1. Desert Festival
Seemingly all of Rajasthan is aflame with excitement—there’s the Baneshwar Mela, the Chambal Festival, the Jaipur Kite Festival, the Nagaur Cattle Fair, the Shekhawati Festival… But if it’s to be just one, make it Jaisalmer. Held in mid-February, the Desert Festival is a celebration of the culture that thrives against the monochromatic backdrop of the desert. Expect puppeteers, acrobats, camel races, processions, even a ‘Mr Desert’ competition. Stay at Garh Jaisal(www.garhjaisal.com). For details, see www.rajasthantourism.gov.in
2. Mamallapuram Festival
Culture-vultures swoop down on to Chennai in December for the country’s most highbrow celebration of classical music and dance. The less stern should take in sessions of folk dance at this parallel, neighbouring show. For a month starting December 25, the World Heritage Site of Mamallapuram provides the backdrop for a series of dance concerts — classical will be well represented but go for the folk, with a high representation from the Northeast. For the schedule, see www.tamilnadutourism.org
3. Fontainhas Festival
Only a few years old, this is among the most unusual arts festivals going. For a week every year, houses in Fontainhas, a beautiful but crumbling quarter of Panjim, turn art galleries. Residents of the stunning old homes allow artworks to be displayed in their balcaos, salas and dining rooms — offering the visitor a unique opportunity to enjoy art and also get an insider’s view into life in this heritage quarter. Sadly, dates haven’t yet been fixed. See http://goaheritage.in
4. Gangasagar Mela
On Makar Sankranti every year, thousands gather in West Bengal to take a dip in the waters — where the revered Ganga meets the great Sagar. Second only to the Kumbh Mela in terms of religious significance, this mela is second to none in terms of piety, passion, colour and chaos. Take the 1N/2D package from Kolkata (033-2485917, www.westbengaltourism.com). Or do as the pilgrims do, and take a very long walk to the ocean.