Best Indian Culture

India is so culturally rich and diverse that one is often spoilt for choice. To make things easier, we recommend a few places that will help you experience India's age-old culture at its best.

 

 The ghats of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

 Vibrant and slightly chaotic, there's no better way to immerse oneself in the hustle of Indian life than by going down to one of Varanasi's ghats. Pilgrims mostly come here to offer their prayers and wash off their sins in the holy waters of the Ganges. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the sight of babas, sounds of chanting and the energy of the crowds that throng the place at all hours.

Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan

 

 

 Herds of camels, mustachioed contestants and vendors--all gather on the dunes of the Thar Desert in Pushkar during its annual livestock fair. Unlike what the name suggests, it is not only about camels. The area is filled with stalls selling textile, bangles and other trinkets, Ferris wheels, musicians and dancers, and competitions including that of the longest moustache. This year, the fair will be held between November 8 and November 15.

Temple festivals of Kerala

 

 Kerala is filled with gorgeous temples that host elaborate celebrations and rituals on different days of the year. Each temple has a set of traditions that are unique to it, and these colourful festivals are celebrated to pay tribute to the temples' presiding god. One of the main attractions is the parades of caparisoned elephants, which are usually accompanied by drummers and musicians. The entire year's calendar is filled with these festivals--this simply means that there's always something around the corner to participate in.

Qawwali Night, Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi

 

 On every Thursday, Delhi's Nizamuddin Dargah becomes the stage for one of Delhi's liveliest and most culturally enriching evenings. Sufi singers belt out songs to a captivated audience after sunset, while other devotees continue to visit the shrine and offer their prayers. The qawwali night represents the rich Sufi heritage of India, combined with spirituality.

Rann Utsav, Gujarat

 

 Under the full moon, the sparkling white expanse of the Rann bursts into a never-ending cultural spectacle of dance and music every year during the Rann Utsav. Showcasing centuries of Gujarati culture and tradition, the festival is a feast for all visitors. The festival usually kicks off sometime in December.

Chokhi Dhani, Sonipat and Jaipur

 Chokhi Dhani, in both Sonipat and Jaipur, allows one to effortlessly seep into the traditional Rajasthani village life. The resort has been built on the model of a typical Rajasthani village--right from the painted walls to the live display of folk music and dance to the food that is offered--Chokhi Dhani represents all elements of the state's art and culture.