Maqtoob; Volume 2

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Contents

Cover Story:

Time. . .

Interview with Tsering Nurbu (Former Indian Ice Hockey Player) ICE HOCKEY: The Cricket of Ladakh

#factination

“ MOUNTAIN MEN KNOW BETTER ABOUT THEIR LEGS THAN THE DOCTORS ” Up and Close with Mahipal Danu

up in the north, beyond Naerak Falls, Zanskar awaits you...

Chadar Trek with TEAM WANDERERS

What is India Celebrating in the coming Months

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@amit.chk

@karanlakhe

@rohankumardebbarma

Editorial Our magazine Maqtoob; will feature real life stories of people who have visited or moved to a different land far-away from home. It’ll talk about how the place has moulded them. It could be a life changing experience, could be something which has taught them a thing or two about themselves. It could be them falling in love at a place away from home. An emotional roller coaster, with added flavours in the form of different individualistic tales.

We all have gone places, we all will be going more. Be it solo, with friends, with our loved ones. The beauty is that each time we travel, we unwrap something new, something unique about ourselves.

And it leaves us with a mesmerising afterthought.

Most of us have a social media account where we put up the best pictures from that destination and write down something related or something we felt at that place, on that very moment. But that emotion, that connection is limited within ourself or a few closed ones we share with.

Now, how about I let you talk about your personal experience at that place, a platform where you can pour your entire heart out. How about we keep aside the destination for once.

And let you talk about the journey, YOUR JOURNEY.

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Time...

- Shamik Banerjee shamik720@gmail.com

I met a traveller from an antique land, Who said—“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand, Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed; And on the pedestal, these words appear: My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.�

Standing amidst the medieval ruins of Chapora fort in North Goa, the above poem by Percy B. Shelley seemed very appropriate. As the sun kept its unstoppable tilt towards the western horizon over the Arabian Sea, the handful of people all around seemed to kick into a frenzy of sorts. Cameras and mobile phones were out in numbers and so seemed the choice of placing yourself behind or in front of the lens. Reads chaotic however it wasn't particularly so. There was a unique calm despite all the rush happening around us. The sort of calmness which you feel through your soul and not necessarily amplify with a visual context.

Chapora fort is an old place, built in the 1700s, it has changed hand several times between Marathas, Hindu rulers of Pernem and ultimately wrested by the Portuguese. Old places like these have a unique way to calm your inner self down. It whispers you an ultimate truth which you hear only if you pause and listen. Time! Rather the power of time!

There are no tour guides here, no photographers selling their trades. No touts offering you their service for the price of your lethargy. The fort itself is in a state of ruin, its walls crumbling around in many places. However, as long as it stands, it will keep reminding to those who truly are watching, the might of time. The great kingdoms of yore, the mightiest of emperors, the most ruthless of colonialists, all have bowed before it. Just like the statue of Ozymandias, all that remains are the ruins. The great leveller that is time, ensured no man or his conquest is strong enough to break the cycle. Makes you wonder, humans, a race which created great civilizations, charted into outer space and generated great philosophical thoughts, somehow never managed to grasp it. The futilities of wars, conquests, the greed of power, the false sense of entitlement over other’s lives, because time, levels it all up in the end, into ruins and sand.

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As the sun sets over the Arabian Sea and the last of the sea gulls head towards the ragged shore line, one cannot help but ponder the stillness which engulfs oneself.

The crowd actually is silent and even the birds seems to forget to sing the day’s last song. A collective consciousness hidden deep inside every being probably makes itself present, even if fleetingly.

Chapora is witness to another sunset, like it has been to thousand others and will be to a few thousand more, before like the statue of Ozymandias, only a stretch of sand will remain with the walls robbed of their boastful past.

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#factination Longest National Anthem

The national Anthem of Greece "hymn to liberty" is the longest national anthem in the world, with 158 stanzas. Written by Dionysios Solomos in 1823.

“Hymn to liberty” was adopted by Cyprus in 1966.

