Home to one of the most diverse cultural traditions in the world, India holds numerous cultural events annually to respect its diversity and bring its unique cultural events on the map of the world. Here are top 10 cultural events India 2014 that promise to honor and highlight India’s rich traditions and culture.

Jaipur Literature Festival

Dubbed as “the world’s largest free literary event,” Jaipur Literature Festival is held every year during the month of January at the Diggi Palace, Jaipur. Featuring interactive workshops, the festival attracts world-class writers, authors, thinkers, and speakers, including noble laureates, Man Booker Prize winners, and local language experts, providing a space to imagine and dream.

St. ART Delhi

With a mission to promote street art and graffiti in India, Street Art Delhi hosts some of the best street artists from all over the globe to take over the streets of Delhi from mid-January to February end, organizing workshops, performances. The first-ever urban street festival attracted the likes of Alina Vergnano, Okuda, Bond, Alias, Daku, Anpu, M-City, Harsh Raman, Yantr, besides other unconventional street artists.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

An annual cultural event held every year in February in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival attracts huge crowds to its myriad cultural performances, theater events, film screenings, literary workshops, children’s events, and heritage walks to Mumbai’s colonial-era structures. 

Kochi Muziris Biennale 2014

A celebration of contemporary art, Kochi Muziris Biennale gave India its first Biennale in 2012. The biennale seeks to highlight the historic cosmopolitan legacy of the city of Kochi and its deep connection with its mythical predecessor – the Muziris ancient port. The cultural event 2014 hosts inspiring international artists and exhibitions to bring the best of modern art to different venues in Kerala. 

Goa Carnival

One of the top cultural events in India 2014, Goa Carnival is the biggest street carnival in the country. The three-day galla event held in March each year is all about music, dance, and partying. A legacy from the Portuguese regime, the carnival hosts colorful parades in Vasco, Panaji, Mapusa, and Margao.

Dharamsala Film Festival 2014

With an aim to bring together contemporary, independent cinema to Dharamsala, this 2014 cultural event India welcomes national and international films that value human spirit and the mountainous spiritual community. The magnificent Himalayan destination of Dharamsala comes alive during May with the opening of the cinematic festival, which is dedicated to the virtues of Consciousness and Creativity. The third edition of the event will host a thangka painting workshop, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the ancient Tibetan painting culture.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

An annual cultural event held every year on the second Saturday of August in the lazy backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala, and Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a thrilling contest among the narrow yet long “snake” boats. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the region sitting on the banks of Punnamada Lake while cheering up your favorite boat in the regatta.

Ladakh Festival

Held in September in Leh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh Festival is touted as one of the top cultural events India, which gives an open invitation to all those interested to explore the stunning destination and its best secrets. The festival features polo matches, ritual dances at Buddhist monasteries, music concerts, silk painting exhibitions, and archery contests.

Pushkar Fair

A much-awaited annual event held in November, the five-day Pushkar Fair is one-of-its-kind event in the world, with the highlight being camel trading. The city of Pushkar attracts lakhs of visitors from all over the globe during the event, which is your best opportunity to experience the rich culture of Rajasthan with camel races, turban tying competitions, and enjoy the unique art and handicraft that has made the state widely popular on the international map.

Hornbill Festival

Held in December in Nagaland’s Kohima, Hornbill Festival is a beautiful showcase of the unique culture of Nagaland. Artists from Nagaland enthrall the audiences with their traditional music and dance performances, sport events, and art exhibitions.