Events in May 2016 You Cannot Afford to Miss

The Indian festival and event calendar usually remains pretty booked throughout the year. But May is a special month: the harbinger, if you will, of the summers from the pleasant breeze of the spring to the somewhat-oppressive heat of the infamous Indian summer.

Suffice it to say that we Indians have learned to take our restrictive season in our stride. This is evident by the number of festivals and events that pop up to give a suitable response to the challenge of summer – and in such style.

So, wipe that sweat off your brow and pack your bags to visit the events in May 2016 you cannot afford to miss.

Goa Coconut and Cashew Festival

Yes, we know what you’re thinking: Whaaat?

But seriously, there’s a special place for cashews and coconuts in the Goan culinary and cultural platform. The Mecca of sand and surf attaches huge importance to both, which is why a five-day festival sponsored by Goa Tourism showcases them to locals and visitors alike. Expect to sample a range of Goan culinary fare, made using cashews and coconuts – and of course, the ever-popular feni – the aromatic local brew. From workshops and cooking sessions through the day, to cultural performances and rock concerts in the night, this is one festival to mark the month of May quite spectacularly.

When to go: April 29th to May 3rd, 2016

Where to go: Bandodkar Football Ground, Panaji, Goa

Coorg Escapade Karnataka 

Fitness buffs, take note. This one’s for you.

The first of India’s fully outdoor sport festivals, the Coorg Escapade combines adventure sports with a gorgeous location to put forth its stake on one of the most popular festivals to attend in May. Sports such as mountain biking, trekking, trail running, kayaking and yoga are accompanied by live music sessions in the evening. Fairs hawking local produce and foodstuffs are also a feature.

When to go: May 2nd and 3rd, 2016

Where to go: Coorg, Karnataka

Mt. Abu Summer Festival

The Mt. Abu Summer Festival offers something for everyone – apart from the spectacle of being in Mt. Abu itself. Mornings start with folk ballads and cultural ethnic dances, followed by boat races on Nakki Lake and roller skating races. Following this, you have a stunning fireworks display in the evening until the highlight of the event: the Sham-e-Qawwali music show begins. Featuring the most talentedqawwals in and beyond the country, this is definitely the event most look forward to.

When to go: May 2nd till 4th, 2016

Where to go: Mt Abu, Rajasthan

Matheran Green Festival

Matheran is famous for not allowing any vehicles within its borders. It is only natural, however, that an event focused on natural conversation and environment protection be held in its lush-green interiors. Find your feet to Matheran’s cool, salubrious environs to take part in the Matheran Green Festival – featuring architects, musicians, designers, artists, writers and intellectuals to do their bit in spreading awareness about the environment. In addition to tree planting, there are fifty other workshops using poetry, music, food, culture, art and photography in the hopes of spreading a more Go Green attitude.

When to go: May 15th to 21st, 2016

Where to go: Matheran, Maharashtra

Ooty Summer Festival

Designed to showcase the best of Ooty to visitors, the Ooty Summer Festival is held across a number of places. From a vegetable show at Kotagiri to a spice fare at Gudulur, followed by a rose show at the Ooty Rose Garden, a flower show at the Ooty Botanical Garden and a fruit show in Coonoor – Ooty knows how to delight its patrons with its rich natural landscape and its products. Expect all these gatherings to be coupled with boat races, cultural performances and trekking excursions.

When to go: May 2nd till 24th, 2016

Where to go: Ooty and surrounding environs

So, where do you plan to go to beat the heat this May?