Cultural Festivals & Travel – 5 Unique Indian Festivals Worth Experiencing 

India's rich cultural heritage shines brightest through its many festivals.  While Diwali and Holi are well-known worldwide, several lesser-known festivals showcase India's incredible traditions.  Here are 5 amazing festivals that will make your trip to India truly special.

1. Hornbill Festival - The Festival of Festival Where: Nagaland, Northeast India When: December 1-10 

2. Pushkar Camel Fair Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan When: October/November (dates change yearly based on the lunar calendar) 

3. Hemis Festival Where: Hemis Monastery, Ladakh When: June/July (10th day of the Tibetan lunar month)

4. Onam Where: Kerala When: August/September (based on Malayalam calendar)

5. Ziro Festival of Music Where: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh When: September 

Whether you want to see masked dances in Ladakh, join the carnival atmosphere in Pushkar, or rock out in Ziro Valley, these festivals will show you sides of India that most tourists never see.  Each one offers chances to meet local people, try regional food, and make memories that will last forever.