The New Year is upon us and there’s only one month before we hit the reset button with the new year. But before the new resolutions that’ll inevitably be ignored later are made, make space for more epic memories with the many events and festivals in December!
Some of the biggest and most exciting festivals in December in India are lined up that’ll fill you up with nothing but pure delight. These events are also a great way to take a sneak peek into India’s rich culture and traditions. So, let’s take a glance at some of the events and festivals in December that might become your highlight of the year, shall we?
8 Events And Festivals In December To Attend In India
- Rann Utsav: Dhordo, Gujarat
- Kumbhalgarh Festival: Near Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Hornbill Festival: Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland
- Kurukshetra Festival: Kurukshetra, Haryana
- Sunburn Goa: Vagator, Goa
- Konark Festival: Konark, Odisha
- Cochin Carnival: Kochi, Kerala
- Galdan Namchot: Leh, Ladakh
1. Rann Utsav: Dhordo, Gujarat
To the west of India in Gujarat lies the Rann of Kutch – a vast expanse of pristine white land that’s got an otherworldly beauty to it. When the winters arrive, Dhordo, a little village in this salt desert, comes alive. Why? Because that’s when the Rann Utsav is held every year!
It’s a festival that embodies the spirit of the region of Kutch to its fullest. An ethnically diverse region, you get to experience its arts, crafts, music, and of course, lip-smacking food! That’s not all, the adventurous folks can set out ATV riding on the sands or take to the skies with paramotoring!
A long day of exploring the white desert and indulging in the Kutchi culture can get tiring. While you can definitely retire in Dhordo, consider making your way towards Dholavira. Located on the Khadir Bet island in the Rann of Kutch Lake, this World Heritage Site is lined with tents, earning it the name ‘Tent City’. Don’t worry though, these tents are fitted with all modern amenities! We recommend a full moon night for this, as the lake view will be simply mesmerizing.
Ticket Price: NA, but tents start from INR 4,750 for two
Nearest Airport: Bhuj Airport (78 km away)
Closest Railway Station: Bhuj (77 km away)
Nearest Major City: Bhuj (81 km away)
2. Kumbhalgarh Festival: Near Udaipur, Rajasthan
The beautiful Lake Pichola and the many, many palaces of Udaipur will make you want to stay there forever. But if you’re in the City Of Lakes at the beginning of December 2023, you must make a beeline to Kumbhalgarh Fort about 85 km away. Did you know that Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan has the second-largest wall after China? If that’s not reason enough for you to visit, the Kumbhalgarh Festival will convince you for sure!
This annual festival is to celebrate the patronage of Maharana Kumbha of Mewar to the arts and culture of Rajasthan. During the day, you can walk through the numerous exhibitions and workshops hosted by the locals. They have the best traditional souvenirs and you can even get yourself some ethnic wear! Perhaps you can try your hand at the Pagdi Bandho (turban tying) competition against the locals and win (however unlikely that would be!).
And once the sun sets and darkness settles in the sky, the Kumbhalgarh Festival comes alive with golden lights, music, and dance! Indulge in the celebration of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture then!
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Dabok Airport, Udaipur (98 km away)
Closest Railway Station: Falna (68 km away)
Nearest Major City: Udaipur (84 km away)
3. The Hornbill Festival: Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland
If you’re looking for the best events and festivals to experience in December, the Hornbill Festival should be on your list as it is Nagaland’s ‘Festival of the Festivals’. Visiting this festival is like hitting two birds with one stone. You’ll not only get to experience Nagaland’s cultural diversity in one place, but you’ll also get a glimpse of the tradition of North East India.
It’s a ten-day festival with the local tribes attending and people flying from all over. Don’t miss out on the conventional war dance and games. There’s a headhunting ritual you can partake in! If you want something to get your adrenaline pumping, they have even arranged bike and car-based adventures. You’ll even get to headbang to electrifying rock music bands. And no! We did not forget the most important incentive: the scrumptious local cuisine which must be washed down with rice beer!
All of the Hornbill Festival is a big celebration of the finer things of Nagaland like the local heritage, life, culture, handlooms, artworks, and a lot more. Don’t believe us? Check it out yourself!
Ticket Price: INR 20-30 for entry per day; additional charges applicable if you want to carry cameras or participate in certain activities
Nearest Airport: Dimapur Airport (73 km away)
Closest Railway Station: Dimapur (77 away)
Nearest Major City: Kohima (12 km away)
4. Kurukshetra Festival: Kurukshetra, Haryana
Mahabharata, an Indian epic, has its own epic festival! We all know the transformational battle that was fought in the name of righteousness and to correct all the wrongs. But let’s now talk about what happens at the festival. We assure you that it’s nothing but interesting.
During the Kurukshetra Festival, pilgrims gather at the city which is the festival’s namesake where the Pandavas and Kauravas waged war. Here, they take a dip in the sacred waters of the Brahma Sarovar and Sanheit Sarovar. You’ll find religious men chanting shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita. They even set up medical camps, exhibitions of books, Bhajans, and recital programs.
If Indian epic poems have always fascinated you and you’d like to get closer to the homeland where the Mahabharata took place, you must visit the Kurukshetra Festival.
