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Raksha Rao

I am a passionate traveler, photographer and an engineer by profession. I have always loved new travel experiences. However, it reached a whole new level when I took off for a Himalayan trek in May 2015 - it made me realise how totally gratifying travel can be. Since then, I have traveled near and far, as much as I can,  always looking for new and immersive adventures.

Be it trekking on snow in the mighty Himalayan range, bungee jumping with a river view in Rishikesh, cliff jumping or scuba diving in the emerald blue waters of Thailand, high-altitude river rafting at the freezing cold rivers of Zanskar in Leh - my propensity for new experiences is ever growing as is my wishlist.

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Unique Festivals in India for Every Month of the Year

posted by Raksha Rao
Last updated on May 12, 2020, 24075 22
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Unique Festivals in India for Every Month of the Year

India has a rich heritage and a vibrant culture – thanks to thousands of years of booming civilizations. No other country offers as much diversity in landscapes, religions, cultures, or festivals as India.

And thanks to this diversity, there are hundreds of festivals celebrated in India for many decades. No matter the time of the year, be rest assured that there is always a festival celebration happening in some corner of India. If you are a serious photographer or a cultural enthusiast, festivals in India can be quite fascinating and enchanting to watch!

The many different festivals in India are a massive list, which will probably take me weeks, if not months to cover. And even then, chances are that I still might be missing on the whole bunch of festivals which are very regional, and not well known. So, let’s start with a list of festivals of India that can give you a glimpse into this colorful and diverse nation! This goes beyond the religious festivals of India and lists some of the celebrated and important festivals of India ranging from culture, region, music, and so on.

Now, let’s dive into it, shall we?

Table of Contents

  • January
    • Rann Utsav at the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
    • Jaipur Literature Festival, Rajasthan (Jan 23rd – Jan 27th)
  • February
    • Konark dance festival at Konark, Orissa(19th – 23rd)
    • Nyokum Yullo in Arunachal Pradesh
    • March – Holi in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh ( 8th – 13th )
    • International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh
  • April
    • Easter Sunday in Panaji, Goa( 16th )
    • Thrissur Pooram in Kerala (April-May)
  • May
    • International Flower Festival in Gangtok, Sikkim (1st to 31st)
  • June
    • Idul-Fitr in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (26th)
    • Jagannath Rath Yatra in Orissa
  • July
    • Hemis festival in Jammu and Kashmir ( 3rd – 4th )
  • August
    • Nehru Trophy Boat race in Kerala ( 13th )
    • Gogamedi fair in Rajasthan
  • September
    • Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh (21st – 24th)
    • Mysore Dasara
  • October
    • Diwali in Punjab
  • November
    • Pushkar festival in Rajasthan (28th Oct-4th Nov)
  • December
    • Hornbill Festival in Nagaland (1st-7th )
    • Losoong Festival in Sikkim

January

Rann Utsav at the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

rann of kutch festival list of festivals of india, indian festival calendar

What better way to kick-start the new year than visiting the Great Rann of Kutch during Rann Utsav? Almost a 4-month-long festival (Nov 1st to 20th Feb), Rann Utsav is just one of its kind.

Gujarati handicrafts, outdoor activities, and varieties of cultural performances, it is hard to pass upon. Especially, in the glowing white sand of Rann on a full moon night. It is truly an experience of a lifetime.

Find out more about the festival here

Jaipur Literature Festival, Rajasthan (Jan 23rd – Jan 27th)

Jaipur Literature Festival has grown to be the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’. It has transformed from a modest beginning to welcoming over a million book lovers from the country and the world. This five-day program usually takes place in the third week of January. It brings together a diverse mix of writers, thinkers, humanitarians, and so on into one stay and helps in thought-provoking debates and start dialogues. The festival is hosted in Diggi Palace, Jaipur in the backdrop of the stunning Rajasthan cultural heritage.

February

Konark dance festival at Konark, Orissa(19th – 23rd)

Located on the banks of Bay of Bengal, Konark Temple is a well-known World Heritage site dedicated to the Sun God. Apart from the intricate carvings and the elaborate design of the Konark temple, Konark Dance Festival takes the spotlight in February each year.

It features performances of classical dances like Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathak and Chau dance at the Natyamandir. The dance performances in the backdrop of the sun temples thus make this festival in February a no-brainer for the culturally enthusiastic ones.

Find out more about the festival here.

Nyokum Yullo in Arunachal Pradesh

Nyokum, a prominent festival in Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the interesting cultural heritage and ethnicity of the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. This festival is celebrated to invoke the spiritual forces in nature to ensure harmony and prosperity for the people. Interestingly, you won’t find any idol in this puja.

