India is globally renowned for its grand celebration of vibrant festivals throughout the year, including Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Rath Yatra. The vibe of famous festivals of India is unforgettable; it turns the Indian streets into an occasion and an ordinary day into a memory. Just imagine yourself on a street where you can see lots of people in traditional costumes, the smell of traditional cuisines, sounds of laughter and music filling your ears. That’s what famous festivals in India are all about. They are meant to be a way to enjoy the essence of life and culture. These festivals in India are unlike other events that happen around the world; they are a part of the lifestyle of the country.
In this guide, we take you through the different vibes of India, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and East Indian culture to West Indian traditional festivals, where each festival has its own story, cultural significance, and traditional behaviours.
20 Best Festivals In India
Here are the 20 best festivals of India. Let's begin with the celebration of Diyas or the Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, and cover the other 20 festivals that offer vibrant colour, culture, and tradition with their local or traditional feast.
1. Diwali
Diwali, also known as the national festival of India, It is one of the famous festivals in India which highlights light over darkness and good over evil. Observed all over India, Diwali symbolizes the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after victory over the demon, Ravana. Even the thought of being surrounded by Lamps (diyas) and rangolis makes one excited. People burst fire crackers, distribute sweets among family and friends and visit Temples making the environment very wholesome. Diwali is a time for reunions and happiness and every part of the country is lit and one has to really see the beauty of it.
Date & Day: 8 November 2026, Sunday
Where it is celebrated: All over India, celebrated on a grand scale in Ayodhya and for a more amazing view explore various things to do in Varanasi.
2. Onam
Onam is the most important festival of India that is mainly celebrated in South India. On this day, each house is decorated with colourful rangolis, people wear traditional clothes, and families come together to celebrate it. These major festivals of India bring communities closer through rituals, dances, and special feasts served on banana leaves. Onam reflects the spirit of togetherness and gratitude by offering you a beautiful glimpse into Kerala’s rich traditions and joyful way of life.
Date & Day: 26 August 2026, Wednesday
Where it is Celebrated: Kerala
3. Holi
Holi is a famous festival in India among the major population. It is a vibrant festival of colours, usually observed in March that marks the arrival of spring. It is rightfully referred to as the festival of love as people color each other forgetting all the past grudges. Mathura Vrindavan Holi is one of the best holi celebrated in India. One can feel energized at the thought of running, playing and splashing at friends and family with different colours and dancing to the beat of the dhol while eating the mouth-watering delicacies.
Date & Day: 4 March 2026, Wednesday
Where it is celebrated: Holi is celebrated across the whole India, but in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana is celebrated in a conic way.
4. Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed with fasting and prayers to lord Shiva. Devotees stay awake through the night, chanting mantras and visiting different places to celebrate maha shivratri. The festival symbolises inner devotion, and spiritual discipline of each Shiv’s devotees. Mahashivratri is not just a ritual but a deeply spiritual experience for devotees seeking peace and divine connection that make different festival of India.
Date & Day: 15 February 2026, Sunday
Where It Is Celebrated: Across India
5. Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth is a festival for married women who fast for the long life and well-being of their husbands. This festival in October highlights love and trust within marriage, women dress in traditional attire, perform rituals together, and wait for the moon to rise to break their fast by their husband's hands.This religious festivals of India reflect love, faith and a deeply rooted bond in a relationship.
Date & Day: 26 October 2026 Monday
Where It Is Celebrated: Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
6. Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr is the most famous festival in India. It is celebrated on completing the journey of the one month fasting period of Ramadan for Muslims. It marks a time of happiness, thankfulness, and perhaps, togetherness. Just imagine yourself sitting around the mouth watering delicious specially prepared food on this day and feel this charismatic, loving and peaceful environment all around. It feels amazing, right? Eid is also about embracing togetherness and unity in spite of their differences.
Date & Day: 21 March 2026, Saturday
Where it is Celebrated: Celebrated among Indian muslims across the nation.
7. Teej
Teej is one of the traditional festivals of India, mainly celebrated by women, dedicated to Goddess Parvati. This symbolises marital happiness, devotion, and the strength of a relationship. Women dress in colourful outfits, apply mehndi, sing folk songs, and enjoy swings tied to trees. The festival carries an emotional charm deeply rooted in tradition and cultural values. It is another religious festival of India that is celebrated among married women.
