Indian Fests In April: A 2019 Must-visit Checklist

1. Tulip Festival, Kashmir

P.C: Alessandro Segala

Traditionally held each April during the spring season, the Tulip Festival in Kashmir is India's most picturesque flower festival and a complete treat to the eyes. Spring is when Kashmir is at its most picturesque and Srinagar being home to Asia's largest tulip garden, becomes an oasis of more than million blooming tulips during this time of the year. The fascinating sight of myriads of tulips blooming and swaying in the spring air, paints the place in arresting and vibrant shades and hues. The Tulip Festival officially ushers in the vibrant spring season along with a daily event line-up of cultural programs, Kashmiri folk songs, sale of local handicrafts, and traditional Kashmiri cuisine.

When: First two weeks of April 2019
Where: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar, Kashmir

2. The Aoling Festival Of The Konyak Tribe, Nagaland

P.C: Daniel Silva Gaxiola

Grab the opportunity to experience both the culture and the nature of the verdant wonderlands of Nagaland this April, on the occasion of the Aoling Festival of the Konyak tribe. Formerly deadly headhunters, the tribe has now a more subtle silhouette to its existence. Spending their leisurely hours practising agriculture, drinking local alcohol, smoking opium and occasionally hunting, the Konyak tribe celebrates the Aoling Festival that is significant of having completed the sowing of seeds each year. The rituals in the festival stand for prosperity, fertility, purification and sacrifice performed by the indigenous tribal people. Meet the hospitable locals and delve deep into their cultural and ethnic roots, as they plunge themselves into the festivities of the Aoling Festival, marking the beginning of spring season and a new year.

When: 1st April to 6th April 2019
Where: Mon district, Nagaland

3. Nenmara Vallangi Vela, Kerala

P.C: Paulo Infante

Join in the holy celebrations of the Nellikulangara Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala on the festive occasion of the Nenmara Vallangi Vela. Held after a successful year of paddy harvest, the festival is a rich traditional fiesta, celebrated with much enthusiasm and zeal. From competing with the local villages putting on a great show displaying many traditional art forms to the locals showing up wearing their finest clothing, with elaborately decked up elephants marching on percussion music, the Nenmara Vallangi Vela is a blast that take over your senses and is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous people of Kerala.

When: 3rd April 2019
Where: Nellikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Nemmara, Kerala

4. Gudi Padwa Shobha Yatra, Maharashtra

P.C: Abhijit Tembhekar

Ushering in the Maharashtrian New Year, the Gudi Padwa festival is symbolic of the advent of a new year heralding new hopes, dreams, fulfilment and prosperity. Locals are all bathed in festive shades and traditionally dressed reflecting the glorious reign of the great warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji. The Gudi Padwa Shobha Yatra is a parade featuring saree- clad women riding bikes and myriads of floats portraying the culture of the state.

When: 6th April 2019
Where: Mumbai, Maharashtra

5. Rongali Bihu, Assam

P.C: Diganta Talukdar

It is harvest season in most parts of the country and just like everywhere, Assam too, celebrates a successful year of harvest. The celebrations and festivities go on for three long days characterized by a lot of exciting events and performances. From cultural dance and music programs to bull-fights and bird fights, Rongali Bihu is unquestionably one of the most exciting and significant festivals of the state.

When: 14th April to 16th April 2019
Where: All throughout the state of Assam

Make your #TravelGoals Happen With The Long Weekend Calendar Of 2019!