Top 24 Festivals in India You Wouldn't Want to Miss in 2026

Known as the land of spirituality and faith, India is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, traditions, and religions where festivals form the heartbeat of everyday life. From ancient rituals to grand national celebrations, India boasts a dazzling display of colour, devotion and joy throughout the year. These festivals are not just aboutmerry making but a reflection of nation’s diversity, integrity and unity of different communities coexisting in harmony. Attending Indian festivals is an electrifying and enriching experience that offers a deep dive into the country’s rich cultural heritage and building social connections. Planning to experience Indian traditions and festivities firsthand? Read this blog to discover the most vibrant festivals in India and add them to your travel itinerary this year!

24 Most Popular Festivals in India That One Must Attend

India is a land where every nook and corner brings something new to see. The vivid and vivacious festivals in India portray just how great its culture is. Indian festivals are broadly divided into national, religious, community and seasonal categories. Hence, every other day there is a festival in the country. Have you ever experienced such a blend of religious traditions and secular celebrations anywhere else? If you are planning to dive deep into the Indian cultural heritage, here’s our list of the top festivals and events in India that you must attend once in a lifetime:

1. Diwali

Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali is a magical spectacle to experience in India. Celebrated all around the country, it is arguably India's biggest festival and carries a huge significance for Hindus living in the country and all around the world. As the festivities begin, people clean their houses and decorate them with beautiful lights, flowers and colours. People participate in family pooja, burst crackers during the night and exchange greetings, sweets and gifts with friends, family and neighbours. Corporate companies offer gifts to their employees and there are plenty of offers in the market.

Things to Do During Diwali:

• Clean your home to welcome good fortune
• Decorate homes with clay lamps (diyas), candles, lanterns, marigolds, torans (door hangings) and Ashoka leaves
• Create intricate rangoli on the floor with coloured powders, rice or sand

Where It is Celebrated - Across India, majorly in North India

Popular Places to Celebrate: Delhi, Delhi, Ayodhya, Mysore

Date: 08 November 2026

Significance of Diwali: Diwali marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, along with wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after an exile of 14 years.

2. Holi

Holi is another unmissable event for those planning to experience the top 10 festivals in India in 2026! Recognized for its immense significance for Hindus, Holi is celebrated across the country for about two days. The festival also makes India one of the finest places to visit in Asia during. On the eve of Holi, people around the country burn huge Holika bonfires, symbolizing the burning of negativity and the triumph of good. This is followed by singing and dining around it, late into the night. As for the day of Holi, this is when real fun begins. People living in neighbourhoods gather in open areas to apply dry or wet colours to each other but with a little fun and excitement. Kids play with water guns and throw water-filled balloons at each other.

Things to Do During Holi:

• Plan with vibrant colour fights using Gulal (powder) and coloured water
• Enjoy feasting on traditional foods like gujiya and dahi vada with thandai
• Sing traditional Holi songs, play drums (dhol) and dance in the streets

Popular Places to Celebrate: Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur/Udaipur

Date: 04 March 2026

Significance of Holi: This spring festival in India celebrates the victory of good over evil, while also marking the arrival of Spring.

3. Dussehra

As far as festivals go, Dussehra in India is one spectacle that is set to bring joy to the hearts of every person experiencing it. One of the upcoming festivals in India, Dussehra is also referred to as Vijayadashami and is celebrated in multiple forms around the country. There are enactments of the scenes from Ramayana that are performed as acts for a period of ten days during this time (also called Ramlila) which is very popular amongst travellers and young people. It is then culminated with 'Ravan Dahan' where huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna are burnt, a spectacle you don't want to miss.

Things to Do During Dussehra:

• Attend Ramlila theatrical plays based on Ramayana story
• Watch the dramatic burning of Ravana's effigies
• Participate in special aartis and processions in temples

Popular Places to Celebrate: Here’s where to go for iconic celebrations –

• Mysore: Dussehra celebrations in Mysore are a 10-day royal festival, featuring a grand procession (Jamboo Savari) from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap grounds.
• Kullu: Dussehra in Kullu is slightly unique when compared to other parts of India. Here, the festival is celebrated for ten straight days welcoming the mountain deities in the valley.
• Delhi: Dussehra in the Indian capital, Delhi, is celebrated in much the same way as in other parts of the country. One of the finest places to visit in March in the world, the festival here is celebrated with an amazing spectacle of Ravan Dahan.

