India, the land of spectacular celebrations, hosts many festivals and fairs – big and small – throughout the year. October-November is the time when the country’s spirit of celebration reaches the zenith, with some of the grand-scale Indian festivals such as Dussehra and Diwali marking the festival calendar. Additionally, many cultural events, including art, music, theater, literature, and film festivals, are held in different parts of the country during this time. Check out these cultural events of India if you are traveling to any of the host cities this November 2022. Some of these events are returning to the stage after a hiatus of two years due to COVID-19.
IAPAR International Theatre Festival
Dates: 1 November to 6 November 2022
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
If you root for theater in this digital age, then the IAPAR International Theatre Festival is the place to celebrate your love for theater. The International Association for Performing Arts and Research, abbreviated IAPAR, has been conducting an international theater festival every year since 2016 to entertain theater lovers with stimulating performances from all around the world. Performances range from full-length dramas to short plays besides storytelling and poetry.
Dharamshala International Film Festival
Dates: 3 November to 6 November 2022
Location: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Started by two local film-makers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam a decade ago, Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) soon became popular with film buffs appreciative of independent cinema. To entertain the crowds in its original form (the last two editions went virtual), DIFF is back in action with exciting and eclectic films, international features, and documentaries as well as masterclasses and interactive sessions with film-makers and professionals. The 11th edition of DIFF will be organized at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in McLeod Ganj.
Ranthambhore Music & Wildlife Festival
Dates: 11 November to 12 November 2022
Location: Nahargarh, Rajasthan
One of the magnificent cultural events of India, Ranthambhore Music & Wildlife Festival is a vibrant celebration of music, nature, and wildlife. It happens against the backdrop of the beautiful Nahargarh Fort and features amazing music performances. There is contemporary music as well as folk tunes. Wildlife safari in the forests of Ranthambore Park and handicraft shopping at the festival flea market are also a part of the festival experiences. This event has the tradition of promoting different causes, and this year, it extends its support to gender equality through its music performances, talks, and video releases.
Tata Literature Live!
Dates: 9 to 13 November 2022
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest, a much-loved literary festival in India, will be a hybrid event this year with online episodes taking place on the first two days and on-ground sessions planned for the next two days. Celebrated authors, poets, artists, and intellectuals will attend this literary festival to take part in a variety of events, from book launches and award presentations to brainy discussions and workshops. The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is its main venue, however, a few sessions will also happen at St. Pauls Institute (SPICE) and Title Waves book store in Bandra.
Mahindra Kabira Festival
Dates: 18 to 20 November 2022
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Mahindra Kabira Festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration hosted in honor of the great Indian mystic and saint Kabir, in his birth town Varanasi. This festival returns to the pious Varanasi ghats for its sixth edition to commemorate Kabir’s philosophies. It offers immersive experiences involving music, art and literature sessions, spiritual discourses, guided walks, boat rides, etc. The soulful renditions of Hindustani classical music, Sufi songs, and ghazals reverberate around the serene Ganga River ghats during the two-day celebration.
Additionally, the 52nd International Film Festival of India (Nov 20-28, at Goa) and Bacardi NH7 Weekender Music Festival (Nov 25-27, at Pune) are the other most anticipated cultural events of India happening in the month of November. If you have plans to fly to one of these cities in November, time your visit to coincide with these art/lit/music festivals to make the most of your holiday! Take advantage of Indian Eagle deals and book your tickets in advance to save big on airfare.
