Summer in India is full of heat and sweat. Hill stations are only spots, offering some relief from scorching heat. Filled with lovely green, brown mountain peaks, portraying lush green color, contrasting to blue and black sky in the night, feeling blow of cool air, the winding roads that take you up the hill and view of the most lovely city below are what hill stations offer in India.
Summer is also one such time to enjoy and participate in festivals conducted amidst the lovely peaks. They are celebrated only during summer which are vibrant, filled with art and lot of culture.
1) SHIMLA SUMMER FEST-
This fest falls in the peakest month of summer of summer May. In India it is named as Shimla Utsav. Being called as summer capital of Himachal fille with rhododendron trees, this fest is one of the major attraction of summer. A 5 days event where you shouldnt miss on viewing exotic flowers of the year, lovely local delicacies, art work along with lot of competitions. All these five days you shouldn’t miss on folk dances and music clubbed with yummy local food. Entry to this fest is free, while this fest usually takes place in Ridge ground every year. This year so far dates are not out yet, but you can check and plan your trip by March.
2) OOTY SUMMER FESTIVAL-
Popularly known as queen of hills with attractive greenery all around, the botanical garden show is one of the popular attractive fest in summer. Held in the month of May for about 15 days this flower show showcases one of the finest sculptures, art, culture and exactly flowers. Fruit show is an added benefit of this fest, where you get to see and taste some fantastic local varieties. Clubbed with boat race, Spice show and Rose show this Utsav portrays yummy delicacies of Ooty. This year the fest is held between May 20 to 24th. There is an entry fee laid to attend the fest.
3) HEMIS FESTIVAL -
Linked to spirituality this fest falls on the 10th day of Tibetan calendar, which falls in the month of June. Dedicated to Legend Guru Padmasambhava, who banished evil and spread Buddhism it is a 2 day celebration. The main theme of this fest is victory of good over evil. Cham dance and Buddhist paintings called Thangkas are the main highlight of this fest. This year the fest falls on June 16th and 17th where lot of stories, music and dance are portrayed.
4) MOUNT ABU SUMMER FESTIVAL-
Mount Abu is the only hill station of Rajasthan which is popularly visited by travellers all through summer. This fest falls in the month of May, on Buddha Poornima. A 3 day fest devoted to cultural activities. Filled with feasts and entertainment, this fest is a blend of Rajasthani and Gujarati culture. Daph folk dance, competitions like skating and tug of war, watching the fireworks along with Qawwali music are the main highlights. Don’t forget to taste local cuisine along with tribal cultural activities are some more things to do in this fest. This year the fest falls in between May 10th to 12th.
5) PURI RATH YATRA FEST-
This Yatra is associated to Lord Jagannath who is an incarnation of Lord Krishna. It is one of the largest religious festival, where on a chariot Lord and Goddess go on procession. This Yatra begins with kings of Puri family followed with lot of pujas on each day. The main Yatra starts from Puri temple and ends at Gondicha temple. Every day the Yatra stops at Mausi Maa temple, while poda pitha is served as daily Prasad. This year the Yatra falls on July 7th.
6) MOATSU FEST-
To invoke blessings of God this fest is celebrated for 3 days in Nagaland. AO tribe started this fest which has lot of rituals that the feat which has lot of rituals that the fest is started with sowing. A week before the whole state work at home and outside. Traditional dresses are worn, Sangpangtu a big born fire is a major part of this fest. Then follows state song and dancing. Games like tug of war are played. Coming to cuisine both veg and non veg are seen while rice beer drink is popularly served all three days. Hunting is very much apart of this fest. This year the celebrations are held in the month of February, thought it is usually held in the first week of May.
7) BAISAKHI FEST-
The first day of Vaisakh month is when this fest is celebrated. denoted to harvest festival this fest was also known as Basoa and Boisakhi. Originated in Punjab, a fair is held on this fest week. Besides there are God processions held. Navagraha puja where Palashas are distributed on this day. This fest was first started in the village of Gurdaspur by dipping oneself in the sacred pond nearby. In Haryana it is popular in Kurukshetra district. This fest was first started in the village of Gurdarpur by dipping oneself in the sacred pond nearby. In Haryana it is popular in Kurukshetra district. This fest has different names and celebrated state wise too. This year this fest falls on April 13th while their fair runs for a whole week.
8) SINDHU DARSHAN
Falling in the month of June on Guru poornima day at Leh Ladakh, this fest denotes end of summer, beginning of rain in north part of India. On the banks of Sindhu river this event was originated from 1997. Slowly the fest picked up and was celebrated in pompous way which attracted tourist from many part of India. There is a postage issued on this festival, The fest begins with a prayer followed by Puja, dance, speeches, traditional songs and bonfire. This year rest falls on 13th and 14th June.
9) KOLLAM POORAM
One of the largest festival of south India held in state Kerala at Kollam city which falls In the month of April. Held at Sri Krishnaswamy temple there is a very grans procession held which is the highlight of this feat. It is a 10 day fest held with 250-300 artist playing drums, elephants decorated in ornaments for procession that ends with a firework. This procession goes through Sri Thumpara Sree Bhadra Durga Devi temple. Sri Puthiyakallu Bhagavathi and Thamara kula Sri Ganapathy temple. This year Kollam Pooram is held on April 15th.
Holi denotes starts of summer and end of winter in India. Summer months are called hottest months in India, still atmosphere filled with vibrance,gala and color makes you forget the boiling heat and enjoy lovely summer festivals.