Date: 20 October 2026

Significance of Dussehra: The day marks the death of demon king Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama.

Suggested Read: Topmost Destinations to Celebrate New Year in India

4. Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is one of India's biggest festivals that carries immense significance in the life of every Muslim in India and all over the world. It is celebrated for three days by attending a special community prayer in the morning and exchanging greeting with friends, family and neighbours. Interestingly, this is a festival that marks the conclusion of the holy month of fasting called Ramadan. For small children, it is a day when they are given Idi (money or gift) by elders. But what attracts travellers the most about Eid ul-Fitr festivities in India is the delicious delicacies and the magical culture of the Muslim community.

Things to Do During Eid al-Fitr

• Take a purifying bath (Ghusl) and wear new clothes
• Join communal prayers at mosques like Jama Masjid
• Give charity (Zakat al-Fitr) to the needy in the form of food and money
• Visit family and friends to exchange greetings and sweets like Seviyan

Where it is Celebrated: Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in the whole country by the Muslim Community.

Popular Places to Celebrate: Delhi (Jama Masjid), Mumbai (Haji Ali Dargah/Azad Maidan), Lucknow (Aishbagh Eidgah), Hyderabad (Mecca Masjid/Charminar), Srinagar (Hazratbal Shrine)

Date: 20 March 2026 (Tentative)

Significance of Eid al-Fitr: The festival of Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.

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5. Durga Puja

Although India has many festivals associated with the Hindu community, Durga Puja stands out as one of the most celebrated. Particularly among Bengalis, the festival is observed across the country with grandeur. The ten-day celebration involves fasting, feasting, and worship of Goddess Durga idols. The festival is also marked by vibrant cultural performances like songs, dances and dramas. Large, intricately crafted idols of Goddess Durga are placed in beautifully decorated pandals, while people dress in traditional attire, offering prayers, enjoying the festivities and partaking in the communal feasts.

Things to Do During Durga Puja:

• Go pandal hopping to see beautifully decorated idols and themes
• Participate in this Dhunuchi Dance with incense-filled pots to the beat of dhak drums
• Enjoy cultural drama, music and dance performances held at pandals

Where it is Celebrated: Durga Puja, although celebrated all around the country, is incredibly popular in Kolkata and other metro cities and that's where travellers can experience the best of celebrations

Date: 17 October 2026 (Maha Shashthi) to 21 October 2026 (Vijaya Dashami)

Significance of Durga Puja: Durga Puja is a festival that commemorates the invocation by Lord Ram of Goddess Durga before going to war with the demon king Ravana.

Suggested Read: Jyotirlingas in India: The Ultimate Source of Divine Grace

6. Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most vibrant and unique festivals in India, celebrated by Hindus with immense enthusiasm. During this ten-day festival, enormous Ganesh idols are installed in homes and public pandals, accompanied by daily pujas in the mornings and evenings. On the last day of festivities, the whole country celebrates Visarjan, the ceremonial immersion of the idol in a water body. The day is marked by singing, dancing and grand processions, creating a spectacular atmosphere of devotion and joy. Ganesh Chaturthi is especially popular in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, drawing huge crowds and widespread celebration.

Things to Do During Ganesh Chaturthi:

• Take a holy bath since it is a joyful and holy occasion
• Clean your home, prepare a decorated altar and bring in the Ganesha idol
• Perform morning and evening rituals
• Engage in meditation, read scriptures or fast (if observing) on satvik foods

Where it is Celebrated: Although celebrated all around the country, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is highly popular in the states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Date: 14 September 2026 (Monday)

Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi: The festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha.

Suggested Read: Beautiful Temples in South India: That Sing the Glory of Sanatana

7. Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is one of the major festivals in India that carries immense significance in Hinduism. The nine-day festival involves honouring of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, starting on the fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March/April). Devotees often observe fasting as part of the rituals. In regions like Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with vibrant Garba nights and Dandiya Raas, which are immensely popular. People dress in beautiful traditional attire and maintain the nine-day fast as part of the festivities. On the eighth and ninth days, Kanya Pujan is performed in almost every Hindu household to honour young girls as embodiments of the goddess.

Things to Do During Chaitra Navratri:

• Sow barley seeds (jau) and water them daily as a symbol of growth
• Dress up in traditional clothes in vibrant colours like red, yellow and blue
• Perform Kanya Pujan on the eighth and ninth day of fasting
• Take part in Dandiya and Garba nights

Where it is Celebrated: Navratri is celebrated all around the country, mostly in Gujarat, Maharashtra and other metro cities, including the Indian Capital.

