As the monsoon begins to retreat, India slowly slips into its festive season. October brings a hint of cooler days, a burst of color, and, of course, a packed calendar of celebrations leading up to the much-awaited Diwali. But before the ‘King of Indian Festivals’ arrives in its star-studded glory, there are plenty of festivals worth traveling for.
From grand religious celebrations and age-old traditions to vibrant cultural festivals, October and early November offer plenty of reasons to pack your bags and explore India. So, if you’re planning a trip before heading home for Diwali, we’ll take a look at those festivals to visit in India before Diwali 2026!
7 Festivals To Travel To Before Diwali
Navratri (Gujarat)
Navratri is a nine day festival celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga on the demon Mahishasura. Essentially, Navratri and Durga Puja celebrate the same occasion – that of Mahishasura’s defeat at the hands of Maa Durga, however, both the festivals are celebrated quite differently.
Navratri is best experienced in Gujarat, particularly in the cities of Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. As evenings set in, open grounds and venues fill up with enthusiastic dancers dressed in their colorful chaniya cholis and kediyus, moving to the traditional rhythm of Garba and Dandiya.
For travelers, the festival is as much about participating as watching. You’ll find plenty of garba and dandiya venues across cities and towns in Gujarat. In most cities, celebrations last up till midnight and the streets are lined with shops and food stalls throughout the day.
Navratri Dates: October 11, 2026 – October 20, 2026
Best experienced in: Gujarat, particularly Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara
Durga Puja (Kolkata)
Durga Puja or Durga Pujo is a festival is largely celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, in parts of Northeast India, and nowadays, in most urban cities in India too. However, to experience the authenticity and grandeur of the festival, you have to visit West Bengal, and Kolkata in particular.
The festival is usually of 10 days, with the festival beginning on the day of Mahalaya, signifying the invocation and arrival of Goddess Durga. The real essence of the festival can be observed from the sixth day, i.e. Maha Shashti onwards. Each day starting from the Shashti are considered quite sacred, with the festival concluding on the Dashami – tenth day.
During Durga Puja, one must visit Kolkata Durga Puja pandals. Each one is made on a grand scale and most pandals carry a central theme each year. The decor, the interiors of the pandal, as well as the idol details contain an essence of the theme. During the nine days of Durga Puja in Kolkata, the city decks up as a bride, in hues of red, golden, white, and there is a festive atmosphere that is simply unparalleled! Definitely one of the best festivals to travel to before Diwali – and a treat for photographers and videographers.
Durga Puja Dates: October 16, 2026 (Maha Shashti) – October 20 or 21, 2026
Best experienced in: Kolkata
Also Read: Top 10 Best Places To Eat in Kolkata During Durga Puja 2025
Mysuru Dasara
Mysuru is a city that is best known for its temples and the iconic Mysore Pak. The city, however, is also known for its grand Dasara (Dussehra) celebrations. Touted as Karnataka’s state festival, it is set to run from October 11 to 21, coinciding with Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations across India.
The festival is one of the best festivals to travel to before Diwali if you’re interested in documenting grand visuals and processions. The Mysuru Palace is at the heart of its celebrations, with the palace being fully decked up in bright lights. During the Mysuru Dasara festivities, the palace is illuminated every evening, cultural performances are held, and heritage walks and drone shows are organized. However, the main attraction of the festival is the Jamboo Savari or the elephant procession ceremony.
During this procession, elephants are draped in ornate silks and flowers and ornaments. The procession also includes cultural tableaux, performers, musicians, and other traditional elements. It is centered around the ceremonial idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, carried in the famed golden howdah. The procession traditionally makes its way from the Mysuru Palace area towards Bannimantap. It is the culmination of the public Dasara celebrations and attracts large crowds.
Mysuru Dasara Dates: October 11, 2026 – October 20 or 21, 2026
Best experienced in: Mysuru
Also Read: Rajasthan Guide: How To Plan A Jaipur – Udaipur – Jodhpur Tour Under 15K?
Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra is a week-long festival celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, beginning on Vijayadashami. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Raghunath, believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu. The festival begins with the worship of the deity in Sultanpur, followed by the ‘milni’ ritual where a grand procession of 200 deities meet.
The festival traces its origins to the 17th century and includes a number of rituals and celebrations like deity processions, Nati folk dance, and worship of Raghunathji. If you’re looking for festivals to visit in India before Diwali arrives, Kullu Dussehra might just be one of the most unique festivals to attend!
Mysuru Dasara Dates: October 20, 2026 – October 26,2026
Best experienced in: Kullu
Cultural Festivals To Attend In India Before Diwali 2026
Jodhpur RIFF
If you’re looking for the best festivals to visit in India that blend music with heritage, Jodhpur RIFF might just be perfect for you. The Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) takes place every year centered around Mehrangarh Fort. The festival focuses on a blend of traditional and contemporary folk music, bringing international and Indian artists together.
From early-morning concerts at Jaswant Thada to performances within the Mehrangarh Fort complex, the festival is a surreal experience for music and art lovers. Note that the opening night concert is free for all to attend, whereas other events and workshops would require prior registration. For information on day passes and festival passes, we’d recommend checking the official Jodhpur RIFF website.
Jodhpur RIFF Dates: October 22, 2026 to October 26, 2026
Where: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Also Read: Rajasthan Guide: How To Plan A Jaipur – Udaipur – Jodhpur Tour Under 15K?
Ziro Music Festival
If you’d rather swap the organized chaos of religious celebrations for soothing melodies in the hills of Northeast India, you must attend the Ziro Music Festival. Taking place annually in the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. The festival will bring four days of indie and alternative music programming, open-air setting, and its emphasis on sustainability. Camping is a major part of the Ziro Music Festival experience. In fact, many choose to camp in the valley near rice paddy fields and on rolling hills for a soothing, nature-inclined experience.
Beyond the music, the trip offers a chance to explore Ziro’s landscapes and local culture. It’s also a good excuse to begin your pre-Diwali festival trail early – and is definitely one of the best October festivals in India 2026.
Ziro Festival Dates: September 24, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Where: Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Kut Festival
Kut Festival in Manipur is a celebration embodying the spirit of unity, gratitude, and abundance. The festival is also called the Chavang Kut or Khodou, and is a unique harvest festival celebrated by the tribes of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups in Manipur. As per the official website of Incredible India, the festival will take place on November 1, 2026.
At the heart of Kut Festival festivities lies a deep reverence for nature and local traditions. Families make traditional local delicacies, rice beer named ‘Ju’, and a variety of fish and vegetable dishes. Many cities and towns also organize cultural performances, handicraft markets, and food markets.
Kut Festival Dates: November 1, 2026
Where: Across Manipur
Also Read: 7 Exciting Things To Do In Manipur
Author’s Note
While I haven’t visited all of the above festivals, I have definitely experienced Navratri celebrations in Mumbai. And I can assure you that Navratri, as well as all other religious and cultural festivals mentioned here are some of the best festivals to travel to before Diwali 2026.
Summing Up
Here we reach the end of the listicle covering the best festivals to visit in India before Diwali 2026. From the sheer grandeur of Durga Puja to the serene melodies of Jodhpur RIFF and Ziro Music Festivals, these are some of the best festivals to travel to before Diwali festivities call you home! Just make sure to book accommodation, venue tickets, and transportation in advance!
