From Udaipur to Hyderabad, cultural feasts in festive February

Glimpses of India through music, art & craftsmanship

India comes alive with vibrant cultural celebrations in February, blending music, art, crafts, and cuisine. From soulful melodies to grand desert festivities, February 2025 promises unforgettable experiences for travellers and culture enthusiasts.

With the peak winter behind, February is a month of vibrant cultural celebrations in India, with festivals that showcase the country’s rich heritage, artistic traditions, and musical diversity.

From the soul-stirring tunes of the Udaipur World Music Festival to the majestic grandeur of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, February 2025 promises a spectacular lineup of events for travellers and culture enthusiasts. These festivals not only celebrate India’s deep-rooted traditions but also bring together global influences, offering visitors an immersive experience of music, art, crafts, and cuisine.

Whether it is the intricate craftsmanship on display at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, the royal flavours of the Deccan Festival, or the timeless elegance of the Taj Mahotsav, each event reflects the essence of India’s diverse cultural landscape. These festivals are more than just grand spectacles, they also serve as a platform for artists, musicians, and artisans to share their talent with the world. As February approaches, cities across India will transform into hubs of creativity and festivity, welcoming visitors to partake in an unforgettable journey through the country’s most cherished traditions.

World Music Festival

The Udaipur World Music Festival 2025 is set to transform the City of Lakes into a vibrant hub of global sounds and cultural harmony from February 7 to 9. This year, the festival is not only embracing international music but also celebrating the preservation and revival of Rajasthan’s forgotten musical instruments and traditions. As one of India’s most anticipated music festivals, it continues to bring together an extraordinary mix of artists from across the world, making world-class music accessible to all with free entry for attendees.

Supported by Hindustan Zinc and the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, and the festival remains the only event in India dedicated to showcasing world music on such a grand scale.

This year it will feature an eclectic lineup of 22 bands from more than 15 countries, including Argentina, Iran, Sweden, Spain, Ivory Coast, Kurdistan, Germany, Hungary and Reunion Island. For many of these international artists, this will mark their first-ever performance in India, providing a unique opportunity for audiences to experience diverse musical traditions from around the globe.

Alongside these global acts, the festival will also feature some of India’s most celebrated artists, ensuring a perfect blend of homegrown and international talent. Shaan, Karsh Kale, Kanika Kapoor, Faridkot, Sukriti-Prakriti and the Western Ghats are among the stellar performers who will take the stage, promising a spectacular musical experience.

The festival will unfold across three distinct locations in Udaipur, each offering a unique ambiance and musical journey. The mornings at Manji Ka Ghat will begin with meditative and soulful performances, set against the stunning backdrop of City Palace and Jag Mandir, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection. In the afternoons, the festival will move to Fateh Sagar Paal, where audiences can soak in soothing romantic melodies and diverse musical traditions in a relaxed lakeside setting. As night falls, the festival will reach its crescendo at Gandhi Ground  where high-energy performances will take over, offering an electrifying experience to conclude each day.

For anyone passionate about music and culture, this is a rare opportunity to witness the world come together through sound in one of India’s most enchanting cities.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela

The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela is set to take place from February 7 to 23, 2025, at Surajkund, Faridabad in Haryana. Recognised as one of the world’s largest crafts fairs, this grand celebration of art and culture draws over a million visitors annually. The mela provides a unique platform for artisans from across India and beyond to showcase their craftsmanship, preserving and promoting traditional art forms that have been passed down through generations.

The sprawling fairgrounds are meticulously designed to represent the rich artistic diversity of India, with dedicated sections for different states, allowing visitors to experience the distinct cultural heritage of each region. With over 1,000 stalls, the mela offers an extensive range of handmade crafts, textiles, and decorative items, crafted by skilled artisans from every corner of the country. Whether it is intricate woodwork from Saharanpur, Phulkari embroidery from Punjab, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, or blue pottery from Rajasthan, every stall tells a story of tradition, skill, and artistry.

Beyond its craft displays, the Surajkund Mela is a melting pot of cultural experiences. Visitors can witness vibrant folk performances, musical shows, and puppet skits at the open-air theatres, known as chaupals, scattered throughout the fairgrounds. These performances breathe life into the festival, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of different Indian states. The beats of traditional drums, the rhythmic movements of folk dancers, and the soulful tunes of regional musicians create an atmosphere of festivity and celebration.

