10 Offbeat Indian Festivals To Bookmark

Apart from the famous festivals that define the Indian celebratory calendar, there are many that are unconventional and far away from the limelight. Here's our pick of 10.

- SUSHMITA SRIVASTAV

1 Saka Dawa LADAKH

The courtyards of Buddhist monasteries across Ladakh come alive during the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar every year as Saka Dawa commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha through a series of rituals. A large number of people from all parts of Ladakh gather to take part in Bhumskor, the main procession where people carry sacred religious books along with thangka (religious Tibetan painting) with prayer flags fluttering in the wind and the rugged terrains playing the perfect backdrop.

Once the lamas of the monasteries change the flagpole called tarboche, prayers are offered amidst soulful chanting of holy verses. Then, the monks adorning colourful robes and masks perform the traditional Cham dance. Later, in Leh’s Polo Ground, a large number of people gather for festivities and merry-making.

WHERE: Across Ladakh

WHEN: May 23, 2024

2 São João GOA