Get ready for a fantastic getaway and enjoy the wonderful traditions and vibrant celebrations made during February festivals and Fairs.
These celebrations can be religious, cultural, or related to the changing seasons and it is a reason for communities to get together and rejoice.
February 2024 calendar is a particularly joyful period in India, marked by the occurrence of some of the most beloved festivals. India hosts a wide variety of festivals all year round, each with its own special stories and customs. India’s diverse culture and heritage shine through these numerous festivals held throughout the year.
A multitude of festivals are observed with abundant rituals, enjoyment, enthusiasm, and merriment in this month. Here are the key fairs and festivals happening that are being celebrated and enjoyed in this month of love.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
- Date: 22 – 24 February 2024.
- Venue: Jaisalmer
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival, also known as the “Rajasthan Desert Festival” or “Maru Mahotsav,” is a yearly celebration held in the picturesque city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Coinciding with the Hindu month of Magh, the festival takes place in the stunning Thar Desert’s Sam Dunes, about 42 kilometres from Jaisalmer, three days before the full moon. Renowned for its historical and cultural significance, this festival is a vibrant testament to the unique lifestyle of the people in and around Jaisalmer.
The festival is a kaleidoscope of cultural displays, showcasing various aspects of Rajasthan‘s rich heritage. Visitors can enjoy a multitude of activities, ranging from traditional turban-tying and moustache competitions to the elegance of Ghoomar dance and the excitement of camel polo. Adventure seekers can embark on exhilarating camel and jeep safaris deep into the desert.
The festival also features a wide array of cultural performances and activities. From lively puppet shows to soul-stirring folk music performances by Manganiar and Langas artists, and dances like Kalbelia and Ghoomar, there’s an abundance of cultural richness to experience. Spectators can witness exciting camel races, and polo matches, and engage in fun contests like tug of war and juggling. Unique competitions such as the longest moustache contest and the ‘Maru Shri’ (Mr. Desert Pageant) add to the festival’s uniqueness and appeal.
Adding to the charm are Gair dance forms and folk fire dances, with participants dressed in colourful Rajasthani attire, embodying the essence of local folk culture and traditions. A special feature of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024 is “Astro Tourism” or “The Skies of Jaisalmer,” an offering that includes stargazing sessions and astronomy workshops, perfect for those with a keen interest in the stars and the cosmos. This celebration is a vibrant mix of art, music, dance, and food, truly encapsulating the diverse and rich culture of Rajasthan.
Matho Nagrang Festival Ladakh
- Date: 23rd to 24th February 2024
- Venue: Matho Monastery, Ladakh
Experience the mystique of the Oracle Matho Nagrang Festival at the Matho Monastery in Ladakh, during the first month of the Tibetan new year which indeed is February. Two chosen monks become oracles, or Ronstang, believed to foretell the village’s future and that of its people. While outsiders may find these traditions astonishing, they are an integral part of life for the local community.
This festival is a significant celebration within the Tibetan Buddhism Sakya School, observed with grandeur, much like other Tibetan festivals. The festival serves as a period of cleansing and rejuvenation for the local residents while also playing a crucial role in the region’s economy by attracting tourists who contribute to its revenue. For visitors to Ladakh, the Matho Nagrang Festival offers a distinctive and memorable experience.
Taj Mahotsav Agra
- Date: 18th to 27th February
- Venue: Shilpgram, Agra
Taj Mahotsav, an annual event, pays tribute to the rich culture and heritage of Uttar Pradesh, India. This 10-day extravaganza unfolds every February along the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, the city renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal. The festival is a vibrant showcase of Uttar Pradesh’s culture and traditions, featuring a diverse array of colourful performances, folk dances, music, art exhibitions, and delectable food stalls.
With its origins dating back to the Mughal era, when Emperor Shah Jahan would host an annual Mahotsav in the Taj Mahal Gardens, the festival has evolved over the years to encompass a wide range of activities and performances. It attracts renowned musicians, chefs, dancers, and artists who contribute to making it a truly unforgettable 10-day experience.
