March Madness: Explore The Top 10 Festivals & Events Of India

India is a country of many unique cultures and traditions, festivals, and events. All year round, people from all over the country take some time out of their busy schedule to celebrate this ‘festive madness’. The month of March is packed with a number of events which attract tourists and visitors from all over the world.

Read on to find out the different types of festivities happening this ‘March Month’.

  1. Shigmo

Shigmo is Goa’s biggest spring festival that happens from March 3rd to 17th.  It can be referred to as the state’s own version of Holi. This festival is full of color and gaiety. Parades, singing, and dancing are an important part of the celebrations. The Ghode Modni martial arts horse dance is a treat to the eyes!

  1. Konkan Velas Turtle Festival

From March 10th onwards, this is a really cool occurrence. It is an opportunity to see newly hatched Olive Ridley turtles march into the sea at this annual festival. It takes place at Velas Village in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Local homestays in the area will let visitors experience the traditional Indian village lifestyle.

  1. Matho Nagrang Festival

This festival is celebrated in Leh, Ladakh from the 11th to 12th of March. It is commemorated on the 15th day of the Tibetan calendar in the first month and is celebrated at the Matho Monastery. This two-day festival is celebrated in honor of Ladakhi gods and goddesses. Local people dress up in extravagant silk robes and fineries to resemble the gods and goddesses and perform folk songs and dances. The mask dance is a must see.

  1. Attukal Pongal

This is a festival native to Kerala. It falls on the 11th of March this year. Trivandrum in Kerala is known for its gala festivities for the celebration. At the Attukal Bhagavathi temple in the city, devotees offer pongala and other sweets and treats to the deity. Thousands of women, of different religious backgrounds, gather here to make the offering for pongala. This event has made its way into the Guinness World Book of Records for the largest gathering of women for a celebration.

  1. Thirunakkara Arattu

Kottayam in Kerala is home to the Thirunakkara Arattu festival held between March 15th to the 24th. It’s a stunning ten-day festival held at the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple. A rally of elephants is organized accompanied by traditional drummers. All day long, Kathakali dancers and Mayilattam performances are held for all.

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  1. Mewar Festival

This festival is from Udaipur and takes place from the 18th to 20th of March. The people of the city take pride in the roots of this celebration being in the foundation of the city. Many dance performances, singing competitions, and other cultural programs are conducted. Various forts of the city are decked up in line with the festivities.

  1. Myoko

Myoko is a festival celebrated in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh from March 20th to 30th. It is celebrated by a number of tribes in Ziro. The festival is held by the Apatani Tribe and celebrates prosperity, purification, fertility, and other values. Locals get dressed in traditional attire and perform a dance. A number of local cuisines and delicacies are available for all to try.

  1. Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Festival

This festival is for all the music lovers out there. It takes place in Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh on the 25th of March. It has been touted as one of the most happening music festivals in India. This music extravaganza has the right mix of Rock, Bollywood, Metal and more!

9. Gudi Padwa

On March 29th, this festival is celebrated throughout the country, known by different names including Ugadi, Navreh, and Cheti Chand amongst others. It is predominantly celebrated in South India and Maharashtra. In Mumbai, parades are often held to commemorate the special day. The parades often feature sari-clad women who ride motorcycles and a number of floats which color the streets.

10. Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with utmost pomp in Uttar Pradesh on March 29th. It is a major festival of the Jain community and is celebrated to honor the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara. A ceremonial bath of the Mahavira statues (abhisheka) is conducted.

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The vast cultural spectrum of India can be witnessed in the number of unique festivals conducted in the span of a mere month. Each state and each culture has something new to share with the world. Visiting these festivals allows for a larger understanding of how so many people can live in harmony and how to support each other. These festivals will definitely broaden the mind and allow for one to experience what it means to be a part of this nation.

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