India isn’t just a place – it’s a full-on experience. It’s chaotic, colourful and bursting with energy. And there’s never a better time to witness all of this than during a festival. Bright decorations, music in the air and communities coming together to celebrate traditions that go back centuries. It’s a sensory overload – in the best possible way.
If you’re heading to India, why not time your trip around a festival? It’s when the country is at its most vibrant. Festivals here aren’t just about rituals – they’re about food, colour and connection.
Holi? You’ll be covered in colour within minutes, throwing powder with complete strangers. Diwali? The cities glow in a way that photos just can’t capture. Pongal? You’ll find yourself celebrating with locals, sharing in the harvest joy and the sounds of traditional music. These aren’t just things you see; they’re moments you feel – and the ones that stay with you long after you leave.
Not sure where to begin? Start with this guide. Pair it with my 17 Must-See Places in India for a Life-Changing Adventure, which has everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. Together, these guides will help you dive into the heart of India.
Here’s my pick of some of the best festivals of India to experience. From food to culture to pure fun, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Holi
When: March (dates vary every year)
Where: Celebrated nationwide; Vrindavan and Mathura are iconic spots.
Holi is one of India’s most famous festivals and for good reason. Imagine this: bright clouds of colour in the air, people dancing to drums and the kind of chaos that just screams joy. Holi is all about celebrating love and the arrival of spring.
Vrindavan and Mathura, said to be connected to Lord Krishna, go all out for Holi with week-long celebrations. Expect colour fights, water balloons and more sweets than you can count. Just wear something you don’t mind getting stained – because you will, trust me.
2. Diwali
When: October or November (based on the lunar calendar)
Where: Everywhere, but Jaipur and Varanasi are spectacular.
Diwali is like Christmas and New Year rolled into one and definitely one of the best festivals of India. It’s all about good triumphing over evil, with a whole lot of food, fireworks, and family time. Homes are decorated with oil lamps and colourful rangoli patterns, and the vibe is pure magic.
If you’re in Jaipur, the entire city lights up like something out of a fairytale. Meanwhile, Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti during Diwali is nothing short of spiritual. Pro tip: save room for the sweets – they’re irresistible.
3. Lohri
When: January
Where: Punjab, Haryana and Delhi
Lohri is all about celebrating the end of winter and welcoming a new harvest season. It’s marked by huge bonfires, where friends and families gather to sing, dance, and throw sesame seeds, popcorn, and sugarcane into the fire as offerings.
The festive vibe is infectious, with the beat of Dhol drums and energetic Bhangra dances lighting up the night. And let’s not forget the food – gajak (a sweet made of sesame and jaggery) and sarson ka saag with makki di roti are absolute must-tries during Lohri.
4. Onam
When: August or September
Where: Kerala
Onam marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, and it’s one of Kerala’s grandest festivals. Think flower carpets, boat races and a 9-course vegetarian feast called Sadya that’s served on a banana leaf.
If you’re visiting during Onam, don’t miss the snake boat races – they’re as thrilling as they sound. The energy is infectious, and the food? Let’s just say you’ll never forget it.
5. Ganesh Chaturthi
When: August or September
Where: Mumbai and Pune
Ganesh Chaturthi honours Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and beginnings. What starts as a simple prayer at home builds up to massive processions on the streets, with drums, dancing, and devotion.
Mumbai’s immersion processions (known as visarjan) are unmissable. The sight of thousands of people carrying Ganesh idols to the sea is both emotional and exhilarating. Be ready for crowds – it’s a lot, but it’s worth it.
6. Pushkar Camel Fair
When: November
Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan
Okay, this one’s a little different. The Pushkar Camel Fair isn’t your typical religious festival, but it’s a must-see. It’s part livestock fair, part cultural extravaganza, with camel races, folk music, and even moustache competitions.
It’s also a photographer’s dream – golden desert landscapes, vibrant turbans and intricately dressed camels. Plus, Pushkar’s sacred lake and its surrounding temples are just stunning.
7. Pongal
When: Mid-January
Where: Tamil Nadu
Pongal is all about thanking the sun for a good harvest. It’s a four-day celebration with rituals, feasts and kolams (beautiful designs made with rice flour).
The highlight? The food. Pongal (a type of sweet rice dish) is made in every home, and it’s pure comfort on a plate. Villages in Tamil Nadu go all out, with bull-taming sports and traditional dances. It’s simple, earthy and so full of heart.
8. Navratri
When: September or October
Where: Gujarat and across India
Navratri is essentially a nine-night party. While it’s celebrated across the country, Gujarat’s take is legendary. This is when you’ll see Garba and Dandiya—traditional dances where everyone’s twirling, spinning, and having the time of their lives.
It’s not just about the dancing, though. Navratri is also a time of fasting and devotion, so you’ll find special vegetarian dishes that are pretty unique to the festival.
9. Vaisakhi
When: April
Where: Punjab
Baisakhi is all about celebrating a good harvest with dance, music, and plenty of food. In Punjab, the day starts with prayers at gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and ends with Bhangra performances that’ll make you want to join in.
It’s also an important day for the Sikh community, marking the formation of the Khalsa. The energy and joy during Vaisakhi are contagious – don’t be surprised if you end up dancing in a field somewhere.
10. Durga Puja – Bengal’s Grand Celebration
When: September or October
Where: Kolkata, West Bengal
Durga Puja is a feast for the senses. Huge, intricately designed idols of Goddess Durga are paraded through the streets, pandals (temporary structures) are set up everywhere, and the air is filled with the aroma of fried street food and incense.
Kolkata is the place to be during this festival. From the traditional rituals to cultural performances, there’s always something happening. Bonus? The late-night pandal-hopping scene is an adventure in itself.
11. Maha Shivaratri
When: February or March
Where: Varanasi, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu
Maha Shivaratri is a spiritual celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s a quieter, more introspective festival compared to others on this list, but no less captivating.
Varanasi is the best place to experience it, with all-night vigils, prayers and the mystical vibe of the Ganges. Alternatively, head to Tamil Nadu’s temples for grand celebrations.
12. Ladakh Festival
When: September
Where: Ladakh
If you’re heading to the mountains, time your trip with the Ladakh Festival. This week-long celebration showcases the region’s unique culture with masked dances, polo matches and folk music.
The stunning mountain backdrop just makes everything more magical. It’s also a great time to try local Ladakhi cuisine and experience traditional monasteries at their most vibrant.
13. Eid
When: Dates vary (based on the lunar calendar)
Where: Celebrated nationwide, with extra flair in Old Delhi and Hyderabad.
Eid is a time of prayer, charity, and a lot of food. After the month-long fast of Ramadan, communities come together to celebrate with feasts featuring biryanis, kebabs and the famous sweet dish, seviyan.
Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid area is buzzing with festive energy, while Hyderabad’s Eid spread is a treat for the tastebuds. Join the celebrations and you’ll find warmth and hospitality wherever you go.
So that’s a guide to the best festivals of India, which are more than just events – they’re a window into the soul of the country. Whether you’re throwing colours at strangers during Holi, soaking in the glow of Diwali lights, or sharing a feast during Eid, you’ll feel like you’re part of something bigger.
So, which festival will you time your trip around? Whatever you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable experience filled with culture, colour and plenty of food.
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