Surajkund mela in Feb, Tulips in April & Biennale in December: Here's a round-up of local fests happening in 2020.

Plan your trips around local fests in India. Make the Year 2020 all about sustainable, fascinating experiences.

JANUARY
India Art fair

When: Jan 30 to Feb 2
Where: NSIC Grounds in New Delhi

The 12th edition of India Art fair will bring forth the best in South Asian modern and contemporary art. Live performances and talks will also be held during the show, which is attended, by art aficionado and members of the public from India and abroad. This year's memorial lectures will be dedicated to the life and works of modernist Ram Kumar and artist Tushar Joag conducted by experts Kishore Singh and Shireen Gandhy respectively.

From monuments like Red Fort to Old Delhi's street food, the Indian capital has something for everyone.

FEBRUARY
Surajkund International Craftsmela


When: Feb 1 to 17
Where: Surajkund, Faridabad

Just the perfect place to seep in the best of traditions from far-off corners of India, this mela boasts of diverse exhibitions of handicrafts and handlooms. One of the largest crafts exhibitions of the world where state-specific and even international performances are held at openair theatres, it is a perfect place for the whole family. This time, the theme state is Himachal Pradesh. Of course, don't forget to binge on the cuisine from varied Indian territories.

Look Around: Those of you coming from different parts of the country should check out some well-known places in Delhi including Qutb Minar, Jantar Mantar, and by-lanes of Old Delhi.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

When: Feb 2 to Feb 9
Where: Kala Ghoda area, South Mumbai

A multi-cultural festival that boasts of amalgamation of various activities including art displays, plays, dance performances, music and food offerings for a wholesome experience, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival should definitely be on your list for this year.

MARCH
Holla Mohalla

When: March 10 to 12
Where: Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Over the years, not just Sikhs from across the country and the world, but also people from other religions have started making a beeline for the Holla Mohalla festival that was started in the 18th century. Promising to offer a glimpse into the rich traditions and culture of Sikhism, this is a definite treat for all senses. Get set to witness martial arts and war drums performances amidst colours, horse-riding skills and other displays during the celebrations.

Look Around: Anandpur and surrounding areas boast of some beautiful Gurudwaras. Those of you wanting to get a glimpse of village-life should check out the many villages surrounding the area.

Basanta Utsav

When: March 10, 2020
Where: Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Held in the almost utopian landscape of Vishwa Bharati University conceived and started by Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore, Basanta Utsav witnesses the university's students perform different cultural programmes, both traditional and contemporary during this festival. From songs to dances, the whole place, pregnant with heritage, comes alive.

Look Around: Check out Tagore's Aashram and the art galleries.

APRIL
Tulip festival


When: April 11 to 17
Where: Srinagar, Kashmir

They say tulips always do the trick. Let this annual festival be an excuse to visit Kashmir, one of the most beautiful places in the world. Overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake the huge range of tulips including golden, striped, purple, red and orange is bound to overwhelm you. Remember, they bloom only for two weeks, so get your tickets booked much in advance.

The Aoling Festival
When: April 1 to 10
Where: Nagaland

Celebrated by the Konyak tribe of Nagaland, which has a history of being headhunters but is now engaged in farming, this festival marks the settling down of the spring season. If you dig ethnic wear and need every occasion to buy accessories, this is just the right fest for you. Tribal dances, music and Naga food make Aoling a must see.

Look Around: Tuensang, which is flanked by Myanmar on its right.

MAY

Mount Abu Summer Festival
When: May 6 and 7
Where: Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Considering the soaring mercury in the plains, this festival promises an excellent respite. Fold dances, boast racing to Sham-e-Qawwali.

Look Around: A quiet and laid-back hill station, spend time walking and trekking here.

JUNE
Rath Yatra Odisha
When: June 23, 2020
Where: Puri, Odisha


You really don't have to be religious to derive satisfaction from religious festivals. The cultural angle in most Indian religious festivals make them popular with people across faiths, and the Rath Yatra in Odisha is one such example. Deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, of the main Jagannath temple of Puri, are removed with the celestial wheel and taken to their chariots, which are the avenue of Gundicha Temple. Not just devotes, but people from around the world descend to witness the grand celebrations.

