If you’re seeking to experience the rich cultural diversity and unshakeable spirit of India, there’s no better way than by attending an Indian festival to visit throughout the year. These festivals bring to life India’s folk music, colorful dances, spiritual traditions, and regional cuisines—each event offering an immersive cultural journey.
Lohri
Celebrated across India by different names, Lohri marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. With bonfires, folk songs, and traditional foods like gur and gajak, it’s a joyful event and an Indian festival to visit in January if you’re craving warmth, energy, and authentic food culture.
Vasant Panchami
Welcoming spring in North India, Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. People dress in yellow, fly kites, and prepare sweet saffron rice. In Punjab, it becomes a vibrant kite festival. This is a great Indian festival to visit for witnessing religious devotion blended with festive enthusiasm.
Mewar Holika Dahan: 28 March
Celebrated in Udaipur on the eve of Holi, this traditional bonfire event symbolizes the burning away of evil. Held in the royal grounds of the City Palace with the king in attendance, it marks the spiritual beginning of Holi celebrations. A memorable Indian festival to visit for experiencing regal traditions and local culture.
International Yoga Festival: 7-13 March
Hosted in Rishikesh’s Parmarth Niketan Ashram, this global festival gathers over 500 yoga practitioners from 30+ countries. Expect workshops, lectures, and spiritual practices by the Ganges. If relaxation and wellness interest you, this is the perfect Indian festival to visit in March.
Tulip Festival, Kashmir
Held in Srinagar’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, this festival showcases Asia’s largest tulip bloom. Overlooking Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains, it’s one of the most scenic and romantic Indian festivals to visit during spring. Don’t forget warm clothes as the weather remains chilly.
Read more – Top ten locations to visit in India in January
Bihu, Assam
Celebrated as Rongali Bihu, this Assamese festival marks the Assamese New Year and spring harvest. Traditional music, dance (Bihu Naas), and feasting fill the state with energy. This is a must-see Indian festival to visit for vibrant cultural expression in India’s Northeast.
Chithirai Festival, Tamil Nadu
This two-week-long celebration in Madurai honors the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi. Rituals, temple parades, and a symbolic river blessing ceremony make this one of the most spiritually rich Indian festivals to visit in Southern India.
Ramadan And Eid Ul-Fitr
During Ramadan, the streets of India come alive after sunset with delicious food stalls serving kebabs, biryani, and sweets. Eid marks the end of the fast with grand feasts and prayers. From Old Delhi to Hyderabad, this is a soulful and delicious Indian festival to visit.
Saga Dawa
A sacred Buddhist celebration in Sikkim, Saga Dawa commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautam Buddha. Monasteries light up with butter lamps, and monks lead grand processions. It’s a peaceful and meditative Indian festival to visit for spiritual seekers.
Ganga Dussehra
Celebrated in holy towns like Haridwar, Varanasi, and Rishikesh, Ganga Dussehra honors the descent of River Ganga from the heavens. Devotees take holy dips and chant mantras to cleanse sins. It’s a profoundly spiritual Indian festival to visit if you’re looking to connect with Hindu beliefs.