Most Joyful Festivals in February – Celebrations You Must Know!

India is home to numerous different festivals celebrated throughout the year. Each festival has its own unique history and traditions. Some are religious, while others are cultural or seasonal. India’s rich culture and tradition  is reflected in the many festivals that occur throughout the year. February is an especially festive time in India, with many of the most popular festivals taking place. Holi, the Festival of Colors, is one of the most popular festivals in February and is celebrated in most of the states, primarily in the north. This festival marks the start of spring and is celebrated with lots of singing, dancing, and throwing of colored powder. The Maha Shivaratri Festival is also celebrated in February and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. This festival is also celebrated with music, dance, and prayer. Other popular festivals celebrated in February include Basant Panchami, the Festival of Kites, and the Festival of Lights. All these festivals are a great way to experience Indian culture and tradition at its finest.

However, today we will talk about 5 interesting festivals in february that are lesser known but super fun.

Festivals in February

1. Desert festival

The desert festival is one of the most popular festivals in february celebrated in the desert regions of India. It is celebrated with much pomp and show in the Thar Desert, which is located in Rajasthan. During the festival, the local people and the tourists alike throng to the desert region to witness the rich culture and heritage of the desert tribes. This festival is a time for the desert people to come together and celebrate the beauty of the desert.

The festival has numerous traditional activities such as folk dances, camel rides, turban tying, and snake charming. The festival also includes several competitions like camel racing, kite flying, and tug of war. There are also art and craft exhibitions, and traditional music performances. It also includes food stalls where people can enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Location – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Dates – 3rd – 5th February

Also read, 7 best things to do in Jaisalmer.

The History behind the Desert Festival

Not many people are aware of the history or legend of the desert festival in Jaisalmer. The code says that Lord Krishna, ruler of the Yadav community, told Arjuna that a successor belonging to the Yadav community would set up his kingdom on the Trikuta Hill. In the year 1196, the prediction made by Lord Krishna came true when Rawal Jaiswal, a descendant of the Yadav clan, established his kingdom in Jaisalmer.

Celebrations were organised throughout the kingdom, and eventually, the people came to know that the prophecy had come true. The festivities soon developed into a festival that is now organised every year. In addition, the government started marketing the vibrant festival as an international event, drawing visitors to the Jaisalmer Desert City.

2. Matho Nagrang festival

Matho Nagrang Festival is an annual religious festival celebrated by the Buddhists of Ladakh in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This festival is celebrated in the month of February, on the 15th day of the Tibetan month of the Monkey. It is believed to be one of the most important festivals in Ladakh and is marked by the performing of sacred Buddhist rituals and dances by lamas of the Matho Monastery.

The festival has its origins in the 12th century, when a monk called Rinchen Zangpo, a disciple of the great translator Guru Rinpoche, is said to have created the Matho Monastery. He is also credited with introducing Buddhism to the region and the festival is seen as a celebration of his teachings.The festival begins with a procession from the Matho Monastery to the main temple of Shey Palace. The procession is led by two monks wearing masks and holding a banner of the monastery. A group of monks then perform the sacred rituals and dances. The main ritual involves the offering of sacred cakes and khatas  to the local guardian deities and the reciting of mantras and chants.

The festival also includes other forms of entertainment such as masked dances and traditional songs and music. Various stalls are also set up throughout the festival, selling religious items, traditional food, and other items.

The festival is considered to be a time of purification and renewal for the local community. It is also seen as a time for the local monks to give spiritual guidance to the community and to strengthen the bonds between the local people and their faith. It is also an important part of the local economy, as it brings in revenue from tourists who come to witness the festivities. Matho Nagrang Festival is a unique and special experience for those who visit Ladakh.

