It's not over till it's over!

Yes, half the year has crept by stealthily, rejoicing in keeping us miles away from productivity.
Yes, another season of Game of Thrones done and dusted.
And yes, they say Jon Snow is gone for good.

And yet I say all is not lost. There may be no Jon Snow on the watch and no more January. But there are Khasi tribes putting up a show in the rolling hills of Nagaland this December! And there are scores of Mallu (and non mallu) men heaving and rowing mighty snake boats this August! And camels and their owners will come down for some fun in Pushkar in November!

More often than not, we overlook or worse still, are not even aware of the jewels of our own culture stretching across kilometers. Below is a very teeny snap shot of some of the amazing festivals and events to be held in the next couple of months, and it is a wonderful opportunity to attend a few, learn about our own country, learn about our culture and learn a little about our own selves.

August

What: Nehru Boat Trophy Race
When: 8th August 2015
Where: Allepey, Kerala

Come second Saturday of August every year and the peaceful Punnamada Lake becomes a fiery race track as hundreds of synchronized oars move towards the coveted trophy. The race is to commemorate the visit of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru to the district. Apart from the boat race, let the lazy days in a houseboat, amazing Malabari cuisine and some of the most breathtaking landscapes form the rest of the itinerary to Allepey!

Nehru Boat Trophy Race. Image Source Nehru Boat Races

What: Jhapan Mela

When: 18th August 2015

Where: Bishnupur, West Bengal

In what seems like the middle of nowhere, every August lives focus on snakes and the serpent deity Manasa Devi. Bishnupur is over 100km from kolkata and mostly known for its brilliant terracota temples. Post monsoons, members of the Rajbongshi tribe get together with their precious' and show tricks with pythons and cobras and pray to the Goddess for fertility and prosperity.

Jhapan Mela. Image Source Jon Hurd

September

What: Ziro Festival

When: 24th-27th September 2015

Where: Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

One of the most picturesque locations. Check.

Amazing music in the wilderness. Check.

Smaller but WAY prettier Glastonbury. Check.

22 shades of green, 35 acts, food drinks and much merry. Check.

IS there absolutely ANY reason why we would n't want to check out this music festival, set in the hillocks of Arunachal Pradesh?

Ziro Festival. Image Source Outlook Traveller

What: Ladakh Festival

When: 20th-26th September 2015

Where: Leh, Ladakh

Nestled in snow clad lofty mountains, Leh; once the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, celebrates with a final party to enjoy the all too brief summer with the Ladakh Festival. Seven days of lion and yak dances, locally brewed beer, fabulous delicacies, craft stalls, archery competitions and the stiff Himalayan air. Perfecto.

Ladakh Festival. Image Source Tour My India

October

What : NH7 Weekender

When: 23-24th October, 31st Oct- 1st Nov, 28-29th Nov, 28-29th Nov, 4-6th December

Where: Shillong, Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru

The big daddy of the Indian music festival scene, NH7 Weekender is adding Shillong, the fast east mystic town to its list of happy places. With a mix of alternative and mainstream music artists, lots of stalls and swelling crowds every year, it's one of the go-to events at least once!

NH7 Weekender. Image Source Timescity

What: Rajasthan International folk Festival

When: 23-27th October 2015

Where: Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Set in the premises of the stately Mehrangarh Fort, the festival aims at celebrating musical heritages from across the world. With over 200 artists collaborating to produce sizzling performances, full moon nights and the settings of the Best Fort in Asia, this beckons to be a weekend well entertained.

Jodhpur RIFF. Image Source Journeymart.com

What: Mysore Dussara

When: 14-23rd October 2015

Where: Mysore, Karnataka

Celebrated each year with fancy tableau's, processions, food stalls and of course the breathtaking Mysore Palace being lit up in all it's glory, the Mysore Dusshera is the state festival of Karnataka celebrating the victory of good over evil.

Mysore Palace

November

What: Pushkar Camel Fair

When: 19-25th November 2015

Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan

Thoroughbred Mewari horses, groups of camels, herders and traders, tented bazaars, deals and negotiations, sometimes even marriage proposals, camel rides, hot air balloons, and endless food. 'Nuff said. 

Pushkar Fair. Image Source Hdimagegallery.net

What: International Yoga and Music Festival

When: 5-14th November 2015

Where: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

With the Ganga gurgling down, mystic charms around and now with Yoga having it's own official international day of celebration, this 10-day event is perfect for a holistic mind and body cleansing vacation.

