Most Popular Festivals in July 2025 One Must Attend

July is the ideal time to plan a vacation with your friends and family. This month is marked by a variety of major festivals globally, celebrating nature, spirituality, and prosperity. There are many exciting festivals in July across the world that you can attend for a rich cultural experience and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere these festivals offer. Be it India's popular Hemis Festival, world's largest music festival aka Summerfest or Bastille Day in France, these festivals provide wonderful opportunities for fun and celebration. In this blog, we have come up with the major July month festivals in India and across the world. Read about them one-by-one and make your travel plans accordingly.

Major Festivals in July 2025 You Must Know About

If you are a cultural enthusiast and love exploring the major customs and traditions of countries, what could be better than attending all the popular events and festivals in July. It's not only you; in fact, many people travel to different countries, including India only to experience joy and thrill amongst the locals during the popular festivals. Even Indians also travel to other countries for a vacation and experience their festivals. So, if you are planning for a vacay in July, join in all the vibrant festivities for a great cultural experience. Let’s first look at all the important festivals in India this year.

Festivals in July in India

In July, India celebrates a variety of festivals, including religious observances, cultural events and harvest festivals. Some of the notable festivals in India include Guru Purnima, Jagannath Rath Yatra and the Hemis Festival. Let’s talk about these Indian festivals one-by-one.

1. Puri Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra of Puri (or Jagannath Rath Yatra) is one of the grand Hindu festivals in July 2025, celebrated in Puri, Orissa. Also known as the “Chariot Festival", this festival is mainly dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. One must attend the vibrant celebrations of Jagannath Rath Yatra during the month of July as it features colorful procession, devotional songs and cultural programs. This Hindu festival attracts thousands of people from around the country, making Orissa one of the best places to visit in India.

Puri Rath Yatra 2025 Date: June 27 to July 5

Where: Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Odisha: A Journey Through Diverse Landscape and Rich Heritage

2. Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is a major Hindu, Jain and Buddhist festival, dedicated to honoring teachers and spiritual and academic gurus. It is the day when Lord Shiva, also known as the ‘Adi Yogi’ or the first yogi, is believed to have transformed himself into the Adi Guru, the first guru, and shared his profound knowledge of yoga. One of the major July month festivals in India, Guru Purnima acknowledges the importance and significance of teachers who play a major role in shaping individuals and society with their knowledge and wisdom. Thousands of pilgrims visit Varanasi, Sarnath, and Bodh Gaya for special ceremonies and spiritual practices. Are you also thinking the same? Browse through our India tour packages and book a one to attend all the Indian major festivals with your loved ones.

Guru Purnima 2025 Date: 10 July

Where: Throughout the country

3. Hemis Festival

Hemis Festival is one of the major festivals celebrated in India in July, celebrating good over bad. Majorly celebrated in Ladakh, the Hemis Festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche). He was a foundational figure of Tibetan Buddhism and is widely known for introducing Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan in the 8th century. It is a two-day event held at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world. The Hemis Festival is celebrated with sacred plays and unveiling of a giant thangka. Many monks perform Cham Dance wearing masks and costumes, and locals dress in proper traditional Ladakhi attire, enhancing the festive vibe.

Hemis Festival 2025 Date: July 5 and 6

Where: Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

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

4. Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami (also spelled as Naag Panchami) is a Hindu festival celebrated in July that marks the worshipping of snakes, especially cobras. Basically, cobras are considered sacred in Hinduism due to their association with deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and are seen as symbols of protection, fertility, and power. Devotees offer milk, sweets and flowers to snake idols and seek blessings for their family's well-being and protection from snakebites. Apart from India, Naag Panchami is also celebrated in Nepal and followers perform pooja to a picture of Naga which is kept high above their doorway.

Nag Panchami 2025 Date: 29 July

Where: India, Nepal

International Festivals in July 2025

Let's talk about the most prominent festivals celebrated in July in all countries around the world.

1. Asahna Bucha Day, Thailand

Also known as Asalha Puja, it is a significant Buddhist festival in July, Thailand. This auspicious day commemorates Buddha's first sermon, which took place in Sarnath, India, over 2,500 years ago. Asahna Bucha Day is observed on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month (usually in July). It is also known as Dharma Day among the locals and highlights the importance of the Buddha's teachings. In Thailand, there is a public holiday on this day, with government offices and some businesses remain closed. On Asahna Bucha Day, most Thai Buddhists visit local temples (wats) to make merit by donating food, money and other offerings to the monks.

