For many in the UK’s Indian diaspora, winter is more than a festive season – it is a time of return, reunion and rediscovery. As families prepare to fly home, India readies itself with a vibrant mix of cultural festivals, food experiences, spiritual traditions and winter getaways that offer a sense of belonging no other destination can match.
For culture lovers, Chennai Music & Dance Festival during the Margazhi season transforms the city every December into a global stage for Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. With hundreds of concerts, bustling sabhas and traditional South Indian cuisine, many travellers plan their entire holiday around this cherished artistic pilgrimage.
If you're seeking a scenic escape, the White Desert of Kutch offers one of India’s most surreal winter landscapes. Between November and February, Rann Utsav delivers moonlit desert walks, folk performances, handicrafts, luxury tents and unforgettable cultural nights – perfect for an Instagram-worthy adventure.
And for returning Bengalis, the Bengal Global Connect Meet on 22 December 2025 at the Calcutta Rowing Club promises an afternoon of adda, music, food and meaningful global connections.
Those craving a festive buzz will find Kolkata’s Park Street sparkling with live music, street food, lights, decorations and artisanal markets. Often described as “India’s closest version of a European Christmas street party”, it’s a diaspora favourite for families.