600 HOURS

Kumari Devi

In Nepal, unlike anywhere on Earth, people worship a living goddess known as ‘Kumari Devi’; who is believed to be a manifestation of the divine female energy

Every participant at The Republic day parade of India has to practice for 600 hours to make it to the day of the event on 26th January every year.

PAID Vacations

An average Italian gets 42 paid vacation days in a year by the employers.

No FIFA

Greenland cannot join FIFA, because the country's climate doesn't allow grass to grow and form a standardized foorball field.

We haven’t heard of ‘Rivers’ Saudi Arabia has no rivers. making it the only country in the world with this situation.

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ICE HOCKEY: The Cricket of Ladakh

Q. When did you start playing Ice Hockey?

I fell in love with Ice Hockey when I was around 8 or 9 years old. It all happened in an instance, my father once took me to watch the winter games in Leh. And that’s when I was introduced to Ice Hockey.

Looking at players cruising on a sheet of ice fascinated me.

Q. What made you think you could make it professionally?

Well, ummmm…

I developed Ice Hockey as a hobby initially, until many people advised me to take my game on a larger level.

My teachers, friends and school coaches introduced me to professional players from Leh, who are a usual sight in the streets and I started to train with them on

weekends. Things began to change gradually as my understanding of the game started taking shape of a professional player. I competed at junior level competitions and won many accolades. And that’s when I made the decision of playing professionally. I anyways missed a lot of school due to practice so books weren’t my first thoughts anyway. (He laughs)

Q. India finished second at the 2017 Challenge Cup, Asia, Kuwait. How difficult was it to achieve such an impressive position?

For a game that has a maximum regional reach within Leh was never thought to develop so rapidly. Despite representing the country, we lacked international exposure. And when we chanced upon the

opportunity of playing at Challenge Cup the team knew that had to put up a tough fight and stamp India’s name in this cup on a stronger position. In order to do that, each of us had to make personal sacrifices in terms of lifestyle, career, diet, fitness, attitude and many other things. With intense training we gained edge and made our game tactically sharp. That doesn’t happen overnight.

We went in the competition to finish stronger, but unfortunately couldn’t win the finals. So it feels good to achieve an impressive number, but at the same time, winning the finals would’ve felt much better.

Q. What was the highest point and lowest point in your career?

Being selected for team India was the best moment of my life, followed by the birth of my daughter Dolkar.

Talking about my lowest period in life…well… retiring from the sport was devastating.

Q. What difficulties did you face in your journey of becoming a professional Ice hockey player?

It’s a long list, mentioning some things could land me in trouble, but evidently an Indian Ice Hockey player has to slog and go through technical difficulties. Limited equipments, lack of certified coaches and other training staff, inferior infrastructure, we don't have any basic knowledge about the game.

Proper backhand training for coaches and equal emphasis on player development was abysmal. If a player is not self-motivated he can hardly bare the above difficulties and fall out of love with the game.

Thankfully, I displayed great

passion for the game and put aside the drawbacks.

Q. Is the current infrastructure efficient for young players to make it big in this sport?

Yes, there are lack of opportunities and training facilities for aspiring players. It will always remain in the same poor condition unless we have the right people involved in its development.

Q. Did you ever think of giving trials for elite ice hockey clubs abroad?

Yes! Indeed! when I became aware of League format games abroad I wanted to participate. But, things didn’t go as expected.

Q. Every sport in India is adopting the format of a League to gain more supporters and increase awareness of the game.

Do you see Indian Ice hockey taking such strides in coming years?

No, that’s a long way to go.

Before the sport gets converted in a league format in India people should be aware about it. Ice Hockey is among the last games that any Indian would be aware about.

Q. If not an Ice Hockey player, what would you be?

That thought has never really crossed my mind. Ice Hockey is all I cared about.

Q. It has been observed that you’re training your daughter in this sport. Is she equally enthusiastic as you to make it professionally?

She plays it because it’s a popular sport in the area and getting a hang of it. I would love to see her become professional in this sport and take the Women’s team ahead. For that I’m ready to do whatever I can for her and her dreams.

