Every month, India’s festivals and fairs calendar features colorful celebrations of all kinds; some that celebrate seasons and others the cultural and regional traditions of the place or both. No doubt India is a land of joyous celebrations! Even the harsh climate during the summer months cannot keep Indians away from gathering together to spread festive cheer. Here are some of the summer festivals lined up this May in different parts of the country. Taking part in these fairs and festivals in May in India is surely going to be the cherry on the cake of your summer experiences here.
Yercaud Summer Festival
Yercaud, an idyllic hill station snuggled in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, is gearing up for the 45th Yercaud Summer Festival scheduled for 5 days in the last week of May. This summer festival is a beautiful celebration of the horticulture and sericulture of the region. Gorgeous flower displays and botanical garden shows are the show-stealers. Boat races, village trips, cultural programs, dog contests, dance, cooking and rangoli-making competitions also form a part of this festival. This year, Yercaud will also display 3D art installations depicting the different stages in the lifecycle of a butterfly.
When: Last week of May
Key Highlights: Flower shows and cultural programs
Mount Abu Summer Festival
The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is quite popular with summer vacationers. The state tourism department organizes a grand summer festival at this hill station on the occasion of Buddha Purnima every year and the festivities live up to Rajasthan’s image as the royal state famous for its heart-warming hospitality. One of the famous summer festivals in May in India, Mount Abu Summer Festival is a two-day cultural extravaganza that sets off with a massive procession and is followed by folk dances, music shows, ballad singing, and amazing firework displays. For fun and thrill-seekers, there are skating races, boat races, horse-riding competitions, tug of war, etc.
When: 17-18 May
Key Highlights: Ghoomar dance performance and Sham-e-Qawwali music event
Suggested Read: Escape the Blistering Summer to these Marvelous Hill Stations in India
Summer Festival in The Nilgiris
Popularly known as the Ooty Summer Festival, it is held in various venues across the hill stations of Ooty, Coonor, and Kotagiri among others in Tamil Nadu. This summer festival which marks the end of the tourism season in the region is a 124-year-old tradition in the state. The 16-day festival hosts flower shows fruit shows, vegetable shows, and spice shows besides cultural programs and several other interesting events like boat races, boat pageantry, a dog show, a hot air balloon show, a vintage car rally, photo and painting competitions, etc. Are you planning a summer trip to Ooty this May? Then, you may love to attend the Flower Show at Ooty Botanical Garden, Rose Show at the Government Rose Garden, Vegetable Show in Nehru Park of Kotagiri, and Fruit Show in Sim’s Park of Coonoor.
When: Second or third week of May
Key Highlights: Flower Shows
Banganga Fair
Held in Bairath (Jaipur) in the Hindu month of Vaishakh, Banganga Fair sees a vast attendance of pilgrims who come here from across the country (and even the world) to take a dip in the sacred Banganaga River. According to mythology, this river is said to have been created by Arjuna by shooting his arrow into the ground. A temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna was later built around the lake. Taking a bath in this lake during the holy month of Vaishakha is believed to wash the sins away. Handicraft Mela is another attraction for visitors. Bangana is Rajasthan’s biggest fair and is one of the most important fairs and festivals happening in May in India this year.
When: Dates are yet to be announced.
Key Highlights: Handicraft Mela
So, are you all set for your May trip to India? Check out Indian Eagle for the best off-season deals on flights and book your tickets to India now!
