5 Events in October worth Travelling For

The Indian calendar is packed with festivals and events throughout the year, with October being a special month. As the rains fade away and make way for a pleasant weather, one can whiff the preparations for the much-awaited all over the country. These celebrations display Indian culture at its best, with its vibrant hues and shades.  

Scroll down for a list of the top events and festivals in October that will give you major travel goals!

1. Durga Puja

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One of the most vibrant Indian festivals, Durga Puja celebrates the homecoming of Goddess Durga. It is most popular in West Bengal, particularly Kolkata, and is widely celebrated in many other states as well. The preparations for it start well in advance, as exquisitely handcrafted and painted idols of Durga are prepared for the grand festivities.

Celebrated over five days, this festival witnesses huge theme-based and innovative pandals, chanting and prayers, enticing food stalls and interesting rituals like the ceremonial smearing of red vermillion powder by married women on each other. Then there is the highly enthusiastic procession on the last day when the idols are taken for immersion. With a pandal set up in almost every lane and the city brimming with colours and excitement, Kolkata is a great place to be in during Durga Puja.

When: 7^th to 11^th October, 2016

Where: Kolkata, West Bengal

2. Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Held in and around the grand Mehrangarh Fort, this festival celebrates Indian folk music in its classical and modern interpretations. It brings together various Rajasthani folk singers, dancers, musicians and storytellers, and renowned artists from all over the world. From Sarangi and Kamaycha players to lyra experts, from Maand singers and Terah Taali dances to Jazz bands and Maloya artists, this five day event features a mix of several genres showcased through spectacular performances, film screenings, interactive sessions, and moonlit jam sessions.

Besides the recitals at dawn and the fort festivities, the nighttime revelries are not to be missed, and are scheduled to coincide with Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon night of the year in North India. Get set for a magical experience as musicians from across the globe come together to create an enchanting evening under the stars!

When: 13^th to17th  October, 2016

Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

3. Mysore Dusshera

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While most parts of India witness the burning of Ravana effigies on Dussehra, Mysore observes Dussehra with a difference, celebrating it as a royal festival. It commemorates the killing of the demon Mahishasura by the Hindu Goddess Chamundeshwari. Beginning with a special puja by the royal family, the 10-day celebrations include cultural programs, elephant processions, parades, sports, food and film festivals, in the backdrop of the spectacularly decorated and illuminated Mysore Palace, The majestic procession carrying Goddess Chamundeshwari on the tenth day makes for a grand spectacle and attracts a large number of locals and tourists.

When: 2^nd to 11^th October, 2016

Where: Mysore, Karnataka

4. India Art Festival

For lovers of art, this modern and contemporary art fair is a must not miss! It brings together artists, art collectors, galleries and experts, who showcase hundreds of art pieces under one roof. This interactive platform is a great place for artists to connect with art galleries and people who appreciate art.

What’s more, the festival has innumerable drawings, installations, photographs, videos and sculptures by emerging professional artists on display. This four-day event also features a number of workshops, seminars and panel discussions about ideas, analysis and awareness of contemporary art in today’s times.

When: 6^th to 9^th October, 2016

Where: Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai

5. Mannarasala Ayilyam

Head to Kerala for an unusual experience of Indian culture! Mannarasala Temple in Alleppey is a unique temple, dedicated to serpent gods and has over 30,000 idols, with Nagaraja being the presiding deity. Mannarasala Ayilyam is the annual festival at this snake temple. It involves worship of snake gods and goddesses, culminating in the ceremonial procession where all the serpent idols are taken from the temple to the illam, the Brahmin house associated with the temple. The idol is carried to the illam by the Brahmin woman who is the priestess at Mannarasala Temple.

When: 24^th October, 2016

Where: Mannarasala Sree Nagaraj Temple, Harippad, Alleppey district, Kerala