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www.wanderers.in 09599744950 / 08447552839 sales.wanderers@gmail.com

Chadar Trek -

The Wanderers Way I have always dreamt of doing the CHADAR TREK. I have heard that it is one of the most thrilling and adventurous trek in India. CHADAR is a Hindi word that refers to a blanket or sheet as the Zanskar river transforms itself from a rapid river into a white blanket of ice during winter.The frozen Zanskar river serves as the only line of connect between Leh and Zanskar for the locals in the harsh winter months of Ladakh.

I had booked my trek with the Wanderers team. My friends had done the trek with them the previous year and they were very satisfied with them.

They ensured I booked the trek with WANDERERS only since I was going solo and being a girl it always is about safety first.

Day 1 - The day came, Jan 23 rd , 2017 and I was packed and ready to begin my adventure trip. The moment I landed at Leh we were told that the temperature outside was -7C and wind chill was making it 10C almost. Quickly grabbed my extra jacket from the hand bag and put it on, along with a cap that covered by ears. I had been briefed about this by #wanderers in advance.

were taken around Leh – we saw the frozen lake where the ice hockey team were playing, Thiksey monastery, Phang Monastery, Ice stupas and many more. We returned back to the hotel at 7 PM. Post early dinner we headed back to the room for and retired for the night.

Day 2 - I woke up at around 7 AM. Realized it was snowing outside. It was a divine sight. I grabbed my camera and clicked some pictures and joined Sarita later for breakfast.

At the airport I was introduced to my trek leaders and other fellow trekkers who had flew from various parts of India.

Everybody introduced themselves briefly and I was the most excited to have such amazing bunch of people with me on this journey. Our trek guides Stenzin and Sam transported us to our hotels in a car where I was allotted room with a fellow trekker named Sarita.

After a quick breakfast I went downstairs to meet other participants and acquaint with them as they were going to be my extended family for next days.

Our trek leader briefed us about the itinerary after which we all assembled for dinner and called it a day.

While having breakfast, more trekkers joined us. Post that we went for a stroll in the market and came back by noon for lunch. Today we had some authentic Thupka (traditional noodle soup). Then Sam from wanderers came and told us that they have arranged for some cars for local sight-seeing. We sat in the cars and

Day 3 – We were given the call time of 6 AM by our trek leaders. We were up and ready post breakfast by 6 AM. The cars were ready. They secured our luggage on top of the cars and we drove to Tilad Do via Chilling. (Altitude 11,400 to 10,390 ft.). This 65 kms. drive was very picturesque along the river Indus.

Everything is just white, covered in snow baring a few rocks. We were going to cross the frozen river to reach the campsite. We were told how to walk on ice and to be careful where we put our foot. Then the staff went first with the all the supplies and our bags.

Then we started to walk. It was not easy to walk on ice.

This was the first walk on the famous “CHADAR”.

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Once we reached the camping area, the crew pitched tents and prepared food. We went for a hike with our guide Stenzin. He told us before starting to walk slowly and follow his footsteps. It was like a practice session. Everyone was excited about the first walk on snow.

Day 4 - Today we were going to trek to Shingra Koma which is at an Altitude of 10,550 ft.

This was going to be a trek of about 10 to 12 kms. Post the briefing with the trek leaders we huddled for a sumptuous breakfast (for the condition we were in) we started. We started to walk on the frozen river bed and it was an experience of a life time.

There were places where we could hear the river gushing under our feet. At some places the ice was thin so we were advised to walk right on the edge of the bank or on the rocks.

Later, we were informed by the trek leaders that the Chadar had broken off at some distance and we will have to climb the mountain to cross that patch. One of the trek leaders – Lokesh took the lead and climbed up the mountain to make a route for us. The others then helped us to traverse on the mountains. This was pretty adventurous for us since at some places the foot hold was about 1 foot only.

Any fall would mean, crashing into a freezing cold river. It took us about one and half hour to cross that stretch and we were back on the Chadar.

After passing Shingra Koma, we reached the camp-site for the day at Gyalpo, where the tents had already been pitched by the porters.

Day 5 - Shingra Koma to Tibb Cave. (Altitude 10,550 to 10,760 ft.) Post the briefing

with the Trek Leaders we started began our walk for the next 15 kms. Today’s walk through the deep ravines of the Zanskar was stunning. The sublime walls of the mountains on either sides of the river keeps the sunlight away from the Chadar for most part of the day.