Date: 19 March 2026 to 27 March 2026

Significance of Chaitra Navratri: The festival represents the celebration of Goddess Amba in nine different forms.

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8. Raksha Bandhan

Also Known as Rakhi Purnima, Raksha Bandhan is another prominent festival in India that celebrates the bond between brother and sister. It is observed on the full-moon day of the Shravana month on the Hindu lunar calendar, which typically falls in July or August. During the celebrations, sisters perform a prayer, apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, and tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) on their wrists. Interestingly, Raksha Bandhan has many similarities with Bhai Dooj in India, which is celebrated just after Diwali.

Things to Do During Raksha Bandhan:

• Perform rituals with diya (lamp), sweets, kumkum (vermilion), rice (akshat) and the rakhi
• Take some fun photos with siblings
• Enjoy a family festive meal with traditional sweets like laddoos, kheer or barfi
• Indulge in shared activities like cooking, storytelling and creating crafts (rakhis, cards, etc.)

Where it is Celebrated: Raksha Bandhan is a festival that is generally celebrated in parts of North, Central and West India.

Date: 28 August 2026

Significance of Raksha Bandhan: The festival symbolizes the strong bond between a brother and sister.

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9. Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami may not be India’s biggest festival, but it certainly has huge popularity and deep significance. Celebrated with great enthusiasm in places like Mathura and Vrindavan, devotees fast during the day and break it with a special meal after dusk. On this day, people visit temples, pray, sing bhajans and dance at midnight. One of the most delightful sights is children dressed as Lord Krishna and ‘Jhankis’ organized in temples to depict episodes from his life. Plan your visit to India during Krishna Janmashtami to witness this vibrant celebration firsthand.

Things to Do During Krishna Janmashtami:

• Participate in group devotional songs and chants
• Watch the traditional human pyramid to break pot filled with curd (Dahi Handi)
• Enjoy Ras Leela (dance-dramas), skits and folk dances depicting Lord Krishna's life
• Visit local Krishna temples and light lamps of ghee

Where it is Celebrated: Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated by the Hindu community across the world, but the most popular places include Mathura and Vrindavan.

Date: 4 September 2026

Significance of Krishna Janmashtami: The day marks the birthday of Lord Krishna.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Vrindavan: Where Legends of Lord Krishna Come Alive with His Melodious Flute

10. Onam

Onam is an annual harvest and Hindu cultural festival celebrated in southern India with great enthusiasm, especially in the state of Kerala. The festival usually falls between August and September and is observed for 10 days. During this festival, people decorate their homes with floral designs and prepare a lavish feast of 13 dishes. If you want to experience Onam in Kerala, plan your trip early, as flights tend to fill up quickly during the festival.

Things to Do During Onam:

• Dress up in new clothes and participate in traditional group dances
• Watch Tiger Dance performance (Pulikali) and Snake Boat Races (Vallam Kali)
• Enjoy a massive vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf
• Create intricate floral carpets (Pookalam)

Where it is Celebrated: Onam is popular in the state of Kerala and is celebrated in the region by people of all communities

Date: 26 August 2026

Significance of Onam: The festival celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kerala: An Enchanting Journey to the God’s Own Country

11. Gurpurab

Commonly known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, Gurpurab (also spelled as Gurpurb or Gurpurub) is an important festival celebrated by the Sikh community across India. The festival is popular in regions with a large Sikh population and features special assemblies in gurudwaras, langars (community meals) and hymn chanting. Homes are decorated with lamps, people light candles and exchange greetings and Prasad is distributed on this occasion, making it a vibrant cultural experience.

Things to Do During Gurpurab:

• Take part in the early morning processions singing hymns before dawn (Amrit Vela)
• Listen to devotional singing (Kirtan) and discourses (Katha) on the Guru's teachings
• Participate in or enjoy the free community meal (Langar)
• Join the festive procession with the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) carrying the holy book

Where it is Celebrated: Gurpurab is celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world. However, Punjab hosts the festivities of Gurpurab at its best.

