Festivals of India 2026 – A Truly Unmissable Affair!

“India is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, sounds, and rituals, where every festival tells a story of its own.”- William Dalrymple

Indeed, India is a country of celebrations, where people from different caste, religion, culture, state, and traditions co-exist. The extensive variety of festivals that is celebrated in India truly depicts the enriching culture and classic tradition of India.

To be precise, the list of festivals of India is never ending as people here keep celebrating one after the other throughout the year. Isn’t that dreamy? Of course yes! If you are a big fan of togetherness, tasty delicious Indian food, love to wear ethnic or new attires and wish to spend a lot of quality time with your family, you are a perfect fit for the Indian festivals.

From splashing of colors on Holi to eating thekua on Chath Mahaparv, flying kites on Makar sankranti to lighting up diyas on Diwali, Indian festivals are an amazing combination of love, prosperity and most importantly togetherness.

And so, we bring you the complete list of upcoming festivals in India 2026, check out the calendar and make sure you don’t forget to plan your extended holidays and club your leaves as and when required.

Brace yourself as the season of Festivals never ends here!

We now present to you the Indian festival calendar 2026, you can simply have a look and plan whatever you wish to in order to make it extraordinary.

Makar Sankranti or Pongal - January 14th, 2026

This beautiful festival marks the end of winter and arrival of spring. It is celebrated with gratitude for the harvest. The communities get involved in kite flying. They also offer sesame and jaggery and perform the rituals along with the sacred rivers. However, towards the South that is in Tamil Nadu, Pongal is celebrated by boiling the harvested rice in milk as a ritual of thanksgiving and they also decorate their homes with colourful kolams.

Exclusive Experiences:

Ahmedabad, Gujarat - Popular for its massive kite festivals
Assome : Magh Bihu Feasts
Varanasi : Popular for Spiritual dips in Ganga and Mahaaarti
Tamil Nadu : Pongal Harvest
Jaipur : Kite flying

Lohri: January 13th, 2026

Lohri is a major harvest festival of India which is widely celebrated in Punjab and marks the end of winter and Rabi crop harvest. Lohri brings communities and families together to celebrate this beautiful festival. People celebrating throw popcorn, sesame seeds and sweets into the flames. They dance on dhol beats and offer prayers for prosperity.

Exclusive Experiences

Amritsar, Jalandhar, Anandpur Sahib: Bonfire, Dhol beats and traditional sweets and people in ethnic attire
Delhi NCR: Cultural events and celebrations
Manali: Celebrations with snowy backdrop

Maha Shivratri: 15th February, 2026

It is celebrated to honor the ultimate power, Lord Shiva emphasizing on the cosmic union of energies and spiritual introspection. Devotees keep fasts, meditate, visit Shiva temple and perform Rudraabhishek. The chanting of Mantras, Bhasma Aarti and procession are few of the common activities that take place in temples.

Exclusive Experiences

Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar Temple : Bhasma Aarti
Kedarnath, Somnath, Haridwar, Pashupatinath (Nepal) : Sacred ceremonies at Pilgrimages

Holi: March 4th, 2026

It is one of the most prominent and popular festivals across India. It signifies the victory of good over evil. People smear colors on each other, play with colors, dance to folk music and cook delicious dishes on this occasion. One of the major events that depicts the beginning of this festival is holika dahan, which is a bonfire on the eve of Holi. This marks the triumph of virtue and people offer sweets, and traditional drinks like thandai.

Exclusive Experiences :

Witness the Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Phoolon wali holi in Mathura and Vrindavan
Experience the surreal holi of Sangla, Himachal Pradesh where masked procession, folk music and other temple rituals take place
Be a part of music, dance and other festivities at Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Enjoy the royal processions and palace celebrations
Anandpur Sahib, Punjab : Be a part of warrior-style hola mohalla
Delhi & Mumbai : Enjoy energetic city parties
Pushkar & Hampi : Taste the delicious delicacies of South India

Eid-al-Fitr: 20th March, 2026

Eid 2026 signifies the end of Ramadan, which is considered to be the month of reflection, prayer and self-reflection. The day starts with special Eid prayer, tasting the sweet dishes like Seviayan and giving zakat which is charity to the poor and needy.

