Cochin Carnival

December 22 to January 1

The colourful 10-day Cochin Carnival evolved from Portuguese new year celebrations held in Cochin during colonial days. Rather than being a traditional cultural event, it's more about feasting and fun, with competitions, games, beach sports, dirt bike races, dancing, and fireworks. The carnival concludes with a huge procession on New Year's Day.

Location: Fort Kochi, Kerala

 

Mamallapuram Indian Dance Festiva

December 25 to January 25

The open air India Dance Festival is held against a background of rock sculptures in the beach town of Mamallapuram, just south of Chennai. It runs for a month and showcases a range of classical and folk dances from all over India. Daily from 6-8 p.m.

Location: Arjuna's Penance, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu

 

Sunburn Festival Goa

December 27-29

One of the biggest outdoor dance parties to hit India's beaches, the Sunburn Festival is in its fifth year this year and will almost double in size. The festival features well known artists and DJs from the electronic dance music scene all around the world. It's spread across three days, seven stages, and numerous genres of music.

Location: Candolim Beach, Goa Midday until 10 p.m. Tickets & packages available from www.sunburn.in

 

Mt Abu Winter Festival

December 29-31

The cool, green hill settlement of Mt Abu becomes vibrant during the annual Winter Festival (a Summer Festival is also held there in May each year), which captures the spirit of Rajasthani tribal life and culture. Enjoy ceremonial processions, folk performances, fireworks, and competitions such as skating races, boat races, horse races, and tug-of-war.

Location: Mt Abu, Rajasthan

 

International Kite Festival

January 10-14

Millions of brightly coloured kites take over the sky from sunrise until sunset at this festival, which marks the occasion of Makar Sankranti (the transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere) and celebrates life and fertility. The event attracts kite flyers from many different countries. In addition to kite flying, there's aerial acrobats, kite painting competitions, and kite making workshops. Great fun for kids!

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Also at Jaipur and Jodhpur