Rural fests you can attend this November

Rann Utsav

When: 10 Nov 2023 to 25 Feb 2024 | Where: Dhordo, Rann of Kutch

Originally a three-day rural festival, Rann Utsav has transformed into a remarkable 100-day celebration in Dhordo, a village near the Rann of Kutch. This extravaganza features a temporary tent city constructed and reconstructed yearly, offering a unique experience. Rann Utsav is an eagerly-anticipated tourism event in India, spotlighting the breathtaking White Desert and the cultural richness of Kutch. The visionary behind this event was then Chief Minister of Gujarat, now Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who aimed to showcase the splendours of nature and the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.

Nearest airport: Bhuj (126 km away)
Nearest railway station: Bhuj (70 km away)

Wangala – The 100 Drums Festival

When: 10 Nov 2023 to 12 Nov 2023 | Where: Garo Hills, Meghalaya

The Wangala festival is the most prominent celebration among the Garo people in Meghalaya. It’s a harvest festival dedicated to Saljong, the Sun god of fertility. This event marks the culmination of labour, signifying a bountiful harvest and the arrival of winter. Also known as the “100 Drums Festival,” Wangala involves offering sacrifices to appease their main deity, Saljong. The festival typically spans two days, though it can extend to a week. The “Ragula” ceremony kicks off in the chief’s house on the first day. In contrast, the “Kakkat” ceremony on the second day sees people, adorned in vibrant costumes and feathered headgear, dancing to the rhythmic beat of long oval-shaped drums. This rural festival, featuring distinctive dance forms, underscores the preservation and promotion of Garo cultural identity and traditions in Meghalaya. It’s a vibrant showcase of the region’s culture, with men playing drums, gongs, and flutes, and participants of all ages dancing energetically in parallel lines, leaving a profound impression on onlookers.

Nearest airport: Guwahati (214 km away)
Nearest railway station: Guwahati (210 km away)

Chemday Wangchok

When: 11 Nov 2023 to 12 Nov 2023 | Where: Leh, Ladakh

Chemday Wangchok is a Ladakh festival at Chemrey Monastery, celebrated mostly by Drukpa Tibetan Buddhists. It features a week of monk meditation for peace and harmony before two days of masked dances called Chhams and other rituals. The festival symbolizes good conquering evil, culminating in a Mandal Pooja on the second day. A notable attraction is the captivating Chhams masked dance performed by the monks, adding a spiritual touch to the rural festival in Ladakh.

Nearest airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (4 km away)
Nearest railway station: Jammu Tawi railway station (650 km away)

Sonepur Mela

When: 20 Nov 2023 to 5 Dec 2023 | Where: Sonepur, Bihar

The Hariharnath Kshetra Sonepur Mela is rooted in the worship of Lord Hariharnath, representing both Vishnu and Shiva, drawing devotees to Sonepur. As the largest cattle fair in Asia, the rural fest takes place on Kartik Purnima (full moon day) in November at the confluence of the Ganges and Gandak rivers in Sonepur, Bihar. This day is highly auspicious for Lord Hariharnath’s worship, and it’s known as the Hariharnath Mela, attracting visitors from across Asia. Its origins trace back to ancient times, with Chandragupta Maurya purchasing elephants and horses across the Ganges. The festival blends rituals like ceremonial bathing at various ghats and temple visits, with modern elements such as stalls, amusement parks, and exhibitions by government departments, local artists, and cattle traders, making it a vibrant, month-long event.
Nearest airport: Patna (31 km away)
Nearest railway station: Patna or Hajipur station (26 km away)

The lead image at the top is a moonlit shot from Rann Utsav. (Photo taken from Rannutsav.net)

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