Apart from its rich culture, ancient traditions, and diverse religion, India is known worldwide for its colorful festivals celebrated throughout the year. The month of August also has a plethora of charming festivals and events right from the religious festivals to spectacular boat races and blissful music and yoga events. These festivals in August are high on spirit, fun and vibrant. While most of the places in India enjoy monsoon in August, these festivals also help people enjoy the rain splashes all the more. If you want to experience these festivities, plan your trip coincide with any of these amazing festivals and relish the excellent traditions and celebrations as part of India Tour Packages.
Here is the list of some magnificent festivals to enjoy in the month of August in India.
Teej Festival
One of the much-revered monsoon festivals in India, Teej is celebrated on 3rd August this year that marks the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Though not celebrated all over India, Teej is a significant festival of women in Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab. And primarily, the people of Jaipur observed it on a massive scale in the form of a fair, known as Sawan Mela. As part of the festivities, women dress-up in traditional outfits, wear bangles and mehandi and carry Goddess Teej in a procession across the city. Decorated elephants, bullock carts, and chariots add to the spectacle. One can also witness a lot of singing, dancing and enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine during the festival as part of Jaipur Tour Packages.
Nag Panchami
Among the age-old Indian religious festivals, Nag Panchami holds a special significance. This is one of the most unique and auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated on the fifth day of the moonlit fortnight in the month of Shravan (July /August). Held on 5th August this year, Nag Panchami is dedicated to snakes as they are considered as representatives of Lord Shiva. The common ritual practiced by people includes offering a treat of milk to the snakes, especially to Cobras. This festival is enthusiastically celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and rural parts of Maharashtra particularly in and around Nagpur.
Krishna Janmashtami
Known by many names like Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, and Srikrishna Jayanti, Janmashtami is the birth anniversary of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) according to the Hindu calendar. Held on 24th August this year, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great devotion and fervor throughout India. During this magical festival, temples are beautifully decorated with rangolis and flowers. And, young kids are dressed up as Krishna and Radha and enact incidents from Krishna’s childhood. The main highlight of Janmashtami is the Dahi Handi, where an earthen pot containing butter, curd, and money are strung up high above the ground and then young Govindas form a human pyramid and try to break it open. The crowds at Dahi Handi, street performances of singing and dancing and night celebrations in the temples are the most exciting activities to be explored during the festival. Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka, Udipi, and Guruvayoor are the top places to witness the festivities of Krishna Janmashtmi in India. Other than this, the city of Mumbai throws the best bet so make a tour to Maharashtra and enjoy the festivities.
Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
Undoubtedly, Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of the most spectacular events celebrated in August in India. Observed since 1952 in order to commemorate Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit, this spectacular boat race held on the second Saturday of August every year on the placid waters of Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha. Commenced on 10th August this year, several snake boats from different villages of Kuttanad region participate in this 1.5 km long race. Around 200,000 visitors including tourists from abroad participate in these breathtaking celebrations as part of their Kerala Tour as this is the most competitive and popular boat races in Kerala and also one of the top things to do in Kerala during monsoons.
Independence Day
Celebrated on 15th August every year, India celebrates its 73rd Independence Day this year. It is one of the biggest and most important annual celebrations for the Indian citizens as it marks the nation’s independence from British rule on 15th August 1947. Celebrated as a national holiday, the day brings the spirit of freedom and patriotism along with it. Although it is observed in various Government offices, schools and colleges throughout India, the Red Fort in Delhi is the place where the real action takes place and the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag and addresses the nation. The Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces put up a march past show as a tribute to the national heroes who sacrifices their lives for the nation. Besides, Kite flying is one activity which has turned into a ritual that is performed every year this day by hundreds of people. Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is the best place to catch the sky filled with colorful kites during your Delhi Tour.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is among the popular festivals of India which is celebrated throughout the country. Usually, it is celebrated all over India on the full moon day of the Shravan month. Held on 15th August 2019, this festival is observed to honor the love and bonding between brothers and sisters. The name ‘Raksha Bandhan’ refers to ‘a bond of protection’. During Raksha Bandhan, the sister ties a rakhi (a sacred thread) on the wrist of her brother and prays to the almighty for the well-being and good health of her brother. The brother in return offers a Rakhi gift to his sister and pledge to look after her. This festival strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters. The festival is further relished with sweets and delicious food. Another festival which has a strong similarity to Rakhi is Bhaidooj which comes just after Diwali.
Eid-al-Adha / Bakrid
Also known as Eid-al-Adha, Bakrid is one of the most significant Muslim festivals celebrated in the month of August in India. This is the second of two Islamic festivals celebrated worldwide each year, the other being Eid al-Fitr. It is held on 12th August this year. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command but God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this intervention, people sacrifice animals and distribute meat amongst the poor, friends and relatives during the festival. Men and women dress up in their finest attires, attend community prayers, visit friends and folks and exchange sweets and gifts as part of the festivities. Make a trip to Hyderabad to witness the grand celebrations and satisfy your taste buds with delicious meat preparation during Bakrid.
Covelong Point Surf, Music & Yoga Festival
Covelong Point Surf Music & Yoga Festival is one of the popular cultural events organized in the month of August in India. Celebrated this year from 23rd to 25th August, the festival takes place at the Covelong Point Social Surf School in Kovalam village near Chennai, India’s first surfing village. This annual event attracts thousands of attendees every year from across India and around the world as part of Tamilnadu Tour Packages as it features an international level surf competition, a global music lineup spread across three stages, yoga and meditation classes and alternative healing workshops. It also features a vibrant flea market, food stalls, art installations, and beachside activities.
Varalakshmi Vrat
Varamahalakshmi Vrat or Varalakshmi Puja is an auspicious festival celebrated to propitiate the Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. This puja is primarily observed by the married women in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. It is observed by the women to seek goddess blessings for the entire family especially their husbands and children. Usually, it is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before the day of the full moon in the month of Sravan, which corresponds to the Gregorian months of July–August. This year it will be held on 9th August. It is also believed that worshipping the Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmis – the eight goddesses related to Wealth (Sri), Earth (Bhu), Learning (Saraswati), Love (Priti), Fame (Kirti), Peace (Shanti), Pleasure (Tushti) and Strength (Pushti).
Bonderam Festival
Goa is all set to organize the Bonderam Festival that takes place every year at Divar Island. The word “Bonderam” is derived from the Portuguese word ‘Bandeira’ meaning ‘flag’. Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August every year, this traditional flag festival originates from disputes over the property in parts of the village. Held this year on 24th August, this is a very popular monsoon festival in Goa that witnesses huge crowds from across Goa and world over as part of Goa Tour Packages. This festival kicks off with a flag parade from the main junction of Divar Island followed by floats, dances, and music in the late afternoon. Later, there is a fancy dress competition followed by the traditional float parade and a live musical performance featuring the famous music bands of Goa.