Traveller’s diary: Revel at Ladakh\'s Hemis Festival or take part in Kerala\'s boat race

Here's where to head to if you want to experience the best events in luxury, entertainment, food, sports, music and nightlife around the world.

AMBUBACHI MELA
Where: Guwahati
When: June 22-26, 2019
The Ambubachi Mela, celebrated in Guwahati, Assam, is hosted in the Kamakhya Temple. It is believed that the presiding Goddess of the temple, Devi Kamakhya, goes through her annual cycle of menstruation during this phase.

GO LOCAL: After visiting the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, do enjoy the local dishes (This picture is used for representational purposes only)
GO LOCAL: After visiting the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, do enjoy the local dishes (This picture is used for representational purposes only)

The doors of the Kamakhya Temple remain closed for three days and locals abstain from farming or worship of any sort. On the fourth day, after Devi Kamakhya is bathed and the other rituals are executed, the temple doors are thrown open to pilgrims.

NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE
Where: Alleppey, Kerala
When: August 10, 2019

Snake boats gliding on the waters of the Punnamada Lake, fighting it out with each other to win the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, is a sight to behold. Every boat has more than 100 rowers, who, with their well-coordinated movements, try and compete with other oarsmen.

RACING AHEAD: A snake boat is actually a long canoe-style boat used by the locals (© Keren Su/Corbis)
RACING AHEAD: A snake boat is actually a long canoe-style boat used by the locals (© Keren Su/Corbis)

The race is complemented with the sound of drums played by local artists. Locally called Vallam Kali, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race started off as an impromptu race during Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Alleppey in 1952.

HEMIS FESTIVAL
Where: Ladakh
When: July 11-12, 2019

Bringing the shades of festivities to the picturesque landscape of Ladakh, Hemis Festival is one event that greatly represents the analogy of Ladakh culture.

VIVIDNESS: The Hemis festival displays the culture and religious orientation of Ladakh (Pics by ET Travel reader Suhas Joshi)
VIVIDNESS: The Hemis festival displays the culture and religious orientation of Ladakh (Pics by ET Travel reader Suhas Joshi)

Like the other popular festivals in Ladakh, the festival marks the victory of good over evil. Dedicated to the birth of Buddhist Lord Padmasambhava, the masked performer move to the rhythmic beats of cymbals, drums and trumpets.