Witness a colourful mega affair at these cultural festivals in winter!

With the sun on the head and cold winds all around, winter has much more to offer, like these cultural festivals in winter that make sure you enjoy and celebrate the local and traditional culture of the places in India.

Winter does not only bring cold breezes to India but also some vibrant and colourful festivals. While we celebrate Christmas, Lohri, Makar Sankranti and more such festivals, the cultural festivals in winter in our country surely are one of the most awaited events for people during this time! So, let's check out some of them and plan your visit to these festivals too!

1. Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Jaisalmer

The desert of Jaisalmer becomes even more beautiful when the splash of course falls on it during winter, popularly called Jaisalmer Desert Festival. Organized every year in February, it is an annual event that is celebrated three days ahead of the full moon day. From the folk tunes on the dunes of the Thar desert to a great extravagant cultural affair, the festival is a delight for the locals and travellers!

2. Manali Winter Carnival, Manali

In the lap of beautiful Himachal Pradesh lies this small place Manali which hosts a larger-than-life carnival in winter. For many years, the carnival has been appealing to the locals and travellers with various rides, clothing stalls, a carnival parade, and the most awaited 'Winter Queen' contest! The fest also gives space for a craft bazaar, which should not be missed here!

3. Nagaur Fest, Nagaur

Held in Nagaur, Rajasthan, it is said to be the second biggest fair in India. The fair is popular as cattle fair as a great exchange of animals take place here. The fest invites owners of animals like cattle, horses, camels and bullocks to trade. Not only this, but this festival also hosts camels and bullock races and cockfights for entertainment purposes.

4. Rann Utsav, Kutch

Visiting the Rann Utsav on a full moon day must be appreciated for its beauty on the white sand of Kutch. Organized between October to February, Rann Utsav offers the best time in a carnival of music, dance and amazing cultural exposure. So, participate in Golf Cart, paramotoring, live in the tents, enjoy the Gujarati culture, and much more at this festival!

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5. Konark Dance Festival, Konark

Held in the open-air auditorium in Konark ahead of the Sun temple, the Konark festival is often called to be one of the reasons to make the traditional culture and dance of Odisha still alive. The five-day celebration in December offers a chance for Indian classical dancers to showcase their best talent in dance forms like Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Sattriya!

6. Hornbill Festival, Kisama

The Hornbill festival is the most awaited festival in Nagaland, where various tribes of the state take participation in the festival, showing their unique skills. Depicting the traditional life and culture of Nagaland, this 10-day festival displays folk music and traditional dance, along with offering a variety of exotic food, crafts, and art.

7. Bikaner Camel Fest, Bikaner

Winter also comes with the popular Bikaner Camel Festival, where the locals and the tourists get a glance at camel races and camel dances along with various other things under the sun in January. The most delightful view is sure of the adorned camels in the brightest of colours while you can also enjoy the Rajasthani cuisine.

8. Winter Festival, Mount Abu

The popular hill station in Rajasthan organizes the annual winter festival to celebrate the rich culture of Rajasthan. From food to competitions like kite flying, rowing competitions, and even poetry reading, the mega affair offers all kinds of entertainment to the locals and visitors. Making a special place for handicrafts, the festival is also loved by art and crafts lovers!

Tell us about more such cultural festivals in winter and what you like about them!

Also Read: Don’t like winter? Here are a few places to visit to escape winter in India!

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