Must Visit Regional Fairs and Festivals This December

December is one of the most festive months in the year, filled with lights, colours and vibrancy. And if you’ve pushed yourself through the year and achieved tasks that have made you proud, it’s time to treat yourself to a vacation. But instead of doing the same old winter vacation, why not spin things around a little and plan a trip where you can explore new cultures and perspectives?

Well, one of the best things about living in India is that almost every part of the country comes alive in December to celebrate the end of the year with art, food and a whole lot of experiences. Here is a list of regional fairs and festivals that you can indulge in to make the most of your December holidays!

Rann Utsav, Gujarat

Breath-taking and out of this world, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is a vast desert located just 200-km from Rajkot, Rann is a breezy drive in your Ford Figo. It comes alive in December during the Rann Utsav – a carnival of music and dance. If you confuse the desert for a beach, we won’t blame you, as it is a salt marsh that is gorgeously white. During the Rann Utsav, about 400 tents of different types are set up on the border of Rann to celebrate and showcase the spectacular culture of Gujarat.

For a luxury camping experience, spend a night for two in one of these tents and watch over the star-spangled sky. And don’t miss out on the rustic performances, story recitals, grand feasts, handicraft displays, camel riding, archery and other entertaining activities.

Winter Festival, Rajasthan

What comes to mind when you think of Rajasthan? Folk dances like Ghoomar and Gair? Authentic handicrafts and colourful pagdis? Perhaps, Dal Bati Churma and Pyaaz Kachori? Well, you’re right on all counts! But, you missed out on one; the Winter Festival of Rajasthan held in Mount Abu, a hill station located 160-km from Udaipur.

Organised by the Government of Rajasthan this three-day festival is held every year in the last week of December. It lets visitors experience the Rajasthani culture in all its glory. For 2019, the festival will be held from 29th to 31st December and is a perfect way to end the year. With performances such as Sufi Kathak, classical poetry recitals, folk dance, kite flying, cricket, horse racing and more, you will not find a single dull moment.

And you don’t even have to fret about Rajasthan’s cold winter hampering your trip as your Ford EcoSport’s Climate Control will keep you comfortable.

Bishnupur Mela, West Bengal

Bishnupur is a town located 138-km from Kolkata and is the place you to head to between 27th and 31st December if you want to soak in the rich Bengali culture and heritage. The festival is conducted by the state government to celebrate and promote local artisans. In addition to magnificent handicraft, silk sarees, and terracotta sculptures, you can also enjoy traditional dance and music performances.

Navigating to a new place can be tricky and confusing, but not when you have Ford Freestyle’s SYNC 3 by your side. You can find your way without breaking a sweat by projecting the maps on Ford SYNC 3’s 6.5-inch interactive touchscreen from a paired smartphone.

Galdan Namchot, Ladakh

A trip to Ladakh at least once in a lifetime is on everyone’s bucket list. So, why not put a tick across this wish by going there during the Galdan Namchot festival, on 21st December? It is a festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Tsongkhapa, a Tibetan Buddhist saint-scholar from the 14th century. On this day, all the monasteries, houses and public buildings are lit up. Monasteries even hold exhibitions, fascinating rituals, grand feasts and performances. But here’s the most exciting part – the locals are the only ones who put on dance and music performances; the monks participate in the celebrations as well!

When in Ladakh, don’t forget to take home traditional scarfs called Khataks. It is a Ladakhi custom to gift these during Galdan Namchot, and treat your taste buds to butter tea, thupkas, momos, and chicken noodle soup.

The drive to Ladakh, about 420 km from Srinagar is an exhilarating one. With Ford Endeavor’s Terrain Management System and Hill Launch Assist, you will be able to tackle all winding turns with superior control and complete safety.

No matter the festival you pick, each promises a culturally enriching experience. So, head to one of these fairs and end this year by learning something new about India’s incredible and fascinating culture.