Date & Day: 8 August 2026, Saturday
Where It Is Celebrated: Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
8. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is the Hindu festival that marks the birth celebration of Lord Ganesha who is referred to as the god of wisdom and the god of removal of obstacles. It is considered as a famous festival in India among the Hindu population of the country. Idols of Lord Ganesha are kept at homes or communities for worship and prayers and people even get involved in other cultural celebrations. The celebration of welcoming Lord Ganesha to one's home is a treat to the eyes and people dance out of happiness and joy with their loved ones. The last day of the festival includes the ceremonial immersion of idols in water; which is a symbol reflecting the journey of Lord Ganesha back to his divine realm.
Date & Day: 14 September 2026, Monday
Where it is Celebrated: all over India, but mainly in cities like Mumbai and Pune.
9. Dhanteras
This festival marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations, and it is believed that it will bring wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. During this time, homes are cleaned, decorated, and prepared to welcome positive energy. People buy gold, silver, or utensils, believing it brings prosperity for the year ahead. It sets a festive tone filled with hope and trust in God. On this day the Indian street market glows differently with utensil shops that make it one of the major festivals of India.
Date & Day: 6 November 2026, Friday
Where It Is Celebrated: Across India
10. Navratri
Navratri is a nine nights’ festival celebrated in the worship of Hindu Goddess Durga. It is widely celebrated nationwide, and every state has its own style of celebration. Individuals engage in dancing such as Garba, and Dandiya, put on beautiful sarees, turbans or colorful dresses, and pray to the goddess. You definitely cannot miss wearing beautiful traditional outfits, doing Garba and playing Dandiya with your friends and relatives to the beats of the music at this famous festival in India. This festival also marks the win of the feminine strength and beauty.
Date & Day: 12 October to 20 October 2026, Monday to Tuesday
Where it is Celebrated: Across the whole nation with grand celebrations in some cities like Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Maharashtra.
11. Lohri
This festival marks the end of the winter season and celebrates the harvest season in North India. The festival is celebrated around bonfires, folk songs, and energetic dances. Families gather around the fire, offering traditional sweets while celebrating togetherness. Lohri reflects gratitude towards nature and hope for a great year ahead. The lively atmosphere, music, and shared moments make it a different festival of India that truly warms both hearts and homes.
Date & Day: 13 January 2026, Tuesday
Where It Is Celebrated: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi
12. Pongal- The Harvest Festival
Pongal falls in the Tamil calendar and is a harvest festival with the concept originating in a part of South India. It is a time that people show their thankfulness to nature for the yield that it has provided. Tamil people celebrate Pongal by cooking delicious food such as Pongal – a traditional rice dish and drawing kolams at home in celebration of the festival. Pongal is a famous festival in India of thanks giving which emphasizes that man is part of this nature.
Date & Day:14 January 2026, Wednesday
Where it is Celebrated: This is celebrated across Tamil Nadu.
13. Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a famous festival in India which is popular for the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters put on a sacred protection thread known as Rakhi around the wrists of their brothers in showing their affection and also as a symbol of protection. Rituals are carried out by families with relatives and friends, brothers give gifts to their sisters and a promise to protect her throughout the life. On these religious festivals of India, each house smells with the taste of Gujiya.
Date & Day: 28 August 2026, Friday
Where it is Celebrated: All over India
14. Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates as the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The festival spreads messages of equality, compassion, and service to humanity. Gurudwaras are beautifully decorated, prayers are offered, and devotional hymns fill the air. Processions move through streets, spreading peace and unity. Community meals are offered in Gurudwaras known as langar. This is mostly celebrated by Sikh communities, which make it a different festival of India that reflects the vibrant culture of India.
Date & Day:24 November 2026, Tuesday
Where It Is Celebrated: Punjab, Delhi, Sikh communities worldwide
15. Baisakhi
Baisakhi is related to the harvest festival in Punjab and marks the origination of Khalsa in Sikhism in 1699. If you live in India or are here at the time when it is celebrated, do experience this famous festival in India based on the culture of Punjab and engage in lively Bhangra and Gidda dance, go to Gurudwaras, and eat festive foods. Baisakhi is a festival of sweat and toil, farm spirit with a mutual feeling of unity and brotherhood.
