A Guide to Key Cultural Festivals in India
India hosts a number of cultural and religious festivals. Most are celebrated in Pan-India. Others have significance in specific regions. From bright colors and rhythmic music to ceremonial rituals and traditional delicacies, there is a lot to explore and experience in India during festivals.
The importance of festivals in Indian culture is recognized by all. They help preserve heritage and promote social bonds. They also promote cultural exchange and economic activity. Foreign tourist arrivals grew by over 45% between 2022 and 2023. Indian festivals attract a large number of foreign tourists.
Do you want to experience India’s festive atmosphere? Then keep reading for a celebration guide.
Key Cultural Festivals in India
Here are the key cultural festivals that you must not miss.
Diwali
The celebration of lights and one of the dominant cultural festivals in India.
When: Expect celebrations between the months of October and November. The Hindus have a lunisolar calendar. They follow it to determine the date of festivals. So the date of Diwali is different every year.
Where: Diwali is celebrated throughout the entire country. But grand celebrations are seen in Mumbai and Delhi. Varanasi and Jaipur also witness heavy celebrations.
What to Expect: Expect a lot of fireworks. And you will find the streets decorated with lights. Houses are also ornamented with diyas. These are just traditional oil lamps. Happiness and joy are further distributed in the form of sweets. The festival is dedicated to honoring the Goddess Lakshmi. So, you can also observe Lakshmi Puja.
Travel Tip: Book accommodations early. It will help you find the best deals. Prepare yourself for loud celebrations. Also, expect the air to become polluted by fireworks. So, carry a mask.
Holi
The festival of colors. It drives a more than 13% increase in inbound India tourist visa applications.
When: Celebrations are observed in March of every year. The festival falls on a full moon day.
Where: Holi is also celebrated nationwide. But the most iconic experiences are available at Mathura and Vrindavan. Holi is commemorated in these two ancient cities as Braj Holi. It is an extended celebration that goes on for days.
What to Expect: Color-throwing is what everyone expects during Holi. And the water fight experience is what foreigners find particularly unique. You will also find the festive atmosphere complemented by music all over the streets. Don’t forget to try bhang lassi. It is a traditional drink prepared with cannabis paste, yogurt, fruits, nuts, and spices.
Safety Note: Wear old clothes outdoors and be prepared to have to dispose of them later. And keep your camera and electronics protected from water and color dust.
Navratri & Dussehra
Nine nights of dance and devotion. And finally, good wins over evil on the tenth night.
When: Sharad Navratri is celebrated between September and October. Navratri runs for nine nights. And Dussehra is the 10th day and the culmination.
Where: The festival is celebrated across India. But there are regional variations. Participate in Dandiya or Garba dances. This is a way to celebrate in Gujarat. Head to West Bengal for spectacular Durga Puja festivities and decorations. And the grandest Dussehra procession can be witnessed in Mysore.
What to Expect: You can expect traditional dancing and processions. There will also be festive fairs and rituals all over. You can enjoy like locals by engaging in Garba dance sessions and Pandal-hopping sprees.
Navigation Tip: Mind the crowd during Navratri. Plan your transportation options and routes based on expected traffic conditions.
READ MORE:
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is among the biggest and most widely celebrated festivals in India. It honors the triumph of good over evil, and for Hindus, it holds deep spiritual and cultural importance.
Kumbh Mela
The world's largest spiritual gathering. Over 45% of the India tourist visa applications for spiritual purposes were linked mainly to Maha Kumbh.
When: The Normal Kumbh Mela is held every three years. The half Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years. The full one is held every 12 years. Magh and Maha are held annually, and every 144 years, respectively.
Where: The celebration is rotated between four holy cities. The full Mela is held at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. And the half Mela rotates only between Prayagraj and Haridwar. Magh and Maha Kumbh Mela are celebrated only in Prayagraj.
What to Expect: Expect people taking holy dips in masses. Also, expect a lot of saints (sadhus). You can experience spiritual ceremonies. And it will be a bustling environment.
Cultural Tip: The next Kumbh Mela will be hosted in Nashik. It will fall between July and August. Be ready to face large crowds during the bathing days. Be respectful and maintain etiquette when interacting with or photographing saints.
Pongal/ Makar Sankranti
Harvest festival of the South and North.
When: Pongal is celebrated in January to honor the Sun deity Surya.
Where: The festival is celebrated primarily in three states. It is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat.
What to Expect: Expect to see kids and adults flying kites with equal enthusiasm. You can join them or get festive around bonfires. You will also receive a lot of sugarcane. And traditional dances are also performed during Makar Sankranti.
Travel Tip: You are likely to be invited by locals to fly a kite with them. Prioritize safety. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when flying kites on an open terrace.
Onam
Kerala’s iconic festival. One of the cultural festivals in India that has significance for a single state.
When: The festival can be experienced in the months between August and September. It is about King Mahabali’s homecoming, celebrated for 10 days.
