Bitten by the travel bug

If you want to avoid hordes of tourist and also want to give the heat a miss, set out to a few of these destinations this month. What makes it even better is that you can experince a one-of-a-kind festival wherever you go!

Champakulam moolam boat race Kerala, June 20

King Devanarayana of Chempakasseri ordered a temple to be built in honour of Lord Krishna. When the workers were enroute Ambalapuzha, where the idol was supposed to be instituted, they stopped midway in Champakula to rest for the night. The next day, a grand procession of boats and a ceremonial procession carried the idol to Ambalapuzha, says the legend. That’s what makes Champakula special, and to celebrate this as the resting place of the idol of Krishna, boat rides and festivities continue to date. It happens to be one of the most popular vallam kallis (snake boat race) in the state — various types of boats like chundan, eppu, iruttu kuthi, churulan and others can be found participating.

Ambubachi mela Assam, June 22 to 26 The Tantric cult residing in Assam, gather at the Ambubachi Temple in Guwahati for this four-day festival. They believe that the deity residing there, Devi Kamakhya, goes through her menstrual cycle for the first three days. No farming, or auspicious activity takes place and even the temple remains shut. On the fourth day, the goddess is bathed and decorated and worshipping this ‘pure’ form is said to bring good luck. Devotees flock to the temple, donning red clothes or angavastra (to symbolise menstruation), and consume a prasad (holy food) called angodak, which is in liquid form (symbolising menstrual blood).

Ganga dussehra Along the banks, June 19 It is said that sage Bhagirath spent many years convincing Mother Ganga to come down to land and bless the region — so when she finally did begin to flow — the people rejoiced! Even today, this festival is celebrated in the river’s honour, and is a way of paying respect for the river’s contributions. Ganga Dussehra is a popular festival in places like Varanasi, Allahabad, Haridwar and Rishikesh — priests perform artis for the goddess Ganga, devotees take a dip in the river, oil lamps are lit and small boats made with leaves that contain burning camphor, flowers and sweets are let into the water. Donations are also made to the less-fortunate.

Sindhu darshan festival Ladakh, between june 23-26 This is another river festival, celebrated in Leh (Jammu and Kashmir). Hundreds of devotees from in and around the district gather to bay tribute to the Sindhu River, also known as the Indus, and it has been an annual affair since 1997. Each person visiting Shey (the region where the celebration takes place) brings an earthen pot filled with water from their homes/localities and empties it into the Sindhu, as a way of showing gratitude. This is followed by Lamas (priests) chanting hymns, and then begin the dance and music performances. Dancers wear intricate, colourful costumes along with masks, which depict different characters in the Buddhist/Tibetan culture.

Sao joao feast of st john the baptist Goa, June 24 Myth says that when John Baptist heard of Jesus Christ’s birth, he was still in his mother Elizabeth’s womb and started kicking out of joy. That’s why on the day of Sao Joao, men jump into wells or rivers — the water bodies are symbolic of Elizabeth’s womb. Family and friends also toss gifts into the well, which are then retrieved by the men. All the towns in Goa come to life, and festivities like singing, dancing, boat rides and exchange of fruits and vegetables are carried out. And of course, nobody keeps track of how much feni one drinks!

Summer festival Shimla, till june 9 This festival was first organised in the 1960s, to celebrate the arrival of summer. Now, the District Administration hosts the 10-day long festival in order to boost tourism. It is indeed a spectacular sight, because of the number of performers who gather there to sing and dance — their colourful costumes painting a fabulous picture against the lush green trees and clear blue skies. Many handicraft exhibitions that display crafts made by the locals and tribes are set up. Games for both kids and adults, as well as a fashion show are also organised. Many celebrities including the likes of Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar and others, have been invited to perform at the Ridge of Shimla, which is where the event is conducted.