Most Unusual Festivals in Incredible India

India is a land where religion and its beliefs govern the gallows. Since ancient times, they have been at their best and have created a lasting impact on people, which the ultra-modern theories of the West did not achieve. Throughout time, the spiritual connection with the almighty has led to some unusual festivals and events that are strictly followed to restore balance in religion.
Olympic Village (Kila Raipur Punjab)
How should I call it? A sports bonanza, a competition or simply a rural event full of fun. Whatever people want to call it, it surely attracts national and international tourists from all over the world. Here 'It' refers to the Kila Raipur sports festival, one of the most unusual festivals in India that has become a well-known name on the streets of Punjab. Contrary to the association of its name with Raipur, the festival is celebrated every year in Ludhiana in the month of February. Like the usual Olympics, Kila Raipur includes athletics, hockey, Kabaddi and weightlifting events.
Dahi Handi (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Dahi Handi is one of the most favorite festivals among the Mumbaikers, and probably also Bollywood, as shown in many of his films. Beginning at the Janmashtami festival, the Dahi Handi festival consists of playing a replica of Lord Krishna stealing butter from a clay pot, tied at a height, as a child. This is done by different groups, trying to make a stable human pyramid, with the aim of breaking the pot of clay to make curds, as the Lord used to do with the help of his friends. Kath Yatra (Puri, Orrisa)
Dusshera (Delhi)
The Dusshera festival in India, celebrated mainly by the Hindus and is celebrated throughout the country under different names. However, this festival has a completely new definition in Delhi. It all starts with the Ramlila event, which is a representation of the famous Ramayana epic in different areas of Delhi. The Ramlila or the story of Lord Rama continues for several days, mainly for a week and includes episodes of the kidnapping of the goddess Sita by the demon King Ravana, which finally culminated in her murder by Lord Rama. Thus, the first reason for the festival, the annihilation of evil by the hands of God. Ramlila ends with the installation of huge effigies of Ravana and his brothers in flames.
Lath Mar Holi (Barsana, Vrindavan)
Holi, as you all know, is a festival of colors. People from all walks of life paint their faces with colors and, gradually, they become a joyful affair. All this sounds so wonderful and lively. But what if some women chase you with a stick and hit you here and there. It sounds scary, does not it? Well, Barsana's men in Mathura do not fear these Lathis and celebrate it as a local festival known as Lath Mar Holi. Played just before Holi's day, Lath Mar Holi is a unique way to celebrate this colorful occasion. The reason behind carrying these canes for Barsana's men is that in Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna visited the village of his beloved Radha on this same day and in this, joking playfully with Radha and her friends.
Ganesh Chaturthi (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, a world-renowned Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Ganesha. It is not only an event dedicated to the worship of the Lord, but its celebrations closely resemble the sacred carnival. The festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi continue for ten days, and then the idol of Lord Ganesha plunges into the sea. It is believed that by doing so, Lord Ganesha eliminates all the negativity and problems of his followers. The origin of this remarkable festival in Mumbai dates back to the time of Shivaji, the great. In order to promote cultural harmony and nationalist sentiments among his subjects, the Maratha ruler began the tradition of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in the state of Maharashtra.
Snake Boat Race (Kerala)
One should not worry about hearing about the Snake Boat Race, since it is actually a race between ships that have the shape of a snake and does not involve any real snake. These snake boats are actually traditional canoe-style boats that are widely used in the Kuttanad region of southern Kerala. Almost around 120 feet long, these traditional boats are the pride of the people, because each of them designs their own boat. These unique boat races in Kerala take place at any time during August or September.
Kumbh Mela (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh)
A mega collaboration of people, similar to the one that has never been seen anywhere on this planet, Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is a spiritual carnival that every Hindu pilgrim wants to be a part of, at least once in his life. If we believe in records, Kumbh Mela, held in 2013 in Allahabad, witnessed an influx of around 100 million people from around the world. That's like a whole country participating in an event. The main point of the Kumbh fair revolves around spiritual immersion at the confluence of the sacred Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Hindus believe that in doing so, all their ancestral sins are erased. Well, this is the belief of the Hindu followers, what about the extreme devotees, the sadhus and the saints dressed in saffron? They firmly believe that this fall is a straight stairway to heaven. In the words of a Naga Sadhu completely naked in Kumbh Mela, if one does not return, then his soul has been released or has reached Moksha (Nirvana).

By: Preeti Narula
Content: https://www.indianholiday.com/blog/unusual-festivals-in-incredible-india/