India’s festival calendar is one of the richest in the world, blending ancient rituals, regional traditions, art, music, food, and community celebrations. In 2026, travellers can plan well in advance around major Hindu, regional, and cultural festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Onam, alongside globally loved events like the Jaipur Literature Festival, Goa Carnival, and Rann Utsav. Since many Indian festivals follow the lunar calendar, dates vary year to year, making advance planning essential. This guide to the Top 10 Festivals In India To Experience in 2026 covers confirmed and traditionally observed dates, their cultural significance, and the best places to celebrate – helping you plan the perfect festival-focused trip.
Festivals In India To Experience In 2026
1. Holi — Festival of Colours
Holi Festival 2026 Date: March 4, 2026
Holi marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. Streets come alive with colours, music, dance, and traditional sweets like gujiya and thandai.
Best places to celebrate:
- Mathura and Vrindavan (traditional, devotional Holi)
- Barsana (Lathmar Holi)
- Jaipur and Delhi (organised public celebrations)
Travel tip: Book accommodation at least a month in advance, especially in Mathura–Vrindavan.
2. Diwali — Festival of Lights
Diwali Festival 2026 Date: November 8, 2026
Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and is India’s most widely observed festival. Homes and cities glow with diyas, fireworks, and decorative lights.
Best places to celebrate:
- Varanasi (Ganga aarti and lamps on the ghats)
- Jaipur and Jodhpur (illuminated palaces and markets)
- Delhi and Mumbai (grand citywide celebrations)
Travel tip: Expect peak travel prices during the Diwali week.
3. Durga Puja — Kolkata’s Grand Cultural Carnival
Durga Puja Kolkata 2026 Dates: October 17–21, 2026 (Saptami to Dashami)
Durga Puja is the biggest cultural event in West Bengal, combining religious devotion with large-scale art installations, themed pandals, music, and street food.
Best places to celebrate:
- North and Central Kolkata (Ballygunge, Park Street, Kumartuli)
Note: Mahalaya and cultural events begin earlier; these dates refer to the main celebration days.
4. Ganesh Chaturthi — Mumbai’s Most Iconic Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 Date: September 14, 2026
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. Mumbai hosts some of the largest public installations and immersion processions in the country.
Best places to celebrate:
- Lalbaugcha Raja
- Girgaon Chowpatty and Juhu Beach (visarjan processions)
Travel tip: Use public transport during immersion days due to road closures.
5. Onam — Kerala’s Harvest Festival
Onam Festival Kerala 2026 Date: Thiruvonam on August 26, 2026
Onam celebrates the harvest season and the legendary return of King Mahabali. The festival features floral designs, snake boat races, traditional dances, and the grand Onasadya feast.
Best places to celebrate:
- Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram
- Alappuzha (snake boat races)
6. Hornbill Festival — Nagaland
Hornbill Festival 2026 Dates: Early December (traditionally December 1–10)
Often called the “Festival of Festivals,” Hornbill showcases Nagaland’s tribal heritage through music, crafts, cuisine, and indigenous sports.
Best place to celebrate:
- Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima
Note: Exact dates are officially announced closer to the event.
7. Pushkar Camel Fair — Rajasthan
Pushkar Camel Fair 2026: Mid-November (exact dates to be announced)
One of the world’s most famous livestock fairs, Pushkar Camel Fair blends rural trade with cultural performances, camel races, and religious rituals at Pushkar Lake.
Best place to celebrate:
- Pushkar, Rajasthan
Travel tip: Book hotels and desert camps well in advance due to high tourist demand.
8. Goa Carnival — A Burst of Colour and Music
Goa Carnival 2026 Dates: February 13–16, 2026
Goa Carnival is a vibrant pre-Lenten festival featuring parades, floats, masquerade balls, and street parties influenced by Portuguese traditions.
Best places to celebrate:
- Panaji (main parade)
- Margao, Vasco da Gama, and Mapusa
9. Jaipur Literature Festival — World’s Largest Free Literary Event
Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 Dates: January 15–19, 2026
JLF attracts renowned authors, thinkers, and readers from across the globe. It combines intellectual discussions with Jaipur’s winter charm.
Best place to attend:
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
Travel tip: January is peak tourist season in Rajasthan – book early.
10. Rann Utsav — Kutch’s Desert Festival
Rann Utsav Kutch 2026: Part of the 2025–26 season (November 2025 to February/March 2026)
Set against the white salt desert, Rann Utsav celebrates Gujarati culture with folk music, handicrafts, and luxury tent stays under moonlit skies.
Best place to celebrate:
- Dhordo, Kutch, Gujarat
Booking tip: Rann Utsav Kutch 2026 booking opens months in advance and sells out quickly.
Honorable Mentions
- Kullu Dussehra 2026: October (dates vary by local calendar)
- Kite Festival Ahmedabad 2026 (Uttarayan): January 14, 2026, with pre- and post-events
Summing Up
India’s festival calendar in 2026 promises unforgettable travel experiences, from the colours of Holi (March 4) and the lights of Diwali (November 8) to regional icons like Durga Puja, Onam, and Ganesh Chaturthi. With early planning, these celebrations offer deep cultural immersion across India’s diverse landscapes.