Date: 24 November 2026

Significance of Gurpurab: The day is celebrated around the world to mark the anniversary of the ten Sikh gurus.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir: Magnify Your Heart amidst Astounding Landscapes

12. Christmas

The festive season in India is incomplete without celebrating Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. The festival holds huge significance for the Christian community in India and worldwide. Children eagerly await gifts from Santa Claus, while churches are beautifully lit and decorated. Families set up exquisitely adorned Christmas trees, exchange gifts and celebrate joyfully with their loved ones. Christmas in India is celebrated during winter, which is a perfect time to visit the country. The magical atmosphere filled with lights, music and festive cheer further makes India amongst the finest places to visit in December in the world.

Things to Do During Christmas:

• Visit the church for the Christmas morning mass
• Explore festive stalls, lights and large trees at Christmas markets and malls
• Take holiday-themed photos with family and friends in festive outfits

Where it is Celebrated: Christmas is a festival that is celebrated all around the country. However, the best places to celebrate Christmas in India are Goa, Kerala, and Pondicherry

Date: 25 December 2026

Significance of Christmas: The day celebrates the birthday of Lord Jesus.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Gangtok, Sikkim to Create Special Memories

13. Bihu

Bihu is the vibrant cultural festival of Assam, which is observed three times in a year. Rongali (Bohag) Bihu in April is the most significant celebration, which marks the onset of the spring season and the Assamese New Year. Kati (Kongali) Bihu is celebrated in October for marking scarcity and praying for a good harvest, whereas Magh (Bhogali) Bihu is a winter harvest festival that takes place in January (Makar Sankranti). The celebrations generally last for a whole month and both young men and women actively take part in them.

Things to Do During Bihu:

• Watch Bihu dance performed to the rhythms of drums (dhol), flutes (pepa) and cymbals (tal)
• Enjoy community feasts and bonfires (Meji) during Magh Bihu
• Wear traditional clothes (dhoti-gamosa for men and mekhela chador for women)

Where it is Celebrated: Bihu is a festival that is celebrated by the Assamese diaspora around the world. The festival is widely popular in Assam.

Date: 15 January 2026 (Magh Bihu), 14 April 2026 (Bohag Bihu), 18 October 2026 (Kati/Kongali)

Significance of Bihu: It is the traditional new year celebration of Assamese around the world.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Ayodhya: A Timeless Journey to the Ramayana Period

14. Easter

Easter is one of the most joyous festivals in the world, and it is observed by the Christian community with great enthusiasm in India as well. Goa, one of the finest honeymoon places in Asia, hosts vibrant celebrations for Easter, featuring colourful decorations, singing, dancing and community gatherings. A highlight of Easter in India includes the preparation of plum cakes in every Christian household and the display of bright lanterns along the streets.

Things to Do During Easter:

• Indulge in activities like traditional egg hunt, decorating eggs and making cards
• Go on family picnics and zoo visits
• Participate in Good Friday or Easter Sunday services

Where it is Celebrated: Although Easter is a festival that is celebrated all around the country, the most popular places to indulge in the celebrations are Goa, Pondicherry, and Kerala.

Date: 5 April 2026

Significance of Easter: The day is celebrated to mark the resurrection of Lord Jesus.

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15. Hemis

Hemis is a vibrant two-day religious festival celebrated with great joy in Ladakh. It is hosted at the Hemis Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery (gompa) in Ladakh. Hemis is observed on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava (Founder of Tibetan Buddhism). As part of the festivities, priests wear unique ceremonial attire and perform the Cham Dance to the tunes of traditional music of cymbals, drums and trumpets played by monks.

Things to Do During Hemis:

• Attend the ceremonies and dances by the priests
• Watch spectacular masked dances (Cham)
• Admire ancient murals, architecture and artifacts of Hemis Monastery

Where it is Celebrated: Hemis is a festival that is celebrated in Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir.

Date: 24 June to 25 June 2026

Significance of Hemis Festival: Hemis has great significance in Ladakh, and the celebrations mark the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava, a spiritual leader and founder of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Leh Ladakh: Gaze the Stars in India’s Own Moonland

16. Baisakhi

Baisakhi is one of the major harvest festivals of India that welcomes the Rabi Season. It is celebrated by the Sikh community of Punjab and those around the world with a lot of joy and excitement, especially farmers who harvest rabi crops. As a part of the festivities, community gatherings are organized, where people perform local folk dances like Giddha and Bhangra. Interestingly, Baisakhi also has great religious significance, marking the day when the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, laid out the foundation stone for the Panth Khalsa in 1699.

