Rural fests you can attend this December
India is bursting with celebrations - from colourful traditions and rituals to music, dance, sports and delicious food. Come and experience the magic of India's festivals taking place in December 2023.
Orange festival
When: 14 Dec 2023 to 17 Dec 2023 | Where: Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh
Experience the vibrant rural festival of Orange Festival in Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh. Celebrate the region’s famous oranges with zestful feasts, lively music, and cultural performances. Relax in bamboo machangs under a starry sky, jam by the bonfire, or take a peaceful nature walk after joyful days. Enjoy the zest of Arunachal Pradesh, where every moment shines like sunshine.
Nearest airport: Borjhar Airport (463.7 km away)
Nearest railway station: Murkongselek (70 km away)
Kholey dai
When: 15 Dec 2023 to 17 Dec 2023 | Where: Parengtar, West Bengal
The people of Parengtar, a village located near the India-Bhutan border in West Bengal, have been able to tick all the boxes. And the result is the Kholey Dai festival that will unfold in the pristine hilly surroundings of this village in December this year, being held in collaboration with Village Square. The 3-day rural festival, scheduled to begin on 15 December, showcases the local culture by blending folk music, agricultural practices and rural tourism – all in a sustainable way. The community-led initiative aims to bring the village on the country’s map, contributing towards its betterment while preserving its cultural essence.
Nearest airport: Bagdogra (123 kilometres away)
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri (96 km away)
Poush Mela
When: 23 Dec 2023 to 27 Dec 2023 | Where: Santiniketan, West Bengal
The Poush Mela in Santiniketan is a lively rural festival, a big deal in West Bengal’s Birbhum district. Held at Santiniketan Mela Grounds, the rural festival bursts with Bengali culture, attracting diverse traditions from all over India. What began as a small family event by Tagore and Brahmo Samaj followers has blossomed into an internationally recognised affair. Join millions of global visitors to revel in the carnival atmosphere featuring baul musicians, tribal dancers, and local artists.
Nearest airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose international airport (175 km away)
Nearest railway station: Bolpur (3 km away)
The lead image shows two young girls running with a flag of Kholey Dai festival, an ode to the local farmers of West Bengal (Photo courtesy: Kholey Dai team)
Teesta Rajan is the Associate Director of Village Vibe at Village Square. She is passionate about food, travel and culture.