It was going to be an amazing climb on the mountain due to its scenic appeal as the Chadar was unable to regain its hard form. The sun above our heads was playing “catch me if you can” with us and every time it came up, it gave us a new perspective of the terrain. We reached Tibb around 4 PM.

At Tibb, there is a big cave where we all gathered around the fire in the kitchen and started exchanging personal stories about the trek how it used to be in olden times and how it has changed over the years.

After an eventful evening, listening to stories, we went and slept in our respective tents with some chicken in our belly.

Day 6 - I woke up with our trek leader calling us for coffee. I called out good morning to everyone from inside the tent and everyone responded.

Slowly I peered over the narrow opening of my tent to peep outside. The breeze was chilly. Everyone smiled and greeted. I realized I was the last one to wake up.

Today, as per the briefing we had to cover a distance of 12.5 kms and gain an altitude of 11,150 ft. As we started to trek, the natural beauty of the place just took over. It was by far the most spectacular day.

Walking on the river we crossed deep gorges and reached a point where Juniper trees are covered with prayer flags. The porters gave us a twig of this tree tied with a piece of prayer flag as a badge of good-luck and goodhealth.

A few steps away stands the mother-of- all frozen waterfalls – a huge instance of suspended animation several feet tall and equally wide. We

could see dozens of colors in this enormous ice structure as sunlight plays off its surface.

Right next to the waterfall is a bridge across the river which is a part of the summer- time road from Zanskar to Leh.

The Naerak village lies several feet above the river. We decided to trek for an hour to reach the village and observe the life of a Zanskari. This village also has a satellite phone. We called it a day with some photography and dinner inside the tents.

Day 7 - Today we were going to start our return journey. Disappointed that the trip will end soon, I started with the trek with heavy heart. And to everyone’s surprise, the entire landscape had changed. I was told that the whole landscape changes within a matter of hours.

The Zanskar River reacts to the slightest change of temperature, and constantly keeps remodeling itself. The entire route seemed to be different and new. As if this was the first time I was walking on it.

Day 8 - Starting early from Tibb and going to Gyalpo

today. The high walls of mountains rising from the sides of the river almost looked like castle walls. Exactly like yesterday, the entire trail looked new to us and we were stunned by how nature was adjusting itself to change in weather conditions.

When we reached Gyalpo, our trek leader then asked us to have early dinner so that we can enjoy some start gazing tonight. He said he will show us most of the constellations.

In all the enthusiasm, we quickly had our food and waited for the skies to get dark and after few moments we were greeted by a starry night and heavenly bodies.

We retired to our tents by 10 PM.

Day 9 - It started early at 7 AM. Today we trekked for about 3 hours and then had a lunch break. Post that we again trekked for 3 hours and reached our starting point. We had our cars waiting for us and we were all set to go.

While going back, we were all chatting about how beautiful this trip was and how life back home in the corporate world is never going to be so much exciting at all. We reached our hotel just before dinner and checked into our rooms. Post dinner we all sat around and chatted about the experiences.

This went on late into the night. I came back to my room around 3 AM to sleep.

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Day 10 - Post an early morning wakeup call from the hotel staff, we quickly changed and had our breakfast and left for the airport.

“ MOUNTAIN MEN KNOW BETTER ABOUT THEIR LEGS THAN THE DOCTORS ” Team Maqtoob; got up and close with Mahipal Danu, a distinguished trek leader who spends most of his time teaching people how to plant their steps in the right way to conquer the summits.

Our staff writer met him while on a trekking expedition to the Roopkund lake where he welcomed our questions willingly with a warm smile.

Q)Would you brief us about your background?

I was born in a small hamlet called as Didna in Chamoli district which is a stopping point for trekkers en route Bedni Bugyal. Born in a modest family with ‘the pahadi’ upbringing my life revolved less around luxuries and more around mountains and hardship. The only occupation for us ‘pahadis’ is either cattle raising or become trek guides for tourists. While many who are educated with degrees flee to cities for better life, dropouts like us choose the life of a trek guide.

