Most Indian religious festivals follow lunar calendars, so their Gregorian dates change every year. The months below are typical; check the exact dates for your year with the temple, shrine board or state tourism department before booking.
Festivals are the most joyful times to visit, but also the most crowded. Rooms fill months ahead, prices rise and some areas close to vehicles. Plan early and allow extra time for everything.
Quick answer
India's major spiritual festivals include the Kumbh Mela (at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik in rotation), Makar Sankranti at Gangasagar, Maha Shivratri, Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, the Rath Yatra in Puri (June or July), Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, Navratri and Durga Puja, Diwali, and Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. Most follow lunar calendars, so check the exact dates each year.
Key takeaways
- Most religious festival dates move each year with the lunar calendar.
- Book stays months ahead for Kumbh, Rath Yatra, Durga Puja and Dev Deepawali.
- The next Kumbh-type gatherings are Haridwar in early 2027, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar in 2027 and Ujjain in 2028.
- Every tradition has its own great festivals, from Vaisakhi to Buddha Purnima and Paryushan.
- Expect road closures and very large crowds at the main venues.
Festival calendar
| Months (typical) | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| January | Makar Sankranti, Gangasagar Mela; Magh Mela | Sagar Island (West Bengal); Prayagraj |
| February or March | Maha Shivratri | Jyotirlingas and Shiva temples everywhere |
| February or March | Holi, including Lathmar Holi | Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon |
| April | Vaisakhi; Ram Navami | Amritsar and Anandpur Sahib; Ayodhya |
| April or May | Buddha Purnima | Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar |
| June | Ambubachi Mela | Kamakhya, Guwahati |
| June or July | Rath Yatra; Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari | Puri; Pandharpur |
| July or August | Shravan: Kanwar Yatra, Shravani Mela; Amarnath Yatra | Haridwar, Deoghar; Kashmir |
| August or September | Janmashtami; Ganesh Chaturthi; Paryushan | Mathura and Vrindavan; Mumbai and Pune; Jain temples |
| September or October | Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra | Gujarat, Kolkata, Mysuru, Kullu |
| October or November | Diwali, Chhath, Dev Deepawali, Pushkar fair, Guru Nanak Gurpurab | Ayodhya, Bihar, Varanasi, Pushkar, Amritsar |
| November to January | Sabarimala pilgrimage season; Christmas | Kerala; Goa and elsewhere |
Highlights for travellers
Rath Yatra, Puri
The deities of the Jagannath Temple are pulled through the streets on three huge chariots, in the month of Ashadha (June or July).
Holi in Braj
A week or more of celebrations in Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon, including the Lathmar Holi.
Dev Deepawali, Varanasi
On Kartik Purnima, about two weeks after Diwali, the ghats are lit with lamps.
Durga Puja, Kolkata
Elaborate pandals across the city over several days in autumn.
The Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela rotates between Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik-Trimbakeshwar. The Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj was held from January to February 2025. The next gatherings are the Ardh Kumbh at Haridwar (January to April 2027), the Simhastha at Nashik-Trimbakeshwar (main bathing dates August to September 2027) and the Simhastha at Ujjain (March to May 2028).
Other traditions
- Sikh: Vaisakhi, Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib, and the Gurpurabs of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh.
- Buddhist: Buddha Purnima, Losar, and monastery festivals such as Hemis in Ladakh.
- Jain: Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan and Diwali (Mahavira's nirvana).
- Sufi: the Urs at Ajmer and other dargahs, dated by the Islamic calendar.
- Christian: the feast at Velankanni from late August, and Christmas in Goa.
Tips for festival travel
- Confirm the year's dates before booking; lunar dates shift.
- Book rooms and trains as soon as dates are known.
- Expect vehicle restrictions near main venues; plan to walk.
- Visit the day before or after the main day for a calmer experience.
- Keep valuables to a minimum and carry ID.
Safety
- Festival crowds can be enormous; follow police and volunteer instructions, agree a meeting point with your group, and keep children close.
- Stay hydrated and carry basic medicines.
- Follow official advisories on bathing points and river levels.
- Use official information from temple boards and district administrations for dates and rules.
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers and rain gear by season
- ID and printed bookings
- Water bottle and snacks
Want this pilgrimage turned into a practical itinerary?
FAQs
When is the Rath Yatra in Puri?
In the month of Ashadha, usually June or July; check the exact date for the year.
When is the next Kumbh Mela?
The Haridwar Ardh Kumbh runs from January to April 2027, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha has its main bathing dates in August and September 2027, and the Ujjain Simhastha runs from March to May 2028.
Where is Holi celebrated most traditionally?
In the Braj region: Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon.
What is Dev Deepawali?
A festival of lamps on the ghats of Varanasi on Kartik Purnima, about two weeks after Diwali.
Which festival is best for a first-time visitor?
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi or Holi in Braj are memorable and manageable if you book early and avoid the busiest spots.
Why do festival dates change every year?
Most Indian religious festivals follow lunar calendars.
