The Indian subcontinent is one of the most diverse countries in the world, as the entire nation itself is defined by the plethora of experiences it offers. The myriad range of religious, social, cultural and ethnic identities scattered in different nooks and corners of the country draws the attention of enthusiastic domestic travellers, as flight ticket and hotel are affordable and available at all times of the year.
The wide range of festivities and celebrations here are honoured wonderfully with pomp and splendour, with an eclectic mix of colours, lights, dance, songs, and more. As we near the end of this year, here are some festivities and holidays you can use as opportunities to take a break and travel.
Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a festival highly revered by the Sikh community in India, commemorating the birthday of their founder Guru Nanak. This festival, falling on 8 November this year, highlights the fundamental teachings of Guru Nanak and is celebrated in most parts of India, especially in Punjab, where Sikhism is widely prevalent.
As part of this splendid celebration, processions pass through streets decorated with bright flags and flowers. The idol of the holy Guru Nanak Sahib is placed in a palanquin, and people sing religious hymns in groups, play traditional musical instruments, indulge in singing and dancing, and display martial arts.
Christmas
With a considerable proportion of the Christian population, India at Christmas means cities light up and come alive with the holiday spirit, each with a touch of their own local culture.
You can enjoy the unique privilege of experiencing various Christmas celebrations in different parts of the country. Want to go clubbing? Goa is the party capital of India, perfect for Christmas clubbing. Up in the North, Manali is the best place to enjoy the snow for the perfect White Christmas. For a more traditional experience, visit the churches and basilicas of Puducherry, Shillong, Goa and Kerala.
New Year
Begin the New Year with a bang, or not. It is totally up to you because there is no limit to the range of festivities in celebrating the New Year. Not just Goa, several coastal cities, even hidden ones such as Varkala, Paradise Beach, Bhogwe and more, light up for Christmas, blasting music, serving good food and revelling in the New Year spirit.
If you want to ring into the next year with more serenity and peace, check out the houseboats in Alleppey, Kerala, for a more laid-back experience. The relaxing ayurvedic spa services will relieve your pent-up stress and anxiety, allowing you to enter the next year with a more positive outlook. For more spiritual insight, visit the magnificent temples, churches, mosques and other places of worship scattered across the country.
Children’s Day
As the name reveals, Children’s Day is a day exclusively for the little ones. Celebrated on 14 November every year, honouring former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his love for children, the day is a special day for kids across the country, as schools and institutions conduct special programs and fun-filled competitions for the young ones, with exciting prizes and games.
This Children’s Day, don’t shy away from giving them some love and spreading the joy of this special day for them. Online shopping giants such as Amazon and Flipkart offer upto 80% discount exclusively on children’s products, with two big sales- Amazon Kids Carnival and Flipkart Children’s Day Store. Typically, amusement parks and other recreational centres for children also operate special programs and events, especially for children, with discounts on entry fees as well.