Date & Day:14 April 2026, Tuesday
Where it is Celebrated: Mainly in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.
16. Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra celebrates the annual procession of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, on grand chariots. Devotees pull the massive chariots with deep devotion, believing it brings blessings and spiritual fulfilment. The festival creates a powerful atmosphere of faith, unity, and joy. Rath Yatra is one of the main religious festivals of India that reflects the idea of bringing the divine closer to the people, making it one of the most spiritually uplifting festivals in India.
Date & Day: 16 July 2026, Thursday
Where It Is Celebrated: Puri (Odisha), Ahmedabad
17. Christmas
The festival of Christmas is one of the most important festivals of India, which is celebrated all over the world with joy and love. People exchange Christmas gifts in the happiness of the birth of Jesus Christ, and some plan big celebrations like going on a Christmas cruise and having family dinner at a 5-star restaurant. At this famous festival in India, houses are brightly lit, Christmas trees are put up, gifts are being given out and people go to church. Watching the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and churches is a must and treat to the eyes. People of many religions around the world celebrate it and thus it fosters the spirit of togetherness.
Date & Day: 25 December 2026, Friday
Where it is Celebrated: Mainly in Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
18. Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is another famous festival in India among Hindus; it is the beginning of longer days. Celebrated as a harvest festival, it symbolises renewal, positivity, and gratitude towards nature. People fly kites, prepare traditional sweets, and come together to celebrate abundance. The festival reflects hope, new beginnings, and the joy of shared traditions. Makar Sankranti beautifully connects people with nature, culture, and seasonal change.
Date & Day: 14 January 2026, Wednesday
Where it is Celebrated: Across India
19. Chhath Puja
Chhath Pooja is a major festival of India, especially among Biharis. This four-day festival is marked by strict fasting, simple food, and ritual performed with deep devotion. All the rituals are performed under the open sky, accompanied by flowing water and sunlight. On the last day, families gather on a riverbank and offer a prayer to the Lord Sun standing in flowing water and light up diyas, offering Prasad, including sugar cane, fruits and thekua (a religious dish).
Date & Day: 19 November 2026, Thursday
Where it is Celebrated: Mostly in Bihar, Jharkhand and the Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh.
20. Gurpurab
Gurupurab is one of the most sacred and widely famous festivals of India among the Sikhism community, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This is celebrated in Sikhs to spread the message of equality, compassion, selfless services, and devotion to one God. In the mornings, the prayers and hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib fill the gurudwaras with spiritual energy and peace.
Date & Day: 24 November 2026, Tuesday
Where it is Celebrated: Punjab
Conclusion
Festivals are the best way by which one can understand the culture of India and peep into the hearts of the Indian people. Right from the colors of Holi to the lights of Diwali every festival has its own perks in its own way. These famous festival in India are not only a celebration, but they are the way of life, joys, communication, warm relations and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you are a local or a tourist it is extremely interesting to enjoy these festivals where they are being held. Capture a Trip, a travel company is focused on helping you have better trip planning; it will assist you organize a trip to these wonderful festivals. Therefore, put on your traveling shoes with Capture a Trip and be ready to dip your fingers into the emotions of colors, tones, and tastes of the Indian festivals. This is an experience you cannot afford to miss out for anything in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is India's biggest festival?
The biggest festivals in India that are celebrated on a grand scale and across the whole nation are Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc.
2. What are the five cultural festivals of India?
There are numerous cultural festivals in India that are celebrated in different states of India are Durga Puja in Kolkata, Ganesha Chaturthi in Maharasthra, Diwali in Ayodhya and Varanasi, and Gurupurab in Punjab.
3. Which is the longest festival in India?
The logest festival in India is Navratri that continues for nine days, marked by devotion, dance, and ritual dedicated to Mata. The other longest festival is Chhath Puja, a deeply spiritual festival dedicated to God Sun.
4. Which festival is the richest experience to have in India?
Every festival celebrated in India is indeed different but the three festivals that are thought to be the best are Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja due to their bright and joyous nature.
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