An interesting aspect of festivals in India is their continuity throughout the year. There is no month in the Indian calendar that is devoid of a festival and a reason to celebrate.
Festivals in December
The festivals in December are celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm among the people of India. Winter in India signifies pleasant times and augments the enthusiasm of the people for festivities.
Hornbill Festival (Dec. 1 to Dec. 10, 2016) – This festival derives its name from the name of the bird of the same name. It is celebrated in the Indian state of Nagaland in a village called Kisama, near the capital city, Kohima. One of the largest festivals of the state, it is celebrated with traditional music, dance and games that are played. There is also a sale of locally made handicrafts.
Feast of Francis Xavier (December 3, 2015) – This annual festival held at Panaji in Goa is in honour of St. Francis Xavier. He was a Christian missionary who came to India. His body was mummified in a casket at the Bom Jesus Basilica in Old Goa. On this occasion that continues for several days, there is a morning mass to celebrate the anniversary of his burial. Along with the feast there is also a large fair that is held.
Galdan Namchot (Dec. 5, 2016) – This festival is celebrated to observe the birthday of Tsongkhapa, a Tibetan saint-scholar. Tsongkhapa was the founder of Gelukpa School that helped preaching Tibetan Buddhism during the 14th century. This festival is celebrated well in Ladakh. People in Ladakh prepare all kinds of traditional dishes during this time. They also prepare themselves to welcome the new year and bid farewell to the old one in this festival.
Perumthitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy (Dec. 7 to Dec.16, 2016) – This annual ten day Theyyam festival is one of the oldest among the various ritual art forms of Kerala. The dance performed is a collection of at least 400 dance forms, among which each represents a historical character.
Magnetic Fields Festival (Dec. 18 to Dec. 20, 2016) – It is a three day festival of music, art and food in a heritage nook of Rajasthan which will give you the feeling of the 17th century. In this festival, one can witness both the ancient side of India as well as its contemporary culture. One can also enjoy amazing music, yoga sessions, art installations and treasure hunts.
Christmas (25th December, 2016) – Christmas Day is celebrated among Christians all over the world as the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ. In India, this is celebrated with huge enthusiasm by people across all religions. Apart from the midnight mass that is held on the 24th December across all churches in the country, the following day is marked by celebrations, fetes, parties and exchange of gifts.
Sunburn (Dec. 27, 2016) – Goa’s Sunburn is not only India’s but Asia’s most amazing E-D-M festival. This time of the year, the Vagator Beach sees huge crowd for three long days, where artists perform on multiple stages.
The Winter Festival at Mount Abu (Dec. 29 – Dec. 31, 2016) – Organised by the Rajasthan Tourism and Municipal Board, this festival is held every year during the last week of December at Mount Abu. With a procession to the Nakki Lake on the first day, traditional dancing, fairs, concerts and a firework display are featured in this festival.