5 Events in March You Cannot Miss

As the winter retreats and spring sets in, March makes for the perfect weather for a month full of celebrations and events in India. Make the most of this pleasant weather and be a part of the festivities, displaying the best of Indian culture.

Here is a list of the top events and festivals this March that you should definitely travel for-

 

1. International Yoga Festival

A must not miss for Yoga enthusiasts, this festival is one of the largest yoga gatherings in the world. It brings together hundreds of people from across the globe and makes for an ideal invigorating setup on the banks of the holy Ganges. Held at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, it features exclusive yoga sessions with renowned yoga scholars and practitioners, from India and abroad. Learn more about this ancient skill through discussions with spiritual leaders, and attend workshops, satsangs and events on the picturesque ghats. Along with yoga, the festival also focuses on meditation techniques, and offers sattvic food (yogic diet) and humble lodging for a complete familiarity with the aspects of ancient Indian culture. Experience physical and spiritual bliss at this week long festival of holistic wellness.

When: 1^st to 7^th March 2020

Where: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh

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2. Holi

Of the many exuberant Holi celebrations all over India, the festivities at Mathura are a must experience. Starting a week before the main day, the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon celebrate Lathmar Holi, a fun-filled event where women chase men and beat them up with lathis. A day before Holi, participate in the flamboyant procession consisting of decorated vehicles, children dressed up as Krishna or Radha, and flowers and Holi colors all around. Following the procession, the burning of the effigy of Holika in the evening or Holika dehan is a must see, especially at Holi Gate. On the main Holi day, head to the famous Dwarkadheesh Temple amidst throngs of locals and tourists drenched in water, smearing each other with colors, dancing to dhols, and drinking multiple glasses of bhang. This most colorful and exciting festival is best experienced not from a distance, but by participating in it. So keep away that camera, gulp down a glass of bhang and dive in to enjoy the festivities!

When: 3^rd to 10^th March 2020

Where: Mathura

3. Chinakkathoor Pooram

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Head to Kerala for a mesmerizing display of colors and art forms at the Chinakkathoor Pooram festivities. This cultural and religious celebration features a grand procession of 33 ornamented elephants, amidst traditional music, dances, and much fervor. Shutterbugs are in for a treat as the famous Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple comes alive with traditional arts and performances, with Panchavadyam or traditional Kerala orchestra being the main attraction. Tholpavakoothu or shadow puppetry, held at the temple on the 17 days leading up to Chinakkathoor Pooram is also a must see. This annual cultural extravaganza is truly a treat for the eyes!

When: 8^th March 2020

Where: Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple, Palakkad, Kerala

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4. Shigmo

Experience Goa beyond the beaches at the Shigmotsav annual festival. This Goan celebration of the coming of spring features processions with people dressed up in colorful outfits, folk songs and dances, locals smearing each other with colors, and vibrant decorations all over the city. The traditional Fugdi dance and Ghode Modni or horse dance are a must see, and processions depicting various scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are much looked forward to. Head to the interior areas for a more authentic experience of this colorful festival. Celebrated with much zeal, this two-week long festival is considered to be Goa’s version of Holi.

When: 21^st ​​March to 4^th April 2020

Where: Goa

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5. Gudi Padwa

Celebrated as the start of the New Year in Marathi culture, Gudi Padwa is observed in Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka. Its starts with a ceremonial oil bath and involves prayers, ritualistic offerings, and a unique prasad of neem and jaggery. The upside down hoisting of a kalash (known as gudi) covered in red, yellow, or saffron cloth outside a window, is an important highlight. Besides the rituals, processions featuring lezim folk performances are a must see, and traditional dishes such as Puran Poli and Shrikhand are a must try. As you go about experiencing this colorful festival, keep your camera ready and capture the beautiful doorways and front yards adorned with rangoli designs and flower decorations throughout Maharashtra.

When: 25^th March 2020

Where: Maharashtra

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