Indian Fests In January: A 2019 Must-Visit Checklist

1. Araku Balloon Festival

P.C: ian dooley

In the picturesque Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh, a hot air balloon festival is arranged every year. Get carried away in the beautiful valleys amidst the rocky Eastern Ghats and behold the majestic view it offers. The festival is targeted to promote the scope of adventure tourism in the state with participation of a total of 20 teams from 12 countries. Luxury glamping is provided to accomodate the guests and apart from the hot air balloon fest, arrangements of other activities such as para-motoring, music, and games are also taken care of.

When: January 18-20, 2019.
Where: Araku, Andhra Pradesh.

2. Jaipur Literature Festival

P.C: Annie Spratt

Literature, art lovers and all the bookworms head to the Jaipur Literature Festival, renowned as the world's largest lit fest! Meet and greet with your favourite national and international authors and enroll yourself for a free book signing session! Listen to them speak or go for a book reading session from groundbreaking authors. The list of authors attending the fest is to be checked on the official site.

When: January 24-28, 2019.
Where: Diggi Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

3. SunSplash

P.C: Hannah Rodrigo

You won't want to miss the Goa SunSplash 2019, if you have a love for reggae music, or to the very least appreciate it. The celebrations take place in the fervour of love, peace and unity. Witness a line up of your favourite artists from all around the world, rock the stage with their fresh music and talent. SunSplash Goa is South Asia's largest celebration of reggae culture with 3 music spaces catering to all styles of reggae music from dub to dancehall. This Goa festival provides a different experience from the usual party-life of the place. Guests indulge in food from some of Goa's finest eateries and also can treat themselves with some shopping from the stocked up flea markets with handicrafts all around the world.

When: January 12-13, 2019.
Where: Riva Beach Resort, Mandrem beach, North Goa.

4. Kenduli Mela

P.C: Pavel Kassai

For an exceptional experience of Bengal, head out to the Kenduli Mela in Shantiniketan. Catch a glimpse of the band of wandering spiritualist minstrels, clothed in saffron robes, who gather to perform and sing extraordinarily about the philosophy of life, using the basic articulations. They are locally known as Baul singers and are accustomed to play a distinctive stringed instrument called the 'ektara'. The Kenduli Mela is organised on the banks of the River Ajay, around this time of the year to commemorate the celebrated poet Jaydev Kenduli, and the date on which the fair commences, is the auspicious birth day of the artist Jaydev.

When: January 15-17, 2019.
Where: Kenduli village, Shantiniketan, West Bengal.

5. Rann Utsav

P.C: Kaushik Patel

The Rann Utsav is a two and a half month long extravaganza that takes place on the soil of Gujarat. The Utsav flashes out and frames up the regional culture and heritage of the place. The days are filled with folk dances and music, colourful kite flying competitions, adventure sports, handicrafts, food stalls, and excursions to the near by destinations. From luxury tent camping with delectable food to splurge on to exploring Kutch's silver white barren salt deserts set against the backdrop of the pearly sterling moonlight, the festival has something to cater to every traveller's delight! Camel and jeep safaris are also arranged to explore the salt desert.

When: Ongoing until February 20, 2019. It is best to be visited on full moon nights to see the moon shining on the salt in all its pomp and glory.
Where: Rann of Kutch, Dhordo, Gujarat.