The best regional summer festivals of 2024
As the summer vacations approach, Village Square does a round-up of exciting regional festivals that you can head to this year.
Every season has its charm and as the scorching summer may mean tall drinks and summer vacations for those of us in the cities, in other parts of the country scintillating festivals are being planned and organised.
The months of May and June will witness a range of celebrations reflecting local customs and traditions, infused with dance, music and camaraderie. Village Square brings to you a list of some of these upcoming festivities to help you plan your summer vacation in 2024.
Dhungri Mela
14-16 May
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh’s Dhungri Mela is a revered occasion in Manali. In Indian mythology, Hadimba is the wife of Mahabharata’s Bhima.
According to popular belief, she lived in Dhungri for a long time. This festival is celebrated in honour of her birthday in the temple at Dhungri Van Vihar.
A three-day fair is held which involves several cultural activities like the Kullu Nati folk dance, performed by the tribes of Manali, adorned in their traditional attire as they dance to the rhythmic beats of drums to mark the summer festival.
Champakkulam Boat Race
22 June 2024
Champakkulam, Kerala
The Champakkulam Boat Race is one of the oldest boat races in Kerala, which is known to kick off the boat race season that lasts for a few months.
Held in the Pamba river, at Champakkulam in Alappuzha, the fest sees enormous crowds and enthusiastic participation as several groups arrive with their massive boats. Traditional songs and folk music are sung as they cut through the river, mesmerising the spectators during the summer festival.
Also Read: Traditional snake boat race in Kerala waters
Ganga Dussehra
16 June
Haridwar & Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
This grand festival held on the banks of the river Ganga in Uttarakhand celebrates the descent of the holy river Ganga from heaven to earth, according to Hindu mythology.
This summer festival usually takes place in May or June. It commences on the Amavasya night (waxing moon) of the Hindu calendar and ends on dashami (10th Day), making it a 10-day long festival.
A grand Arti takes place on Ganga Dussehra which attracts hundreds of devotees who seek to cleanse and purify themselves by taking a dip in the holy river. In the evening, devotional songs and aartis are performed as earthen lamps are floated on the water. This festival is also known as Gangavataran.
Also Read: Explore the village ways with this Uttarakhand venture
Ambubachi Mela
22-26 june 2024
Guwahati, Assam
Ambubachi Festival in Assam is among the most important celebrations of the Kamakhya temple, located atop the Nilachal hills.
During the three days from the seventh to 10th day of the Hindu month Ashad, shrines are closed as it is believed that goddess Kamakhya experiences her menstrual cycle.
On the 12th day, the doors are ceremonially opened, followed by a grand mela (fair) held in the temple premises. It sees a large influx of devotees who shower the goddess with offerings and prayers, seeking her divine blessings.
The festival serves as a platform for artists and performers to showcase their talents. Sadhus and sanyasis (hermits) also exhibit their psychic powers and stunts here.
Also Read: Assam villagers ward off elephants with draw of lots
Hemis Tsechu
16-17 June
Hemis, Leh
One of the most famous monastic festivals in Ladakh, Hemis Tsechu is celebrated annually to commemorate Guru Padmasambhava’s birth anniversary in a monastery called Hemis Gompa.
Guru Padmasambhava is regarded as a powerful spiritual guru who played an important role in the spread of Buddhism in Tibet. This is a splendid two-day festival celebrated on the 10th day of the lunar Tibetan calendar.
Tourists and devotees alike gather to witness the exquisite dance and music performances. The Chaam dance performed by lamas and monks, wearing vibrant silk costumes and colourful masks is one of the highlights of this celebration.
The beats of drums, cymbals and ringing of bells add to the reverent atmosphere as the monastery is adorned with Buddhist paintings called Thangkas and statues of Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava.
Also Read: Here’s all that happened at Ladakh Nomadic Festival
Sao Joao Fest
24 June
Goa
The Sao Joao Festival of Goa is celebrated annually on June 24 as a tribute to Saint John the Baptist. According to Christian scriptures, St. John the Baptist jumped in joy in his mother’s womb, upon hearing about the birth of Christ.
Celebrated usually during the monsoon season, this fest sees parades, boat races, feasts and gatherings. During this festival, young men leap joyously into wells and ponds and retrieve gifts thrown inside by villagers.
One can also see people wearing a crown of fruits called kopel, as they enjoy sweets, fruits and Feni (an alcoholic beverage). The Sao Joao Boat festival in Siolim which happens in front of St. Anthony’s Church is also a major tourist attraction.
Also Read: A secret beach where Goans party
The lead image pictures performers at the Hemis Tsechu festival at the Hemis Gompa in Leh (photo courtesy utsav.gov.in)
