With each trip, you will get to
Explore and Celebrate
Every JWN trip will allow you a special experience that you will remember all your life; an Indian festival like Holi, Diwali, Onam or an Indian wedding or a local celebration. One way or another, you deep dive into local culture in a way that only a local can guide you through.
Dress up for the occasion, participate in the celebration, leave with overflowing memories and a personalized album to share with your friends. On the house!
Indian Celebrations
Indian festivals are a whirlwind of color, culture, and pure joy—unlike anything you've ever experienced. From the dazzling lights of Diwali to the high-energy chaos of Holi, every celebration is a sensory explosion of music, dance, rituals, and feasting. But what makes them truly special is the deep sense of connection—strangers become family, traditions come alive, and every moment feels like a scene from a movie. With Journeys with Nikki, you won’t just witness these festivals—you’ll live them, immersing yourself in the heart of the celebration. Ready to dance, feast, and celebrate like never before?
Some less talked about local Indian Festivals
Build your experience around a festival of your choice, or experience one of JWN's curated trips
Northern India
Ladakh, Jammu, Kashmir
Hemis Festival: Dance of the Divine
The festival takes place in the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar, which is usually in late June or early July.
The Hemis Festival in Ladakh is a spectacular celebration of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks dressed in vibrant robes and elaborate masks perform the Cham dance, a mesmerizing ritual believed to drive away evil spirits. The festival’s energy is electric, with rhythmic drum beats, ancient chants, and a display of sacred thangkas (Buddhist paintings). Set against the stunning Himalayan backdrop, Hemis is not just a festival, it’s a spiritual and cultural experience like no other.
Eastern India
Odisha
Jaganath Rath Yatra: Chariots of Faith
The festival typically takes place in June or July of each year.
The Puri Rath Yatra is one of India’s grandest and most awe-inspiring festivals, where massive, intricately decorated chariots carry Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets of Puri, Odisha. Millions of devotees gather to pull these colossal chariots, believing it brings divine blessings. The energy is electric—chants, drumbeats, and sheer devotion fill the air, making it a truly larger-than-life spiritual spectacle. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Southern India
Kerala
Theyyam: Where Gods Come Alive
The Theyyam season typically starts mid-October and last through the end of May.
Theyyam is a stunning ritual art form of Kerala, where performers transform into living deities through elaborate makeup, towering headgear, and trance-like dances. Held in village temples, this ancient tradition blends spirituality, mythology, and raw energy, as devotees seek blessings from the divine figures before them. The hypnotic drumbeats and fire-infused performances make Theyyam an unforgettable cultural spectacle.
Western India
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Desert Festival: Sand and Celebration
The festival typically takes place in February, usually over three days leading up to the full moon (Magh Purnima).
The Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a vibrant celebration of Rajasthan’s rich culture, set against the golden dunes of the Thar Desert. Expect thrilling camel races, folk dances, turban-tying contests, and even a Mr. Desert competition! The air is alive with the sounds of traditional music, colorful costumes, and dazzling performances that bring the desert
to life. Are you ready for a festival filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable sunsets?
Indian weddings and their grandeur
Indian weddings from different regions and religions
Punjabi Sikh Weddings, South Indian Tamil Weddings, Rajasthani Weddings, Malayali Weddings, Bengali Weddings, Assamese weddings, Maharashtrian weddings...
Indian weddings can be a multi-day, non-stop celebration of joy and dance
Indian weddings are a vivid blend of tradition, emotion, and festivity, spanning multiple days of meaningful rituals. From the haldi ceremony, blessing the couple with prosperity, to the sangeet, where families unite in dance and song, every moment is steeped in joy. The wedding day itself is breathtaking, with sacred vows, intricate attire, and an atmosphere of devotion. Whether in a palace, temple, or courtyard, each wedding is a spectacle of love and celebration.
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India’s diverse cultures shape wedding traditions, creating a rich mosaic of ceremonies. Hindu weddings feature the saptapadi, where couples take seven sacred steps together. Sikh weddings center around the Anand Karaj, a serene union in a Gurudwara. Muslim weddings highlight the Nikah, a solemn exchange of vows, while Christian weddings bring the elegance of church ceremonies and blessings. Despite differences, every wedding unites families in meaningful, joyous celebration.
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Regional influences add further uniqueness, reflecting local heritage. In Bengal, brides hide their faces with betel leaves for the Subho Drishti ritual. Tamil grooms tie a Thaali (sacred thread) instead of exchanging rings. Rajasthani weddings dazzle with elephant processions and folk performances, while Kerala ceremonies emphasize temple elegance and simplicity. Every region adds its own artistry and grandeur, yet all Indian weddings share the same spirit of love and unity.
Craft your own adventure
Build your own journey
Where in India do you dream of visiting? Let JWN take care of all the details for you! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfect journey—no worries, just unforgettable experiences!
Request a Tour
If one of our curated journeys catches your eye, gather a group of five and reach out to us. We’ll collaborate with you to tailor the experience to your preferences, ensuring it’s perfectly suited to your needs.