Famous Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh emulates the festive flavour that runs through the veins of India.

Festivities celebrated in madhya pradesh

Bounded by five different states, this land of contrasts has absorbed a little culture and tradition from each, and yet has an identity wholly its own. This aspect is most evident in its festivals. While Madhya Pradesh also celebrates pan-Indian festivals such as Holi, Dussehra, Id and Diwali with fervour, there are several festivals, both religious and cultural, which are exclusive to the state. Considering their sheer number, odds are that tourists will get to participate in or experience at least one while visiting MP.

Festivals & Fairs of Madhya Pradesh

Lokrang, Bhopal

Lokrang, a popular five-day festival, begins every year on 26th January. Organised by the Madhya Pradesh Adivasi Lok Kala Academy, it is a celebration of the traditions and cultural practices of Madhya Pradesh. The highlights are tribal and classical dances, performance arts and exhibitions.

Kumbh Mela, Ujjain

Regarded as one of the seven sacred cities in the Hindu canon, Ujjain hosts the world-famous Kumbh Mela every 12 years.

Akhil Bharatiya Kalidasa Samaroh, Ujjain

This festival commemorates the great poet Kalidasa each year in August. Inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1958, it has always managed to attract the who’s who of the country. Theatrical performances addressing a wide array of contemporary issues are staged.

Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, Gwalior

One of the oldest music festivals in Madhya Pradesh, the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh honours the greatest musician of the country. Talented musicians are invited by the Department of Culture to regale the audience. Held in November or December, this celebration of music is carried on throughout the night at Tansen’s tomb.

Lokranjan, Khajuraho

Organised by the Adivasi Lok Kala Academy, Lokranjan is popularly known as the Khajuraho Festival of Dances. Intended for the exposition of India’s folk, tribal and classical dances, it attracts exponents of dance from far and wide. Live performances are the major draw of this festival, held each December in the stunning Khajuraho temple complex.

Dhrupad Samaroh, Bhopal

If you are a music aficionado, make sure your visit to Bhopal coincides with this music gala. Witness stalwarts of the music industry perform serene compositions of the Dhrupad and be mesmerized.

Bhagoria Haat Festival, Jhabuaa and West Nimar

Celebrated in the month of March, just before Holi, Bhagoria is a festival observed by the Bhil tribe of Madhya Pradesh. Although it is primarily a harvest festival, its most popular draw is the haat, which is organised in the form of a swayamvar (an age-old practice, where a woman would choose a groom from several suitors). Young men and women come here to find partners and ritualistically elope, after which they are recognised as a married couple by the society.

Pandit Kumar Gandharva Samaroh, Dewas

Each April, performers come together to honour the birth anniversary of Pandit Kumar Gandharva, a famous vocalist. It is also known for being a platform to promote young talent. Musicians try to emulate the maestro’s legacy by blending both folk and classical music.

Rashtriya Ramleela Mela, Gwalior

Although ramleelas are held in every part of the country, if you happen to be in Gwalior during the end of September or beginning of October, do not miss this theatrical extravaganza. Traditionally ramleelas portray the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, and in extension, of good over evil. This dramatic musical concludes with an effigy of Ravana being set on fire, followed by a fireworks display.

Pachmarhi Utsav, Pachmarhi

Held every year for six days beginning the 25th of December, the Pachmarhi Utsav is nothing short of a carnival. There are cultural programmes, comedy shows, folk dances, and even sports activities, essentially, something for everyone.

Ameer Khan Festival, Indore

Dedicated to the founder of the Indore Gharana of Indian Classical Music, the Ameer Khan Festival bring old and new generations together. Talented performers captivate audiences with their soulful renditions.

Rahtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh, Bhopal

A famous platform for the promotion of Hindi theatre, this natya samaroh (celebration of theatre) has commanded performances by some great artists. This stage has upheld the rich thespian heritage of the country as well as brought pertinent contemporary issues to the fore. Many superb theatre companies showcase their repertoires here, thus attracting a wide and varied audience. If you happen to be in Bhopal during this festival, do be sure to catch a play.

Fairs in Madhya Pradesh

Simhastha

Simhastha fair is held after a gap of every twelve years on the banks of Kshipra River in Ujjain. On the account of numbers, this fair is the largest in the state.

Trade fair of Gwalior

The second largest fair of MP is the Gwalior`s business fair. This fair was started by the ruler Madhav Rao Sindhiya in 1905 as an animal fair.

The fair of Peerbudhan

This fair is organized in August-September at Sanwara area of Shivpuri. This fair is organized in the memory of Muslim Saint Peerbudhan. The tomb of Peerbudhan is also here.

The fair of Nagaji

This fail is organized in Agahan month at Porsa in Morena district in the memory of Sant Nagaji. Earlier monkeys were sold here. Now all kinds of pet animals are sold here.

The fair of Hariman Baba

The fair of Hariman Baba is famous in Gwalior and its surrounding areas. This fair is organized in August and September.

The fair of Tejaji

This fair is being held in Guna districe for more than 100 years. On the birthday of Tejaji (Tejaji-Jayanti) t.e. on Shukla Dashmi the fair is organized.

The fair of Mahamrityunjaya

On the occasion of Basant Panchami and Shivratri this fair is organized at the temple of Mahamrityunjaya in Rewa district. This is an important religious fair of Baghelkhand.

The fair of Chandidevi

This fair is organized at Dhidhara in Sidhi district. This is an important and religious fair of this area.

The fair of Kana-Baba

This fair is organized at the trance of Kana-Baba in Sodhalpur villageof Harda district. This fair is a quarter to three hundred years old.

The Urs of Dhamoni

Dhamoni is Sagar district itself is an important historical place. Here is the tomb of two Muslim saints, Baljatishah and Mastan Ali Shah. Between March-April of every year, six days of Urs is organized here.

The fair of Muth-Ghoghara

This fair is organized for 15 days on Shivratri at a place named Maunthan. There are also natural lake and caves.

The Urs of Dhamoni

The Rahas fair of Gadhakota

The fair which is organized every year in February for one month during Basant Panchami is considered as one of the oldest fairs of this area.

The fair of Uldan

This huge fair is organized at the Shiv-Parvati temple which is on the confluence of Dhasan and Aander rivers near Uldan village of Sagar district.

The fair of Dewari

This fair is organized at Khanderao temple of Sagar district on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha of Agahan. There are idols of Swayambhu Shivling and Parvati. It is considered that this temple is 500-600 years old.

The fair of Kumhen

The Kumhen fair is organized for one week at Kimhen river near Maharajpur of Chhatarpur district on Makar Sankranti.

The fair of Charan Paduka

On Makar Sankranti, the fair is organized at Charan Padhuka of Chhatarpur district. The fair of Makar Sankranti is also known as Shaheed fair.

The Shivratri fair of Amarkantak

It is a huge fair, is organized at the origin place of Narmada River, Amarkantak.