5 must-visit November cultural festivals across India

November 6, 2014 10:13 AM | Skymet Weather Team

The disappearance of the Monsoon, clear sunny skies, comfortable day temperatures, pleasantly chilly at night and gradually freezing temperatures in the north Indian plains characterize November that sets the pace for the tourist season in India.

The cool and comfortable weather for travelers is also an ideal time for ardent nature lovers and admirers of Indian culture as November is a time for fairs and festivals across country.

So what are you waiting for?
Waste no time in packing those travel bags lying vacantly in your closet as we bring you hotspots for this November.

RISHIKESH
Nestled in the hilly terrains, Rishikesh experiences a pleasant weather in November becoming a hot tourist spot. No wonder, the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh is the quintessential place for the international yoga and music festival magnetizing the fitness aficiandoes.
International Yoga and Music Festival
International Yoga and Music Festival witnesses some of the best professional yoga teachers, Ayurvedic doctors, yoga lecturers, musicians, and philosophers from Rishikesh and abroad. People can indulge in classes and lectures that cover topics like yoga asans, ayurveda and Indian classical music.

And yes, don’t forget to enjoy the balmy evenings as you immerse yourself in the Indian classical music concert.
When: November 1-14, 2014

RAJASTHAN
Warm and sunny days along with cool evenings make Rajasthan the idyllic location for enjoying your holidays due to its beauty and hospitality. During November, take pleasure in festivals that engages you in cultural heritage of this place.

Bundi Utsav
Bundi is a picturesque spot in the Hadoti region in Rajasthan. The Bundi Utsav brings it alive with the culture, folklore, traditions and craft of the region. The festival commences with a procession, and features an arts and crafts fair, traditional rural sports, cultural exhibition, and folk/classical music and dance program. There's even a turban competition. Fireworks cap off the festival.
When: November 9-11, 2014.

Matsya Festival
The Matsya Festival showcases Rajasthani culture and heritage at its best. Attractions include exhibitions, competitions, sports, folk music, songs and dances.
When: November 25-26, 2014

GOA
As winter approaches in the North India, beaches in Goa become the next best escape from the slight winter chill of places like Delhi, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The comfortable weather of Goa not just attracts the honeymooners but youngsters who look for a tireless weekend getaway to their hectic week.

Besides beaches and sand, Goa has lot to offer to it tourists during November. This is the time for an exposition of sacred relics of the patron saint of the city.

Exposition of sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier
The curiously preserved body of St.Francis Xavier, a revered missionary and the patron saint of Goa, is kept in a casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Every 10 years, it's taken out and displayed for public viewing. The theme for this year's exposition is Faith Creates Communion, Strengthens Family, Commissions to Renew the Society.
When: November 22 - January 4, 2015

KERALA
Even though Kerala remains warm and humid during days, the widespread rain in November due to northeast monsoon makes the evening comfortable in the city. ‘God’s own country’ plays host to multiple festivals during November out of which the annual chariot festival is most popular one.

Kalpathi Ratholsavam
It is a weeklong annual festival of Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival) that begins in November, every year at the ancient Kalpathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (temple dates back to 1425 A.D.) near Palakkad.

When: 14 Nov - 16 Nov 2014

DELHI

It’s not even winter and Deliites are experiencing chilly mornings and winters! A sharp decline in day temperatures leads to pleasantly warm days and chilly evenings.

So enjoying musical summits in evenings against the backdrop of Delhi’s architectural beauty can be your best bet in November.

SAARC musical summit
Be it the heavy metal bands infusing musical elements in the evening or the fusion bands jamming against classical singers, Purana Qila comes alive with high spirited performances during SAARC musical summit.
When: November 7-9, 2014

Qutub Festival
The Qutub Festival of classical music and dance takes place to commemorate the historical significance of Qutub Minar. The Festival highlights the greatness of India and its cultural achievements in the various forms of dance and music. Be fascinated by the musicians of sarangi and sitar.
When: 15 to 19 November, 2014

OTHER LATEST STORIES