5 Most Splendid Art Festivals of India

For art lovers, an eclectic art festival can be a truly enriching and great learning experience. These fests, biennials, and art shows are an opportunity for them to discover traditional, resurgent and new art forms.

These large scale exhibitions are also where artists from different disciplines display their work– like sculpture art, painting, drawings, ceramics, photography and more.

More than anything, it’s where passionate Indian art collectors and enthusiasts come to appreciate the magnificent artworks of the top as well as budding artists.

The culture and traditions of India are steeped in its local art that varies every 100 kilometers. Most states have their own unique and immersive festivals exhibiting the best of folk art forms with a burst of color, breath-taking landscapes and much more.

With that in mind, here are 5 major art festivals of India that are definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list:

1. India Art Fair

This is an annual event held in the capital city of New Delhi. The event is open for the general public on specific days and time, tickets are available at the venue as well online.

Launched in 2008, India Art Fair reflects the country’s dynamic art scene, as well as offers insights into the cultural landscapes of neighboring countries including the South East Asia region.

The festival also has participation from the leading galleries and artists from Europe, the USA, and South America.

Within a span of a few years, this art fair has galloped its way to fame. Apart from the beautiful arts and culture exhibit including paintings, art installations, the fairs’ program comprises auditorium talks, performance art, workshops, art walks, and various other parallel interactive programs.

Looking to get hold of some remarkable artworks or planning an enjoying cultural outing? Whatever be your purpose, if you have an interest in the arts, India Art Fair is a must-visit affair for you!

Venue: New Delhi

When: January-February

Entry Fee: Rs. 700 (General ticket), Rs.1,000 (Weekend pass), Rs. 400 (Student ticket), Rs. 4,000 (Preview pass)

2. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

It is a nine days long festival held in the Kala Ghoda area of South Mumbai every year. Entry to all events of this multicultural fest is free to all (only restricted by the seating capacity of the respective venues).

Started in 1999 by Kala Ghoda Association to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of South Mumbai, the festival celebrates its graceful legacy of 21 years in 2020.

KGA festival has grown tremendously in stature and popularity over the years. Today, it attracts visitors and artists not just from the city but from all over the country and the world.

This iconic festival is an exhibition and celebration of Indian art forms. It comprises nearly 500 programs (workshops and events) across 14 verticals including art, theatre, music, films, concerts, comedy, food, design, cinema, dance, heritage walks, literature and more!

Venue: Kala Ghoda Art District, Mumbai

When: February

Entry Fee: Free

3. Surajkund Crafts Mela

Also known as International Crafts Mela, it is held annually in Faridabad and is the largest crafts fair in the world.

The price of entry ticket to this fair ranges between Rs. 100/- to 200/- which are easily at the venue and on all major online booking platforms.

First held in 1987 with the aim to promote traditional Indian art, cuisine, handlooms, and handicrafts, this mega affair now has millions of visitors from all across the globe.

Celebration of Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage, there are enough options for adventure sports, amusement and joy rides in the fair. Also, various national and international folk artists and cultural groups present enthralling performances at the Chaupals and open-air theatres in the Mela.

With a splash of colors, rhythm of drum beats and joie de-vivre, this event is indeed a rendezvous of art, craft, dance, music, and the perfect shopping extravaganza for the aesthete and should not be missed!

Venue: Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana

When: First fortnight of February

Entry Fee: Rs. 120 (Weekdays) & Rs. 180 (Weekends)

4. Taj Mahotsav

This 10-day long annual carnival is one of the most colorful and popular art festivals in India.

Started in 1992, it offers wonderful opportunities to have a glimpse of the country’s rich and vibrant arts, crafts, cuisine, dance, and music.

The fest has more than 400 artisans from all over the country showcasing their talent. Everything from stone and wood carvings of Tamil Nadu, bamboo artwork of the North-eastern states, Kantha embroidery clothing from West Bengal, pottery art of Khurja are available under one roof.

Along with exquisite traditional art and craft collections, there are performances and cultural evenings by renowned folk artists and scrumptious cuisine from different regions.

An ultimate shopping destination to buy magnificent artworks, folk dresses, knick-knacks and much more!

Venue: Shilpgram, Agra

When: 18^th-27^thFebruary

Entry Fee: Rs. 50 (for adults), Rs. 10 (for children between 5-10 years), Free for children up to 5 years and foreign tourists

5. Ellora-Ajanta International Festival

This international festival is a perfect combination of grandeur, artistry, and skill. It is a three-day-long event held every year at the captivating Soneri Mahal since 2002.

Apart from the virtuoso cultural performances from some of the best-known artists of Indian music and dance, this event encourages handicrafts by giving exposure to the local artisans in Kalagram.

Venue: Soneri Mahal, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

When: October / February

Entry Fee: Free

Get ready to delve into a colorful world you have never experienced before!

Don’t miss out ‘Hunar Haat’

A 10-day skills festival called the ‘Hunar Haat’ is organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in India Gate gardens in New Delhi from 13-23 February.

More than 1,000 folk artisans from across the country with over 250 stalls spread have participated in the event displaying our cultural heritage, fashion, and feasts.

If you would not be able to visit the haat in Delhi, don’t worry! More such fairs will be organized in the coming months in Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Dehradun, Patna, Bhopal, Goa, Kochi, Guwahati, and Bhubaneshwar, among other places.