5 Quirky Indian Festivals You Won’t Believe Exist!

Baby-Jumping Festival (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)

👶🧙‍♂️ “Baba Dongal” Ceremony
🗓 Happens post-Holi. Priests jump over infants to bless them with long life and health.
🔮 A blend of fear, faith, and festivity.

The Banni Festival (Karnataka)

💪🔨 Weapon-wielding villagers fight... for fun!
📍 Devaragattu village
🗓 Dussehra night
💥 Locals beat each other with sticks—without malice, only tradition!

Jatinga Bird Suicide Festival (Assam)

🐦💫 A mysterious phenomenon becomes a tourist draw.
🗓 September–November
🌌 Migratory birds dive to their death under village lights. Locals mark it with ritual and intrigue.

Lathmar Holi (Barsana, UP)

👩‍🌾🥄 Women chase men with sticks!
🗓 Pre-Holi
📜 Myth-inspired role reversal where women “beat” men in love and laughter.

Thimithi – The Fire Walking Festival (Tamil Nadu)

🔥🦶 Devotees walk barefoot on fire to honor Draupadi.
🗓 October–November
🔥 A test of faith, endurance, and divine devotion.