Look Around: Puri has some beautiful temples. Also, you can drive to Konark, which is a few hours away.

JULY
Hemis Festival
When: June 30-July 1
Where: Hemis Monestary, Leh

Commemorating the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet, this twoday festival has become very popular over the years among both Indian and foreign tourists. People from all over come to see the elaborate masked dances performed by lamas dressed in elaborate costumes.

Look Around: The Hemis National park has beautiful landscapes while the city of Leh has lots of cafes and bakeries to try out.

Champakulam Boat Race
When: July 4
Where: Pampa River at Champakulam

Kerala's oldest snake boat race, this one is popular with people across generations. An elaborate set-up, comprising processions and decorated boats, photographers from around India and abroad come to capture this.

Look Around: The backwaters of Kerela are rich in flora and fauna for some bird spotting. You could even sign up for a Yoga course with some of the best centres based in Kerela.

AUGUST
Onam
When: August 22 to Sep 2
Where: Thiruvananthapuram

A major annual festival for Malayalis, Onam is a harvest festival, which is celebrated elaborately in Kerala. Visiting the state during this period makes all the sense as it is the perfect time to witness cultural events like tiger dances, boat races, mask dances, music, martial arts and plantain offerings. Major festivities take place across 30 venues in the state capital.

Look Around: Kovalam beach and Poovar island.

SEPTEMBER
Ziro Festival of Music
When: Dates yet to be announced
Where: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh



A spellbinding valley located around 170 Kms from Arunachal Pradesh's capital Itanagar, the Ziro Valley has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee for many years now. The annual Ziro Festival of Music held here boasts of some of the finest independent musicians from across the country and the world taking to the stage. Promising a festive atmosphere, complete with folk musicians from the Northeast of India in their elaborate gear, this is a must-visit fest in September. But remember, you need the Inner Line Permit (ILP) for this area.

Look Around: Namdapha National Park and Gompa Buddhist Temple in Itanagar.

OCTOBER

Rajasthan International Folk Festival
When: October 29 to November 2
Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Also known as RIFF Jodhpur, the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virasat Foundation have partnered to treat people to this unique festival held in exotic Rajasthan which features participation by major musicians. In fact, UNESCO also endorses the fest

Look Around: Umaid Bhawan Palace and Mandore Garden

NOVEMBER
Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF)
When: Dates yet to be announced
Where: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Over the years, this festival in Himachal Pradesh's small town has become increasingly popular with people from across the country and abroad. Besides being a well-curated fest, the air of informality and intimacy makes it extremely popular.

Look Around: An interesting market to buy Tibetan items and several trekking routes.

Pushkar Camel Fair
When: November 22 to 30
Where: Pushkar

Just bought a DSLR and raring to frame something fantastic? Well, head straight for this fair frequented by both top and amateur photographers from around the world. Attracting more than two lakh visitors, there is much more to the fair than just camels. From snake charmers, camel racing to a camel beauty contest, this event will surprise you no end. A huge number of pilgrims also come to bathe at the Pushkar Lake during these days.

Look Around: Israeli food at Pushkar's eclectic cafes, Brahma Temple.

DECEMBER
Kochi Muziris Biennale
When: Starts from December 12
Where: Kochi, Kerala

Get set for Asia's biggest festival of contemporary art where Indian and international artists will showcase artworks across mediums including sculpture, painting, performance and new media. Artist Shubigi Rao will curate the fifth edition of the Biennale.

Look Around: Backwaters; and if you have time, don't miss a short trip to Coorg, a beautiful unspoilt hill-station.

Hornbill Festival
When: December 1 to 10.
Where: Nagaland

Get a glimpse of North-East India and the peculiar culture of Nagaland with this festival. Different Naga tribes showcase their traditional dances, music and artifacts during Hornbill. A must-visit for those willing to try out different cuisines.

Look Around: Kohima Museum, Kachari ruins