Visiting India in February? Add These Famous Festivals to Your Itinerary

India’s cultural and traditional diversity is one of the major highlights for tourists looking to visit this beautiful Asian country. While the astounding cultural melange presents great opportunities for learning about the country’s art, architecture, history and more; tourists with limited time often find themselves struggling to cover all aspects on their wish list. But if you are visiting India in February, you are in luck as the country is all set to host a number of interesting events and festivals that can bring you the best of India at one place.

Surajkund International Craftsmela

To be held for the 32^nd time in Surajkund, Haryana, the Surajkund International Craftsmela is scheduled between 2^nd and 18^th February this year. Ideal for admirers of rich Indian     regional crafts, traditions, food, folk dances and more, the Surajkund craftesmela attracts over a million visitors every year. Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been chosen as this year’s theme state for the mela which means art, craft and artists from the state will be celebrated during the course of the mela. In addition to all major Indian states, over 20 other countries are expected to participate in the mela this year.

Image Credits: Cordavida

Sula Fest

Wine and music lovers are guaranteed a great weekend at the Sula Fest organised in Sula Vineyards in Nashik in the state of Maharashtra. Along with delightful wine tasting sessions, patrons will be treated to the best of music, food, fashion and more at the open-air amphitheatre of the aforementioned vineyards. In addition to popular Indian artists like Nucleya, Indian Ocean, The Raghu Dixit Project, and over 100 national and international artists have been invited to entertain the guests at the festival’s 11^th edition.

Goa Carnival

Come 10-13^th February, and Goa will get busy in the celebration of its annual carnival that is the event of much pomp and show. Celebrated in the state since the 18^th century, the annual carnival renders the whole atmosphere festive with its grand processions, sports competitions, floats as well as music, dance and food events. One of the major highlights of the festival is the Red and Black Ball dance and crowning of King Momo. The festival officially marks the beginning of Lent in the state during which time people abstain from consuming meat and drinking alcohol.

Taj Mahotsav

If you are visiting India, you sure will be visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. While you are admiring the stunning beauty of the world-famous mausoleum, spare time to attend the Taj Mahotsav  to be held from 18^th-27^th February  near the Eastern gate of Taj Mahal. The festival marks the celebration of India’s rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music and features performances by country’s leading artists during the course of 10 days.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Touted as India’s largest multicultural festival, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival will be held from 3^rd-11^th February in Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The ‘free for all’ festival features dance performances, music gigs, stand up comedy shows, plays, art displays, heritage walks, visual arts, street art and food stalls amongst many other entertainment offerings. This year the festival is dedicated to the wonders of nature and will present performances highlighting the five essential elements of nature – fire, water, earth, sky and space.