Asahna Bucha Day 2025 Date: July 10

Where: Thailand

2. Kataragama Esala Festival, Sri Lanka

Kataragama Esala Festival (or Kataragama Perahera) in Sri Lanka is one of the major festivals in July around the world. It is a two-week celebration that is centered on the Kataragama Temple, dedicated to the God Skanda (also known as Murugan or Kataragama). One of the most interesting things about Kataragama Festival is it's a multi-religious event and both Hindus and Buddhists take participation in it, with some Muslim traditions. Ceremonies and rituals like Kavadi dancing, fire walking, and grand procession take place at the Kataragama Temple, making it one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. If you want to experience the unique and diverse religious landscape of Sri Lanka, do not forget to attend this festival in 2025.

Kataragama Esala Festival 2025 Date: June 26 to July 10

Where: Sri Lanka

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Sri Lanka For A Fascinating Vacation

3. Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia

Bali Arts Festival, also known as Pesta Kesenian Bali, is a popular festival in Indonesia. Celebrated from mid-June to mid-July every year, this festival takes place in Denpasar, Bali and showcases Balinese art, music, dance, and cultural heritage. The Bali Arts Festival features a grand opening parade, daily performances at the Bali Art Centre, Werdhi Budaya, art exhibitions, and various competitions and workshops. This festival is an excellent opportunity to discover the vibrant art scene, unique traditions and rich history of Bali, making it one of the best places to visit in July.

Bali Arts Festival 2025 Date: June 15 to July 13

Where: Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre in Denpasar, Bali (Main Venue)

4. Gion Matsuri, Japan

Japan also celebrates a major festival in July which is popularly known as Gion Matsuri. It is one of the most popular festivals in Japan and is linked with a major epidemic in Kyoto in 869 CE. This festival is majorly celebrated to pacify the gods for the end of epidemics, especially those related to plague and disease. Originally, begun as a Shinto ritual to ward off evil spirits, Gion Matsuri evolved into a month-long celebration, marked with great sheerness. This festival celebrations are centered around Yasaka Shrine in the Gion district of Kyoto, showcasing traditional crafts, music and religious practices. The Yamaboko Junko (processions of elaborately decorated floats) are the major highlights of this festival.

Gion Matsuri 2025 Date: July 1 to July 31

Where: Throughout Kyoto, Japan

Suggested Read: Top Places to Visit in Bangkok that You Must Explore

5. Summerfest, United States

Summerfest, also known as "The World's Largest Music Festival", is held annually in mid-June and July in Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US. It is presented by American Family Insurance, where you can discover great performances, live music, and more. This is one of the greatest music festivals in July which every music lover must explore at least once in their lifetime. First held in 1968 at Henry Maier Festival Park, Summerfest features over 12 stages with a diverse lineup of musical acts in a 75 acres of festival grounds along Lake Michigan, making the United States one of the best places to visit in the world, especially in the month of July. You'll be mesmerized with over 1000 performances given by famous musicians and emerging artists with live music, food from local Milwaukee restaurants, and a great festival atmosphere.

Summerfest 2025 Date: June 19 to 21, June 26 to 28, and July 3 to 5

Where: Henry Maier Festival Park

6. Independence Day (4th of July), United States

Also known as the Fourth of July, Independence Day in America is one of the most popular international festivals in July that attracts thousands of both locals and visitors. Basically, it's a federal holiday in the United States that marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 by the Continental Congress against the Great Britain. The American Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 4th with a great sheer and enthusiasm as it's a time to reflect patriotism on the nation's history and founding principles. You can witness a variety of festivities on this day in the US, including parades, fireworks, concerts, barbecues and historical reenactments.

American Independence Day 2025 Date: July 4

Where: Throughout the United States

Suggested Read: Mount Abu Summer Festival: Know the Key Features and Essential places to Visit

7. Bastille Day, France

Bastille Day is one of the major international festivals in July celebrated annually in France. The day marks the Storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789, a historic event in the French Revolution. Bastille Day is celebrated ever year on 14th July, symbolizing French patriotism and national identity. Military parades and festive celebrations, including fireworks and public gatherings, are organized on the streets of the country. On this day in France, one of the best places to visit in Europe, you can see the people celebrate together with various community events, firework displays and special illuminations.

Bastille Day 2025 Date: 14 July

Where: France

So, which of these festivals in India would you like to attend? Or are you thinking of witnessing the vibrant celebrations of some global festivals this July? Whether you’re making up your mind to be a part of these festivals in July in India or venturing abroad, you'll have an amazing experience with unforgettable memories. Don't forget to browse through our diverse tour packages to enjoy the best time of your life. Also, you can book from our India tour packages to witness the most popular Indian festivals in 2025.

Festivals in July – FAQ’s