Unusual festivals

Unusual festivals: witness the soul of India

India is a land where ancient traditions are not just preserved but lived with intense passion. Our unusual festival journeys are designed for the serious traveller who seeks to go beyond the surface of a celebration to understand its spiritual energy and cultural significance. From the exuberant chaos of Holi to the rhythmic beauty of the Pushkar Camel Fair, these journeys offer a front-row seat to the most authentic and transformative events on the Indian calendar.

At Bharatvaas Travels, we prioritise slow travel and intimate access. Whether you are observing a 15th-century ritual in a remote Rajasthani village or participating in the spiritual morning boat rides on the Ganges, we ensure your experience is respectful, safe, and deeply immersive.

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Signature festival experiences

Holi: a kaleidoscope of tradition and spirit

Experience Holi in its most diverse forms across Northern India. In the sacred towns of Barsana and Nandgaon, witness the extraordinary Lathmar Holi, where women playfully strike men with sticks in a ritual dating back centuries. In Vrindavan, the “playground of Lord Krishna,” the streets transform into a vibrant spectacle of joy, music, and devotion. For those seeking spiritual depth, our journeys culminate in Varanasi to witness the unique Masan Holi — a rare ritual where ash from the cremation pyres is used in celebration along the banks of the Ganges.

Desert Legends Holi in Rajasthan on Horseback

View trip: Desert Legends Holi in Rajasthan on Horseback

Tribal Trails Gujarat Hidden Festivals

View trip: Tribal Trails Gujarat Hidden Festivals

Sacred Ganges Holi Uttar Pradesh Experience

View trip: Sacred Ganges Holi Uttar Pradesh Experience

Mystical Lathmar Holi Uttar Pradesh Spiritual

View trip: Mystical Lathmar Holi Uttar Pradesh Spiritual

The Pushkar Camel Fair: a desert spectacle

Set in the serene desert of Rajasthan, the Pushkar Camel Fair is the world’s most famous livestock festival. This is a photographer’s dream, where thousands of camels, horses, and traders gather amidst the golden dunes. Beyond the trade, it is a deeply spiritual event where pilgrims gather at the holy lake for sunset rituals. Our 18-day itinerary ensures you experience the fair’s vibrant energy while also exploring the “Blue City” of Jodhpur and the “Golden Fort” of Jaisalmer.

Desert Legends Holi in Rajasthan on Horseback

View trip: Desert Legends Holi in Rajasthan on Horseback

Whispers of the Wild Madhya Pradesh Safari

View trip: Whispers of the Wild Madhya Pradesh Safari

Hidden Beauties Gujarat Exploration Tour

View trip: Hidden Beauties Gujarat Exploration Tour

Deep Soul Rajasthan Slow Journey

View trip: Deep Soul Rajasthan Slow Journey

Tribal Trails Gujarat Hidden Festivals

View trip: Tribal Trails Gujarat Hidden Festivals

Tribal traditions: the hidden festivals of Gujarat

For the truly curious traveller, Gujarat offers a path less followed. Our 25-day journey explores the hidden festivals of the Rathwa and Banjara tribes. Witness the Kavant Festival, an overwhelming display of colour and energy where tribal communities gather to celebrate family ties and successful harvests. Experience Rathwa Holi in rural villages, where traditional Pithora paintings and local dances offer an intimate insight into a world largely untouched by modern tourism.

View Gujarat festival trips

Holi on horseback: Rajasthan beyond the crowds

Designed for those seeking authenticity and open landscapes, this unique journey traverses rural Rajasthan on the back of the iconic Marwari horse. Ride through “Leopard Country” and forested hills, staying in historic palaces and remote camps. The highlight of this expedition is celebrating Rangwali Holi within a local village community, far removed from commercial celebrations, offering an intimate and respectful connection with the landscape and its people.

View Holi horseback riding tours
  • Whispers of the Wild Madhya Pradesh Safari

    An immersive 21-day slow travel tour blending the wild heart of India with refined Mughal heritage.

    Delhi – Sariska – Agra – Gwalior – Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh – Kanha – Pench – Tadoba – Nagpur – Mumbai


  • Majestic Predators Rajasthan Gujarat Safari

    A 19-day luxury safari tracking tigers, Asiatic lions, and leopards across India’s most iconic reserves.

    Delhi – Agra – Bharatpur – Ranthambore – Barli – Bera – kutch – Jamnagar – Sasan-Gir – Velavadar – Ahmedabad


  • Wild Legends Gujarat Safari Adventure

    An 11-day wildlife extravaganza tracking Asiatic lions, rare wild asses, and diverse birdlife across Gujarat.

    Ahmedabad – kutch – Jamnagar – Sasan-Gir – Velavadar


  • Hidden Beauties Gujarat Exploration Tour

    Discover Gujarat’s wild nature, ancient stepwells, and artisan villages, concluding with an iconic train ride to Mumbai.

    Ahmedabad – Poshina – Little rann of kutch – Bhuj – Junagadh – Sasan-Gir – Mumbai


  • Deep Soul Rajasthan Slow Journey

    A 24-day odyssey deep into the soul of India, exploring majestic forts and hidden rural villages at a relaxed pace.

    Delhi – Abhaneri – Samod – Kishangarh – Barli – Bundi – Chittorgarh – Jaisalmer – Bikaner – Mandawa


Plan your festival journey

Festival dates in India follow the lunar calendar and require careful, early planning to ensure the best accommodation and local access. Whether you wish to join one of our small-group departures or prefer a privately guided, tailor-made experience, we are here to handle every detail with European-level precision and local soul.

Request a bespoke proposal
Book a travel consultation