Q) What inspired you the most to become a Trek leader?

The reason why I chose to become a trek guide initially was without any thought because all my life the only thing I’ve known are the mountains. My father was a trek leader, and I

used to accompany him on various expeditions so that one day I could do the same.

But, to be honest the excitement of meeting new people, getting to understand their culture and learning about their amazing stories has always fascinated me. And I could only satiate this desire of ‘knowing people’ by becoming a trek guide.

Q) Was trekking always your passion, or it’s another tale of turning your hobby into a profession?

For people like me born and brought up in the mountains trekking is more of a lifestyle than an adventure activity. I believe economic gains is the primary reason for choosing this career as there are less employment avenues available for us. Out of everything that’s available trekking helps us earn a decent living. I know these mountains like the back

of my hand so it became an easy profession to get into.

Waiting for ‘calling of life’ was never an option.

Q) The nature of your job is to be outdoors most of the time.

Do you miss being home?

The mountains are my home sir. No matter where I am, I always feel closer to home.

Q) What was the highest, and lowest point in your life?

Once I suffered from a knee injury which guaranteed the end of my career, as said by the doctors. I suffered major blow during that spell and lost all hope of getting back to work. But, there’s a saying in my village that “Mountain men know better about their legs than the doctor”, and here I am hopping, flipping healthy as new. The highest point will always be the birth of my daughter Manisha.

Q)What are the risks involved in being a Trek leader?

My life is not without any risks, risks of greater heights. I am responsible for the lives and health of the entire team.

Though, the participants sign a consent form stating our company won’t be responsible for any personal damage occurred during the treks I can’t be blind to their problems on the journey. People are bound to get injured, sometimes, even I have to face the odds on my health and fitness.

Being prepared for all the outcomes is the ultimate risk a trek leader has to face.

Q) Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation while on an expedition? How did you manage to sail through it?

Ohh yes, there’s one particular incident when I absolutely felt helpless as I was struggling to resuscitate a team member on Roopkund trek. The person was of a physically heavier

kind. Always the last to arrive at the camps due to his slow pace one day he collapsed mid-way at Ali Bugyal due to extreme fatigue and exhaustion. The entire team had reached the destination and I was appointed to help this particular person reach on time. It had started raining and I had no cover with sun setting soon on the mountains the person was unable to revive, though he was breathing unconscious. I had no clue how to get him back on his feet, he was twice the size I am. His body was dropping cold and so were my hopes, I had to do something and an idea sparked in me. I removed a bottle of Rum from the persons backpack who had a reputation for drinking, and shoved three spoonful of the liquor in his mouth. A moment later, he sent out a heavy breath and opened his eyes.

Miraculously he spranged up on his feet quickly and caught on with impressive pace and we both reached Bedni bu-

gyal. The person still continues to be in touch with me.

Q) If not a Trek leader what would’ve you been?

I would’ve preferred to be a school teacher. My lack of formal education doesn’t allow me to be one now, but I’m quite happy with what I am right now.

Q) Where would one find you if not trekking?

I try to spend as much time with my daughter at home as possible. For most of my time goes into trekking which hardly leaves me with any extensive time for the family.

Q) If you were to write an autobiography what would your last words be?

Keep on walking… one step at a time, one breath at a time…

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Location: Ladakh

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up in the north, beyond Naerak Falls, Zanskar awaits you...

By: Rohan Kumar Debbarma

rohankumardebbarma@maqtoobtravelogue.com

How far have you been, while waiting?

How long have you waited?

I have waited 365 days, 12 months, 48 weeks.

Chadar trek has always caught my fascination in many ways. To think about walking on a thin sheet of ice frozen over a bone chilling Zanskar river hit my adrenaline reserves in 2017. It was a year of exploration for me to kickstart my life as an avid traveller and a gatherer of stories. But, little did I know about the upsets ahead on my first Chadar trek which left me hopeless of seeing the final milestone as the silver surfaced ice had broken down. I took my chances and braved the cold for two days waiting for the Chadar to take its form again. It was a fools’ hope.

