Long weekends of 2016: Places you must visit this year

By Rashmi Hemrajani

India is known as the land of festivities and diversity. This year make the most of long weekends and travel extensively to embrace the Indianness.

JANUARY
23rd (Saturday) to 26th January (Tuesday): Republic Day Weekend Region: Wagah Border

Jawans sing, dance and parade at the Wagah Border every evening. However, on Republic Day the mood is patriotic and the energy extremely high. Take your camera as you soak in the pride of being an Indian.

FEBRUARY
19th (Friday) to 21st February (Sunday): Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti Region: Tadoba

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It was declared as a Project Tiger Reserve in 1993. Tadoba is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyaenas, jackals, wild dogs, blue bulls and sambars. The park features thick teak forests and a beautiful lake. Winters is one of the best times to visit. Day temperatures range between 25-30 degree celsius and the park is pleasantly green.



MARCH
5th (Saturday) to 7th March (Monday): Maha Shivratri Region: Varanasi

Varanasi has many Shiva temples, making it the ideal place to celebrate Maha Shivratri. Devotees perform rituals and also fast on that day. In Varanasi several temples organise a wedding baaraat where people play the role of different Gods and Goddesses. A parade starts which goes in southern part of the city and finally ends at the Tilbhandeshwar Temple where it typically starts from. The procession lasts roughly four to five hours amidst music, food and bhaang.



24th (Thursday) to 27th March (Sunday): Holi and Good Friday Weekend

Head to the hills, Mahabaleshwar hosts a fun strawberry festival that takes place during the Good Friday weekend. Visit strawberry farms, meet the farmers and pick and taste delicious strawberries.

APRIL
8th (Friday) to 10th (Sunday): Gudi Padwa Region: Wayanad

Wayanad is a popular hill station in India. Situated in a mountainous plateau of Western Ghats, Wayanad is at an elevation of 700 – 2100 meters above sea level. A trek to Chembra Peak nestled amidst the beautiful Wayanad hills and the adjoining Nilgiri hills, is certainly a rejuvenating affair. Right on the top is a heart-shaped lake that is one of the major tourist attractions. Adding to its beauty is the belief that the lake has never dried up.

14th (Thursday) to 19th April (Tuesday): Ambedkar Jayanti/Ram Navami/ Mahavir Jayanti Region: Ayodhya

Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama. Lakhs of devotees took a dip in the Saryu River and visit various temples. The annual fair is also organised on the banks of the river. Special prayers are offered at mid-day, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born.



AUGUST
13th (Saturday) to 18th August (Thursday): Independence Day Weekend/ Raksha Bandhan Region: Delhi

The preparations of the Independence Day in Delhi begins a month in advance. Most of the roads are dressed with the Indian flag. The day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes. The Prime Minister of the country addresses the nation after hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort.

25th (Thursday) to 28th August (Sunday): Janamashtami Weekend Region: Dwarka

Known as the golden city of India, Dwarka in Gujarat is famous for its massive and fabulous Janamashtami celebrations. The festival starts with a ‘mangal aarti’ and lavish offerings are made to Lord Krishna. The festival in Dwarka starts at around 11 pm and the aarti is performed at midnight.

SEPTEMBER

3rd (Saturday) to 5th September (Monday): Ganesh Chaturthi Region: Pune

This festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety, in Pune, as the city has its own tradition. Start with visiting Kasbapeth, the patron deity of Pune. Saras Baug is another must visit temple in Pune. Shreemant Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati is another popular Ganesha shrine. Beautifully designed and well constructed with good security system. It’s the perfect time to seek blessings for your loved ones.



10th (Saturday) to 12th September (Monday): Bakri Id Region: Pelling

Slowly emerging as a tourist destination, Pelling is known to have some of the most breathtaking views of the Kangchenjunga and surrounding ranges. Pelling’s serene environment and picturesque setting is perfect for nice nature walks and small treks.

OCTOBER

8th (Saturday) to 12th October (Tuesday): Dusshera/ Vijaya Dashami Region: Kolkata

Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which coincides with the last six days of Navratri draws to a close on Vijayadashmi. The day commemorates Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and is celebrated with pomp. Kolkata lights up during the Durga Puja and hosts more than 3,000 major Durga Puja pandals. The aartis in the evening are majestic and include performances of the dhaak and dhunuchi dance forms. On the final day, the Durga idol is immersed in the Ganga after a procession flanked by fireworks and loud music and dancing.

28th (Saturday) to 31st October (Monday): Diwali Weekend Region: Jodhpur

Celebrate Diwali like royalty. The whole city is lit up and there are several small celebrations by artists who celebrate the return of Lord Rama in their own unique way.

NOVEMBER
12th to 14th November (Monday): Guru Nanak Jayanti Region: Amritsar

Celebrations in Amritsar begin a day prior to Guru Nanak Jayanti. A religious procession known as Prabhat Pheri is carried out and is led by the five armed guards called Panj Pyare. On Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrations begin before dawn. Early morning prayers are offered. Kathas, Sikh scriptures are narrated along with religious and historical narratives in honour of the Guru. These lectures are followed by community meals called langar. The day ends with bhangra and gidda performances held at community grounds.

DECEMBER

10th (Saturday) to 13th December (Tuesday): Id-e-Milad Weekend Region: Andamans

Enjoy turtle nesting, snorkelling and scuba diving in Andamans. Visit the historic Cellular Jail and soak in the tranquillity the sea has to offer.