances and fireworks.

9. Festival of Shilpgram Udaipur

Shilpgram Festival Udaipur

Dates: December 21–30 2024
Location: Shilpgram Udaipur Rajasthan

The Shilpgram Festival in Udaipur is a crafts and cultural fair held to promote the work of rural artisans from across India. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Udaipur’s hills this festival brings together artists craftsmen and performers creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.

Highlights:

  • Handicrafts and Artisan Stalls: Shop for handmade items including pottery textiles jewelry and decorative items.
  • Traditional Performances: Watch folk dances music and puppet shows that highlight Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Craft Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops led by artisans offering a chance to learn traditional crafts.
  • Local Cuisine: Enjoy delicious Rajasthani dishes and sweets at food stalls throughout the festival grounds.

Experience Tip: Bargain with vendors and try to visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.

Read more articles for festival:

Conclusion

December in India is filled with diverse celebrations offering a rich blend of spirituality tradition and festivity. Whether it’s the cultural extravaganza of the Hornbill Festival the serene ambiance of Gita Jayanti or the joyful Christmas festivities India’s December festivals provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the country’s dynamic cultural fabric. For travelers these festivals not only offer a deeper understanding of India’s traditions but also provide unforgettable experiences that go beyond typical tourism. So mark your calendar and get ready to explore India’s vibrant culture through its December festivals!

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