12 events of Madhya Pradesh
4 years ago
Madhya Pradesh, The heart of India houses immense wildlife, flora and fauna, breathtaking views, and archeological treats. MP hosts several amazing cultural and heritage festivals that attracts traveler across the country. Different culture, religions, tribes come together to organize these events that the whole world look forward to. The land of Madhya Pradesh develops a calm aura during these events. Below is the list of festivals and events that every tourist should get a look when travel to Madhya Pradesh:
1. Lokrang Festival, Bhopal
Lokrang festival is organized by Madhya Pradesh Adivasi Lok Kala Academy in Bhopal. The cultural festival aims to create harmony between citizens of India and make them aware of the tribal community of the state. The festival organizes dance on folk music. The festival Lokrang attracts tourists as it displays and sells handicrafts and art made by tribal people.
Place: Bhopal
Duration: 4-5 days
When to visit: January
2. Khajuraho Festival, Khajuraho
Grand display of dance art forms like Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Kathakali is a highlight of the Khajuraho festival. The festival aims to live true Indian dance forms. Taking place in an open-air theatre near Chitragupta and Vishwanatha Temple the event held for seven days. A feast is also organized to pay tribute to the creators of the temple. The other attractions are many artifacts, sculptures, and crafts made by the craftsmen of the town.
Place: Khajuraho
When to visit: February
Duration: 7 Days
3. Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh, Ujjain
A seven-day event brings together poets, singers, writers, artists from various parts of the country to celebrate art. The fest is dedicated to the work of poet, Kalidas. The city of Ujjain is famous for giving birth to many famous poets like Kalidas and Balkavi Bairagi. The event comprises of poetry recitation, storytelling, and other cultural performances. The event can be said as a treat for poetry lovers.
Place: Ujjain
When to visit: January
Duration: 7 days
4. Bhagoria Haat Festival, West Nimar (Khargon) and Jhabua
Organized by tribal people of the state Madhya Pradesh, it is a very unique kind of festival. Known as the festival of love in the local language, the festival celebrates love. Bhagoria Haat Festival is celebrated with great excitement. In the festival, young girls and boys elope after choosing their life partner. In the festival, the duo put red powder on their partner’s face if they like each other and After that, they run away from the ground, their parents cannot deny their relationship afterward. It will remind you of the event in the movie Veer Zara, well it sure is celebrated like that. The event is organized to celebrate harvesting.
Place: West Nimar (Khargon) and Jhabua
Month of organisation: March, Before Holi Festival
5. Ujjain Kumbh Mela, Ujjain
Out of the four holy cities, Ujjain is one of the places in India where Kumbh Mela takes place. In twelve years, the festival is organized four times. Kumbh Mela celebrates the victory of good over evil. A holy dip in the waters of Kshipra River is believed to wash away all the sins. Devotional singing and mass feeding to the people are something people indulge in. It is attended by millions of worshippers.
Place: Ujjain
When to visit: April to May (Every 12 years)
Duration: 1 Month
6. Malwa Utsav, Indore and Ujjain
Malwa Utsav is one of the biggest and largest events in Madhya Pradesh. The celebration of art, music, dance, drama, and culture by performers from different parts of the world is done in Malwa Utsav. Dance and music performances are the most significant part of the festival. Cultural integration can be seen during this Malwa festival. People from different cultures come together to celebrate this festival. The other attractions of the festival are local art and craft material.
Place: Indore and Ujjain
When to visit: May
Duration: 2 days in Ujjain & 5 days in Indore
7. Nagaji Fair, Murena
Naga Ji fair is celebrated in the tribal area of Madhya Pradesh to remember the great saint, Saint Nagaji who lived during Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign. In the fair domestic animal, trading takes place. Other attractions of the fair are cultural and traditional events and musical performances by the tribal group.
Place: Murena
When to visit: November or December
Duration: One month
8. Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival, Sanchi
Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival is a famous festival that takes place in the city of Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. The people from the entire world come to attend this festival to pay homage to great Buddhist people. The massive gathering of Buddhist monks and followers during this festival to Sanchi can be seen. The relics of the great disciples of the Buddha, Sariputta, and Mahamogallena are displayed. In the year 1853, the relics were found in Stupa 3 of the Sanchi Stupa.
Place: Sanchi
When to visit: End of November
Duration: 1 day
9. Tansen Samaroh, Gwalior
Tansen Musical Festival is an excellent platform to hear some soulful classical and folk music. This festival is the oldest and one of the best music festivals in India. It is a tribute to Tansen, one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court. For four days, the performers gather to perform music. It is a treat for newcomers in music.
When to visit: December
Duration: 4 days
10. Panchmarhi Utsav, Panchmarhi
Panchmarhi Utsav features folk art from Madhya Pradesh and all over India. The event also demonstrates workshop and exhibitions of folk art. Panchmarhi Utsav held on for five days. The evenings are dedicated to cultural performance by renowned artists. Other highlights of the Panchmarhi festival are the exhibition of carpets, bamboo, dress materials sculptures.
Place: Panchmarhi
When to visit: December
Duration: 5-6 days
11. Abhivyakti Garba Mahotsava, Bhopal and Indore
The festival takes place in many parts of the country and is one of the biggest dance festivals in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The festival celebrates the Durga Puja with dance and music. A huge audience gathers to be a part of Mahotsav. Practice for dance starts before the five-day mahotasava. Another attraction of the event is the food stalls that serve delicious food.
Place: Bhopal and Indore
When to visit: during Durga Puja
Duration: 5 days
12. The Amir Khan Festival, Indore
The Amir Khan Festival is one of the cultural festivals that is widely celebrated in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It aims to bring the old and new generation together through cultural festivals. The festival showcases traditional dance forms and classical music. It attracts a large number of artists from across the country to take part in this event. Devotional, Sufi music, Kathak, and Bharatnatyam are the few other attractions of this festival. It is dedicated to Amir Khan, the founder of the Indore Gharana of Indian Classical Music.
Place: Indore
These are some of the events of Madhya Pradesh that must be attended to have a look of the culture and tradition of Madhya Pradesh.