Exclusive Experience

Visit Jama Masjib, Chandni Chowk, Nizamuddin Dargah to be a part of Grand Prayers, Street food and festive shopping
Witness the glimpse of culture of Nawabi style feasts at Lucknow and Hyderabad that is Charminar
You can also be a part of the community celebrations and witness the deep rooted local traditions at Kolkata

Nowruz: March 20th, 2026

It is celebrated for new beginnings, hope and unity honoring the family, culture and tradition. Parsis and Zoroastrians perform the ‘Haft Seen’ ritual, which represents prosperity and health. People celebrating visit fire temples to offer prayers. Take part in community feasts, traditional dances and other cultural performances which puts emphasis on the festive spirit and inculcate the feeling of togetherness.

Exclusive Experiences :

Explore the Parsi neighborhoods, Irani cafes and the fire temple architecture
You can visit the traditional Parsi eateries, witness the Sacred Iranshah Atash Behram and other ancestor home
If you are in Pune, Kolkata, Bengaluru or Delhi, you can join many community events, take part in cultural programs and taste the authentic cuisine

Ram Navami: 27th March (or 26th Match as per some calendar)

It marks the birth of Lord Rama which is a symbol of virtue duty and moral righteousness. Devotees do perform pujas, recite the Ramayana, and conduct processions. The rituals also include visiting temples, offering sweets to Lord Rama.

Exclusive Experiences:

Visit the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya
Be a part of any grand cultural celebrations at many places in Bihar
You can also visit different pilgrimage and Ramayana related rituals such as Rameswaram - Tamil Nadu
Alluring riverside ceremonies and temple visits at Chitrakoot, Nashik or Orccha

Baisakhi: 14th April, 2026

This is the harvest festival and Sikh New Year Celebration, this symbolizes prosperity, unity and spiritual renewal. Communities participate in various nagar kirtans which are processions with devotional music, folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda takes place. The rituals also include preparation of traditional foods, visiting farms and offering gratitude.

Exclusive Experience :

Take part in Nagar kirtans, temple of festivities and folk dances in Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib and Ludhiana
Be a part of harvest fairs and cultural events at Chandigarh and Jalandhar
Enjoy classic rural celebrations at Pinjore Gardens, Haryana

Onam: August 26th

Onam is basically the harvest season and also the mythical homecoming of King Mahabali who reflects the rich tradition, culture and heritage. The rituals of Onam include creating floral carpets, participating in snake boat races and performing traditional dances like Pulikkali. Families also prepare Grand Onam Sadhya feasts. Temples are decorated beautifully and parades put emphasis on unity, joy and devotion.

Exclusive Experiences:

Witness Pulikkali Tiger dances
Enjoy snake boat races and backwater sadhya cruises at Alleypey
Experience Athachamayam parade at Tripunithura that is near Kochi
Enjoy temple festivities at Thrikkakara

Raksha Bandhan: August 28th

It is extensively celebrated to honor the bond between brothers and sisters. It symbolizes love, protection and family unity. It is one of the most popular festivals in India and is celebrated across India. Sisters tie rakhis on brother’s wrist, offer sweets and pray for each other’s well being.

Exclusive Experience:

Women also tie rakhis to trees and take pledge to protect the Mother Nature
Fisherfolk also offer coconuts to Varuna and pray for safe voyages
Sisters also tie rakhi to wife’s brother
Women also send rakhis to soldier symbolizing gratitude, protection and respect

Janmashtami: September 4th

It marks the birth of Lord Krishna, this is purely a festival of divinity, joy, love and togetherness. Devotees fast until midnight, they perform aartis, Rasleela dramas, and also decorate temples and homes. You can also plan to visit a few popular destinations on Janmashtami 2026 such as Vrindavan or Mathura.

Exclusive Experience:

Perform midnight aartis
Witness traditional village celebrations at Gokul and Barsana
Enjoy royal style in Dwaraka and Jaipur
Enjoy energetic dahi handi

Ganesh Chaturthi : 14th & 15th september

In Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is extensively celebrated. Devotees bring bappa to their home and offer modaks and sweets. You can witness mesmerizing and grand idols of Lord Ganesha. It is important that you plan your Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 on advance basis so that you can apply for leave on a prior basis.

