Upcoming Festivals in India 2026: Your Complete Festival Calendar

India celebrates its rich cultural heritage through hundreds of festivals throughout the year, each bringing unique colors, traditions, and joy to different regions. From religious ceremonies and harvest celebrations to national holidays and regional fairs, the festivals of India reflect the country’s incredible diversity and unity.

zingbus has prepared this complete guide covering all upcoming festivals in india for 2026, helping you plan your travels around these vibrant celebrations. Whether you want to witness the colors of Holi in Mathura, experience Durga Puja in Kolkata, or celebrate Diwali in Varanasi, this calendar ensures you never miss the cultural experiences that make India special. Download the zingbus app to book your festival travel easily across the country.

Complete Festival Calendar 2026

January Festivals 2026

Lohri (January 13)

Lohri marks the end of winter and celebrates the harvest season in Punjab and neighboring states. People light bonfires, dance to dhol beats, and throw popcorn, sesame seeds, and jaggery into the fire as offerings.

Where to Experience: Punjab and Haryana celebrate Lohri with maximum enthusiasm. Travel via Delhi to Amritsar to experience authentic Punjabi celebrations.

Things to Do: Join bonfire celebrations, enjoy traditional Punjabi food like sarson da saag and makki di roti, participate in folk dances, and witness community gatherings singing traditional songs.

Makar Sankranti and Pongal (January 14-17)

Makar Sankranti celebrates the sun’s journey into Capricorn and marks the beginning of harvest season across India. Different states celebrate it with unique names and traditions. Pongal is the Tamil version celebrated over four days with special rituals and traditional dishes.

Where to Experience: Gujarat is famous for kite flying festivals during Makar Sankranti. Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal with elaborate rituals. Book buses via Delhi to Ahmedabad for kite festival experiences.

Things to Do: Fly kites in Gujarat, witness cattle decorations in Tamil Nadu, prepare traditional pongal dish, participate in rangoli competitions, and enjoy harvest festival foods across different regions.

Republic Day (January 26)

Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. The main celebration happens in New Delhi with a grand parade showcasing India’s military might, cultural diversity, and achievements.

Where to Experience: New Delhi hosts the main parade at Rajpath. State capitals across India organize their own flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs.

Things to Do: Watch the Republic Day parade, attend flag hoisting ceremonies, participate in cultural events, visit national monuments, and enjoy patriotic celebrations across cities.

February Festivals 2026

Basant Panchami (February 2)

Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and honors Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts. People wear yellow clothes symbolizing mustard flowers that bloom during this season.

Where to Experience: North India, especially West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh celebrate this festival with great devotion. Educational institutions organize special prayers for Goddess Saraswati.

Things to Do: Visit Saraswati temples, wear yellow clothes, fly kites, prepare sweet dishes, attend cultural programs at schools and colleges, and participate in music and dance events.

Maha Shivaratri (February 26)

Maha Shivaratri celebrates Lord Shiva and is observed with night-long vigils, fasting, and prayers. Devotees visit Shiva temples, offer bel leaves, and chant mantras throughout the night.

Where to Experience: Varanasi, Haridwar, Ujjain, and other cities with famous Shiva temples see massive gatherings. Travel via Delhi to Varanasi or Delhi to Haridwar for authentic spiritual experiences.

Things to Do: Visit Shiva temples, participate in night-long prayers, observe fasting, witness special abhishekam rituals, attend devotional music concerts, and join processions carrying idols.

March Festivals 2026

Holi (March 4)

Holi, the festival of colors, celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. People play with colored powders and water, enjoy special foods, and forget differences while celebrating together.

Where to Experience: Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh offer the most authentic Holi experiences. Rajasthan also celebrates with royal traditions. Book via Delhi to Mathura for legendary celebrations.

Things to Do: Play with colors, enjoy thandai and gujiya, participate in Lathmar Holi in Barsana, witness Holi processions, dance to folk music, and experience different regional Holi traditions.

Gudi Padwa and Ugadi (March 22)

Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year while Ugadi celebrates the New Year in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Both festivals involve decorating homes, preparing special dishes, and starting new ventures.

Where to Experience: Maharashtra celebrates Gudi Padwa with gudi flags outside homes. South Indian states prepare special Ugadi pachadi mixing six different tastes.

Things to Do: Hoist gudi flags, prepare traditional pachadi, clean and decorate homes, buy new clothes, start new business ventures, and enjoy festive meals with family.

April Festivals 2026

Ram Navami (March 27)

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, one of the most revered Hindu deities. Devotees fast, read Ramayana, and organize processions with decorated chariots carrying Rama’s idol.

Where to Experience: Ayodhya sees the grandest celebrations being Lord Rama’s birthplace. Other major celebrations happen in Varanasi and Bhadrachalam. Travel via Delhi to Ayodhya for spectacular festivities.

Things to Do: Visit Ram temples, participate in Rama Katha recitations, witness chariot processions, attend bhajan sessions, observe fasting, and join community celebrations.

