Must Visit Sports Festivals in India

Festivals in India are what define diversity, spirit and the soul of the country. This diversity can be best witnessed at some of the local sporting events, organised across India to coincide with festivals. If you are planning a long drive or a road trip to any Indian city in your Ford, every season and every month has something to offer you to get amazed at. Here is a list of sports festivals that you can witness and create unforgettable memories.

International Kite Festival – Gujarat

Signifying the seasonal crossroads between winter and summer, Gujarat marks Makar Sakranti with an International Kite Festival. Head out to Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati River Front in your Ford Figo on January 14-15 to be mesmerized by bright, life-sized kites that don the skies. Expert kite makers from all over the world throng Gujarat to display their talent with beautifully designed kites.

Horse and Camel Race – Pushkar, Rajasthan

Pushkar Bagh in Rajasthan is a place much celebrated for its annual desert festival or Pushkar Fair, held in October or November every year, to pay respect to the desert life of the people. Apart from cattle trading and competitions, the race that takes place for horses and camels make it a must-attend event for every travel enthusiast. Experience the riots of colours, the gorgeous dresses that the animals come decked in and the random bargains for cattle trading to make your gamut of experience fuller. Sit back in the comfort of your Ford Aspire and head to the deserts extending up to the horizons demonstrating unbeaten spirits of life and livelihood.

Kila Raipur Sports Festival – Punjab

Organised during the last week of February, Kila Raipur Sports Festival is best referred to as the Rural Olympics with international interests attached to the whole event. Traditionally, there used to be a gathering of the farmers every year to sport their physical endurance which gave birth to the idea of this large scale organised event taking place annually. The crowd, the enthusiasm, the team spirit, and the individual efforts will mesmerise you once you decide to be a part of the spectators watching the games. Head to the lush fields of Punjab in your Ford Endeavour and soak in some display of raw strength.

Vallam Kali Boat Race – Kerala

The serene backwaters of Kerala are brought alive by paddled boat races, observed each year to mark the harvest festival Onam. The state hosts several boat races during the Onam period, starting with the most prominent and oldest Champakulam Boat Race at Pampa River in Alappuzha. Vallam Kali includes races of many kinds of paddled longboats. The race of Chundan Vallam is a major tourist attraction, featuring snake boats about 30-35 meter long with 64 or 128 paddlers aboard. Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held at the Punnamada Lake every year to celebrate the festival. Plan a road trip with your family along the scenic roads of Kerala in your Ford EcoSport and experience this annual festival in complete glory.

Dessert Festival- Rajasthan

If you love the dunes, head out to Jaisalmer in your Ford Endeavour in early February to witness Jaisalmer Dessert Festival. People from all over the world throng the dunes on the outskirts to experience Rajasthan’s culture and hospitality. Stand witness to camel races, polo matches on camels and several local art forms that are unique to Rajasthan and in particular to the Jaisalmer region. The festival culminates with a majestic display by the Air Force that stands guard to protect the borders not too far from the festival site. To make your trip more fun, put your Endeavour in sand mode and drive up a dune for a fun-ride

Travelling is more of gathering experience and getting to know your own land from the grass root. Pick your Ford and drive to any of the destinations of your choice to inhale the spirit of the festivals that define India.