5 Events You Cannot Miss This August 2016

August arrives, bringing with it the promise of good harvest, rain and the sleet beauty that accompanies it. While the prospect of having chai with pakodas from the balcony as you listen to the pitter-patter of the rainfall on the roof and bask in the cool breeze that soothe you after the stultifying months of June and July is certainly a celebration in its own right – there’s more for the taking.

We bring you the 5 events you cannot miss this August 2016. No reason for you to stay indoors, when you could visit some destinations, indulge in the cultural extravaganza that are for the taking, and ensure that this monsoon is more memorable than the one before.
 

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

Held in commemoration of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Alappuzha in 1952, the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race is easily one of the most exciting boat races held in India through the year. Magnificently designed snake boats partake in rapid synchronized rowing across the Punnamada Lake while spectators cheer on their favourite teams. Several food stalls and cultural fairs stand ready to provide distractions from the racing for the thousands who congregate here every year.

When: 13 August

Where: Punnamada Backwaters, Alappuzha, Kerala 

The Mud Rush

Don’t go for this one if you don’t like to get your hands dirty. For the aptly-named Mud Rush is exactly what is advertised – an all-terrain marathon run that takes you through the most unforgiving mud experience Silvassa can conjure.

Stretching across a five kilometer circuit, the Mud Rush takes the contestant through 30-foot stacks of hay, water barriers, 45 degree sloped hills, 100 feet stretches worth of tires, tunnels, fire obstacles, ice walls and lots of mud.  

When: 2^nd week of August

Where: Dudhani Lake, Silvassa

Velankanni Church Feast

The Annual Feast of Our Lady of Health, or simply the Velankanni Church Feast, is the biggest draw for Catholics in the state of Tamil Nadu. Attended by approximately 3 million people, the Feast is held in one of the largest pilgrimage centres in the country – the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, which is said to draw almost 20 million pilgrims to its doors each year. The eleven day festival witnesses a number of rituals across nine days and ends with the Feast of the Nativity of Mary.

When: August 29-September 8

Where: Velankanni, Tamil Nadu

Gogamedi Fair

In a state where cattle and handicrafts are prized beyond all possessions, it is a no-brainer to think that some of the biggest events and festivals would be celebrated around them. Organized in the northern region of Rajasthan, the Gogamedi Fair is also a tribute to snakes – and you’ll find many a snake tricks being held forth in front of awed spectators. Singing and dancing are ritualistic accompaniments in the fair, and the many cultural experiences offered here ensure that everyone ends up having a gala time.

When: August 26 to August 28

Where: Ganganagar, Rajasthan

Independence Day
 

Not exactly an event, nor a festival – the Independence Day still makes this list due to the sheer munificence of the proceedings. Watching the head of state climb the podium of the Red Fort, unfurl the flag of India and give a speech inspiring the billion-strong nation to greater pursuits is always a treat to behold. The historic value of Red Fort adds to the value of the speech by the prime minister, and the fireworks show at night is only an added bonus.

When: August 15 2016

Where: Red Fort, New Delhi

With the end of summers and the onset of monsoons, why not step out, make a travel plan and welcome August in a fitting manner with a celebration or four?