India, a land of vibrant colours, celebrations, glorious culture, tradition and of course several fairs. Your bucket list is incomplete without the lively and festive fairs in the country. This is a time to add some of the vibrant and happening Indian Melas to your bucket list.

1. Kumbh Mela

One of the most vital and religious events in India, Kumbh Mela should be on top of your bucket list. The fair is considered to be one of the most spiritual festivals in the world. Kumbh Mela held in every three years, the place of the fair rotating between these four pilgrimage sites, Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain. Another important factor that is popular in this fair is, people take bath in the holy river during this fair. Don’t forget to add this ritual as well, to your bucket list. As bathing in a holy river during Kumbh Mela is considered to cleanse a person from all sins. Isn’t it interesting?

Interesting Fact- The estimated participation for the 2013 Allahabad Kumbh Mela was around 120 million.

2. Pushkar Mela- Rajasthan

Your bucket list could not complete without the royalty and colours of Rajasthan. The state has many things to explore and one of them is amazing Pushkar Mela. It is one of the biggest camel and domesticated animal fair. The five-day mela has many lovely, surprising factors, which could be spellbound you. Despite animals, the highlights of this fair are its competitions like, “longest mustache competition”, “bridal competition”, “matka phod”, “camel race” and much more. If this is not enough to captivate you, then this number will surely surprise you. Every year around 50, 000 camels have been decorated and sold during this fair.

Nostalgic Fact- Many people still remember Aamir Khan’s popular movie ‘Lagaan’, even the Pushkar Mela has also a ‘Laggan’ connection. In the year 2016, the localities of Pushkar and a foreigner group showed their love for cricket. Both the teams dressed in full ‘Lagaan’ costumes and performed a cricket match to recreate the magic of the iconic movie.

3. Sonpur Mela- Bihar

One of the largest cattle fairs in India, Sonpur Mela in Bihar, held on the bank of River Ganga. Every year it organizes in Karthik Poornima (the full moon day), during the month of November. Stretches from 15 days to one month, it is one of the highlights of Bihar. This interesting fair should be on your bucket list. The mela promises to colour you with different shades of the state. It has its own importance because of the ancient connection. The historical story behind this fair is, the legendary king Chandragupta Maurya used to purchase horses and elephants across the holy river, Ganga.

The highlight of the fair- The highlight of this fair is ‘Haathi Bazaar’, where the gentle giants lined up for sale. Apart from this, the other decorated animals will catch your attention throughout the fair. Don’t miss a chance to take a dip in the holy river, Ganga.

4. Ganga Sagar Mela- West Bengal

After the holy Kumbh Mela, the second biggest fair is Ganga Sagar Mela, held in West Bengal. The fair, which occurs annually on the day of Makar Sankranti will give you an excuse to add West Bengal to your bucket list. During this amazing fair, you would see many Naga Sadhus as they live in camps where they perform rituals. These customs, attended by many devotees and visitors. Apart from this, the nearby Kapil Muni temple is one of the attractions for devotees. Another important thing that you should not miss is to take a dip in the water, that would give you a whole new experience.

Chilling Fact- The fair has always been happening during Makar Sankranti, which happens on 14th and 15th January. Even the chilling weather of the place could not affect the pilgrims. When you will visit the fair, you witness the pilgrims of all ages taking a dip in the water in the early morning.

5. Puri Rath Yatra, Odisha

One of the most divine events in Hinduism, Puri Rath Yatra should be on your bucket list. The outstanding event is a treat for your eyes. Be a witness of the divine side of the country and add an all-new experience to your bucket list. One of the greatest religious occasions of the year in the nation, the Puri Rath Yatra. It is a display of the most amazing side of the country. The Rath Yatra sees a meeting up of over a million followers each year close to the renowned Jagganath Temple of Puri. The Yatra displays three incredible temples shaped chariots. The chariots being pulled to the Gundicha Temple and after nine days, back to the Jagganath Temple. It held in the month of June or July.

When Deity Walks out- Interestingly, this is the only event in the world, where god is taken out of the temple.

6. Hemis Festival Ladakh

The immortal beauty of Leh and Ladakh has always been a matter of discussion. Many people want to go for a bike tour or want to relish the mesmerizing beauty of this place. Your bucket list might have also Leh-Ladakh tour, although make sure you visit this place during the Hemis Festival. Amidst the barren, chilling deserted land of Ladakh, the Hemis festival showcase the hidden beauty of the place.

The celebration happens to honor the demise of Swami Padmasambhava, who was being an 8th-century Indian Buddhist master. It is an awesome event to understand the way of life of Ladakh and about Buddhism. The celebration is held each year in June or July in the popular monastery of Hemis Jangchub Choling in Leh. The festival includes some amazing performances. You could not blink your eyes, during these performances of masked dancers, who dominate the festival with their eye catchy dance moves. Their performance depicts the tales of war between the good and the evil.

Colourful Fact- Watching this festival is a true treat to your eyes. Colourful clothes, amazing masks, captivating and beautifully synchronized dance performance. The entire festival is indescribable in words.

7. Goa Carnival- Goa

The city of beaches, Goa is all about exotic beaches, cashews, fenny, pubs, restaurants and of course, Goa Carnival. Goa and Fun are going hand in hand, the Goa Carnival is a perfect example of fun part of the city of beaches. It is celebrated with the support of state government, as it is an unbreakable part of the Portuguese tradition of Goa. If you are planning to visit Goa, make sure you will visit between the month of February and March. This is the time when this fair is held. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go Goa!

Carnival fact- This is the festival, that is only celebrated in Goa. People eagerly waiting for this carnival because this is the time when they forget all their worries and enjoy their life.

8. Elephant Festival- Jaipur

Be a spectator of gentle giants in the Elephant festival in Jaipur. The Pink City never fails to impress its visitors. A unique Elephant festival, which is held on the festival of Holi is one of the must-visit melas in India. The decorative elephants in colourful attires are the funniest, as well as an interesting part of this fair. So, what are you thinking? If you also want to pamper your eyes with the views of some colourful gentle giants, then add this fair to your bucket list.

Highlights-  The elephant racing, elephant dancing, tug of war between elephant and humans are one of the highlights of this fair.

9. Lucknow Mahotsav- Lucknow

The ‘nawabo ka sheher’- Lucknow, organizes one of the popular fairs of Uttar Pradesh, ‘Lucknow Mahotsav’. Your bucket list is incomplete without this amazing mela, as it is a complete package of entertainment. From traditional games, ghazals nights, delicious delicacies to the classy vintage cars and this is all about ‘Lucknow Mahotsav’. It is held every year between the month of November to December. The fair, which perfectly showcases the rich culture of the city. From colourful performances of big stars to sumptuous Lucknowi food, it is a complete treat for everyone.

Vintage Fact- During the Mahotsav, the Vintage Car Collection festival is also held. It is a celebration of classy antique car collection of people from all over India. The festival attracts many car lovers around the country.

10. Sunburn Festival- Goa

Are you all set to get sunburnt? Surprised. The Sunburn festival is an electronic dance music festival, which held in Candolim beach, Goa. It started in 2007 and every year in December the festival carries rocking music, dance, and fun. From music to food and drinks, this festival will help you to forget all your worldly troubles for a while. It captivates you to tap your feet on the dance floor. Be ready to be sunburnt. Add this amazing festival to your bucket list.

So, on your next trip make plans for these colourful melas and let us know if you’ve accomplished one. If you’ve more to add to this list, you can do it here.

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