Top Monsoon Festivals of India You Shouldn’t Miss

India’s diverse culture is a secret to no one. Beyond the variety of languages, food, art forms, etc, Indian festivals too are an essential part of the country’s heritage.  Monsoon festivals of India are quite elaborate, to say the least. Since India’s population is heavily dependent on agriculture, the season is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show all over the country. Almost every region of the country takes part in the festivities with its traditions and customs. These monsoon festivals of India are essentially a way to honour the rainy season for its gifts of wealth and prosperity.

Onam

One of the most elaborate monsoon festivals of India is celebrated in God’s Own Country- Kerala. Onam is significant for farmers as they celebrate the rains nourishing their crops. Carnivals of elephants, traditional ceremonies, music, and the Kathakali dance are seen in various villages and cities of the state. A distinct feature is the adrenaline-filled snake-boat races known as the Vallam Kali. The men on board chant slogans to compete in the spirit of the festival. Stunning flower decorations called the Pookalam also add to the beauty of Onam. Delicacies, including curries and payasam, are served on banana leaves to all who partake in the festival. Some of the best places to witness Onam are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, and Alappuzha.

Puri Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is a grand affair like no other. The festival has been celebrated in the 900-year-old Jagannath Temple in Puri for ages. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (an avatar of Krishna), his sister Subhadra, and his brother Balbhadra.  The principal ritual involves a staggering procession of moving massive idols of the 3 figures from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. This marks the siblings’ visit to their aunt’s home for 9 days. The idols are worshipped in Gundicha for these 9 days. Richly decorated chariots that are over 40 feet high are used for the procession. The festival draws thousands of people from India and overseas alike. Puri is easily accessible from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.

Ganesh Chaturthi

You have probably seen depictions of this festival in Bollywood movies- such is its grandeur that the city of Mumbai almost comes to a standstill to honour Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated all over the state of Maharashtra and elsewhere. It marks the birth of Lord Ganesh, who is revered for his wisdom and grace. New idols of the elephant God are brought into homes and worshipped for ten days. 

The larger ones are kept in pandals that gain great footfall. When the idols are finally immersed, the practice is accompanied by energetic processions of Marathi music, dance, and rituals. The famed ‘Modak’ (a sweet dish) is the most popular food during these 10 days. If you visit a Marathi home during Ganesh Chaturthi, it is impossible for you to leave without a box of delicious modaks. The next time you want to enjoy an Indian festival, immerse yourself in Ganesh Chaturthi as the beating pulse of the state and its people during these 10 days is infectious.

Aadi Perukku

The culture of monsoon festivals of India is incomplete without honouring the divine powers of century-old rivers and the rains that make or break the country’s produce. Aadi Perukku, celebrated in Tamil Nadu, is one such festival. People worship the Cauvery River to seek safety from heavy rains. It is mainly celebrated by Tamil women through holy baths and floating beautiful diyas in the pristine waters. The sights of the rituals are aesthetically pleasing to the eye as women get decked up in ethnic wear and offer prayers to Mother Nature. Do not miss out on eating Tamil delicacies made with rice if you are in town for  Aadi Perukku!

Saputara Monsoon Festival

The grand festival is organised by the Gujarat Tourism Department. Gujarat’s mostly dry weather rejuvenates during this season with the incoming rains. Jubilation is in the air as the state witnesses a myriad of cultural and regional activities. Folk performances are held in the area around Saputara Lake. If you are in the mood for one, Sunset Point, Main Circle, and Governor Hill are your best bets. A Rain Run Marathon is held, an experience worth a try for fitness enthusiasts. As it often coincides with Janmashthami, a vibrant Dahi Handi competition is held as well. The festival is an enchanting blend of mythology, history, and culture.

Hareli

Celebrated in Chhattisgarh, it gets its name from the word ‘hariyali’, meaning greenery. The celebrations are rooted in the agricultural communities of the state, waiting for a healthy harvest. It is one of the most defining monsoon festivals of India since it takes place right at the beginning of the rainy season. The God of Agriculture, ‘Kutki Dai’ is worshipped amongst groups like that of the Gond Tribe. The new moon is an important day, and unique prayers are offered for the betterment of the region. The most unique traditions of the festivities include Gedi, a game where men walk on bamboo stilts, and the planting of  Bhelwa tree branches.

Hemis Festival

The monsoon season is considered the best period to visit Ladakh, and the Hemis festival is one of the principal reasons why. If you are looking for an unconventional experience this monsoon, look no further.  It is celebrated at the Hemis Gompa, a legendary Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. The appeal of the 2-day event lies in Cham- a tantrik tradition where monks perform dance dramas clad in ornate headgear and elaborate jewellery. It is often accompanied by music on cymbals and drums. Usual Ladakh attractions like yak/ camel rides and picturesque adventures are available as well. The cold desert climate of Ladakh leads to minimal rain, so it is the perfect destination if you are looking to experience something beyond the usual monsoon festivals of India.

A lot of the aforementioned festivals are spectacles that get buried under the hype of the more popular touristy experiences of India. If you are open to discovering India’s lesser-known heritage, these monsoon festivals of India are a good place to start.