LuxeBook September 2022

BY ARUSHI SAKHUJA Discover India’s rich cultural heritage as you make your way to these auspicious festivals of India across different cities. Travel around India for these iconic festivals Konark Dance Festival, Odisha Kerala Village Fair, Kerala F estive season is here, and there are so many reasons for us to get excited! India is nothing, if not a land of several festivals. India’s rich cultural heritage is one of the most ancient but it is also one of the most extensive and varied. From ancient times to the present, many races and religions have left their imprints on the land and its people. The country is filled with multiple festivities around the year. While some are city and region-specific, others are more widespread across the nation. From the Konark Dance festival to the Camel Festival and a Kite Flying Festival, these festivals are some of the most iconic ones that are worth experiencing at least once. Konark Dance Festival, Odisha One of the most beautiful cultural heritage of India is the Konark Dance Festival held in Odisha. It is a festival that celebrates dance, music and art. It takes place for the last 36 years since it commenced in 1986. The Konark Dance Festival is held from December 1-5 every year, in the open-air auditorium which overlooks the Sun temple of Konark. Spanning over five days, this festival showcases India’s classical dance forms including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi and Sattriya. Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar Airport or Biju Patnaik International - airport is 65 km and an hour-long drive from the Konark Sun Temple Places to stay: Lotus Eco Beach Resort Konark, Vivanta Bhubaneshwar DN Sqaure Kerala Village Fair, Kerala The Kovalam Beach in Kerala is lit up every year in mid- January for the Kerala Village Fair. One of the festivals of India that celebrates the village culture, this festival opens up the lush villages of Kovalam along with their unique culture for the seeking traveller. The Kerala Village Fair is a ten-day long festival also known as “Gramam” locally, and the concept is to recreate an entire village in the traditional style of Kerala. Traditional food and clothes along with other handicrafts work would be on display just like any other fair. The courtyard of the traditional Nalukettu house (supposed to be the luxurious home of the upper-class) serves as a venue for classical art form performances like Thiruvathirakali, Mohiniyattom, Oppana, Kalarippayattu, Sarpapattu, Theyyam, Kummattikkali, Kakkarisinatakam, Panchavadyam. Chakyarkoothu, Ottanthullal etc. While the women adorn the traditional MundumNeriyathum which is a two-piece garment worn as a saree, the men wear Kasavu mundu, along with a kurta or shirt. If you are visiting the Kerala Village Fair, don’t miss out on the Chayakada or village tea shop, where travellers can relish the taste of tender coconut, refreshing chai or lime juice to beat the heat. Nearest airport: Trivandrum Airport, 15 km away from the beach town of Kovalam, Places to stay: Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam, The Leela Kovalam Camel Festival, Bikaner Specific to Rajasthan, the Bikaner Camel Festival is a International Kite Festival, Ahmedabad Camel Festival, Bikaner 32| L U X E B O O K | S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 2 HOMEGROWN CULTURE S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 2 | L U X E B O O K | 33