Mountain peaks have always captivated people as fascinating tasks, and some individuals’s obsession with reaching every peak pushes them to the limits of accomplishment. The awe-inspiring natural beauty, the size of the surroundings, and the picturesque vista all serve as inspiration for life’s triumph and humility. India’s rich Himalayan belt is home to small towns with an abundance of folklore and remarkable cultural diversity, in addition to its delicious food and stunning environment. One way to get to know these quaint highland villages is to attend their festivals. Thus, we have compiled a list of 5 lesser-known mountain festivals in India. These five celebrations enliven communities with vibrant colors, local music, lively dances, and enthralling tales. So, book cheap tickets to India from USA and join in the festivities.
1. Hemis Festival, Ladakh
The two-day Hemis festival in Ladakh, which takes place in the lovely months of June and July, is a sensory feast for all. Thirty-five kilometers from the Leh market, in the spacious courtyard of the Hemis monastery, you will find monks making prayers to the reincarnated Buddha, Guru Rinpoche. Unidentified noises resounded from the neighboring mountains, and the sound of Buddhist prayers and the pounding of massive cymbals filled the air. By afternoon, you’ll be snapping a ton of photos with hundreds of other locals, foreign guests, and journalists, trying to capture the beautiful Cham dance on camera.
The Cham is a meticulously choreographed folk dance that represents the triumph of good over evil and is performed by monks dressed in elaborate masks and fancy robes. A small bazaar was put up in the monastery for the festivities, where you can purchase handcrafted items and try Tibetan cuisine. As you leave, witness the ancient thangkas—painted Buddhist banners that depict the region’s rich history and mythology—being unfolded. It will be an incredible thing to witness!
2. Bohag Bihu, Assam
Assam celebrates the harvest festival as a state unit to commemorate the start of a new agricultural cycle. Men and women dress in traditional dhotis and red and white makhanas and dance in graceful, rapid moves to traditional music. You will have the opportunity to visit one of the well-known locations where the Bihu celebrations are held while you are in Guwahati. Love was in the air among the hundreds of pounding event attendees, including dancing, music, and even theatrical acts. They come for the food and entertainment. From the delicious pithas to the occasional coconut laddoos, the Bihu celebration’s culinary preparations are something to look forward to in rural Assamese villages.
Traditional sports like Tekeli Bhonga also contribute to the enjoyment. So, which of these experiences—the spiritual encounters in Sikkim, the lively folktales of Lahaul, or the Cham dance of Ladakh—resonates with you the most, making you want to teleport there right now? Visit Tripbeam to grab last minute international flight deals to India today!
3. Saga Dawa, Sikkim
Traditionally, Tibetans use the fourth month of the lunar calendar to commemorate Saga Dawa. They regard Saga Dawa, the full moon day, as a noteworthy occasion since it marks the birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana of Lord Buddha. During the celebration, there is a colorful procession in Gangtok and the other Sikkim towns and villages. On this festive occasion, monks don colorful robes and play drums, horns, and cymbals as they perform traditional music. Wandering through the bustling narrow streets of Gangtok, you can expect the public gathering during Saga Dawa.
Devotees gather not just to participate in the procession but also to touch sacred books or objects on their heads. With Mt. Kanchenjunga has a breathtaking backdrop, this vibrant event offers a tranquil experience.
4. Mopin Harvest Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
The Mopin festival in Arunachal Pradesh ought to be on your bucket list of travel experiences, and here’s why… In the East and West Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, approximately 700 kilometers north of Tawang, the state capital, people celebrate Mopin uniquely. The Galo tribe looks forward to this five-day holiday all year long. They gather in the Donyi Polo shrine in Aalo hamlet for a sumptuous celebration. People use rice paste to paint faces with love, carry bamboo baskets, and adorn traditional white robes.
Dancers perform, distribute rice wine, and eventually make an animal sacrifice. Thus, for those seeking an exotic, happy, unusual, and picturesque experience, the best thing to do in early April is to travel northeast to Mopin. Furthermore, make sure to check out Tripbeam.ca to book cheap flights from Canada to India.
5. Marking Holi in the Sangla Valley of Himachal Pradesh
In Sangla, people celebrate the legendary Holi with vibrant color splashes, dressing as Hindu deities in bright costumes, and leading a colorful procession that moves from village to village. Furthermore, renowned for its Holi celebration, Sangla Valley offers exciting Ramayana performances, Phasur wine, and traditional dances against the stunning backdrop of Kinner-Kailash and other towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks. However, to make the most of the occasion, you could decide to cut the four-day Holi celebration down to two days.
The traveler’s journey: Holi typically occurs amid the wedding season. If you get the chance, experience a distinct kind of laughter by going to a native Himachali wedding. Families and friends come together to celebrate by dancing in a circle while wearing garlands made of dried fruits and edible pine nuts. You can lose yourself in a stunning Pahadi wedding with drinks flowing and a mouthwatering dham feast to look forward to.
So, book direct flights to Cochin from USA with Flyopedia, get your backpacks ready, and venture forth into the immense and powerful embrace of these magnificent mountains!
Also Read: The Guide For Ooty And Mount Abu Summer Festivals