Food is another major highlight of the mela, with an array of regional delicacies available at numerous food stalls. From the fiery street food of Delhi to the rich flavours of Rajasthani cuisine, the mela serves as a paradise for food lovers. Visitors can indulge in authentic Indian thalis, chaats or sweets, savouring the diverse culinary traditions of the country.

What makes the Surajkund Mela truly special is its international participation. Over the years, artisans from various countries have been invited to showcase their crafts and traditions, adding a global dimension to this iconic fair. The exchange of artistic ideas and traditions between Indian and international craftsmen creates a harmonious blend of cultures, making it an enriching experience for visitors.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, a culture lover, or someone looking for an offbeat adventure, this fair offers something for everyone. As the festival continues to grow in scale and significance, it remains a beacon of India’s rich heritage, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive in the modern world.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival or Maru Mahotsav

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2025, also known as Maru Mahotsav, is set to take place from February 10 to 12, transforming the golden sands of Rajasthan into a spectacular celebration of culture and tradition. Held annually in the heart of the Thar Desert, this three-day festival is a vibrant showcase of Rajasthani folk music, dance, and artistry, drawing visitors from across the world.

One of the most captivating highlights of the festival is the camel parade, where elegantly decorated camels march through the desert in a lively procession. The festival also hosts unique competitions such as turban-tying contests, moustache competitions and camel races, each adding a touch of excitement and local flavour. Traditional Kalbeliya and Ghoomar dance performances, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of folk musicians, create a mesmerising atmosphere that immerses visitors in Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.

Adding to the spectacle are puppet shows, which narrate the folklore of the region with vibrant artistry, and camel polo matches, a thrilling display of skill and tradition. Visitors can also experience the culinary delights of Rajasthan, with local stalls offering an array of authentic flavours. The festival concludes with a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the desert sky in a breathtaking finale.

With its blend of tradition, adventure, and celebration, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit event for travellers seeking the true essence of Rajasthan.

Taj Mahotsav

The Taj Mahotsav 2025 is set to take place from February 18 to March 2 at Shilpgram, near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. This annual festival is a grand celebration of art, craft, culture, and cuisine, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the festival transforms Agra into a vibrant cultural hub, offering an immersive experience of India’s rich heritage.

The festival serves as a platform for artisans to showcase their traditional crafts, featuring exquisite chikan embroidery from Lucknow, silk and zari work from Varanasi, brassware from Moradabad, blue pottery from Khurja, and intricate marble inlay work from Agra. Visitors can explore a vast selection of handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts and shoppers.

Taj Mahotsav is also known for its mesmerising cultural performances, where renowned artists take the stage for folk and classical music, dance, and comedy acts. Over the years, it has hosted noted performers such as Hariharan, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, and Kailash Kher, alongside mystical Sufi singers and vibrant folk artists. This year, the festival promises yet another unforgettable lineup of performances, ensuring a lively and festive atmosphere.

Food lovers can indulge in a diverse range of regional cuisines, with a special focus on Mughlai delicacies, vegetarian delights from Varanasi, and the rich flavours of Lucknow’s famous kebabs. From authentic street food to traditional sweets, the festival offers a feast for the senses, capturing the culinary diversity of India.

With its breathtaking backdrop of the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav 2025 is more than just a festival it is a celebration of India’s artistic brilliance and cultural legacy. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a craft lover, or simply looking for a memorable experience, this event is a must-visit for anyone exploring Agra.

Deccan Festival

The Deccan Festival 2025, one of the most anticipated cultural events in Hyderabad, will take place from February 25 onwards, bringing the city alive with music, art, and culinary delights. Organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, this five-day-long festival is a celebration of the rich heritage of the Deccan, showcasing its arts, crafts, and famous Nawabi cuisine.

A major attraction of the festival is its cultural performances, featuring ghazals, qawwalis, and mushairas poetry-recital sessions that create a mesmerising atmosphere reminiscent of Hyderabad’s royal past. Renowned artists and performers from across the country gather here to present their talents, making it a must-visit event for music and poetry lovers.

Beyond the performances, the festival also features a Pearls and Bangles Fair, where visitors can explore an exquisite collection of Hyderabad’s famed pearls, handcrafted jewellery, and vibrant bangles a true delight for shoppers and collectors. The Food Fair is another highlight, offering a taste of Hyderabad’s legendary cuisine, including the city’s world-famous biryani, kebabs, and rich desserts.

With its blend of music, poetry, crafts, and cuisine, the Deccan Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and artistic brilliance of the Deccan region. Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking to experience Hyderabad’s vibrant atmosphere, this festival is not to be missed.