As the final month of Spring arrives, we find ourselves standing on the threshold to Summer. The flowers are in full bloom, the first phase of planting rituals this year are over, and many varieties of mangoes have already begun arriving, much to our delight! India, the land of myriad celebrations brings forth another bouquet of the most fantastic festivals this month. From the Annual Flower Festival of Sikkim to the incredible Dhungri Mela of Manali, read on to discover as Travel & Deal explores the innumerable range of festivities this month!
International Flower Festival
When: May 1–31
Where: Gangtok, Sikkim
The Sikkim landscapes have much to offer this month. Over 400 types of orchids, along with varied species of rhododendrons and many other exotic varieties of blooms. Additionally, along with the gorgeous floral exhibitions, the capital city of Gangtok also hosts lectures and seminars on its numerous foliage.
Moatsu Festival
When: First week of May each year.
Where: Mokokchung, Nagaland
The Moatsu Festival is a time of great jubilation as the planting season comes to an end. Basically the festival marks the advent of the upcoming harvest season. It is celebrated by the Ao tribes of Nagaland and involves lot of singing, dancing, and merry making. Men and women put on the best of their outfits, sit around fire, and indulge in eating meat and wine. Sounds like heaven does it not?
Thrissur Pooram
When: May 5
Where: Thrissur, Kerala
A unique festival in its own right, this is an approximately one-and-a-half day marathon of a celebration that goes on non-stop! About ten deities from the all the neighboring temples are assembled at Thrissur, and this majestic procession is carried out with over 50 heavily decorated elephants carting the deities. An exceptional spectacle indeed. Hymns and devotional chants fill the air along with fireworks at night.
Buddha Purnima
When: May 10
Where: Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
Sarnath, the place where Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining salvation, still remains an important point of summit for all His followers, these many years after His mortal death. Buddhist monks and followers from all across the world congregate at this remarkable spot to celebrate the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. The celebrations are peaceful and extremely profound, consisting of prayers, discourses and meditation.
Dhungri Mela
When: May 14-16 every year.
Where: Hadimba Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The Dhungri Mela goes on for three days, as an ode to Goddess Hidimba’s birthday in the gorgeous hill town of Manali. Hidimba was the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandavas from the great Hindu epic Mahabharata. Her presence has always been considered of honour, and her Her temple is one of the most important ones in the region. Many Gods and Goddesses from surrounding villages are carried in procession to attend the celebrations. A carnival is arranged, and there is much merry making, complete with stalls of all kinds and joy rides. The festival involves traditional cultural singing and dancing, along with performances of the Kullu Natti folk dance, the local folk dance.
Ramadan
When: May 15-June 14, 2018.
Where: Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad
Ramadan is when Muslims fast daily sunrise until sunset. In the evenings, the streets in traditional Muslim areas are inundated with the very alluring aroma of freshly roasted meat and sweet bread to feed the hungry folks. Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, with more feasting and shopping.
Ganga Dussehra
When: May 24, 2018.
Where: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
When Bhagiratha prayed and paid his penance to Brahma for Ganga to comes down to Earth, Brahma agreed and ordered Ganga to descend to the planet. However came a warning, that the force with which Ganga would flow may have an alarming impact on Earth. Thus began Bhagirath’s second penance seeking Lord Shiva’s help in the matter. Pleased with his imploring, Shiva appeared and softened Ganga’s fall with his matted locks. Thus prevailed the river of purity on Earth, and Ganga Dussehra is celebrated to mark this auspicious time of her descent. A large number of pilgrims come together alongside the holy river, to bathe in it and worship.