March – Holi in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh ( 8th – 13th )

holi list of festivals of india, indian festival calendar

Flushed with the festive spirit in the month of March, the holy city of Vrindavan is a delight to watch. In celebrations of one of the most vibrant and fun festivals of India – the festival of colors. People from all communities converge to celebrate this festival – irrespective of caste, gender or race. North India celebrates Holi on a grand scale – although, Holi celebrations in Vrindavan and Mathura is just other-worldly.

If you are looking for something unconventional, maybe you could check out Phoolon wali Holi (Holi with flowers) in Vrindavan.

Find out more about the festival here.

If you have more time on your hand, visit one of the oldest cities of India, Varanasi on a full day city tour (Boat ride included)

International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh

A 7-day festival celebrated in the month of March, International Yoga festival gathers yoga practitioners from all around the world – spiritual thought leaders, master yoga teachers, wellness specialists, and so on. You can embrace and learn different styles of yoga on this rejuvenating festival. The festival is held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, the largest ashram in Rishikesh.

April

Easter Sunday in Panaji, Goa( 16th )

list of festivals of india, indian festival calendar

Who doesn’t love Easter baskets brimmed with a variety of chocolates and colorfully decorated eggs? Enter Easter Sunday. An auspicious day for the Christians – it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ upon his death on Good Friday.

Consequently, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji attracts the largest crowd and is the principal focus of festivities in Goa. After the mass, crowds line up on the roadside to witness the procession carrying the wooden cross.

Besides beaches in Goa, there are many other places to explore in Goa. For instance, go on churches and a Spice farm tour in Goa.

Or for foreigners who love Indian cuisine, it can’t get better than attending a Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking class in Goa.

Thrissur Pooram in Kerala (April-May)

Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam in the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star, Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu festival held at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. It shows an assembly of gods from all over Kerala – it is considered as a meeting of Devas. It is one of the greatest gatherings in Asia and attracts many foreign tourists to witness the grandeur of Kerala.

May

International Flower Festival in Gangtok, Sikkim (1st to 31st)

flower show rhodododrendron list of festivals of india, indian festival calendar

Don’t you just need an excuse to escape to the lofty mountains and the beautiful lakes of Sikkim? The international flower festival in Gangtok just happens to be one of them.

The natural topography and climate make Sikkim ideal for sundry flora to flourish naturally. Ergo, many species of rhododendron, orchids, gladioli, cacti, roses, ferns, and alpine plants are displayed during the show. Also, Yak safari is a crowd favorite during the Flower Festival.

Read: Fun Things to do in Gangtok

June

Idul-Fitr in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (26th)

ramadan list of festivals of india, indian festival calendar

Celebrated fervently by millions of Muslims, Id festival and the month-long fasting prior to that – known as Ramzan. There are usually lines of street food with varieties of meat to gorge upon during this time in the Muslim dominated areas.

Cities such as Lucknow, Delhi, and Hyderabad see joyous celebrations and fanfare during Id.

While in Hyderabad, go on a private full city Sightseeing tour.

Jagannath Rath Yatra in Orissa

Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival is held in the city of Puri in Orissa associated with Lord Jagannath. The presiding deities of Jagannath temple (Puri’s main temple) – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, with the celestial wheel, are removed from the temple in a ceremonial procession to be taken to Gundicha temple on an annual visit.

It is the oldest Rath Yatra taking place around the world, and its depictions can be found in Bhrama Purana.

July

Hemis festival in Jammu and Kashmir ( 3rd – 4th )

The desolated desert landscape of Leh Ladakh needs no introduction. The road trips to Leh from Delhi or Manali is just as breathtaking as Leh. To top it off, Hemis festival in July is just icing on the cake. It is hosted every year in Hemis Gompa – the largest and richest Buddhist monastery in Leh.

During the festival, the locals deck up in traditional attire with cummerbunds, vibrant headgears and loads of jewelry. However, the most mysterious form of celebration is the mystic mask dances (Chams performance) accompanied by musical drums, longhorns, and cymbals. Apparently, this 2-day festival is remembered as the birth of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

Find out more about the festival here.

August

Nehru Trophy Boat race in Kerala ( 13th )

nehru tropy boat race list of festivals of india, indian festival calendar

A boat race in God’s own country is something that will surely put you in awe. It is a significant part of the culture and tradition of Kerala. Evidently, the Nehru Trophy boat race held in Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha attracts viewers from far off corners of the world. Watching the snake boat races amidst lush greenery is just a pure spectacle. One of the most well-esteemed boat races in India.