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Airport (92 km away)
Closest Railway Station: Chandigarh Junction (89 km away)
Nearest Major City: Kurukshetra (0 km away)
5. Sunburn Goa 2023: Vagator, Goa
Just like the US has Coachella, we have Sunburn! And do not be fooled. This is no ordinary music festival. Sunburn Goa is India’s biggest EDM festival, making it one of the most attended events and festivals in December. Thousands of people all book their tickets to Goa to the music that takes over their souls on the beaches. Imagine! Bare feet on the sand with the waves hitting the shores and your favorite music reverberating in the air.
For Sunburn 2023, the lineup has some very talented artists like Hardwell, Coyu, Giorgia Anguili, Maddix, and a whole lot more. If you want to end your year with full party vibes and dance until your body can’t anymore, you know where to go.
Ticket Price: INR 3,000 onwards
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (43 km away)
Closest Railway Station: Thivim (16 km away)
Nearest Major City: Panaji (20 km away)
6. Konark Dance Festival: Konark, Odisha
Make sure you pack a bag of grace and awe if you choose to visit the Konark Dance Festival. This extraordinary festival has been hosted since 1986 right beside the famous Sun Temple of Konark. Here, you get to witness exponents of different classical dances of India, be it Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, and more. This unique representation of culture and art is what makes this one of the most endeared events and festivals to attend in December.
The fun isn’t restricted to just dancing at the festival. You can even go check out the arts and crafts mela held there. You can find some of the finest sculptures to take back home as souvenirs and snacks to relish. Also, remember to visit the nearby Chandrabhaga Beach during the festival dates to experience the International Sand Art Festival as well!
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (65 km away)
Closest Railway Station: Puri (35 km away)
Nearest Major City: Puri (35 km away)
7. Cochin Carnival: Kochi, Kerala
A group of friends put together a festival at the Fort Kochi beach to celebrate International Youth Year in 1985. Today, this Cochin Carnival is the highlight of the city, and the way the locals usher in the New Year is something you have to experience!
The Cochin Carnival is a complete visual and extravaganza that’s held in the last weeks of December. The sights and sounds will draw you in, that we can assure you! Percussion arts like Sinkarimelam, Thakil melam, and the dancers will compel you to join in. Don’t be surprised if you see gods, historical figures, and celebrities strutting about – fancy dresses/cosplaying is just one of the competitions that take place during the Cochin Carnival.
In the evening the place comes alive with traditional music, dances, and performing arts. To give the place a more festive touch, the whole of K B Jacob Road is illuminated with thousands of stars. The arts carnival is set up on the same road. That’s not all! Every year on 31st December at zero hour, a gigantic figurine of Pappanji is burnt symbolizing the birth of a new year and the end of the old one. Traditions like these make it one of the most loved events and festivals in December.
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (37 km away)
Closest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (13 km away)
Nearest Major City: Kochi (0 km away)
8. Galdan Namchot: Leh, Ladakh
The arrival of Galdan Namchot marks the beginning of the new year in Ladakh! So, you can imagine how big of a deal the festival is. And the people do go all out during their celebrations. The day is special because of the birthday of Je Tsongkhapa who was a Tibetan scholar and founder of the Gelugpa sect.
The houses are adorned with butter lamps to symbolize victory over darkness. You’ll even get to relish some piping hot butter tea, momos, and Thukpa – some of the best cuisines of Ladakh. Monks don colorful robes to perform some dancing dramas, an absolute entertainment and an insight into Tibetan culture.
Oh! If you’re handed a free scarf during your visit to Galdan Namchot, accept it. It’s the local tradition to give away free scarves and express their happiness. Wholesome, isn’t it? Moments like these are what make this occasion one of the best events and festivals to experience in Decemeber.
Ladakh is also quite a beauty to witness. So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to go visit Ladakh in December, you’ve found one now!
Ticket Price: Free
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (8 km away)
Closest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (672 km away)
Nearest Major City: Srinagar (422 km away)
Summing Up
All of these festivals have so much more than just fun to offer. And you must experience them yourself! Reading about it and being present in the place, soaking in the culture are two very different things. We’ve something for everyone in the list provided. So, pick your events or festivals in December and end your year with fond memories!
FAQs
Which Indian Festival Is On 25th December?
Tulsi Pujan Diwas is celebrated on 25th December every year. Tulsi has medicinal qualities and is also known to bring prosperity to a house.
Which Is The Biggest Festival Of India?
Diwali, the festival of lights, is the biggest festival in India. It’s celebrated on the occasion of Lord Rama’s 14-year exile coming to an end. You’ll find houses decorated with lights and children bursting crackers in every part of India.
What Are The Special Days Of December?
December is the last month of the year and has a bunch of important days. Some of them are Christmas, Indian Navy Day, World Computer Literacy Day, World AIDS Day, UNICEF Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Which Is The Festival Of Love?
Holi is considered to be the festival of love. It’s mainly because on this day, people put aside their hatred and resentment and everybody unites.
What Is The Importance Of December 10 In India?
December 10 in India is celebrated as Human Rights Day, and on this day people observe to protect the fundamental rights of being a human.
What Is Special About Sunburn Goa?
Nothing much, except it is the biggest EDM Festival in all of Asia! It started in 2007 as a three-day festival and has been evolving ever since.
Where is the Ranthambore Music Festival?
The festival takes place in Nahargarh Ranthambhore, which is only 4 km from Ranthambore National Park.
Which Festival Is Celebrated On 15 December?
Indians love their tea, and so, on 15 December the Indians celebrate International Tea Day.
