It’s already March and summer is setting in pretty fast. Now is the last time to pack your bags and head out before the merciless summer heat in India reaches optimum. Here are the best places to go in India in March for a quick trip and to be a part of India’s cultural glory, sadly still very less known. This month we suggest attending various unique and untold festivals across India. Here’s a look:
The Konkan Turtle Festival, Ratnagiri - The Konkan Turtle Festival is organized from 1st to 7th of March by the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM) at the tiny village of Velas in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The Konkan Turtle Festival is part of the conservation program aimed at protecting the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. The festival is normally spread over a 7 to 14-day period in the month of March. During this time, activists of the organization as well as tourists and locals release thousands of freshly hatched Olive Ridley Turtles into the sea. Over the years, the festival has spread from Velas to 30 other villages. This festival is must see for all environment and wildlife lovers.
The Jaipur Elephant Festival - Elephant Festival is one of the most important festivals of India that is celebrated in the state of Rajasthan, particularly in Jaipur. It is held annually in the month of March and gathers large number of travelers from all over the country. Lots of elephants are brought during the festival, groomed to perfection, and adorned with jewels. The striking gait of the elephants is enthralling. Held on the eve of Holi each year, the festival has added entertainment like the tug of war between elephants. A quick weekend holiday from Delhi to Jaipur can be a great idea to celebrate your Holi differently.
Elephanta Festival in Mumbai – No this is not another elephant festival we are advising you to visit.. Elephanta festival is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism at the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai. The festival is dedicated to classical music and dance forms of India. Folk dance performance by the local fishermen tribes with a backdrop of magnificent sculptures is a sight that cannot be overlooked. The ‘Maheshmurti’, deity of Lord Shiva, is the central sculpture and the core point of celebration, which is lit up at night and provides a perfect backdrop for the stage. Apart from these fun-filled performances, there are a plenty of ethnic local delicacies that are served at the venue. So now you know, the city of dreams, Mumbai, has much more to offer than just Bollywood.
International Yoga Festival- If you're interested in yoga, India's International Yoga Festival is one event that you won't want to miss out on. Held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, is a week-long festival, held in the first week of March. This festival is believed to be one of the biggest annual yoga gatherings in the world. Tourists, most of which are foreigners, get to take part in a comprehensive program of yoga classes, and evening discussions with some of India's leading spiritual leaders. Yoga sessions are held along picturesque banks of the river Ganga.
The Attuvela Mahotsavam, Kerala – Kerala is not just about elephants, Ayurveda massages and magnificent temples! The Attuvela Mahotsavam is a unique water carnival festival as opposed to many of usual temple festivals celebrated in Kerala. This festival is held at Elankavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple, in Kottayam District of Kerala. During the festival, a procession of warmly illuminated canoes carry huge temple replicas through the water and are accompanied by the enchanting temple percussion music. According to legend, this day celebrates the welcome ceremony for the Kodungallur Bhagavathy to Elankavu who came to visit the goddess here.
“You are invited to the festival of this world and your life is blessed” – Rabindranath Tagore.
