5 Winter Festivals Worth Travelling For

Many Indian states hold exclusive festivals in winter to celebrate their unique features. Here is a round-up of five of them.

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is the place to go if you want to experience Rajasthan's authentic desert life. It occurs every year in February and lasts for three days. This is the time when the Thar desert comes alive with a variety of activities, including music and dance, food tasting, animal pageants and more. You can stay in Jaisalmer or go camping in the desert.

Rann Utsav, Kutch, Gujarat 

The expansion of the Rann Utsav from three days to 100 days shows how popular this festival has become. The main event is held at Dhordo, on the edge of the Rann. You can stay in luxurious tented accommodations here to enjoy the almost round-the-clock activities, such as sightseeing, music and dance performances, culinary spreads, handicraft displays, etc. 

Winter Festival, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Mount Abu, the state's only hill station, attracts tourists worldwide, particularly during the Mount Abu Winter Festival. The three-day festival includes folk music and dancing, live concerts, and fire shows.

Hornbill Festival, Kisama, Nagaland

Organised during the first week of December, this colourful festival where the various indigenous tribes of the state uphold their unique identities through music, dance, food, games, etc.

Winter Festival, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Usually held in January, this festival includes folk performances, cultural and sports competitions, and regional food, to name a few.