At this time of year, the idea of going on a summer vacation is all that is keeping us going. Whether you are into spirituality or wish to explore the cultural roots of India, there is a festival in May to match your liking. Ahead, we dug out the information about the festival in May you can look forward to attending.

Mount Abu Summer Festival

Mount Abu is a wonderful destination in Rajasthan, known for its exotic ambience and enchanting hills. A summer festival is held every year in Mount Abu to encourage tourism and celebrate the local ballad and dance forms. As icing on the cake, programs like roller skating, boat race, firework display and a qawwali music shows are also organised during the fest.

When: May 17 to 18, 2019

Moatsu Festival

Every community that thrives on agriculture as a means of its livelihood has its own way (and day) of celebrating the harvest season. The Ao tribe of Chuchuyimlang village in Nagaland is no different. The Moatsu Festival is time for the Ao tribe to take a backseat and celebrate the harvest. They do so by organising community dances, singing local songs, and dressing up, holding public feasts and so on. Tourists are welcome to join the celebration!
Where: Mokokchung District, Nagaland

When: First week of May 2019

Ramadan

Ramadan is a fasting-cum-feasting time for the Muslim brethren throughout the world and India. People are allowed to eat before sunrise and then observe a strict fast during the day. After sunset, a family feast is organised to break the fast with delicious items like dates, milk pudding etc. The period of fasting culminates with Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, the Muslim community dresses in traditional attire prepares lavish meals and exchange gifts apart from offering prayers to God. The best celebrations are held in Delhi,Lucknow,Srinagar,Hyderabad and Mumbai.

When: May 6 to June 5, 2019

Dhungri ‘Hadimba Devi’ Mela

It is a festival held to celebrate the birthday of Hadimba Devi. Legend has it that Hadimba was born as a rakshasa woman but was of virtuous qualities. She married Prince Bhima, one of the famous Pandava brothers. Due to her angelic qualities, she is worshiped till date in the famous temple located in Manali. The three-day festival is held at the temple located in Dhungri Van Vihar. The celebrations comprise of the popular Kullu Natti dance performed by the local professionals ,shopping ,food etc.

Where: Hadimba Temple, Manali
When: May 14 to 16, 2019

Ooty Summer Festival

Ooty is one of the summer capitals of Southern India that lures many vacation-bound people to its green hills. What makes planning a trip to Ooty all the more worthwhile are events such as the flower show, vegetable show, fruit show etc. While, the flower show is held at the Ooty Botanical Garden, fruit and vegetable show are held at Sim’s Park of Coonoor and Government Rose garden of Ooty, respectively.

Date: May 17 to 26, 2019 (dates not confirmed)

Buddha Poornima

It marks the birthday of the enlightened spiritual master Gautam Buddha who was born as Prince Siddhartha in the city of Kapilvastu in modern day Nepal about 2,500 years ago. The day is not only celebrated to honour the founder of Buddhism i.e. Buddha, but also to honour the ancient Guru-disciple tradition. Hence, this day is also called Guru Poornima. On this day, celebrations are held across the Hindu temples and special gatherings are held at the final resting places of the saints in India. Visiting Bodh Gaya in Bihar and other places related to Buddha’s life is also a rewarding endeavour on this sacred day.

When: May 12, 2019

Thrissur Pooram

Kerala’s most widely celebrated festival is Thrissur Pooram. Held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple on the day when the moon rises with an auspicious star as per the Hindu calendar, the festival was the brainchild of Raja Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Cochin. The festival features a grand procession involving more than 200 musicians, 30 elephants, drum concerts, traditional dances, fireworks etc. Every paraphernalia such as the umbrellas used in this festival is made from scratch each year.

Where: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
When: May 13, 2019