Yoga Fest

December

What: Hornbill Festival

When: 1-10th December 2015

Where: Kohima, Nagaland

I would bet this by far is one of the most photogenic festivals one can ever be able to attend. Set in Nagaland, the Switzerland of the East, with one of the most humble and welcoming population (who can cook pork in the most unimaginable delicious ways!), rugged hills and emerald valleys, the festivals portrays the rich tribal culture of the region.

Hornbill Festival. Image Source Indiasnortheast.com

What: Rann Utsav

When: December - March

Where: Kutchh, Gujarat

Salt marshland stretching for miles, the clear white moon adorning the night sky as you sit on the pristine white stretch, and local dancers enthrall  you with their performances, there are very few places that would come close to this when thinking about how to spend a Saturday night. The Government of Gujarat organizes the Rann Utsav every year with very attractive and convenient packages, for you to be able to get a taste of culture, cuisine, hospitality and beauty of the Rann.

Rann of Kutchh

What : Sunburn Festival

When: 27-30th December

Where: Vagator, Goa

Yep, how could any December in India feel complete without the obligatory party scene in Goa? And it gets even better if you manage to get the tickets (and reasonable flight tickets and accommodation without selling an organ) to the Sunburn Festival! In it's 9th year now, the festival brings some of the most well known names in electronic music to beach city.

Sunburn

What: Magnetic Fields Festival

When: 18-20th December

Where: Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan

From the nomadic Bedouins theme last year to inter galactic travel in 2015, set in the charming Alsisar Mahal, showcasing some of the finest underground artists to a limited audience, the magnetic Fields is one of the most forward thinking amalgamation of India's creative space.

Magnetic Fields Festival. Image Source Youngisthan.in

And if you have read till here, then move over to Skyscanner and start booking tickets to one of the many locations that our wonderful country has and get set to enthrall your minds and souls!

Yes, THAT much to cover in 6 months!!!

Events and Festivals to Stave Off Q1 Blues!I

It was just the second day of a glorious new year and I was already sunk deep into work, pouring into my computer screen and slowly slipping into my not so happy zone.

That's when I came up with the below list of events and festivals to attend in India, of all kinds for all kinds to keep boredom at bay for the next few months at least!

January:

1.  Rann Utsav, Kutch (15^th December – 5^th March 2015)

Salt marshland stretching for miles, the clear white moon adorning the night sky as you sit on the pristine white stretch, and local dancers enthral you with their performances, there are very few places that would come close to this when thinking about how to spend a Saturday night. The Government of Gujarat organizes the Rann Utsav every year from December to March, with very attractive and convenient packages, for you to be able to get a taste of culture, cuisine, hospitality and beauty of the Rann.

Tent city at the Rann of Kutch

Performances on the pristine white stretch

2. ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival (21^st – 25^th January)

It has the literati, it has the suaveness, the intellect, some of the greatest thinkers and writers and it is FREE! The Jaipur Literature Festival is back this year. Started in 2006, the Festival is considered one of the torchbearers of culture catalysts and forums for free flow of ideas and expressions. With an impressive line up of speakers and events, this year too is bound to exceed expectations.

The best thinkers, writers and ideators

3. Hampi Utsav (9^th – 11^th January), GoHampi UNESCO Run (25^th January)

Started during the rule of Krishnadevaraya over the Vijayanagar empire, the Hampi Utsav has been organized every year to celebrate the grandeur, culture and now ruins of a once magnificent and thriving kingdom. From artists’ performances to local artisans selling their fares, Hampi becomes even grander over the weekend than it usually is through the year.

Also later in the month, is the GoUNESCO Hampi Heritage run organized by GoUNESCO. This is a fun run which covers the ruins of the world heritage site, giving a glimpse of local life and a stunning landscape.

4. Kochi Muziris Biennale (2^nd December – 29^th March 2015)

Kochi Muziris Biennale is an international exhibition of contemporary art, hosted in the city of Kochi. The inaugural edition of the Biennale opened in December 2012 and ran for 96 days. The second edition opened on December 12, 2014 and will continue till end of March 2015.  Indian and international artists exhibit art works and installations across a variety of mediums. Through the celebration of contemporary art the Biennale seeks to reinstate the cultural legacy of Kerala.

