Vibrant February: Embracing India’s Multicultural Festive Spirit

India is often called as the land of festivals and fairs where each day is a celebration of some kind or another. Interestingly, there are more festivals celebrated in India than anywhere else in the world and February is no different.

So let’s take a look at the myriad festivals that we will celebrate in February.

Surajkund Mela: Surajkund International Crafts Mela, the annual fair organised by Haryana Tourism in Faridabad to promote the tradition of Indian handloom and handicrafts commenced on Friday, February 2.
The 37th edition of this mela will wrap up by February 18. This crafts mela is known as India’s most renowned events that celebrates art, culture, and heritage.

Goa Carnival: The carnival of Goa is a three day event held in the month of February where you can witness the King Momo Parade, Traditional Goan dances, Delicacies, etc. There are live bands and dances seen on the streets of Goa. This year the carnival will be held from February 10 to 13.

At the Carnival de Goa you can enjoy tasty and lip-smacking food and the local traditional Goan Delicacies on the streets of Goa.

Red and Black dance is held at the carnival on the last day were you find women dressed in Red tops and black skirts and Men dressed up in red shirts and black pants to perform a coordinated dance.

Losar: Losar is the celebration of the Tibetan New Year. It is celebrated with a lot of fervour and aplomb in states with significant Tibetan populations, such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Celebrations for this 2 day festival, will start on the February 10 and will last till Feb 12.

The celebrations of Losar date back to the pre-Buddhist period when Tibetans used to follow the Bon religion. A spiritual ceremony is organized every winter in which devotees offer incense smoke to local deities and spirits, in the belief that they would ensure the wellbeing of the people and their surroundings.

This religious festival became a farmers’ festival that was held during the blossoming of flowers on apricot trees. It involves traditional music, dance, and a series of rituals.

Vasant Panchami: Close on the heels is Vasant Panchami that will be celebrated this year on February 14.
The festival marks the arrival of Spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. Vasant Panchami is also synonymous with Saraswathi Puja, and the day is dedicated to the Goddess of Knowledge, Music, and the Arts.

This day is particularly considered auspicious in the Eastern part of India, though Music, Dance, Art programmes and Exhibitions are held through out the nation to commemorate this festival. This day also sees a number of flower shows, especially in Northern India.
Yellow is the colour of the day and you will see many wear this colour on Vasant Panchami.

St. Valentine Day:
February 14th is also celebrated enthusiastically in India as Valentine’s day. Though a westernised concept, the significance of this day has become a theme of pop culture in recent years. The romantic gestures shown toward the people are remarkable. Lovebirds are seen in cinema halls and malls celebrating this day.
Interestingly, Valentine’s Day was also celebrated as “Cow Hug Day” by some people in India. It was first proposed by Animal Welfare Body on February 6 to celebrate February 14 as “cow hug day” in view of the “immense benefits of the cow”.

Khajuraho Dance Festival: A week-long festival held annually in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, it is set against the backdrop of these historical monuments. This 50th edition, will be held between February 20 to 26 and will celebrate India’s rich heritage and classical dance forms.

The festival showcases classical Indian dances such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Kathakali. The backdrop of the beautifully lit Khajuraho temples is a huge draw for travellers around the world.

Each of these festivals brings out the diverse cultural tapestry of India, adding to the country’s rich heritage and traditions.