When in Kerala, check out the typical houseboat day cruise in Alleppey.

On the other hand, I highly recommend to explore offbeat village backwaters in Kollam, and I’ll guarantee you’ll forget all about Alleppey houseboats.

Gogamedi fair in Rajasthan

This festival is celebrated in honor of Gogaji who is venerated as a saint and a Snake God. Usually conducted in the month of August – September every year in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan. More about the Gogamedi fair here.

September

Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh (21st – 24th)

In the mood to listen to some top-class Indie bands and folk music while gazing at the vast expanse of the mystic Himalayan range? Well, look no further. Ziro music festival would be a perfect venue to do just that.

It takes place in the picturesque Ziro valley in the state of Arunachal Pradesh each year, in one of the remote corners of India. Yet, it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Tips for visitors – Make sure you have appropriate permits to access the area – the Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indians and Protected Area Permit for foreigners.

Mysore Dasara

This 10-day festival, celebrated in the historic city of Mysore – the land of Wodeyars, attracts people from all over the world. It is a Hindu festival starting with Navarathri and ending with Vijayadashami. Mysore Dasara celebrates the victory of good over evil. Legends say that Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura, after which the name Mysuru was derived from. Usually held in September – October every year.

October

Diwali in Punjab

diwali list of festivals of india, indian festival calendar

Indians celebrate Diwali every year uniting various communities and regions. The festival of lights is one of the most brilliantly lit and one of the popular festivals of India with legions of lights illuminating millions of households.

Historically, it marks the homecoming of Lord Ram from exile back to his kingdom. A grand puja of Goddess Laxmi ensues in the evening and end the day with bursting crackers. Ideally, it is best witnessed in UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Delhi.

While in Punjab, check out the Amritsar Golden Temple on a Private Sightseeing Tour.

November

Pushkar festival in Rajasthan (28th Oct-4th Nov)

pushkar festival list of festivals of india, indian festival calendar

Rajasthan is one of those culturally rich states in India with umpteen number forts and palaces. Pushkar fair is widely popular as a testimony to the vivid sights, moods, and aromas of Rajasthan.

Pushkar Fair, in all likelihood, is a mega event of Rajasthan in which thousands of camel owners visit the city to participate in a medley of events. In addition, camels adorned lovingly in colorful garbs, jewelry and silver bells, are one of the great attractions of the fair. A variety of musicians, dancers, acrobats, magicians, snake charmers, and food stalls are also present to delight the onlookers.

Consequently, temple dancing, folk, and classical music, arts, and crafts bazaars are some of the festival highlights. Maybe, you can check out the Camel Beauty contest too. Additionally, an International Hot Air Balloon Festival is also organized during the fair.

Explore Pushkar on a Day Tour from Jaipur.

Also, while in Rajasthan,  explore Jaipur through a Private City Tour. Or visit the city of lakes Udaipur on a private day tour (Boat ride included).

On the other hand, if you’re based out of Delhi, take a two day trip to Jaipur.

December

Hornbill Festival in Nagaland (1st-7th )

Ever wondered how the indigenous warrior tribes in the far eastern state of Nagaland live their lives? Well, here’s your opportunity to find out in the month of December.

Locally known as The Festival of festivals, the Hornbill festival is one of the most cherished and the largest celebrations in Nagaland. And plentiful displays of handicrafts, handloom, multi-cuisine, local food stalls and a rich amount of rice beer definitely makes it worth your time.

Evidently, evenings are lighted by the thrilling Hornbill National Rock Concert in which bands from all over the country and abroad participate. Also, Naga chilly eating competition and pork eating festival attracts a huge crowd and evokes much fanfare and excitement.

Find out more about the festival here.

Losoong Festival in Sikkim

Losoong is a grand festival in Eastern India that celebrates the start of a new year in Sikkim. Based on the Tibetan Calendar, Losoong is celebrated on the 18th day of the 10th month which is usually in December. Apart from Bhutias, the Lepcha tribes celebrate this festival as well, but they call it Namsoong. In Sikkim, it’s celebrated in Phodong and Rumtek monasteries. It’s also celebrated in the neighboring countries of Bhutan and Nepal.

This post serves to give an idea about the famous festivals in different parts of India during different months of the year and in no way extensive. I’ll keep adding to more festivals to this post as and when I find the time. Watch out!

So, what are you waiting for? Book your accommodations at these locations right away by entering the city below! Given that these towns would be busier during the festival season, so it’s ideal to book accommodations as soon as you can! Ideally, at least three months before to get good deals, and best stays.

