The month of June is one of festivities and celebrations. The relief from the scorching heat makes it a great time for tourists and locals alike. As the clouds descend over the plains, the locals gear up for some of the most enticing traditional fairs and festivals.
Here are some festivals in the month of June that you must visit to see the diverse culture of the country in all its glory.
The Sindhu Darshan Festival
When: 1st- 3rd June
Where: River Sindhu, Shey Manala, Ladakh
This festival is truly the sign of diversity in India. Taking place on the peaceful banks of River Sindhu, the highlight of the festival is immersing earthen pots filled with the waters of several rivers across the country into the Sindhu. This is a symbol of the various cultures that blend in harmoniously in India. There are several local folk performances along with a grand reception ceremony for all the participants. The spread of indigenous food and the music completes the ambience.
The Shimla Summer Festival
When: 1st week of June
Where: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
In the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, the locals bid farewell to the summer season in the most delightful manner. It is during this festival that people from all over the country throng in to get some relief from the heat in their respective states and towns. The festival is celebrated on Ridge Road in Shimla, which comes alive with several events like flower exhibitions, sporting events, photography contests, fashion shows and many others. The local cuisine is at its best and the entire event is a dedicated effort to display the folk culture to all the participants.
Saga Dawa
When: 15th June
Where: Gangtok, Sikkim
This festival, which is marked as one of the most important celebrations of the Mahayana Buddhists, is set in the serene Kanchenjunga range. Gangtok is generally known for being a quiet city but it erupts into colorful frenzy during this festival, which is a celebration of some of the most momentous events in the life of the Buddha. These events are serenated with a thorough fanfare. It is one of the most spiritually awakening events with several religious ceremonies. Of course the location makes it perfect for you to relax and escape the scorching heat in the rest of the country.
Sao Joao Feast
When: 24 June
Where: Goa
This is one of the most pompous celebrations in Goa, which is mostly attended by newlyweds. Tis festival involves several rituals like getting the husband drunk on the local alcohol, fenny in an attempt to impress their new brides. These festivals become even more surreal if the rains set in. Most often, a warm summer shower greets the festival. The food and the music is a celebration of local culture and the rituals are among the most eccentric ones in the country.
Hemis Festival
When: Celebrated on the Tibetan Lunar month’s 10th day.
Where: Ladakh
Ladakh is immersed in celebrations all throughout June. However, this two-day festival is mostly a religious affair with the center of all the celebrations being the largest Buddhist Monastery in Ladakh. The monks or lamas celebrate this festival to mark the birth of Padmasambhava; who founded Tibetan Buddhism. Monks in Ladakh participate in folk music and a unique masquerade making it a very colorful amalgamation of religion and culture. The mystical mask dances also known as the Chams Dance are a must-watch here during this festival.