Losar festival, Ladakh
- Date: 10th to 12th February 2024.
- Venue: The Ladakh monasteries
The Losar festival, also known as the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated by the Memba tribe in February, a month earlier than other tribes. This New Year celebration lasts for five days and involves various traditions. During the festival, there are prayers, the raising of religious flags in homes, the reading of Buddhist scriptures, and the lighting of butter lamps inside houses.
The first three days of Losar are the most significant and are marked with grand celebrations. On the eve of Losar, a special dinner called the “Guthuk dinner” is prepared. It includes dishes made from barley, rice, buckwheat, and wheat flour, usually containing nine different ingredients that symbolize the nine auspicious qualities of Buddha’s teachings.
Goa Carnaval
- Date: February 11 – 14, 2024
- Venue: Panaji, Vasco, Mapusa and Margao
The Goa Carnaval is an exciting four-day event that people eagerly await, attracting visitors from all around the world to Goa. It wonderfully showcases the traditions and culture of Goa. This festival is a blend of street performances, musical shows, vibrant floats, and delicious local Goan cuisine.
Tourists often join in the street parade, dressed in colourful outfits and fun masks. The parade itself boasts a variety of floats, dancers, and musicians, all adorned in elaborate costumes. Leading the procession is King Momo, a mythical figure believed to be the King of Carnaval.
The history of Carnaval harks back to the time of Portuguese colonial rule when it was introduced to mark the beginning of the Lent season. Everyone is invited to partake in this unique blend of fun, entertainment, fashion displays, delectable food, and live performances. Come and experience the Goa Carnaval’s delightful fusion of festivities!
Rose Festival Chandigarh
- Date: Last week of February
- Venue: Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Chandigarh
The Department of Tourism, Chandigarh Administration, hosts the Rose Festival every year in the last week of February in Chandigarh. This event showcases a wide array of rose varieties, including polyanthus, hybrid teas, climbers, and more.
In addition to the beautiful roses, the festival offers a range of enjoyable activities such as the creation of an amusement park and daily cultural programs. The celebration also includes three grand Musical Nights for visitors to enjoy as part of the festivities.
The Attukal Pongala festival, Kerala
- Date: 25-02-2024
- Venue: Attukal Bhagavathi Temple
The Attukal Pongala festival celebrated at the Attukal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, is recognized as the world’s largest gathering of women for a religious event.
During this festival, women engage in a ritual called Pongala, meaning ‘to boil over’. This involves preparing a sweet dish known as payasam, a pudding-like mixture of rice, jaggery, coconut, and plantains, which is then offered to the Goddess or ‘Bhagavathy’.
This sacred ritual is exclusively performed by women, leading to the city’s streets being filled with devout followers. Known affectionately as ‘Attukalamma’, the Goddess is believed to be pleased by this offering.
Thiruvananthapuram becomes a hub of festive excitement during this time, attracting such a vast number of participants that it has earned a place in the Guinness World Book of Records. Experiencing this festival is a uniquely profound event, one that truly must be witnessed first-hand to grasp its extraordinary splendour.
Garden Festival, Delhi
- Date: 17th to 19 February 2024
- Venue: Garden of Five Senses, Saket
The Delhi Government organizes the Garden Festival in Delhi, a delightful floral extravaganza annually in February. This event showcases a diverse array of plant species and flowers.
During the Delhi Garden Festival in February, visitors will be treated to an array of stunning flowers. The garden in Said-Ul-Ajaib Village will showcase diverse blossoms, including roses, hibiscus, protea, and the native lotus. Expect to see flora from around the world, such as lilies from Italy, irises from France, maple leaves from Canada, chamomiles from Russia, cornflowers from Germany, tulips from Turkey, and many more.
Additionally, guests are invited to participate in various entertaining competitions held during the festival, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
As February unfolds its charm, these festivals and fairs offer an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures and traditions of these remarkable destinations. You too can be a part of these unforgettable experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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