India's only Biennale

5.  International Kite Festival, Ahmedabad (7^th – 15^th January)

We Indians take everything very seriously, yes even kite flying! It’s Makar Sankranti, so how can you not fly a kite?! And how can we not invite the rest of a world to celebrate this joyous occasion! Organized by the Government of Gujarat for the last 27 years, the International Kite Flying Festival brings together master kite makers and flyers from all over the world to engage the crowd with the marvellous creations and extraordinary skills.

Master kite makers and flyers assemble from all over the world

6. Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, Ludhiana (29^th January – 1^st February)

From professional bullock cart and dog racers to daredevils lifting bicycles with their teeth, you’ve got to see it to believe it at Kila Raipur! The Rural Olympics held every year 15km away from Ludhiana is a one stop shop for your adrenalin kick, food delight and cultural fiestas!

One stop for crazy adrenaline and entertainment fix!

February:

1. SulaFest, Nasik (7^th- 8^th February)

Why wait till Tomorrowland and Sunburn when you can kick start the heady partying and revelry in February itself!  Camp out in the lush vineyards, sway to some amazing international and Indian music while indulging in great spirits, spice up your wardrobe from the Sula Bazaar end the weekend revelry with grape stomping. Pretty cool for the first part of a year!

Kick start the revelry and partying from February!

2. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Bombay, (7^th – 15^th February)

The nine day long arts and music extravaganza held every year, was started as an attempt to make the Kala Ghoda district of Mumbai the arts precinct. Organized by the Kala Ghoda Association the festival includes events in music, theatre, art, heritage walks and the entire area turns into a mela with street installations, artisans selling their fare, food stalls and the like.

One of the most famous and prestigious art festivals in India

3. Konkan Turtle Festival, Velas (dates not decided)

Organized in the months of February – March by the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, is as the name suggests an occasion where one can see newly hatched endangered Olive Ridley turtles make a march towards the Arabian Sea. The nesting begins a couple of months in advance, and during the hatching season the locals open their homes and hearts to visitors from across the nation to witness the marvel when hundreds of hatchlings open their eyes to the world and begin their journey towards the waters.

While the nesting for year has begun, the dates of the expecting hatching still have not been announced.

watch nature in action (at a turtle pace!)

4. Goa Carnival (14^th – 17^th February)

Local version of the carnivals and celebrations before Mardi Gras, the Goa Carnival is based on the traditions brought by the Portuguese in the 1500s. The carnival starts on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday before the season of fasting starts and the four days of revelry see floats, processions and parades down the streets much similar to what may see in New Orleans.

Why go to Mardi Gras when Goa is so close!

5. Ragasthan, Jaiselmer (12^th – 15^th February)

Asia’s only desert camping music festival is back in its third edition with more craziness than before.  Camping under the stars on the cold desert bed, far away from the world of modern transport and going back to good old camel rides, crazy installations which remind you of the Burning Man, open air movie screenings and of course discovery of music, Ragasthan is all this and so much more!

Unbelong, Unwind, Let is Go at Ragasthan

6. Surf Festival, Orissa (6^th – 8^th February)

Yes, India is going to host its FIRST EVER INTERNATIONAL SURFING FESTIVAL this February!! The event will see surfers from across the world, surfing lessons, documentaries, music and art installations. Yeah water, waves, sand, music and surfers...could your February GET any better?

7. Surajkund (1^st – 15^th February)

Organized by the Haryana Tourism Department, this is a unique conglomeration of artisans and master craftsmen from not just all over the country but also from the Eurasian region such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan and the SAARC nations get together to show their creations and products. Set in a rustic ambience which foot tapping local music and food, is a perfect opportunity for lovers of art, food and music to enjoy everything they love in the misty winters.

March:

1. Paripally Gajamela, Kollam (1^st March)

Paripally Gajamela is the unique elephant pageant held every year as a part of the annual festival at the Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakal Temple in the Paripally district of Trivandram. The festival where close to 50 elephants take part, presents a spectacular view of the caparisoned with their mahouts equally well adorned and holding high tinsel parasols and peacock feather fans swaying to the beats of the drums.

2. International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh (1^st – 7^th March)

Organized by the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh this decade old festival attracts hundreds of Yoga enthusiasts from all over the world to this small town on the foot of the Himalayas. With the Ganga weaving through the town and the towering Shivalik ranges, it gives the perfect setting to be one with one’s inner self and rediscover spirituality.