Where: Onam is a festival of the state of Kerala. It is the state’s most significant and largest festival.
What to Expect: The Onam celebration is incomplete without iconic boat races. You will also get to see amazing arrays or rangolis of flowers called pookalam. You will also enjoy a grand feast known as Onam Sadhya. And also expect some cultural experience with Kathakali dance performances.
Travel Tip: A local guide can help you get a deeper cultural experience. Also, book accommodation in advance. Respect local culture and rituals.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Festival of Lord Ganesha.
When: The birth of Lord Ganesha is celebrated between August and September.
Where: Ganesh Chaturthi is particularly famous in Maharashtra. Grand celebrations are seen in Mumbai and Pune.
What to Expect: Expect giant idols of Lord Ganesha and street processions. Also, witness immersion ceremonies as a symbolic farewell to the deity. Idols are let go in a water body once the 10-day worshipping period ends.
Travel Tip: Visit Lalbaugcha Raja to view massive idols. Attend Girgaum Chowpatty as well. There, you will experience a major submersion ceremony.
Bihu, Baisakhi & More
Regional harvest and cultural festivals of India.
When: Harvest festivals are celebrated regionally during the month of April.
Where: The harvest festival is celebrated as Bihu by Assamese people. It is called Baishaki in Punjab. West Bengal’s harvest festival is known as Poila Boishakh. And Odisha calls it Pana Sankranti.
What to Expect: You will find food traditions. It is a common way of celebrating harvest festivals across regions. But that's not all. You can also expect folk song and dance performances.
Travel Tip: Join the celebrations and explore agricultural traditions. And, make sure you get to taste the delicious regional specialties.
Eid, Christmas, Buddha Purnima & More
Interfaith celebrations and religion-centered cultural festivals in India.
When: Eid is celebrated mainly between March and April. Christmas is celebrated in December. Buddha Purnima is observed between April and May.
Where: The religion-centered festivals are enjoyed more like interfaith celebrations in India. People from different communities and religious backgrounds engage together in celebrations, and harbor respect for each other’s festive practices. So, expect celebrations all over India.
What to Expect: There will be regional variations of religious customs. You will also witness true inclusivity and interfaith participation.
Cultural Tip: Share food with others. Promote common values like love and compassion. Respect elders and religious customs as well.
Festival Calendar by Month
Here is a plan outline of the cultural festivals in India.
Festivals in January
- Festivals: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Uttarayan
- Region/ State: South India Pan-India, Punjab, Gujarat
Festivals in March
- Festivals: Holi, Eid
- Region/ State: North & Central India, Hyderabad
Festivals in April
- Festivals: Bihu, Baisakhi, Poila Boishakh, Pana Sankranti
- Region/ State: Assam, Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha
Festivals in May
- Festivals: Buddha Purnima
- Region/ State: Sikkim
Festivals in August
- Festivals: Onam
- Region/ State: Kerala
Festivals in September
- Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri
- Region/ State: Maharashtra, Gujarat
Festivals in October
- Festivals: Durga Puja, Dussehra
- Region/ State: West Bengal, Karnataka
Festivals in November
- Festivals: Diwali
- Region/ State: Pan-India
Festivals in December
- Festivals: Christmas
- Region/ State: Goa, Kerala & Northeast India
How to Get to India
The e-visa India documents required mainly include your passport, proof of accommodation, and evidence of return flight. It is a hassle-free process that will let you experience India. So, apply for the visa now.
Here are the documents necessary for making the visa application:
- Your passport-size headshot photo.
- The bio page of your passport.
- Bank cards or digital wallet for paying visa fees.
- E-mail address to apply for and receive electronic travel authorisation.
- Printed copy of the electronic travel authorisation received in email.
Here are some packing essential to make your trip smoother:
- Light, breathable clothing for dry, warmer regions.
- Warm clothing and layers for cold, snowy regions.
- Old clothing to be used as disposables after festivals like Holi.
- Comfortable footwear for rougher terrains, long walks, and adventure sports.
- Sandals for quick strolls in locality.
- Sun protection; goggles, sunscreen, and cap.
- Hand sanitizer, mask and over-the-counter medications.
- Reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent, and tissues.
- Umbrella or raincoat in rainy areas/ during monsoon.
- Universal travel adapter and power bank for remote areas.
- Small flashlight for navigating rough terrains after sundown.
- Camera and camera protectors (from water, shock, and dust).
Ready To Pack Your Bags?
The cultural festivals of India offer a spectacular way of experiencing the country’s core traditions, communities, and spirituality. But remember, you need a visa to get into the nation as a foreign tourist. You can get your electronic visa conveniently from reputable online portals.
Check your eligibility for Online Indian Visa and apply at least a week before your scheduled trip to India. Citizens of many countries including Vietnamese citizens, Danish citizens, Swedish citizens, Russian citizens and Greek citizens are eligible for India e-Visa.