Festivals & Events in India in December 2009

What's On in India in December

The unique Hornbill Festival, named after the bird, shows just how diverse a country India really is. Held in a tiny and remote north eastern state of India, the festival is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of the region. It features traditional arts, dances, folk songs, and games, and music concerts in the evenings. Local handicrafts are also on sale during the festival. Unfortunately, a major drawback is that the festival is not easy to get to. Tourists require a permit to enter the state, and must to travel in groups of four or more people.

• When: December 1-7 each year.
• Where: Naga Heritage Village, Kisama (near Kohima), Nagarland.

This annual celebration is held in honor of Saint Francis Xavier, one of the greatest Christian missionaries to visit India. His mummified body is kept in a casket inside the captivating Bom Jesus Basilica in Old Goa, and every year people come to pray on the anniversary of his burial. The festival, which lasts for several days before and after the feast and includes a large fair, is one of the most important Christian events in Goa. The morning mass attracts people from all over the world.

• When: December 3 each year.
• Where: Bom Jesus Basilica, near Panaji, Goa.

This hugely popular and much anticipated month long festival, which is often described as the world's largest cultural event, serves up a plethora of traditional south Indian Carnatic music, dance, and other arts. Over 1,000 performances take place during the festival, along with music related seminars, discussions, and demonstrations.

• When: Mid December to mid January each year.
• Where: Music halls all over Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Anyone who loves shopping should make it a point to try and catch this impressive arts and crafts fair. Over 400 artisans and craftsmen from all over India come to set up stalls at the fair, which takes place in a sprawling artisans' village set up by the West Zone Cultural Center. Folk dances and cultural programs are also held as part of the festival. It's a great way to experience rural India culture.

• Top Udaipur Attractions
• Stay at a Palace Hotel in Udaipur
• Explore the Udaipur City Palace

• When: December 23 to January 1 each year.
• Where: Shilpgram, near Udaipur, Rajasthan.

The open air Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held against a background of rock sculptures in the beach town of Mamallapuram, just south of Chennai. It runs for a month and showcases a range of classical and folk dances from all over India.

• When: December 25, 2009 to January 25, 2010. Daily from 6-8 p.m.
• Where: Arjuna's Penance, Mamallapuram, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Cost: Tickets are 100 rupees per day.

One of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India is in Goa. The state has a large Christian population, and its many beautiful old Portuguese style churches overflow with people and Christmas cheer. Christmas decorations and trees adorn houses, streets, and market places. Christmas carols are sung and many of the churches hold midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Beach parties also abound.

• When: December 25 each year.
• Where: Goa.

One of the biggest outdoor dance parties to hit India's beaches, the Sunburn Festival is in its third year this year. The festival features well known artists and DJs from the electronic dance music scene all around the world. It's spread across three days, four stages, and numerous genres of music. The headlining act is Armin van Buuren.

• When: December 27-29, 2009. Midday until 10 p.m. Sunburn Afterdark party until sunrise at Butter.
• Where: Candolim Beach, Goa.
• Cost: One day and three day tickets available. One day tickets start from 1,500 rupees, plus 15% tax. Three day tickets from 3,000 rupees, plus tax. Tickets are available from the Book My Show website.

Surprisingly, Rajasthan isn't all desert! The cool, green hill settlement of Mt Abu is like an oasis, full of flourishing rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and forests. It becomes vibrant during the annual Winter Festival (a Summer Festival is also held there in May each year), which captures the spirit of Rajasthani tribal life and culture. Enjoy ceremonial processions, folk performances, fireworks, and competitions such as skating races, boat races, horse races, and tug-of-war.

• When: December 29-31 each year.
• Where: Mt Abu, Rajasthan.

As its name suggests, the focus of this festival (organized by the Rajasthan government's Department of Tourism, Art & Culture), is camels -- and plenty of them. The festival kicks off with a procession of camels decorated in their finest attire, and continues on with camel beauty pageants, camel races, and camel dancing. Who ever thought camels could dance? It's worth attending the festival just to see that performance! The festival ends with entertainment by Rajasthani folk artists, and fireworks.

• When: December 30-31, 2009.
• Where: Bikaner, Rajasthan.