Most Important Holidays and Popular Festivals in December in India
Most Important Holidays and Popular Festivals in December in India. Photo: Blog Railyatri
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India is a deeply spiritual nation, and its people celebrate this by celebrating life. The many and varied festivals celebrated throughout the year each provide a special window into India's vibrant culture. These major celebrations in India this December are not to be missed.

READ MORE: Top Popular Festivals and Important Holidays in December around the World

The 10 Most Popular Festivals in India of December

The month of December is when the majority of India's winter festivals take place. The last month of the year is full of festivity in each state of the country. December is a great time to visit India because of the mild temperatures, exciting celebrations, and upbeat atmosphere. Below is a list compiled by Knowinsiders.com of some of India's most well-known winter festivals.

1. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland - 1 to 10 December

Most Important Holidays and Popular Festivals in December in India
Photo: Ixigo

In December, Nagaland hosts one of India's many winter festivals: the Hornbill Festival. Over 60% of the tribal population in Nagaland relies on agriculture for their livelihood, so many of the state's festivals celebrate this industry.

Celebration of the Hornbill Festival, which takes place in the first week of December, is a cultural statement made by the Naga people. Attending the festival is a great way to learn about the history, customs, arts, and crafts of a region. Hornbill Festival takes place in Kohima, the nation's capital.

2. Chumpha Festival, Manipur - 10 to 16 December

Most Important Holidays and Popular Festivals in December in India
Photo: Telegraphindia

Chumpha Festival is a winter harvest festival celebrated in the state of Manipur. The festival, a massive cultural celebration by the Tanghul Nagas of Manipur, is set to run from December 10th to the 16th this year. On the final three days of the celebration, before the grand procession, they burst into song and dance. The celebration is a significant part of Manipur's indigenous culture, and the state's women play a particularly important role in it.

3. Galdan Namchot - 10 December

Most Important Holidays and Popular Festivals in December in India
Photo: Commons Wikimedia

The nation's most important celebration, Galdan Namchot, marks the start of the New Year in Leh Ladakh. In addition, this festival honors the Buddhahood and the Tibetan saint-scholar Tsongkhapa's birthday. The locals are enjoying this festival with music and dance, and all the historic buildings and monasteries are tastefully decorated. In December, Leh Ladakh celebrates this festival. Preparing various types of regional cuisine and giving friends and family Khatak, a type of ceremonial scarf, are among the festival's main draws.

4. Cochin Carnival - 25 December to 1 January

Most Important Holidays and Popular Festivals in December in India
Photo: Dailypassengerr

Cochin Carnival is a well-known cultural event that is joyfully and fervently observed. This celebration includes folk music, cultural events, and musical performances in addition to a grand parade of decorated elephants and elegantly attired participants in vibrant clothing. The continuous playing of five instrumental pieces in perfect harmony and rhythm, beach volleyball, beach football, and beach bike races are some of the festival's main draws.

5. Kumbhalgarh Festival - 3 December

Most Important Holidays and Popular Festivals in December in India
Photo: Ixigo

One of Rajasthan's most significant cultural celebrations is this one. The Kumbhalgarh Fort in Udaipur is the site of the Kumbhalgarh Festival.

There are three days in this festival. Every day has a special meaning. The first day of the festival is December 1, 2023, and it ends on December 3, 2023.

Performances of dance and music are among the venue's main draws.

Magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort near Udaipur provides the setting for this annual three-day festival organized by Rajasthan Tourism. It features performances by folk artists, art camp, puppet show, and puppet-making exhibition.

6. Rann Utsav - 12 November to 28 January

Most Important Holidays and Popular Festivals in December in India
Photo: India

The Rann Utsav, which unfortunately has become very commercial and crowded, showcases the culture and heritage of the region against the surreal backdrop of Kutch's white salt desert. Folk music and dance, food vendors, ATV rides, camel cart excursions, paramotoring, yoga, meditation, and excursions to neighboring locations are among the activities. To house guests, a posh tent village is built on the edge of the salt desert. Package tours are provided by Gujarat Tourism.

7. Hot Air Balloon Festival

In India, not every festival is associated with a particular religion or culture. A few of them are additionally honored in accordance with adventurous pursuits. A hot air balloon festival, which takes place across several states, is among the best illustrations of these kinds of events.

Karnataka, South India, celebrates the December Hot Air Balloon Festival in style. It involves soaring over the landscape in a big, vibrant balloon that is inflated with hot air. With your DSLR, you can take flawless pictures at high altitudes. This festival is observed in a few locations, including Hampi, Mysore, Karnataka, and Bidar. This exciting festival happens all through December. Weekdays are the best times to visit if you want to escape the crowds and take in the festival in peace.

8. Perumthitta Tharavad

This festival is something you shouldn't miss if you love color. Kerala celebrates the regional festival of Perumthitta Tharavad with grandeur, dance, culture, and of course, color. The dancers' performers paint themselves in mythological characters from head to toe during the celebration. For instance, the color green is associated with dances that honor God, while the color red is associated with demons, and so forth.See also: Kerala's Top 10 Festivities and Events.

The essential components of the entire dance are the dancers' facial expressions. This dance, known as Theyyam, is a customary dance practiced by the people of Kerala.

9. Magnetic Fields Festival

Potential talents from both domestic and international locations are given the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience at the breathtaking Magnetic Fields Festival.

This three-day camping festival showcases the amazing hospitality and magnificent heritage of Rajasthan through a range of activities including workshops, a Marwari cuisine buffet, exciting adventure sports, and exciting musical performances.

In Rajasthan, this festival is observed all of December. A kite-flying competition, a treasure hunt, yoga in the morning, cooking classes, music workshops, secret parties, and camping in the desert are a few of the festival's main attractions.

10. Karthigai Deepam

It is well known as the "festival of lights," Karthigai Deepam. This glamorous, colorful, and joyous South Indian Hindu celebration aims to welcome the good things and drive out all negativity and evil from a location. Diyas and clay lamps adorn both homes and temples, which are well-lit.

As a sacred ritual, the festival's opening ceremony involves lighting a massive fire at the summit of the hill. Many residents and visitors assemble to take in the breathtaking spectacle. Tamil Nadu celebrates this festival all through December. This festival is well-known for its fairs, feasts, and fireworks.

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