Mysterious and sophisticated, India is one of the favorite tourist destinations due to the magic and beauty that surrounds it. The second most populated country in the world, starting in February, becomes an exquisite miscellany of festivals and customs, giving away extraordinary sunsets, applauded gastronomy and, above all, the charm of people who know no limits in their generosity to those who visit them.
With ancient traditions, its rites and celebrations date back to ancient times where the gods set the rhythm of the people. Thus, the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, known as the “Golden City of India”, is celebrated between the end of January and the beginning of February, depending on the full moon in the Thar Desert. Its inhabitants dress in their best clothes and fill the sand with color and life, an occasion that some take advantage of to celebrate the famous Indian weddings or simply to have turban, mustache and even camel contests. The star is undoubtedly the long-awaited polo match with these faithful and tireless animals.
Although the next one will not be held until 2019 Maha Kumbha Mela official, the truth is that many make pilgrimages to the Ganges, the sacred river, to purify themselves. This event takes place every four years in Allahabad Ardhaen where three of the sacred rivers converge, the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati.
The Holi Festival, the festival of color, is another of the events that fill February with joy in India. It is celebrated to welcome the rainy season, always associated with times of prosperity, and which translates into a war with colored powders that fills the streets with music and dance. Also essential in the calendar of the second month of the year is the Udaipur Music Festival, which brings together world-class artists in the magical city from February 9 to 11.
But to talk about India is without a doubt to talk about Taj Mahal, the most famous monument to love in the world. Built 365 years ago in the city of Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna River, Shah Jahan ordered it to be erected when his beloved Mumtaz Mahal died. From then on, legend and reality become confused, but what went down in history is that it is made of marble, red sandstone and precious stones such as Tibetan turquoise, Afghan lapis lazuli, Ceylonese sapphires and of course diamonds. It is said that at the end of construction the emperor ordered the blinding and amputation of the hands of all those who participated in this pharaonic work. Be that as it may, walking through its walls transports all visitors to endless nights between dances and veils.
And of course New Delhi, the capital, equal parts madness and spell, is the clearest example of this fascinating Asian country. February is presented as the perfect month to discover this cultural wonder and enjoy a paradise of emotions.
And to travel and get to know India, the best thing is to do so ready to live an adventure in the purest style of One Thousand and One Nights. For this, there is nothing better than staying in the The Oberoi Amarvilas, in Agra, near the Taj Mahal, the perfect definition of Asian luxury, and where the stay becomes a dream from 524 euros.
El Hotel Suryagarh in Jaisalmer is another jewel in the crown, a majestic entrance to the Thar Desert, a wonderful opportunity to enjoy first-hand the Desert Festival in the Golden City of India, for 166 euros per night.
Udaipur also has its own little oasis, in this case the Hotel Trident, another haven of peace and luxury for 148 euros.
In short, India is much more than the Asian pearl par excellence, it is magic and joy, it is colors and customs, but above all it is tradition and culture that finds its best events in the month of February.
Gala Mora
DESALAS Lifestyle