Location – Ladakh

Date – 15th day of first month of tibetan calendar

3. Taj Mahotsav

Taj Mahotsav is an annual festival that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It takes place for 10 days in the month of February on the banks of the River Yamuna in Agra, the city of the iconic Taj Mahal. The festival showcases the culture and tradition of Uttar Pradesh through a variety of colourful performances, folk dances and music, art exhibitions, and food stalls.
The festival has its roots in the Mughal era, when the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan would host a Mahotsav  in the gardens of the Taj Mahal each year. Over the years, the festival has evolved to include a variety of activities and performances.

It is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, and it attracts thousands of tourists from around the world. The highlight of the festival is the performance of folk dances from different parts of Uttar Pradesh. Other activities include a crafts bazaar, food stalls, and a sound and light show. The festival also features a variety of cultural events like classical music and dance performances, puppet shows, and qawwali performances.It provides an opportunity to the people to immerse themselves in the grandeur and rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, and it has become an important part of the state’s cultural identity.

Location – Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Dates – 18th to 27th February

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4. Kala ghoda art festival

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is one of those festivals in february that is an annual celebration of art, culture and ideas held in the Kala Ghoda area of Mumbai. It is organised by the Kala Ghoda Association, a non-profit organisation, and is a nine-day long event. It is free for all visitors. It is a festival of culture and art that aims to bring together people of all ages, backgrounds and interests. The festival includes a number of art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, workshops, lectures, seminars, literature readings, and other activities related to art and culture.

The festival also features a number of art installations and sculptures, which are set up around the Kala Ghoda area. These installations are created by local and international artists and are based on various themes and ideas.The festival also has a food court where one can find a variety of cuisines from around the world. There is also a music stage where various musicians from different genres perform. The festival also features a number of stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, clothes, accessories and other items.

The festival also includes a Heritage Walk which takes visitors through the historic streets of Kala Ghoda. The walk is led by guides who provide insights into the history and culture of the area.The festival also hosts a number of workshops and seminars which are conducted by experts in their respective fields which provide knowledge about various things.It is also a great opportunity for people to come together and network and exchange ideas. The festival also provides a platform for people to showcase their talents and skills.The festival is a great way to experience the culture, art and heritage of the city of Mumbai. It is also a great opportunity for people to meet new people and make friends. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a wonderful event which celebrates the spirit of Mumbai and its culture.

Location – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Dates – 4th – 12th February

5. Losar festival

One more from festivals in february – Losar is the traditional Tibetan New Year which is celebrated with joyous festivities by Tibetans all over the world. Losar marks the beginning of a new year, and is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar.The festivities start a few days before Losar and continue for a period of fifteen days. The first three days of Losar are considered the most important and are celebrated with grandeur. On the eve of Losar, a special dinner is prepared known as the guthuk dinner. It consists of various dishes made from barley, rice, buckwheat, and wheat flour and usually includes nine different ingredients symbolising the nine auspicious qualities of the Buddha’s teachings.

On the first day of Losar, the monks and nuns of all the monasteries perform puja to usher in the New Year. Special offerings are made to the Buddha, Dharma , and Sangha. The family then joins together to perform special ceremonies such as the Burning of Lamps and the Offering of Incense.

The second day of Losar is known as King’s Losar, and is marked by feasting and entertainment. The third day is known as the People’s Losar and is celebrated with much joy and merriment. On this day people exchange greetings and gifts, and relatives and friends get together to enjoy the festivities.

The remaining 12 days include various types of  activities such as the Chos-skor, a special drama performance, and the Yacham, a colourful procession of monks and laypeople. Losar is a time of joy and renewal, and is a great opportunity to enjoy the culture and traditions of the Tibetan people.

Location – Arunanchal Pradesh

Date – 21st February

Conclusion

There are many more such festivals in february and other months to know about and celebrate not only alone but with family and friends also. People who love the culture and historical things can visit these places to gain a lot of experience and fun. You can see a lot of new things. It’s so much fun to celebrate various kinds of festivals.  In conclusion, everyone should enjoy these festivals in february and especially the ones in your state.

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