Rural fests you can attend this October

Chanderi Festival

When: October 5-9 | Where: Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

For a taste of real Indian culture, check out Chanderi, a historical town in Madhya Pradesh. It’s a blast from the past with its traditions, colourful festivals and amazing weaving techniques. And the best excuse to travel here is the Chanderi Festival in October. You’ll witness the town’s exquisite handwoven textiles, plus have a chance to try adventure activities, take in cultural workshops and enjoy local food. There are also wellness sessions, sports and fun activities for kids. The festival lasts five days and is held when Chanderi looks its best after the monsoon season. Nature lovers can enjoy nearby lakes and hills too. The event is being organised by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. 

Nearest airport: Gwalior (250 km away)

Nearest railway station: Lalitpur (37 km away)

Gaushala Mela

When: October 20-30 | Where: West Singhbhum, Jharkhand

A fair that’s all about agricultural importance, the Gaushala Mela is organised at Gaushala Ground in Chaibasa. The people attending the festival are mostly from nearby districts as well as West Bengal and Odisha. They mostly come to shop for agricultural products, particularly sugarcane. The event features various swing rides, including ‘break dance jhula’, a revolving ride on what resembles a dance floor and dragon jhula, basically a Columbus, as well as a meena bazar (shopping plaza) and local food stalls. Additionally, numerous dance and music programmes are performed by various groups, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the fair. The event is organised by the district administration of West Singhbhum. 

Nearest airport: Ranchi (184 km away)

Nearest railway station: Chaibasa (4 km away)

Rajgir Mahotsav

When: October 24-26 | Where: Rajgir, Bihar

Rajgir Mahotsav is a famous festival being held in Bihar since 1986, celebrating Nalanda and Rajgir’s rich history and culture. Held at the Rajgir Convention Centre, this three-day event has featured performances by renowned artistes like Hema Malini, Ravindra Jain and Alka Yagnik in the past. It showcases the region’s heritage and has been gaining recognition on the global tourism stage. The festival is annually organised by the tourism department of the state government.

Nearest airport: Patna (101 km away)

Nearest railway station: Gaya (78 km away)

Kumaram Bheem Festival

When: October 27 | Where: Jodeghat, Telangana

History buffs, this one is for you. Actually, it’s for cinema buffs too. Komaram Bheem, born in Sankepally village of Komarambheem district, was a revolutionary Gond tribal leader in British India’s Hyderabad State. The historical figure was also the inspiration behind Junior NTR’s character in the Oscar-winning film, RRR. He led a rebellion against the Nizams of Hyderabad during the 1930s, contributing to the Telangana Rebellion of 1946. He was killed by policemen in 1940, becoming a symbol of rebellion. In Gond culture, he is revered as a hero and credited with coining the slogan “Jal Jangal Zameen” (Water Forest Land), representing resistance against exploitation. His death anniversary is commemorated by the Gonds annually at Jodeghat, his centre of operations. Komaram Bheem’s legacy lives on as a tribal festival and through a museum and memorial established by the Telangana government. The event will showcase tributes to Kumaram Bheem through tribal dances, cultural activities and a food festival. The event is organised by the Tribal Welfare Department.

Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (350 km away)

Nearest railway station: Sirpur Kagaznagar (42 km away)

The lead image on the top shows glimpses of the Gaushala mela and the Kumaram Bheem festival (Photos taken from utsav.gov.in)

Teesta Rajan is the Associate Director of Village Vibe at Village Square. She is passionate about food, travel and culture.