India is a country of large population. Each and every state here is blessed with unique cultures and behaviour patterns. The diversity in India is reflected in its languages, customs, traditions and colourful festivals. Some of the festivals are celebrated for their weirdness and unusual practices that might even sound crazy. Despite this, the enthusiasm of the people have kept them alive and thriving.

Here is a list of such festivals; bizarre and uncommon, to the extent that one cannot refrain from attending them.

Lathmar Holi in Vrindavan

The Legend

Lord Krishna, who belonged to Nand Gaon was jealous of His beloved Radha, and playfully chased her and other Gopis. He came to Barsana (Radha’s village) with his friends and smeared Gulal (colour) on Radha and the Gopis. When Radha asked Krishna to leave; he and his friends refused and continued to throw colours. Totally agitated, Radha and the Gopis took a stick and beat up Krishna and his friends. Finally they gave up and went back to Nand Gaon.

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What is Unusual About It?
The tradition is still continued in the Radha Rani Temple complex in Barsana. Village folks of Nand Gaon visit Barsana and tease the women by singing songs. They also throw a huge bunch to gulal (colours) to provoke the women. The women in return would pick up sticks and beat up the men and drive them away. Those men, who fail to run from the place will be caught and made to dress up like a woman and dance. On the following day, men of Barsana would go to Nand Gaon and follow the same tradition as revenge. As per tradition, the men are not allowed to retaliate on that very day, hence seeing them getting beaten up is a great joy.
Time of the year: March
Venue: Radha Rani temple Barsana and Nand Gaon.
Animal Weddings in Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Assam, and Karnataka
The Legend
Animals occupy an important place in Hinduism, as they are the vehicles of the Gods. This is the reason; Indian Astrology suggests Animal service as a remedy to afflicted planets. Alongwith the daily care of these animals, some villages also follow ritual of animal wedding to give them equal position as that of humans.
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What is Unusual About It?
Have you ever attended the wedding of a Frog? Sounds strange right? But in the villages of Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Assam, and Karnataka this unusual event of Animal wedding is very common. People of these villages contribute money to marry the Toads, Donkeys, Dogs, Cows & Bulls etc. A big feast is organized and the newlywed couple is taken all over the village in a procession. Every wedding has a ritual reason attached to it; e.g. Frogs are married to appease Hindu Rain God Varun and receive rains in the dry land.

Thaipusam Festival in Tamil Nadu

The Legend

Thaipusam marks the day when Goddess Parvati gave a powerful Lance (Vel) to Her son Kartikeya or Murugan for a battle with Demon Soorapadman. Lord Murugan used this weapon for a fierce battle and killed the demon. Since that day, Thaipusam has been observed as a victory of good over evil by the blessings of Goddess Parvati.

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What is Unusual About It?
Amid the unusual spectacle of rituals, devotees pierce their body and mouth with hooks, skewers and Vel (little lances). Some would even pierce their tongue and cheeks to obstruct speech so that they can fully concentrate on the Lord. With the hooks pierced in their bodies and mouth, the devotees would then pull chariots. People beat drums and chant ‘vel vel shakti vel’ to create a trance for those who are getting their mouth pierced.
Time of the year: January-February
Venue: Palani Sri Dhandayuthapani Temple, Tamil Nadu

Garudan Thookkam in Kerala

The Legend

Goddess Kali, after slaying the demon Darika was still thirsty for blood. So Lord Vishnu sent His divine vehicle Garuda to quench Her blood thirst. The divine bird, while dancing and bleeding pacified the fiery Goddess, hence satiating Her.

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What is Unusual About It?

This ritual art is performed in Elamkavu Devi temple where people dress up as Garuda, the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu. They are hanged from a dangle and are taken in a procession on hand or bullock carts. This ritual is an enactment of the mythological event.

Time of the year: March

Venue: Elamkavu Devi temple at Vadayar in Vaikkom taluk of Kottayam district

Thimithi in Tamil Nadu

The Legend

Draupadi, the dynamic queen of Mahabharata is worshipped as a goddess by Tamils. They believe that she is an incarnation of Mariamman, who is the Goddess of Fertility and Rain. As per legend, post the Mahabharata war, Draupadi was asked to walk on a bed of fire to prove her sanctity. She walked on it harmlessly with full grace and unscathed. Since then, as a mark of respect for this Goddess, this ritual is continued as a Fire Walking Ceremony by the Tamils.

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What is Unusual About It?
To honour Goddess Draupadi, devotees walk barefoot on burning coal and request for Her blessings. During this festival, various Mahabharata scenes are enacted in drama form and a week before; prayers are offered to Periyachi Amman. Goddess Mariamman is given a milk bath, as devotees believe that by this ritual, all sins will be washed away.

Time of the Year: October – November

Venue: Kanni Amman Kovil temple in Manappakkam village near Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu.

Ambubachi Mela in Assam

The Legend

Goddess Sati jumped into the Yajna fire as she was not able to bear the insult of Lord Shiva, by her father Daksh Prajapati. Lord Shiva picked up Sati’s charred body and started performing tandav which was destroying the earth. Seeing this, Lord Vishnu split Sati’s body in 52 pieces with his sudarshan chakra. Devi Sati’s womb and genitals fell at the spot where The Kamakhya Temple was built. Every year, in June, the Goddess menstruates for 3 days; which is a mystery nobody could solve till date.

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What is Unusual About It?

Every year in the month of June, devotees flock the Kamakhya Temple for the iconic Ambubachi Mela. The fair is held on those three days, when the Goddess menstruates and hence the temple is closed for visit. During this time, women pray for fertility and happiness. On the fourth day, devotees line up before the temple to receive the piece of cloth which is said to be the menstrual fluid of the Goddess.

Time of the Year: June

Venue: Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati, Assam.

Onam Pulikali Tiger Dance in Kerala

The Legend

As per the epic called Vishnu dharmo tharam, Demon King Mahabali was sent to netherworld by Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. During the time of Onam, he visits his pupils, who welcome him with gala celebrations. It is said that animals escort him during the journey from netherworld to earth. Hence this animal dance is to give a hearty welcome to the Supreme Mahabali.

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What is Unusual About It?

Puli Kali follows the theme of Tiger Hunting, where the performers paint their bodies in yellow, red and black to look like a Tiger. This folk art comprises of dance, music and drama using instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Performers attract visitors with their readymade masks, artificial teeth, moustaches, tongue and beards. This thematic dance is more than two-century old and was introduced by Maharajah of Cochin; as a part of Onam celebration.

Time of the Year: August / September

Venue: Swaraj Round, Thrissur, Kerala