Winter is the perfect time for a getaway in India, and there are some amazing places to explore. While places like Manali and Kasol in the hills are popular, let’s think outside the box. Head to the warm regions like Rajasthan, Goa, and Bengal, which have their own charm during winter. Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural melas happening from November to February, adding an extra touch of magic to the season.
So, pack your packs and be ready to travel this winter as we at Mad4India have shortlisted the top 6 Indian fairs from all around India. Traveling to these fairs will be a great travel experience for everyone.
Top 10 fairs in India
| 1. Kumbh Mela | Allahbad |
| 2. Hemis Gompa Fair | Ladakh |
| 3. Kolayat Fair | Rajasthan |
| 4. Ambubachi Fair | Assam |
| 5. Goa Carnival | Goa |
| 6. Pushkar fair | Rajasthan |
| 7. Poush fair | West Bengal |
| 8. Jaisalmer Desert Festival | Jaisalmer |
| 9. Lucknow Mohatsav | Uttar Pradesh |
| 10. Nagaur Fair | Rajasthan |
Poush Mela, West Bengal
The Poush Mela 2023 in Shantiniketan is the colorful rural carnival of West Bengal that is held every year in December. This Indian fair marks the beginning of the harvest season and it continues for three days. The mela celebrates Bengali culture through Bengali folk music, particularly Boul Sangeet, as well as folk dances, and is a haven of peace and love. Rural artists from all around the state come here to display and sell their work. Being here allows one to properly appreciate India’s cultural variety.
Poush Mela 2023 date and entry fees
- Poush Mela Shantiniketan 2023 date is December 24 to December 26, 2023
- Poush Mela is celebrated in Bhirbum district, West Bengal
Jaisalmer Desert Festival, One of Kind Melas
This Jaisalmer desert festival is one of the most beautiful mela in India and is organized in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This festival takes place in February for three days in the beautiful dunes of the Thar desert. This festival is an extravagant showcase of Rajasthan’s culture. From watching the puppet shows and camel polo matches to witnessing juggling events like tying turban and longest moustache competitions.
The people of Jaisalmer get ready in their traditional attire, and the whole environment looks vibrant and colorful. From Rajasthan traditional folk dances to music, everything comes under one roof for the celebration of this Jaisalmer Desert Festival. In addition to all the beauty, the local people of Rajasthan who set up stalls and sell their handicrafts with drool-worthy Rajasthani food.
After enjoying this festival, One should not miss the desert safari on camels and all across Thar desert. This desert festival is the beacon of hope for shopping lovers to shop for unique and beautiful home decor items and artifacts.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024 dates and entry fees
- Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024 dates are from 8th February to 10 February 2024.
- Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2024 entry fees is free.
Goa Carnival
In the south, Goa is the perfect tourist spot, as we all wish to travel to Goa once in our lives. This winter, one should not miss the Goa carnival that takes place in February. The vibrant and colorful environment of these carnivals sets the perfect vibes for the people of Goa to showcase their culture and traditions.
These carnivals include parades, dance competitions and music performances, food festivals and cultural displays. The main highlights of this carnival are the parades feature varieties of floats, dances and musicians all dressed in elaborate dresses. This possession is led by King Momo, the mythical creature who is considered to be the king of Carnival. In this Indian mela, visitors will get a chance to enjoy Goa’s cuisine including seafood dishes and refreshing drinks for which Goa is famous.
Goa Carnival 2024 dates and ticket prices
- Goa Carnival 2024 dates are 7th February 2024 to 14th February 2024.
- Goa Carnival ticket prices are zero as there are no entry fees.
Nagaur Fair
In Jodhpur, Rajasthan, there is one Indian fair that signifies the importance of animals. The Nagaur Mela is the second-largest cattle fair in India. Aside from sellers and buyers, a great number of tourists visit to take in the breathtaking cultural beauty.
Every year, this mela takes place between January and February for four to ten days. The Nagaur cattle fair starts with various cattle-related activities but the real celebrations start in the evening when cultural games such as bullock races, cockfights, tug-of-war, and others, take place. Handi-crafted exhibitions and sales are also conducted. Cultural programs like folk dance and music, puppet shows and storytelling are also conducted.
Nagaur Fair 2024 dates and entry fees
- Nagaur fair 2024 dates are 15th February 2024 to 18th February 2024
- There are no entry fees for the Nagaur fair 2024.
Pushkar Mela
One of the biggest and most extravagant Indian Mela, the Pushkar Festival 2023 will start in November and should not be missed this winter. The Pushkar camel fair is one of the largest camel fairs. This Pushkar fair was held in Rajasthan.
The cultural event of this mela includes folk dances and various competitions such as tug of war between women and men, longest mustache and bridal competition takes place. The Pushkar fair is also considered a pilgrimage as people for a holy bath in Pushkar Lake. In addition to it, the handcrafted stalls are also set by the local people of Rajasthan. The famous camel races and matka phod competitions are the main highlights of this Indian fair.
Pushkar Mela 2023 Date and Entry Fees
- Pushkar Mela 2023 date is 20th November 2023 to 28th November 2023
- There are no Pushkar Mela entry fees.
Suraj Kund Mela
No one can miss the famous Suraj Kund Mela of India that takes place in February every year. One of the most common yet the most beautiful Indian fairs takes place in Surajkund, Faridabad. This year will be the 37th edition of Suraj Kund International Craft Mela. The first Suraj Kund fair was held in 1987.
This Indian fair is the perfect amalgamation of the different cultures and states as people from various cultures and states set up their stalls in this mela to represent their state. At the SurajKund fair, people represent the rich culture of handlooms and Indian fabrics created by the skilled artisans of India. Folk performances from various cultures are also organized, and food stalls from many states are set up. This mela is a must-see this winter.
SurajKund Fair 2024 Dates & entry fees
- Surajkund fair 2024 dates are 3rd February 2024 to 19th February 2024
- SurajKund fair entry fees on weekdays is Rs.120 and on weekends is Rs.180
These six melas of India are a must-visit if you are planning a trip during winter. The colourful and vibrant environment will surely fill your heart with warmth amidst this cold chilly winter. So, don’t forget to visit them and share your experience with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best month to visit the Indian fairs?
Every fair has different timelines. However, most of the Indian fairs are held from November to February. So, these months are the best time to visit the fairs of India.
What are the best things to buy from Pushkar Mela?
Melas are famous for their unique items. Products like leather goods rose products, handcrafted decor items and silver jewellery will be great buys from Pushkar Mela.
Which is the best mela to visit with kids in winter?
Suraj Kund Mela is the best mela to visit with Kids in winter as it has exciting games and swings for kids. In addition, there are many food stalls that will steal your kid’s heart.
If you loved reading about these six Indian fairs, then do read about 5 Unpopular Schemes For Women Empowerment Launched By Govt Of India
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