Exclusive Experience

Witness the alluring and amazing pandals such as Lalbaugcha
Traditional Manache Ganapati celebrations at Pune
Witness Khairatabad Ganesha with an essence of South India

Navratri: 19th -27th March (Chaitra Navratri) 11-19 October - Sharad Navratri

It is one of the grand and most popular festivals celebrated across India. The festival is focused on honoring the utmost powers of feminine energy. The festival is the grand celebration of victory over evil. In Gujarat, people celebrate through Garba dance, however in West Bengal, people visit Puja pandals. Make sure you plan your Navratri 2026 a grand celebration with your friends, family and loved ones.

Exclusive Experience :

Witness grand garba and dandiya events at Gujarat
Visit the beautiful and meaningful puja pandals of West Bengal which also disseminate social messages
Experience spiritual Ganga Aarti and temple festivities

Dussehra, Vijaydashmi: 20th October

Dussehra festival puts emphasis on the win of evil. It celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Many drama associations perform Ramleela in their society where they perform effigy burning of Ravana and also organize cultural processessions.

Exclusive Experience:

Witness the charm and beauty of Royal Parades and grand palaces in Mysore
Visit the beautiful Pandals at Kolkata
Visit Ramlila Maidan in Delhi
Witness the beauty of local culture at Varanasi and Kota

Diwali or Deepavali: 8th November

Diwali, the festival of lights puts emphasis on the victory of light over dark, good over bad and Ram over Ravan. The streets and homes are beautifully decorated. You can witness the magnificent sight of fireworks. The Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha are also worshipped on this day for happiness, wealth, health and prosperity at home. In West-Bengal, Kali Puja is also celebrated on this day.

Exclusive Experiences :

Witness massive diya lightning at Ayodhya
Be a part of Spiritual Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
Visit Golden temple for celebrations
Grand Kali puja at Kolkata

Chhath Mahaparv : 13th - 16th November

It is one of the major festivals of Bihar and is celebrated to worship the power and strength of Sun God and his sister Chhathi Maiya. The rituals include fasting, bathing and offering prayer. Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, Usha Arghya is a part of this festival.

Exclusive Experiences:

Celebrate it in Bihar
Taste the delicious Thekua

Guru Nanak Jayanti : 24th November

It is celebrated on the occasion of the birth of Guru Nanak, who is founder of Sikhism. Devotees recite hymns, and also hold akhand path and participate in community langars.

Exclusive Experiences:

Visit Golden Temple
Visit Bangla Sahib in Delhi
Visit Patna Sahib, Hazur

Christmas: 25th December

Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s birth. It is a festival of joy, happiness, and togetherness. The traditions also include decorating the Christmas tree, attending the midnight mass, and preparing delicious dishes. Streets, homes and churches are decorated beautifully. People sing Christmas carols and enjoy plum cake.

Exclusive Experiences:

Enjoy beach parties, midnight mass and festive markets at Goa
Taste the delicious plum cakes and witness the street festivities
Be a part of Church service

Experience the traditional & cultural highlights of India!

Apart from the mainstream festivities, India is extremely popular for its varied cultural and traditional festivals and events that take place in different parts of India. Here’s the list of events that you shouldn’t miss!

Jagannatha Rath Yatra: July 15th, 2026
Khajuraho Dance Festival: July 15th, 2026
Hemis Festival, Ladakh: June 24th - 25th, 2026
Hornbill Festival : 1st - 10th December, Nagaland
Ziro Music Festival: Dates to be announced
Mechuka Adventure Festival : 12th - 22nd November, 2026
Majuli Music Festival: December 21st
Taj Mahotsav : 18th -27th February

The final thoughts

India, is undeniably a beautiful country with vibrant colors, extensive population, diverse culture, innumerable culinary, and never ending festivities. Get ready to be a part of festivals of India, where each festival disseminates a new learning. Brace yourself to plunge into the feeling of love and togetherness.

Frequently Asked Questions!

What are the mainstream festivals of India in 2026?

Holi, diwali, eid, Raksha bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Christmas and many others.

What is the date of Diwali 2026?

Diwali 2026 falls on 8th November, which is Sunday.

Do festival dates keep on changing every year?

Yes, most Indian festivals follow the lunar calendar so the dates keep on changing

Do festivals affect travel and hotel prices?

Yes, the prices might rise due to major festivals and so it is suggested to do advance booking.

When is Ganesh chaturthi in 2026?

Ganesh chaturthi will be celebrated on Monday, September 14th 2026.