Do you have a list of favorite festivals in India? And, which of these festivals are you going to attend this year? Let me know in the comments below.

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Hola! I’m Raksha Rao, the founder and Chief Editor of The Roving Heart and I heartily welcome you to this blog!

I’m perpetually in search of the next trip, next adventure and forever aching to fly far away to a land of strangers.

Come follow me on my journey and I promise you to take you on an adventure!

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Comments

22 Comments
  1. posted by
    Dordaneh
    Jan 24, 2017 Reply

    All these culture, history and myth are the reaso why India is on everyone’s bucket list. India is really a must see.
    http://www.irantourtravel.com/

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Jan 24, 2017 Reply

      Totally agree with you. India is truly rich in heritage and culture 🙂

  2. posted by
    Laura
    Jan 26, 2017 Reply

    These all look amazing. India just looks so vibrant! I would love to go one day!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Jan 27, 2017 Reply

      Yes, Indeed Laura. I’m sure you would love it 🙂

  3. posted by
    Marge
    Jan 26, 2017 Reply

    So that’s white sand in Rann Utsav? I thought it was snow and I was even about to ask if it snows in India. Nevertheless, it looks beautiful. What I want to experience is the Holi festival. I attended one here in my country, the Philippines last year. The Indians here have decided to hold their own holi festival and it was opened to the public so my friends and I went. It was such a blast! I had fun playing with those colorful powders. And I want to experience it in the country of its origin.

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Jan 27, 2017 Reply

      Haha. That’s right Marge. The Great Rann of Kutch is a vast expanse of white sand. It seems unreal for me too. That’s great about the Holi festival. It surely is so much fun. It is happening during March this year. Hope you could make it 🙂

  4. posted by
    Ricci l wheninmyjourneys
    Jan 27, 2017 Reply

    What a fun way to immerse in the cultures of each place but to attend the festivals. They are so colorful and lively. I have been working with a lot of Indian Nationals for a long time now and have heard of the Diwali Festival and would love to experience it someday.

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Jan 27, 2017 Reply

      Indeed Ricci. One more reason to visit different corners of India! Actually, Diwali is just a brilliant time to visit India 🙂

  5. posted by
    Hra
    Jan 27, 2017 Reply

    India has amazing festivals!! I would love to see “Holi” i think is the best experience by far!!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Jan 27, 2017 Reply

      Definitely Hra. Holi is immersive and so much fun 🙂

  6. posted by
    Geemiz Travel
    Jan 27, 2017 Reply

    Wow! So it means you can’t miss a festival when in India. The reson why I love to go to India is because of its rich culure.

  7. posted by
    Chiera
    Jan 27, 2017 Reply

    Amazing! I really only knew about the Holi festival so this is so cool! I would absolutely love to go to India! Now I know I can go any time of year and get to see something incredible 🙂

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Jan 27, 2017 Reply

      Yes. Of course. There is always some or the other festival happening at some corner of India. Hope you make it to India soon 🙂

  8. posted by
    Chiera
    Jan 27, 2017 Reply

    Amazing! I really only knew about the Holi festival so this is so cool! I would absolutely love to go to India! Now I know I can go any time of year and get to see something incredible 🙂 thanks for sharing

  9. posted by
    Victoria Hawkins
    Jan 27, 2017 Reply

    Holi is celebrated in my country- Trinidad and Tobago, by the Indian diaspora. Festivals are so vibrant and fun with the food, culture and festivities! Cannot wait to visit India one day!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Jan 27, 2017 Reply

      That’s great to hear Victoria. I’m sure you would love it 🙂

  10. posted by
    Ariane
    Jan 28, 2017 Reply

    This is a fab idea for a post. Travelling a country when there are happenings or festivals is so much more fun. Thanks for sharing!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Jan 28, 2017 Reply

      Glad to hear that Ariane! I agree. Festivals are the best time to get a glimpse of the culture of a country 🙂

  11. posted by
    Amy
    Jan 30, 2017 Reply

    I’m drooling over all of these colors! This is definitely a post I’ll have to save for when I plan a trip!

    • posted by
      Raksha Rao
      Feb 2, 2017 Reply

      Haha. Glad to hear that 🙂

  12. posted by
    indianeagle
    Sep 6, 2018 Reply

    India is a rich land in terms of culture, heritage and festivals. With people of different religions, races and communities living together in unison, the country celebrates some of the major festivals with great devotion, joy and enthusiasm.

  13. posted by
    Allindianfestivals
    Apr 28, 2022 Reply

    Fabulous content! I really liked your content on UNIQUE FESTIVALS IN INDIA FOR EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR. Thank you for sharing.

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