Things to Do During Baisakhi:

• Attend special prayers and listen to hymns (kirtans) at gurudwaras
• Take part in vibrant street processions (Nagar Kirtan)
• Watch energetic Bhangra and Gidda performances
• Savor a mouthwatering meal at various gatherings
• Explore local fairs for crafts, food stalls, games and cultural shows

Where it is Celebrated: Baisakhi is a festival that is celebrated by Sikh communities across India. However, the most popular place to indulge in the festivities of Baisakhi in Punjab.

Date: 14 April 2026

Significance of Baisakhi: The festival is celebrated to welcome the harvest season for rabi crops. The festival also has a religious significance and marks the day when Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, laid out the foundation stone for the Panth Khalsa, the order back in 1699.

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17. Pongal

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated mainly in Southern India. During the festival, people prepare the traditional Pongal dish, wear traditional attire and take part in a wide range of activities such as dancing, bonfires and cattle races. Homes are decorated with intricate floral designs made from rice, coloured powders and flower petals, adding to the festive atmosphere. Pongal is celebrated in January, making it a vibrant time to experience Southern India’s culture and traditions.

Things to Do During Pongal:

• Light a Bhogi Fire (Bhogi Mantalu) on the first day
• Make sweet (Sakkarai Pongal) and savory (Ven Pongal) dishes in a new clay pot
• Savor traditional dishes like vadai, payasam and various chutneys
• Enjoy folk music, storytelling or games like Uri Adi (pot breaking), Kabaddi and kite flying

Where it is Celebrated: Pongal is a festival that is celebrated by the Tamil community in India. The festival is mainly celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

Date: 14 January to 17 January 2026

Significance of Pongal: It is a Thanksgiving festival that celebrates the first harvest of the year.

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18. Republic Day

Celebrated annually on 26 January, the Republic Day of India is one of the most significant events in the country. The day carries immense significance for the whole country and fills every citizen with patriotism. It is on this day in 1950 that the Constitution of India came into existence and the country's journey towards becoming one of the great nations began. Over the years, Republic Day has been celebrated with great excitement amongst Indian citizens and continues to be a day filled with patriotism and joy.

Things to Do During Republic Day:

• Watch the grand Republic Day Parade from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the Red Fort
• Join community/school flag hoisting ceremonies followed by the National Anthem
• Decorate your home or workspace with tricolour themes
• Engage in activities like poster making, drawing and kite flying

Where it is Celebrated: Republic Day is the national festival of India and is celebrated all across the country by every person who is an Indian.

Date: 26 January (Every Year)

Significance of Republic Day: The event marks the day the Constitution of India came into existence.

Suggested Read: Things to Do in Delhi: Undertake a Journey through Experience and Exploration

19. Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and holds immense religious significance in Hindu mythology. Devotees observe the day with deep devotion by visiting temples, offering prayers, and participating in special rituals. Celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun, the festival is believed to bring spiritual merit to those who worship Lord Shiva with sincerity. Maha Shivaratri is observed across India with great reverence, making it an important occasion for devotees.

Things to Do During Maha Shivaratri:

• Observe a full-day fast and avoid grains
• Visit local Shiva temples to attend bhajans and the midnight aarti
• Participate in the festivities with family and friends
• Stay awake all night (Jagaran) to deepen spiritual awareness

Where it is Celebrated: Maha Shivaratri is a festival that is majorly celebrated in Northern India and Nepal

Date: 15 February 2026

Significance of Maha Shivaratri: The day holds significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, as it is believed that whoever worships Lord Shiva on this day is set to attain salvation and redemption from their sins.

Suggested Read: Famous Things to Do in Nepal That Will Give You Memories For A Lifetime

20. Ugadi

Ugadi is a regional new year celebration in South India and a prominent harvest festival in the country. It is observed as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, whereas Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka celebrate the day as Yugadi. The celebrations begin with Abhyanga Snanam or a purifying oil massage and bath, often with neem leaves. The festival is celebrated by sharing gifts and food, decorating doors and making rangolis on the floor (Torana).

Things to Do During Ugadi:

• Indulge in the celebrations with friends and family
• Exchange gifts and food with loved ones
• Make rangolis on the floor and decorate doors
• Prepare festive delicacies like Pulihora (tamarind rice) and Bobbatlu

Where it is Celebrated: Ugadi is a festival that is largely specific to the people of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana States.

Date: 19 March 2026

Significance of Ugadi: This harvest festival marks the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar's Chaitra month and the start of a new 60-year cycle (Samvatsara).

