While summer in India is typically associated with heat and humidity, it’s also a time when some of the most vibrant and culturally rich festivals unfold across the country. These summer season festival in India offer an exciting escape into cooler regions, where music, dance, art, and tradition come alive in a kaleidoscope of celebrations.
Whether it’s the floral beauty of Sikkim or the tribal rhythms of Nagaland, Indian summer festivals are not just events – they’re experiences.
Here are 6 iconic summer festivals that showcase India’s diversity and spirit during the summer season.
Shimla Summer Festival, Himachal Pradesh
The Shimla Summer Festival 2025 transforms the historic Ridge into a cultural spectacle. Held in the first week of June, this Indian summer festival celebrates the bountiful apple harvest and the local Himachali heritage.
The cool climate, colonial architecture, and energetic performances make the Shimla Summer Festival a favorite among tourists.
Highlights:
- Folk dances and music from Himachal and neighboring states
- Live performances by national-level artists
- Fashion shows, flower exhibitions, and food stalls
- Fun competitions and children’s events
Dates:
June 1-5, 2025
Venue:
The Ridge, Shimla
How to Reach:
By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport (23 km)
By Train: Shimla Railway Station (via Kalka–Shimla heritage train)
By Road: Buses and cabs from Chandigarh and Delhi
Moatsu Festival, Nagaland
The Moatsu Festival is a traditional celebration of the Ao tribe in Nagaland, marking the end of sowing season and welcoming prosperity.
This summer season festival in India is filled with age-old rituals, traditional music, dance, and rich tribal cuisine. It offers visitors a rare chance to witness indigenous Naga culture up close. While this one is already done, you can definitely save it for next year.
Highlights:
- Sangpangtu community feast
- War dance, storytelling, and local games
- Exhibition of handwoven fabrics and tribal ornaments
- Traditional rice beer and cuisine
Dates:
May 1–3, 2025
Venue:
Public Ground Arkong, Mokokchung, Nagaland
How to Reach:
By Air: Dimapur Airport (197 km)
By Train: Dimapur Railway Station (199 km)
By Road: Taxis and shared cabs from Kohima and Dimapur
Yercaud Summer Festival, Tamil Nadu
Located in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud hosts one of the most scenic summer festivals in southern India. The Yercaud Summer Festival is known for its botanical shows, flower exhibitions, and cultural extravaganzas that highlight the charm of Tamil Nadu’s Eastern Ghats.
Highlights:
- Vibrant flower show and dog show
- Boating competitions on Yercaud Lake
- Traditional music and dance performances
- Agricultural and spice exhibitions
Dates:
April–May 2025 (Dates TBD)
Venue:
Yercaud, Salem District, Tamil Nadu
How to Reach:
By Air: Salem Airport (35 km)
By Train: Salem Junction (32 km)
By Road: Regular buses from Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore
International Flower Festival, Sikkim
Held in the picturesque town of Gangtok, the International Flower Festival celebrates the Himalayan state’s floral diversity.
More than 500 species of orchids, rhododendrons, and alpine flora are on display, drawing botany enthusiasts and tourists alike.
It’s an essential summer festival for nature lovers.
Highlights:
- Orchid displays, bonsai exhibitions, and floral workshops
- Cultural programs by local performers
- Display of Sikkimese cuisine and handicrafts
- Eco-tourism seminars
Dates:
Throughout May
Venue:
White Hall Complex, Gangtok, Sikkim
How to Reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport (124 km)
By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (148 km)
By Road: Shared taxis and buses from Siliguri to Gangtok
Summer Festival, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
The Summer Festival in Ooty is one of the oldest and most celebrated summer events in South India. Hosted in the Nilgiri Hills, this summer season festival features stunning flower shows, boat races, and cultural events that reflect the beauty and heritage of the region.
Highlights:
- The famous Ooty Flower Show at the Government Botanical Garden
- Fruit shows and rose exhibitions
- Boat races on Ooty Lake
- Tribal dances and music concerts
Dates:
May 16-21, 2025
Venue:
Ooty, Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
How to Reach:
By Air: Coimbatore International Airport (105 km)
By Train: Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Railway Station (via Nilgiri Mountain Railway)
By Road: Buses and taxis from Coimbatore, Mysore, and Bangalore
Mount Abu Summer Festival, Rajasthan
The Mount Abu Summer Festival is a colorful celebration held in Rajasthan’s only hill station. Nestled in the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu becomes a cultural hotspot every May as locals and tourists come together for three days of festivities.
The festival celebrates the tribal culture and traditions of Rajasthan, offering a break from the summer heat through engaging performances and scenic surroundings.
Highlights:
- Rajasthani and Gujarati folk music and dance
- Boat races on Nakki Lake
- Fireworks display and processions
- Craft exhibitions and regional cuisine
Dates:
May 10–12, 2025
Venue:
Polo Ground and Nakki Lake, Mount Abu
How to Reach:
By Air: Udaipur Airport (165 km)
By Train: Abu Road Station (27 km)
By Road: Accessible via NH-14 from major cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad
Hemis Festival, Ladakh
The Hemin festival is a major cultural celebration in Ladakh that takes place at the Hemis Monastery. It celebrates the birth of the Guru Padmasambhava and involves the mesmerising Cham Dance of monks.
People come dressed in vibrant clothes and rejoice in this festival which depicts the triumph of good over evil through various festivities like plays and musical performances.
The festival also features local handicrafts that you can take as souvenirs, culinary delights, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights:
- The sacred rituals performed by monks during Cham dance
- Sacred plays and musical performances
- Thangkas, the intricate Buddhist paintings
- The vibrant and colourful local costumes
Dates:
July 5-6, 2025
Venue:
Hemis Monastery
How To Reach:
By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (37.8 km)
By Train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (approximately 700 km from Leh)
By Road: It is situated 7 kms from Karu en route Leh via Manali, and is accessible by bus, private car, and taxi
Summing Up
The summer season festival in India is more than just a cultural showcase—it’s a way to reconnect with heritage, nature, and community.
Whether you’re enjoying the lakefront festivities of Mount Abu, marveling at the blooms in Gangtok, or swaying to tribal tunes in Nagaland, every Indian summer festival brings with it a unique charm.
As travel resumes in 2025, these festivals offer the perfect escape into India’s cooler hill destinations. Pack your bags and experience the most memorable summer festivals of the year!
