India, a country where ancient customs meet contemporary vibes, is gearing up for an unforgettable 2025. Its festivals—steeped in history yet constantly reinventing themselves—promise a dazzling mix of color, rhythm, and spirit that captivates globetrotters and culture enthusiasts alike.
Picture this: streets awash with the vibrant hues of Holi, where laughter and gulal (colored powder) fill the air. Or the majestic Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, where artistry and devotion collide in jaw-dropping pandals (temporary structures). Not to mention the pulse of cutting-edge music festivals and avant-garde art fairs that transform cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru into creative hubs.
In 2025, India’s calendar is packed with events that blend heritage with hip. From the spiritual serenity of Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti to the indie beats of Goa’s electronic music festivals, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re savoring street food during Delhi’s Diwali lights or dancing to folk tunes at Rajasthan’s Pushkar Fair, this year is all about immersive experiences.
1. Makar Sankranti & Lohri (January 14-15, 2025)
Makar Sankranti and Lohri mark the beginning of the harvest season and are celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of India.
- Makar Sankranti: Celebrated across India, especially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, this festival is famous for kite flying, sesame sweets (tilgul), and holy dips in rivers like the Ganges. The International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad is a must-visit event during this time.
- Lohri: A popular festival in Punjab and Haryana, Lohri is celebrated by lighting bonfires, singing folk songs, and dancing to Bhangra beats. It is a time of gratitude for a good harvest.
2. Republic Day Parade (January 26, 2025)
The Republic Day Parade in Delhi is a grand national event showcasing India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and technological advancements. The 2025 parade is expected to feature AI-driven military displays, a drone show, and stunning cultural performances from various states.
Best Place to Experience: Rajpath, New Delhi
3. Kumbh Mela 2025 (Haridwar & Ujjain – February-April 2025)
The Kumbh Mela is a massive spiritual festival where millions of devotees come together to take a holy dip, seek blessings, and experience a deep sense of faith and tradition. In 2025, the event will be held in Haridwar and Ujjain, attracting millions of devotees, saints, and international visitors.
Key Attractions:
- Holy dips in the Ganges and Shipra Rivers
- Spiritual discourses and yoga sessions
- Grand processions of Naga Sadhus (ascetics)
4. Holi – The Festival of Colors (March 14-15, 2025)
Holi is one of India’s most famous festivals, known for its vibrant colors, music, and joyous celebrations.
Top Trending Holi Events in 2025:
- Mathura & Vrindavan Holi: A spiritual and traditional Holi celebration in Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
- Shantiniketan Basanta Utsav (West Bengal): A cultural and artistic celebration of Holi.
- Holi Parties in Goa, Mumbai & Delhi: Modern Holi parties featuring DJs, music festivals, and organic colors.
5. Jaipur Literature Festival (March 2025, Dates TBA)
The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) is one of the biggest literary events in the world. In 2025, it is expected to feature renowned authors, global intellectuals, and literary workshops.
Why Visit?
- Meet world-famous writers and poets
- Attend literary discussions and book launches
- Experience the cultural heritage of Jaipur
6. Baisakhi & Rongali Bihu (April 13-15, 2025)
These festivals mark the harvest season and the Sikh New Year in Punjab and Assam.
- Baisakhi (Punjab): Celebrated with Bhangra dance, traditional fairs, and visits to Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- Rongali Bihu (Assam): Features folk music, dance performances, and traditional Assamese feasts.
7. Thrissur Pooram (May 11, 2025)
Kerala’s Thrissur Pooram is a grand temple festival, famous for its majestic elephant processions, Chenda Melam (drum performances), and spectacular fireworks.
Best Place to Witness: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur, Kerala
8. Rath Yatra – Puri (July 8, 2025)
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is one of India’s most spectacular chariot festivals. Devotees pull the massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets of Puri.
Best Experience: Witnessing the Yatra from the Grand Road of Puri Temple.
9. Ganesh Chaturthi (August 29 – September 8, 2025)
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh with grand processions, artistic Ganesh idols, and devotional music.
Trending Ganesh Chaturthi Events in 2025:
- Lalbaugcha Raja (Mumbai): The most famous Ganesh idol drawing millions of devotees.
- Eco-friendly Ganpati in Pune: Sustainable and biodegradable idols gaining popularity.
- Visarjan at Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai: Grand immersion processions of Ganesh idols.
10. Onam (September 5-15, 2025)
Onam is Kerala’s biggest festival, featuring Vallamkali (boat races), Pookalam (floral rangoli), and Kathakali performances.
Must-Experience Events:
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Alleppey)
- Thrissur Onam Procession
- Traditional Onam Sadhya (Feast)
11. Navratri & Durga Puja (September 29 – October 8, 2025)
Navratri and Durga Puja are celebrated with great devotion, dance, and cultural performances across India.
Top Destinations:
- Gujarat: Garba and Dandiya Raas nights in Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
- West Bengal: Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals and traditional celebrations.
- Delhi & Mumbai: Elaborate Durga Puja themes and cultural programs.
12. Diwali – Festival of Lights (October 2024, 2025)
Diwali is India’s biggest festival, marked by fireworks, decorated homes, and grand feasts.
Best Places to Celebrate:
- Varanasi: Spectacular Ganga Aarti and Deepotsav.
- Jaipur & Udaipur: Royal palaces lit up with thousands of lamps.
- Delhi & Mumbai: Lavish shopping festivals and grand parties.
13. Pushkar Camel Fair (November 2025, Dates TBA)
The Pushkar Camel Fair is a unique cultural event featuring camel races, folk music, and traditional Rajasthani performances.
Highlights:
- Hot Air Balloon Rides over the desert
- Cultural performances and folk dance competitions
- Camel trading and rural handicraft markets
14. Sunburn Festival & NH7 Weekender (December 2025, Dates TBA)
India’s music scene is growing rapidly, and the Sunburn Festival (Goa) and NH7 Weekender (Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru) are leading the way in EDM and indie music festivals.
Why Attend?
- International DJ line-ups
- Beach parties and music camping
- World-class stage setups