Exhale out all financial year-end worries!

3. Shigmo, Goa

Traditionally the biggest spring festival was celebrated to welcome home the warriors who had left their homes at the end of Dusshera to fight the invaders. The 14 day long festival sees the celebration of Holi, and shimmering floats with music and dance move across Goa.

4. Jaipur Elephant Festival (5^th March)

So just in case you couldn’t make it to down south to watch the almost gilded elephants, don’t sweat. A similar festival is held in Jaipur every year, more like pre-Holi festivities where these magnificent pachyderms are adorned with gilded paraphernalia and one can watch them participate in tug-of-war and polo matches!

I’d be trying to attend at least one festival every month, so everyone and anyone is free to look me and coordinate a trip together!

Tourist in my own city: Delhi Shenanigans

"I asked my soul: What is Delhi?"

She replied: The world is the body and Delhi its life"

- Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib

My love

More often than not, we human beings take everything around us for granted. Parents, friends, family and most importantly our city! I started travelling around only once I moved out of Delhi after spending close to 19 years there. Once in a while i would think about the charm of the city and the splendour it holds in all the gallies and dhabas, but always wanted to explore outside. Only this time when I went home for winters, I decided to relive the beauty that my Delhi is, and boy I missed it!

You Win Some, You “Loo” Some! – Sulabh International Toilet Museum

Okay so how many of us knew that there is a toilet museum in Delhi? And that it is among the world’s weirdest museums? And that it is free?! (Well most amazing things in life are!)

So, well yeah, Sulabh International maintains a toilet museum in its premises which traces the history of toilets through human evolution. From double-decker toilets to ones disguised as book shelves one can find all sorts of potty pots ever used!

Not only is the museum entertaining but also educational! It was set up primarily to divert the focus of our policy makers towards the efforts that have been made in the past across civilizations to ensure hygiene and sanitation and given today’s status of waste management and environmental sanitation, the organization sure is a stalwart in many senses!

Futuristic toilet from Brazil! With arm rest!

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

On the toilet used by King Louis XIV in his court!

Double decker toilet used in america in early 1900s

Toilet disguised as a bookshelf!

Eat. Burp. Eat. Repeat. : Dilli Ke Pakwaan

Just as if having mouth watering roadside snacks on every galli and corner wasn’t enough, the Delhi Tourism Ministry also organizes an annual event which goes by the name Dilli ke Pakwaan and as it suggests one can find the most amazing of all foods found in Delhi! From Kashmiri Kehva, some 60 types of Kulfi (they had stuff like paan flavoured and black current kulfi), Daulat ki Chaat (50grams of heaven and milk and cream), biryanis, kebabs, nihari and naan and I cannot go on anymore without salivating like a dog sitting here in Bangalore! Usually held in the last week of every December, must visit for every foodie, hell no, every human being!

God bless Delhi Tourism!

Life is always better with some music, specially on a rustic gramophone!

HoHo Merry Dilli!

During my childhood, my parents did a pretty decent job of what the HoHo services does now, except they didn’t quite allow me to get out of the car and wander around Old Delhi at my whims and fancies. But guess what now you can! With two distinct routes (Red caters to historical / cultural sites and Green to mostly shopping sites), the Hop On Hop Off bus services is one of the most amazing, intriguing, charming, educational ways of discovering the secrets that the city beholds. Also a very good refresher to everything that you may have missed while you snored away in those middle school history lessons!

Red Fort and Delhi fog

Too much grandeur for my camera lens!

Chaddar bazar

Jama Masjid

Dilli 6

Period. One doesn’t even need to go beyond that description. Just saying Dilli 6 conjures up the most mystifying vision of food, parathas, noise, nondescript alleys, moong dal ka halwa, jalebis, Karims, Jama Masjid and haggling. Writing more about Chandni Chowk won’t do any justice. One has got to meander through the lanes to get enthralled by the splendour.

At paranthe wali galli

Going back to Delhi makes you realise how much you missed the wide roads lined with trees, steaming momos which can totally give the ones in Gangtok a run for their money, street shopping to one’s heart’s delight, Delhi Metro and its most entertaining set of commuters, winters and chai, couple of drinks at Hauz Khas Village and a stroll around the lake.

Makes you remember how the city is so much more than front page criminal headlines.

The city has a charm and history than can be shrouded by none.