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Hyderabad: A Trip Around One of the Oldest Royal Indian Cities

21. Basant Panchami

Another famous festival of India that is celebrated in the month of January or February, Basant Panchami (or Vasanta Panchami and Saraswati Puja) is a festival that is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is considered an important day for scholars and students. Why? Well, Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge.

Hence, the importance of Basant Panchami for students and scholars isn't difficult to understand. Besides, the festival isn't celebrated all around India and is specific to certain areas like Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab. In fact, Punjab is the place where you want to be on the day of Basant Panchami when there are grand langars organized everywhere.

Interestingly, Rajasthan is also one of the regions where Basant Panchami is widely celebrated.

On this day, people in Rajasthan offer jasmine garlands to Goddess Saraswati. Likewise, people in states like West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha too indulge in the festivities of Basant Panchami. Hence, this is a festival that is celebrated in some significant areas of India.

Things to do - Attend Saraswati Puja, indulge in local celebrations

Where it is Celebrated - Basant Panchami is a festival that is mainly celebrated in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Assam, Odisha, Rajasthan

Date of the Festival - February 2, 2026

Significance of the Festival - Basant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season.

Suggested Read: Things to do in Jibhi: Enjoy the Lovely Chirpings of Birds in the Midst of Nature

22. Losar

Losar, popularly known as the Tibetan New Year is another festival in India that is widely popular in Arunachal Pradesh region. It is one of the greatest Indian festivals and is celebrated with great importance in the neighbouring regions like Tibet. In India, Losar is celebrated by the people who are the followers of Buddhism as well as those who are Tibetans. The festival, in fact, is celebrated in a way full of fun and involves showing faith in God for the harvest. Interestingly, this is a festival that lasts for a duration of three days when different activities are organized for the joy of people. So, plan your visit to regions like Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh and Ladakh during the time of Losar and indulge in the festivities that last for three days.

Things to Do During Losar:

• Indulge in local celebrations that last for three days

Where it is Celebrated: Losar is mainly celebrated in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh and Ladakh in India.

Date: 18 February 2026

Significance of Losar: The festival is celebrated as a day when the Tibetan New Year begins according to the Tibetan Calendar.

Suggested Read: Things to do in Leh Ladakh: Unleash the Adventurer Within

23. Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, is a festival of great importance in the Jain religion and marks the birth of Lord Mahavir. On this day, there are many grand processions of Lord Mahavira's idol that are carried out on the streets. One can also find statues of Lord Mahavira in the temples where they are bathed with milk and flowers. Interestingly, the festivities of Mahavir Jayanti too include fasting which is observed on the day alongside prayers. As far as the Hindu Calendar is concerned, Mahavir Jayanti, one of the biggest festivals in India, is celebrated on the 13th day of Chaitra month of Hindu Calendar.

Things to Do During Mahavir Jayanti:

• Visit Jain temples
• Attend Rath Yatras that are carried out on the streets

Where it is Celebrated: Mahavir Jayanti is a festival that is celebrated in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Date: 31 March 2026

Significance of Mahavir Jayanti: The day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira.

24. Buddha Jayanti

One of the holiest festivals that lies on the list of summer season festivals in India 2026, Buddha Jayanti is also referred to by the name Buddha Purnima and is an important festival as far as Buddhism is concerned. It is a day that celebrates the birthday of Gautama Buddha, someone who introduced Buddhism to the whole world. As part of the festivities on this day, people indulge themselves in Buddhist teachings and wear white clothes. In India, Buddha Jayanti is widely celebrated in areas like Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bodh Gaya, and so on.

Things to Do During Buddha Jayanti:

• Visit Buddhist monasteries
• Indulge yourself in the teachings of Buddhism
• Wear white clothes

Where it is Celebrated: Buddha Jayanti is mainly celebrated in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Bodh Gaya, Maharashtra and Kurseong in India.

Date: 1 May 2026

Significance of Buddha Jayanti: The festival is celebrated as the day when Gautam Buddha was born.

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India, a land of diverse cultures and religious faiths, surprises travellers at every step. This is a country where every day brings a new charm with it. As for the festivals in India, every celebration is an example of how strongly connected each community is with the other in this country. People live in harmony and celebrate each festival with great excitement and fervour. Enjoying festivals here can be an experience of a lifetime. So, what's making you wait? Plan your festive trip, book the best India tour packages, and come witness the festivals of this amazing land of cultures.

FAQ's - Festivals in India