Monsoons in India are a unique experience, with each region celebrating the arrival of the rains in its own distinctive way. As an integral part of daily life for Indians for centuries, many communities have developed their own traditions to honor this powerful force of nature. Be it in the form of religious festivals or modern-day tourism festivals, a monsoon festival in any part of the country promises to be a fun-filled experience. An experience filled with enthusiasm, joy, and the undeniable magic of rain.
Monsoon Festival In India: Significance, Festivals, And Culture
Significance Of Monsoon In India
With India’s economy being majorly dependent on agriculture, it is no surprise that the monsoon season plays an integral part in the lives of millions of Indians.
In India, the monsoon season is crucial as a significant portion of agricultural irrigation depends on the rainfall it provides.
Monsoon season also finds significance in local culture and folklore. Hindu mythology sees rain as a symbol of purity, fertility, renewal, and hope.
With Lord Indra believed to be the God of Rain, Hindu scriptures place immense emphasis on this force of nature. It also finds mentions in thousands of local folk stories, folk songs, and folk art, regardless of the religion.
This underlines how the monsoon season isn’t just a season – it acts as a cornerstone in shaping India’s rich heritage and culture.
Festivals In Monsoon Season In India In 2025
The Hindu month of Shravan coincides with the arrival of the monsoon season and is considered to be the holiest month in the Hindu calendar.
This month usually coincides with July/August of the Gregorian calendar. There are plenty of festivals that are celebrated in the month of Shravan, most of which find association with Lord Shiva or the inevitable force of nature – rain.
It is believed that during this month, the universe is charged with Shiva tattvas (Shiva elements). So, worshipping of Shiva is commonly practiced in this month.
Devotees observe various fasts, engage in elaborate rituals, and sing devotional songs to please Lord Shiva. Not just that, but there are many festivals that simply celebrate the arrival of the monsoon season and the symbolic beginning of new life.
Here are some key festivals in monsoon season in India in 2025:
Ganesh Chaturthi
Dates: August 27 to September 6
Where: All across India and the world, especially in North, South, and Central India. Major states include Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, both in India and around the world. This festival lasts for 1, 5, 7, or 10 days, during which devotees worship clay idols of Lord Ganesha and sing his praises.
Many local communities and organizations also create large idols of Ganesha, which are placed in specially decorated pandals, making the celebration vibrant in nearly every corner of India.
Teej/Teejh
Dates: Dates can vary depending on the kind of Teej and the region it is celebrated in.
Where: North and Central Indian states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
Teej is a festival that is majorly celebrated by married women. It symbolizes the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. T is known by different names across different parts of India, such as Hartalika Teej, Kajari Teej, and Hariyali Teej among others.
During this festival, women dress up in traditional attire and the finest jewels, sing and dance together, and observe fasts for the well-being of their husbands.
Nag Panchami
Dates: July 29
Where: Across North, Central, and South India.
Nag Panchami is a revered festival celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Shukla Paksha in the Shravan month.
Nag is closely associated with Lord Shiva as well as Lord Vishnu, making it a significant creature in Hindu mythology.
On this day, devotees offer milk and flowers to snake idols as it is believed that worshipping the snake god Shesh Nag will protect its devotees from snake bites and foster prosperity.
In olden times (and even in some parts of India today), people offer their offerings and seek blessings from real snakes!
Raksha Bandhan
Dates: August 9
Where: Across India.
This festival celebrates unconditional sibling love – where brothers and sisters are supposed to protect and care for each other. Raksha Bandhan is a festival when sisters tie ‘rakhi’, a special sacred thread on the wrists of their brothers.
In return, brothers pledge to protect their sisters from any kind of harm. Raksha Bandhan is a day when families unite to celebrate the undying bond between siblings.
Krishna Janmashtami
Dates: August 9
Where: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and some parts of South India.
Lord Krishna was born on the eight day (ashtami) of the fortnight of the new moon in Shravan and the festival is celebrated to honor this charming form of Lord Vishnu.
The festival involves devotees singing and dancing on traditional songs and hymns, observing fasts, and offering sweets to Lord Krishna.
However, in many cities, particularly in Maharashtra, the festival takes the form of a playful Dahi Handi. Here, earthen pots filled with curd, milk, or butter are suspended high above the ground, and enthusiastic youth troupes form human pyramids to break them, imitating Lord Krishna’s childhood antics.
Onam
Dates: August 26 to September 5
Where: Kerala
Any list of festivals in the monsoon season in India is incomplete without the mention of the Onam. This 10-day festival is celebrated to mark the return of King Mahabali, sybmbolizing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
During this festival, communities come together to clean and decorate their houses, prepare special festive meals called Onam Sadhya, and engage in devotional programs.
Another highlight of the festival is the Vallam Kali boat race in Kerala’s backwaters. Enthusiastic men participate in boat races in traditional, snake-like boats and oar their way to synchronized beats of drums.
Monsoon Festivals For Tourists
While you may think that a monsoon festival is only that which is steeped in tradition and culture, let us tell you that there are many monsoon festivals that are simply celebrated to enjoy the season of rain. Most of these are organized by local tourism boards in their respective states.
If you’re a tourist and wishing to experience India’s monsoon season, here are some festivals you must not miss out on:
Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman-Diu (DNH & DD) Monsoon Festival
The union territories of Daman-Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli are some of the most underrated destinations when it comes to tourism.
These places are home to some of the cleanest beaches, age-old temples, cathedrals, and monuments, and of course, an enjoyable monsoon festival!
The DNH & DD Monsoon Festival is one of the most widely anticipated festivals of Daman and Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli.
Highlights: Cultural parades, live music and dance performances, plenty of sports events, curated food and handicraft stalls
Saputara Monsoon Festival/Megh Malhar Parv
The quaint hill station of Saputara transforms into an extravagant monsoon hub during the Saputara Monsoon Festival.
Usually organized in July each year, the festival highlights the lesser-known culture of the communities living in and around Saputara.
Highlights: Cultural parades, folk songs and dances, rain run marathon, Dahi Handi celebration, folk art workshops, and recreational games and activities.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Kerala’s boat races attract tourists from all over the world, with the Nehru Trophy Boat Race being one of the grandest boat races in Kerala.
It is conducted on the Punnamda Lake near Alappuzha on the second Saturday of August. Spectators from different villages flock to the lake shores to cheer for their respective teams, adding a lively buzz to the monsoon atmosphere.
This shows how winning the boat race is a momentous occasion of pride and honor for the participating teams.
Highlights: Vallam Kali boat races, synchronized drum beats, cultural performances
Summing Up
There is no doubt that some of the best monsoon festivals in the world happen in India. Be it the vibrant Onam, Raksha Bandhan, or Ganesh Chaturthi.
And not just that, but many regions in India host their own monsoon festivals. After all, a monsoon festival in India is not just any festival, it is a celebration of communities, traditions, and the joyous rain.
FAQs
What Are The Festivals In Varsha Ritu?
Here are some of the festivals celebrated in Varsha Ritu (monsoon season):
- Nag Panchami
- Onam
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Teej
- Vat Purnima
- Raksha Bandhan
What Is The Main Festival Of Karnataka?
Ugadi is the main festival of Karnataka. It marks the beginning of the new year in Kannada culture.
What Is The Main Festival Of Kerala?
Onam is considered to be the main festival of Kerala. This 10-day festival is a celebration characterized by community feasts, boat races, and traditional songs and dance.