The temperature dropped at -25 degrees, zeroing my chances of completing the trek.

Walking on Chadar requires a deft set of skills which mutate naturally in every person when one strives to maintain their ground on a slippery stretch. Single error of judgment, or a misstep can cause the ice beneath the foot to crack and succumb one in the soul numbing waters of the Zanskar river. Each step counts.

For me Chadar trek wasn’t about photo ops, or creating pointless Instagram stories. I wanted to feel the rush of the journey and revel in its accomplishment. Giving myself another chance in 2018, I planned a different itinerary this time with more challenges of greater depths. Once I complete the mapped Chadar trek I wanted to go beyond to Zanskar village.

“Are you in your right senses? You’re not born local to survive this trip”, said a guide. I kept hearing this question from every passing trek guides as the word of me making it beyond Naerak was in the air. I believed what I was getting myself into and religiously prepared for its consequences. After completing the routine Chadar trek I returned to Leh and rested for two days. Once my phone came back to life in the lodge I scrolled my contact list and in-

formed everyone about my well-being, for now.

I booked a local porter, though I didn’t need any support to carry my luggage after emptying half of it in Leh, the route to Zanskar was treacherous and uncertain. Only a local person knows best where to plant the foot and put your body in the correct line.

As I set out on an uncommon path I received blessings of local deities flown towards me by local guides. I could sense genuine care in their wishes and hoped to see them again when I come back. And boy, I galloped in the cold and windy Chadar region again this time only to push my boundaries and see the Zanskar village.

Only after much elbow-grease and determination I was able to touch the soil of Zanskar village.

One really cannot measure their determination until they have accomplished what they were determined about. I spent the most amazing three days of my trip at Zanskar village. The locals received me warmly in their hugs, and bowls of Thukpa (traditional Tibetan noodle soup). The porter who had been my life-support was generous enough to offer me an accommodation at his own place. I was greatly touched by his hospitality and wondered why do people of such niceties come by so hard in todays’ time.

I believe I’ve lived novel moments of my life in these 30 days. Met bunch of people with great character and stories. Bidding farewell to them wasn’t on my itinerary, but it is an unwritten code every traveller must follow. I am not so fond of adieus, but I had to.

There is always a face which wished, I had stayed longer, a face that prayed I never leave.

A heart, constantly hoping and believing that I will come back. Yes, that face will fade with time. The wishes and prayers too. But in deep recesses of my memory, I take a walk with the shadow. And if ever, I wish to see that face again; I’ll remember it with a text or a call back, maybe.

Here’s to the ones who dream, Crazy as they may seem.

Here’s to the hearts that ache, to the mess we make.

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festivals

India is an adventurous country with unique experiences for travelers of every kind, and size. But everything fun and amazing has its own time and place. To make the most and best of your coming three months until the next edition of lusciously filled travel stories in Maqtoob; rolls out, discover stories and culture of India with festivities and calendar celebrations. Team Maqtoob; has curated the following festival calendar for its readers to explore and experience the jubilance India has to offer.

Bihu Festival When: 14 Apr 2018 Where: Assam

Baisakhi is the sister festival of Bihu, which is celebrated in Assam around April 14, 15 and 16. Popularly called as Bohag Bihu, it signifies the commencement of Assamese New Year and the approaching of spring season. It is celebrated for 7 days through folk music, Bihu dance, merriment and feasting. This is a great time to delve deep in the cultural backdrop of Assam which has more to offer than just tea.

Tulip Festival When: Entire April Where: Srinagar

India leads the herb battle against Amsterdam with its illustrious offerings, but we’re at the forefront in the battle of flower as well. Our very own Srinagar challenges the elegance of the popular Tulip fields in Amsterdam. Kashmir just cannot let the world relax when it comes to pristine beauty. Its annual tulip festival is well worth the reason to travel Srinagar.

Given that tulips bloom for only a period of 2 weeks makes it a visit to the land of paradise a necessity. Crimson, golden, striped, purple, streaked, red, orange is just a few of the glorifying range the festival showcases. The fragrance of the occasion will definitely leave anyone spellbound.

