India doesn’t just observe festivals — it explodes with colour, sound, flavour, and spirit. With every season comes a new reason to celebrate — whether it’s a sky full of kites, a street full of drums, or hands full of colours. Festivals here are more than events — they’re invitations into communities, traditions, and a shared joy that defines the Indian way of life. And for travellers, there’s no better way to understand India than through its celebrations.

 

  • Holi – The Festival of Colours (March)

Celebrated across India, Holi marks the arrival of spring. Streets become war zones of colour as people throw powdered dye, dance to music, and celebrate unity. Vrindavan and Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) are the spiritual homes of Holi and are incredible for immersive experiences.

Traveler tip: Wear white, carry a waterproof camera, and join a local celebration — many are organized for visitors to join the fun.

 

  • Diwali – Festival of Lights (October–November)

India’s most iconic festival, Diwali, is a celebration of light over darkness. Cities glow with lanterns, diyas (oil lamps), and fireworks. In places like Jaipur and Varanasi, Diwali feels like magic come alive, with illuminated ghats, decorated homes, and festive markets.

Insider pick: Stay with a host family or heritage hotel during Diwali to experience sweets, prayers, and fireworks firsthand.

  • Durga Puja – Art, Worship & Culture in Bengal (September–October)

Kolkata transforms into a gallery of life-sized goddess sculptures, music, dance, and ritual. Pandals (temporary temples) showcase themes from mythology to modern art. The entire city is on the streets — dressed in their best, eating at food stalls, and moving from one pandal to another.

Did you know? Over 2,500 pandals are created across Kolkata during this week-long celebration.

 

  • Onam – Harvest Festival of Kerala (August–September)

Onam celebrates the mythical King Mahabali and the rice harvest. Festivities include boat races, floral decorations, and traditional sadya feasts served on banana leaves. It’s the perfect time to visit Kerala and witness its most vibrant face.

Must see: The Vallam Kali (snake boat races) in Alleppey draw thousands and are thrilling to watch.

 

  • Bihu, Pongal & Lohri – Regional Harvest Celebrations (January)

These January festivals across Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab mark the end of the winter solstice. Expect bonfires, folk dances, and feasts. Each has its own flavour — from the dance and drums of Assam’s Bihu to sweet rice dishes during Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Traveler tip: Plan a rural visit or a homestay during these festivals for authenticity and warmth.

 

  • Pushkar Camel Fair – A Desert Spectacle in Rajasthan (November)

A unique mix of livestock trading, cultural exhibitions, and folk music, the Pushkar Camel Fair attracts thousands to the dunes of Rajasthan. There are camel races, moustache competitions, craft stalls, and sunset desert safaris — a photographer’s dream and a cultural carnival.

 

More to Explore Year-Round

  • Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug–Sep): Mumbai’s giant Ganesh idols and ocean immersions
  • Eid & Christmas: Celebrated with joy across diverse regions
  • Independence Day (Aug 15): Flag-hoisting and patriotic parades
  • Navratri (Sep–Oct): Gujarat’s Garba dance nights are a must-join

 

Celebrate With The Uncharted

Festivals aren’t just about watching — they’re about participating. At The Uncharted, we time itineraries around the best celebrations and provide access to local-hosted events, artisan markets, food tastings, and cultural walks. Whether you want to dance during Holi, fast and feast during Ramadan, or witness a royal Dussehra in Mysore — we make it happen, seamlessly and safely.

Come for the colours. Stay for the culture. Travel India when it shines brightest.