India’s rich heritage as seen in its diverse art forms is an ode to the trailblazers of the subcontinent who in various ways shaped art as we see it today. From the sculptors discovered from the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization to the contributions of Gaganendra Nath Tagore to the much talked about works of Ravinder Reddy, India has produced artists who are known to have done groundbreaking work that have caused worldwide appreciation. Being one of the pioneering countries who paved the way for arts in the ancient times in Asia, India is home to a rich collection of arts and artists that deserve to be celebrated.

　　According to reports, India has an impressive 15 UNESCO recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage sites, which goes on to prove that the country is an artistic goldmine and every art form and the various festivals celebrating them is unique in its own way. Here, we have listed 5 upcoming art festivals which every art enthusiast should attend to witness the myriad of enchanting creations that India has to offer.

　　Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai

　　Being Asia’s largest multidisciplinary street art festival, Kala Ghoda attracts both connoisseurs as well as the common folks to appreciate art, culture and creativity. Originally started in1999 as an initiative to preserve the cultural heritage of South Mumbai, the Kala Ghoda Festival has now become a global phenomenon with people flying from all over the world to visit it. This nine day long street art festival covers more than 330 programmes over 14 vertices. From art exhibitions to heritage walks, the Kala Ghoda festival is a celebration of all things art. The Kala Ghoda Association organises this festival in the last week of January.

　　Ellora-Ajanta International Festival, Aurangabad

　　This international art festival is an ode to the rich heritage and culture of the district. Earlier taking place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ajanta-Ellora caves, the festival now has been shifted to Soneri Mahal in Aurangabad. The festival offers a stage to showcase diverse art forms ranging from classical to folk performances. The Maharashtra Tourism department organises this three day long festival each year in the month of February.

　　Delhi International Arts Festival, Delhi

　　Taking place at multiple venues across the Delhi NCR region for 15 to 20 days, the Delhi International Arts Festival has risen to prominence as an exhibition which fuses culture and global essence. The much celebrated festival, which welcomes artists from all over the world, offers a forum that appreciates art at its most traditional form as well as the contemporary displays. The event is organised by a non-profit organisation named Forum for Art Beyond Borders in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Prasiddha Foundation.

　　Surajkund Crafts Mela, Faridabad

　　Started in 1987, this festival promotes the rich artistry of rural crafts. Also known as the International Crafts Mela, this festival has worldwide acclaim and is visited by millions of people every year. Along with the exhibition of the rural handloom and handicrafts of several states, a variety of cultural performances take place at the festival to celebrate the hard work and creativity of local artisans. The Haryana Tourism Department organises this festival at Faridabad every year in the first week of February.

　　Bangalore International Arts Festival, Bangalore

　　Another significant arts festival on our list is the Bangalore International Arts Festival. This five day long festival promotes music, art, theatre and dance featuring local as well as internationally credited artists. The festival is an initiative to bring together artists and provide them a platform to collaborate and communicate. The festival also contributes a significant amount of the funds raised to an non-profit organisation which works for the welfare of artists. The festival takes place in the month of October.