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Mopin Festival When: Usually in Spring (To be Announced) Where: Arunachal Pradesh

You may have read countless stories of the captivating North-East Indians. The story of Mopin festival in Arunachal Pradesh comes wrapped with unthinkable adventures. The people of Along-Basar-Bame celebrate Mopin as a harvest festival and as a measure to keep the evil spirits away. It involves local nimble footed dancers performing “Popir�, a local dance. But, even an untried traveler would catch the rhythm when a locally made rice wine (Apong) fills the belly and heart with a pleasure that comes once in a while.

Thrissur Pooram When: 26 Apr 2018 Where: Kerala

Kerala is always associated with elephants and Gods. Thrissur Pooram is the place one should visit this April to come closer to the enriching performance of man, elephant and music! As many as 30 elephants are decorated with every possible kind of traditional supplies. It becomes a visual treat to see how these lavishly bedecked elephants assemble in the tunes of 250 musical artists. Ornamental displays and drum concerts add to the appeal of the event. The ecstatic firework display as the sun takes a dip into the waters closes the evening with emphatic satisfaction.

Goa Food and Cultural Festival When: To be Announced Where: Panaji, Goa

Goa enjoys the title of adrenaline state of India. The food carnival is a place spread with multi-national cuisines, sea foods, Goan specials, and also homemade delicacies. Cooking competitions, exotic cocktails and live feni distillation make up for a great time. Adding to that, many of the musical bands of India and foreign artists add to the cultural fiesta. The Goa festival lives up to its expectations and fashions a long lasting memory of its influence in the minds of people.

Moatsu Festival, When: May Where: Nagaland

Celebrated by the Ao tribes of Nagaland, the Moatsu Festival is a time of great rejoicing as the planting season comes to an end. You can expect a lot of singing, dancing, and merry making at this festival. The highlight of the occasion is Sangpangtu. Men and women dress up in their best attire and sit around a fire, eating meat and wine.

Dhungri Mela When: May 14-16 every year.

Where: Hadimba Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

Famed for being the cool capital of tourist destinations in India, Manali heats up for three-days in the form of Dhungri Mela in honor of Goddess Hidimba's birthday in Manali. The goddess holds religious significance with mentions in the epic of Mahabharat as wife of Bhima. Her temple is one of the most important ones in the region. A fairground is set up with stalls and carnival rides. The festival involves much singing and dancing, including performances of the Kullu Natti folk dance. It provides an interesting glimpse of local culture.

Saga Dawa When: May 29, 2018.

Where: Gangtok and other monasteries throughout Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Saga Dawa is holiest month for Tibetan Buddhists. The most important celebration falls on the full moon day of the month, when the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha is honored. In Gangtok, a procession of monks carries the holy book from Tsuklakhang Palace Monastery around town. It's accompanied by the blowing of horns, beating of drums, and burning of incense.

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Puri Rath Yatra When: June 25-July 7, 2017.

Where: Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha.

The exuberant 12 day Rath Yatra festival sees Lord Jagannath (a reincarnation of Lords Vishnu and Krishna), along with and his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, venture out of their abode in Puri's Jagannath Temple. The gods are transported on massive towering chariots. This festival is a landmark cultural gathering of Hindus travelling from across lands.

Sao Joao Feast of St John the Baptist When: June 24, annually.

Where: North Goa, particularly Siolim.

This one’s for the bottle-struck. The most popular festival in Goa, Sao Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist), involves the interesting feat of men jumping into overflowing village wells to retrieve bottles of local Feni alcohol.

There are also boat races, and singing and dancing.

Ambubachi Mela When: June 22-26, 2017.

Where: Kamakhya temple, Guwahati, Assam.

An usual Tantric fertility festival, the Ambubachi Mela marks the menstruation period of the Goddess Kamakhya. The temple is closed for three days while the Goddess menstruates and reopens on the fourth day, with a rush of devotees who come to receive bits of cloth that are supposedly soaked with her menstrual fluid.

The festival attracts numerous Tantric sadhus (holy men) from India and abroad. They perform unique rituals and exercises that are widely photographed. The festival is also popular for its rural crafts fair.

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