India can easily be denoted as the most diverse country in the world. It has 29 different states with hundreds of different languages spoken all across and of course we have vibrant, colorful varied culture in different parts of the country. With culture come traditions and festivals. When it comes to celebrating festivals in India, we believe in indulging with unbound happiness.

Since there are so many festivals in India, they also get divided into two categories, one are the mainstream festivals which are celebrated all across and people know about it, the other being the unconventional ones which are lesser known but celebrated with equal joy and enthusiasm.

Jallikattu, Tamil Nadu

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Let us begin with a festival which can give an adrenaline rush to you and can possibly also remind you of ‘Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara’. Jallikattu is a bull-taming sport which is one of the essential parts of the Pongal celebration held between the months of January to July. This festival is witnessed only in a few towns like Palamendu and Alanganallur, close to Madurai.

Puli Kali, Kerala

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One of the peculiar yet vibrant festivals celebrated in Kerala. Puli Kali celebrated during Onam is actually a form of folk art, dance, music and drama which primarily portrays theme of tiger hunting. Performers are painted like tiger and hunters red, black and yellow. They enact their roles to the instruments Udukku and Thakil. This festival takes place in Thripunithara, Kerala.

Madai festival, Chattisgarh

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Madai festival is one of the most popular tribal festivals known by everyone in the state of Chattisgarh.  During this festival various ritualistic practices happen like folk dance, music, prayers and even sacrifice of goats, dedicated to the Goddess Kesharpal Kesharpalin Devi. This festival is celebrated in between December to March in the villages of Chattisgarh like Kanker, Bastar and Dantewada.

Mim Kut festival, Mizoram

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This is one of those rare festivals which is called a harvesting festival celebrated in the months of August and September specifically after the harvesting of maize is done. The Mim Kut festival is a crowd puller due to its color and musical extravaganza. In this festival the major attraction are the folk performances.

Miu Festival, Nagaland

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The Khiamniungan Tribe of Nagaland celebrates this uncommon festival. It is a yearly festival held in the first week of May. The festival’s biggest highlight is that it strengthens the bond between an uncle and his nephew/niece. The uncle prays for the nephew or niece’s well-being. The other major attraction of this festival is performing pujas by offering animal blood and flesh along with other food items. The festival is celebrated in Kohima.