Events in May 2016 You Cannot Afford to Miss

The Indian festival and event calendar usually remains pretty booked throughout the year. But May is a special month: the harbinger, if you will, of the summers from the pleasant breeze of the spring to the somewhat-oppressive heat of the infamous Indian summer.

Suffice it to say that we Indians have learned to take our restrictive season in our stride. This is evident by the number of festivals and events that pop up to give a suitable response to the challenge of summer – and in such style.

So, wipe that sweat off your brow and pack your bags to visit the events in May 2016 you cannot afford to miss.

Matheran Green Festival

Matheran is famous for not allowing any vehicles within its borders. It is only natural, however, that an event focused on natural conversation and environment protection be held in its lush-green interiors. Find your feet to Matheran’s cool, atmospheric climes to take part in the Matheran Green Festival – featuring architects, musicians, designers, artists, writers and intellectuals to do their bit in spreading awareness about the environment. In addition to tree planting, there are fifty other workshops using poetry, music, food, culture, art and photography in the hopes of spreading a more Go Green attitude.

When to go: May 1^st to 30^th, 2016

Where to go: Matheran, Maharashtra

Mt. Abu Summer Festival

The Mt. Abu Summer Festival offers something for everyone – apart from the spectacle of being in Mt. Abu itself. Mornings start with folk ballads and cultural ethnic dances, followed by boat races on Nakki Lake and roller skating races. Following this, you have a stunning fireworks display in the evening until the highlight of the event: the Sham-e-Qawwali music show begins. Featuring the most talented qawwals in and beyond the country, this is definitely the event most look forward to.

When to go: May 20^th till May 21^st, 2016

Where to go: Mt Abu, Rajasthan

Himalayan Music Festival

With two editions under its kitty already, the Himalayan Music Festival returns with the promise of two days of psy-trance music set forth by ten international DJs gracing the lovely climes of McLeodganj this May. Billed as a drug-free event, this music festival is certainly a cut apart from the rest. Entertainment shows and adventure options of trekking and mountain biking are also being offered.

When to go: May 7^th till 8^th, 2016

Where to go: The Great Himalayan Resort, Bhagsu, McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh 

​Ooty Summer Festival

Designed to showcase the best of Ooty to visitors, the Ooty Summer Festival is held across a number of places. From a vegetable show at Kotagiri to a spice fare at Gudulur, followed by a rose show at the Ooty Rose Garden, a flower show at the Ooty Botanical Garden and a fruit show in Coonoor – Ooty knows how to delight its patrons with its rich natural landscape and its products. Expect all these gatherings to be coupled with boat races, cultural performances and trekking excursions.

When to go: May 20^th till May 21^st, 2016

Where to go: Ooty and surrounding environs

Parvati Peaking Festival

There’s nothing like chasing away the summer heat than letting your hair down in the salubrious environs of the Parvati Valley in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh. Promising a fiesta of psy-trance music belted out by 15 DJ sets from India, Russia, Spain and Jordan – the Parvati Peaking Festival also promises 17 live acts from artists across Sweden, Israel, Canada, Spain, Greece, Russia. Truly a multicultural party, the fourth edition of this festival is all set to surpass its predecessors in expectations…and reward.

When to go: Mary 27^th till 30^th, 2016

Where to go: Parvati Valley, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

So, where do you plan to go to beat the heat this May?