As summer comes to an end, it's time for festivals in June to bring in the joys of monsoon! June doesn't only bring mizzle and drizzle in India, but a lot of exciting festivities and events that make the whole of India revel. Festivals in June paint India with lively colours which allure tens and thousands of tourists from across the world.
The subsequent list of festivals in June tells you about some famous and traditional festivals observed in India. While a few celebrate the culture, others let you get immersed in ethnic colours. Have a look!
Ganga Dussehra
According to Hindu mythicism, Ganga Dussehra or Gangavataran is believed to be the day when Goddess Ganga materialized (set foot) on Earth from heaven. She chose to do so, to confer years-long prayers of Saint Bhagirath. The festival is observed for ten days and the last day is called Shukla Dashami.
Adherents, saints and sages dip in the holy river water, chanting hymns and mantras consecrated to the goddess. As per the legends praying to Goddess Ganga during the festival enables oneself to get rid of ten transgressions or sins.Ganga Dussehrais among the most popular festivals in June in India meant for religious people and those who seek sight of true Hindu culture.
Where:Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi, Allahabad
2020 Dates:12 June
International Mango Festival
As summer arrives, mango lovers lose their calm; and Delhi is doing a good job in rewarding them with the yearly mango festival. Surely, there will be every kind of mangoes imaginable awaiting you, so make sure you go empty stomach to feast as much as you please. This not just about mangoes there are mango eating contests, music and dance performances held to make your time even more unforgettable.
Where:Delhi
Sao Joao Feast Of St John
Sao Joao Feast of St John the Baptist has so many highlights it gives another strong reason to visit Goa. The festival is celebrated through community dances and even grabbing feni from the ponds and streams by diving in. As the name suggests, the festival is dedicated to St John the Baptist and is complemented with vibrantly-coloured clothes, feni and so much more. Even the boats are decorated by the local community to make everything look beautiful. It is one of the bestreligious festivals in June.
Where:Goa (Siolim specifically)
2020 Dates:24 June
Shimla Summer Festival
The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla turns more buzzing with the arrival of its annual summer festival. During this time of the year, the city experiences an influx of tourists, making the event more successful. There are folk music, dance, shows and other such events to keep the attendees amused. TheShimla Summer Festivalis being celebrated since the '60s, and the enthusiasm hasn't faded since then. It is one of the most popularHindu festivals in June.
Where:Shimla
2020 Dates:2 - 7 June
Saga Dawa
A month-long festival,Saga Dawaholds special significance in Buddhism, especially Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhists in Sikkim. Different rituals are performed in the monasteries of this state and there are full moon days, representing the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautam Buddha. As a remembrance of Buddha, monks and people light up butter lamps, and it is believed that these butter lamps act as a guiding light to the devotees who feel lost in the way.
Where:Northeast India (Sikkim, Darjeeling)
2020 Dates:8 - 26 June
Sindhu Darshan Festival
Sindhu Darshan Festivalis celebrated for three days in June, amidst the scenic mountainscape of Ladakh, on the banks of Indus River (Aka Sindhu River). It's being celebrated since 1987, and our list of festivals in June would be incomplete without mentioning this one. As people bring water from the rivers of their states to further immerse in Indus; we can say there is no better representation of the cultural harmony of the country. It is one of the bestfestivals in June 2020.
Where:Ladakh
2020 Dates:12 - 14 June
Ambubachi Mela
Celebrating the menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya, Ambubachi is not just another festivals in June in India. Though the main temple stays shut for three days, during which the devotees indulge in prayers and farming. On the fourth day, when the door opens, the idol is bathed before letting devotees enter for darshans. The spring water is offered as a form of blessing. Not just the devotees, saints from different parts of India come over and perform rituals. It is one of the most amazingfestivals in June 2020 India.
Where:Guwahati in Assam
2020 Dates:22 June
Feast Of St Peter And Paul
Celebrated primarily by the fisherman community of Goa, Feast of St Peter and Paul is also known as Festival of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The people celebrate monsoon arrival and bravery of the saints through dances, song and various shows performed on river banks. The river by St. Peter's Chapel is used as a mode to carry boats with idols; this represents a part of Sangodd tradition. Of all thefestivals in June month, this is one that you must be a part of at least once in your life.
Where:Goa (Bardez specifically)
2020 Dates:29 June
Rath Yatra
The Puri Rath Yatra is among the most-awaited Hindu festivals in June. Celebrated in one of four ‘Chardham' pilgrimage spots in the country (Jagannath Temple), the festival is about colourful processions of the Hindu deities, placed on chariots. The procession starts from Jagannath Temple, carry idols of Lord Jagannath with his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra; and later concludes in the Gundicha Temple. Along the route, devotees and saints gather to chant and sing praising the almighty.
This year the festival is falling in July, however, the dates may vary yearly (taking place in June or July).
Where:Orissa
2020 Dates:4 July