Where to go in February
| Last Updated: January 17, 2013 at 2:04 PMFrom art fair to crafts mela, dance festival to bike festivals, February is jam-packed with events. Travel.india.com presents a list of events worth travelling in February.
What: The India Art Fair
Where: New Delhi
When: January 31-February 3, 2013
Why: India Art Fair (IAF) will showcase artworks from 24 countries including Russia, Israel, Argentina, Pakistan, Bangladesh and others. Over 100 exhibitors are expected to take part in the fifth edition of IAF. Book launches, art bookstore and a Speakers’ Forum would also be part of the fair. Speakers include art school directors, artists, art historians, collectors and curators.
What: Surajkund Crafts Mela
When: February 1-15, 2013
Where: Surajkund, Haryana
Why: It is the largest and the best exhibition-cum-sale of Indian arts and crafts. Not to be missed if you are interested in handlooms and handicrafts. This year onwards, the mela has been upgraded as an international event and will now be known as ‘Surajkund International Crafts Mela’. The mela is aimed at popularizing Indian art and craft globally and also to increase foreign footfall. Wind your way through the mela grounds and see some of the best craftsmen weave magic with their hands. Good place to stock up on furnishings and show pieces for the home.
What: Khajuraho Dance Festival
When: Feb 1-7, 2013
Where: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Why: The weeklong extravaganza celebrates the oncoming advent of spring, the king of all seasons. Khajuraho Festival of Dances showcases the most colorful and brilliant classical dance forms of India. Held against the backdrop of the famous Khajuraho temples, the festival is a feast for the eyes.
What: Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
When: February 2-10, 2013
Where: Kala Ghoda area, Mumbai
Why: The annual festival is a window to the kaleidoscopic world of music, dance, theatre, and literature. Having grown in stature and popularity since its inception in 1999, the Kala Ghoda Festival attracts a large number of visitors and participants. Organised by the non-profit Kala Ghoda Association, the festival was started to make the area the art district of Mumbai. Music, dance, theatre, literature, street stalls, films, workshops for adults and children, visual arts and heritage walks are part of the festival.
What: India Bike Week
When: February 2-3, 2013
Where: Vagator Beach, Goa
Why: It’s the coolest bike festival which has everything from music and biker flea market to vintage bike shows. Have a ringside view as three bike builders compete to build from scratch unique motorcycles at the Biker Build Off. The event is not only about gears or engines. The Fight Club will showcase mixed martial arts demos. Pentagram, Dualist Inquiry, Oxygen, Anish Sood and Lou Majaw would also be there.
What: Shekhawati Festival
When: February 8-10, 2013
Where: Nawalgarh in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan
Why: Think Shekhawati and images of grand mansions and elaborate frescoes comes to mind. And the best time to explore the area is during the Shekhawati Festival.
Spread over a number of venues – Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, the festival celebrates art and culture of the region, often called the largest open air gallery. Festival programme include a day-long tour of the region, cultural programmes, farm visits, rural games, camel and jeep safaris, haveli competitions and fireworks. Organised tours to some of the famous Havelis, forts and temples are also part of the festival.
What: Goa Carnival
Where: Panaji, Goa
When: February 9-12, 2013
Why: Three days of fun and frolic before the devout fast during the period of Lent. It is the biggest carnival in the country and involves dance, music, parades and feasting. Known as ‘Intruz’, the largest celebrations are held in Goan capital Panaji.
What: Taj Mahotsav
When: February 18-27, 2013
Where: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Why: The annual 10-day event offers a peek into India’s rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music. Held just a stone throw away from the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav is aimed at providing encouragement to artisans and providing a platform for India’s performing arts.
Artisans, some of them legendary in their own rights from across the country, converge in Agra during the festival. Wood/stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, marble and zardozi work from Agra, brass wares from Moradabad, handmade carpets from Bhadohi, the Mahotsav is the best place to buy.
What: Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Where: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
When: February 23-25, 2013
Why: If you are a fan of Rajasthan’s culture and heritage, then the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is the place to be in February. Music, dance, puppet shows, fire dancers, snake charmers and handicraft fairs are part of the festival. Contests like turban tying, the longest moustache contest and even a Mr. Desert pageant, camel polo are also scheduled. Do not forget to gorge on awesome Rajasthani food.
First Published: January 17, 2013 at 8:30 AM
