Whirling Dervishes Festival

Mevlana Festival

When: December 2012
Where: Konya, Turkey

The festival of the Whirling Dervishes commemorates the death anniversary of the 13th century Sufi saint Mevlana or Rumi as he was known. Rumi believed that communication with God was possible through dance and so was born the dance of the whirling dervishes with their swirling white flowing robes and black cloaks and conical headgear. It is a treat to watch them perform and go into trance like dance where the energy flow is truly palpable.

The Mevlana festival normally starts on 10 December and reaches its crescendo on 17 December when it ends on a spectacular note as on this day Mevlana's union with Allah is celebrated. Over one million people descend on the conservative town of Konya to take part in the festival. Be sure you make your bookings well in advance for both the festival as well as your accommodation.

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