Mahavir Jayanti (April 6)

Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Jain communities organize elaborate processions, charitable activities, and prayers in temples.

Where to Experience: Rajasthan, Gujarat, and major cities with significant Jain populations celebrate this festival. Palitana and Mount Abu see special celebrations.

Things to Do: Visit Jain temples, participate in processions, attend lectures on Jain philosophy, engage in charitable activities, observe vegetarian meals, and witness temple decorations.

Baisakhi (April 14)

Baisakhi marks the Punjabi New Year and celebrates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh. It also coincides with the harvest season bringing joy to farming communities.

Where to Experience: Punjab celebrates Baisakhi with maximum enthusiasm. The Golden Temple in Amritsar becomes the center of celebrations. Book Delhi to Amritsar buses early.

Things to Do: Visit Golden Temple, watch Bhangra and Gidda performances, participate in Nagar Kirtan processions, enjoy Punjabi cuisine, and witness traditional fairs.

Good Friday and Easter (April 10-12)

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while Easter celebrates his resurrection. Christian communities organize special church services, prayers, and celebrations.

Where to Experience: Goa, Kerala, and other regions with significant Christian populations celebrate Easter elaborately. Churches organize special midnight masses and morning services.

Things to Do: Attend church services, participate in prayer meetings, enjoy Easter meals, witness passion plays depicting Christ’s crucifixion, and experience community gatherings.

May Festivals 2026

Buddha Purnima (May 12)

Buddha Purnima celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Buddhist communities organize prayers, meditation sessions, and charitable activities at monasteries and temples.

Where to Experience: Bodh Gaya where Buddha attained enlightenment sees major celebrations. Other important places include Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Buddhist monasteries in Dharamshala and Ladakh.

Things to Do: Visit Buddhist monasteries, participate in meditation sessions, light lamps at Bodh Gaya, listen to teachings, engage in charitable activities, and observe vegetarian meals.

June Festivals 2026

Eid ul-Adha (June 26)

Eid ul-Adha, also called Bakrid, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Muslims offer special prayers, sacrifice animals, and distribute meat among family, friends, and the poor.

Where to Experience: Major celebrations happen in cities with significant Muslim populations including Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid area sees grand celebrations.

Things to Do: Attend Eid prayers at mosques, witness animal sacrifices performed as per Islamic rituals, enjoy traditional dishes like biryani and kebabs, distribute charity, and visit friends and family.

Rath Yatra (June 27)

Rath Yatra celebrates Lord Jagannath’s annual journey with his siblings. Massive chariots carrying the deities are pulled through streets by thousands of devotees.

Where to Experience: Puri in Odisha hosts the world’s largest Rath Yatra. Ahmedabad in Gujarat also organizes significant celebrations with elaborate chariot processions.

Things to Do: Witness the massive chariot procession, pull the ropes of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, visit Jagannath Temple, enjoy prasad, and experience the devotional atmosphere with lakhs of devotees.

July Festivals 2026

Guru Purnima (July 13)

Guru Purnima honors spiritual and academic teachers. Disciples express gratitude to their gurus through various rituals. The festival holds special significance in Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions.

Where to Experience: Celebrated across India with special significance in places like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and at ashrams. Travel via Delhi to Rishikesh for spiritual experiences.

Things to Do: Visit ashrams, participate in guru puja ceremonies, attend spiritual discourses, practice meditation, offer gratitude to teachers, and engage in charitable activities.

August Festivals 2026

Raksha Bandhan (August 28)

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie sacred threads called rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, and brothers promise to protect them throughout life.

Where to Experience: Celebrated throughout India with special markets selling decorative rakhis in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Kolkata.

Things to Do: Sisters tie rakhis on brothers’ wrists, exchange gifts, prepare special sweets, attend rakhi markets, organize family gatherings, and celebrate sibling relationships.

Independence Day (August 15)

Independence Day commemorates India’s independence from British rule in 1947. The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort in Delhi and addresses the nation.

Where to Experience: Delhi’s Red Fort hosts the main ceremony with the Prime Minister’s address. State capitals and cities across India organize flag hoisting and cultural programs.

Things to Do: Watch the Prime Minister’s speech, attend flag hoisting ceremonies, participate in cultural events, visit historical sites, and celebrate India’s freedom and diversity.

Janmashtami (September 4)

Janmashtami celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth with midnight prayers, fasting, and devotional songs. Temples organize special decorations and programs depicting Krishna’s childhood stories.

Where to Experience: Mathura and Vrindavan offer the most authentic celebrations being Krishna’s birthplace. Mumbai’s Dahi Handi celebrations are famous. Book Delhi to Mathura early.

Things to Do: Attend midnight prayers, witness Krishna Jhankis (tableaus), participate in Dahi Handi competitions, enjoy devotional music, observe fasting, and visit decorated temples.

Ganesh Chaturthi (September 14 – September 25)

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth with elaborate idol installations, prayers, and cultural programs. The festival culminates with grand immersion processions after ten days.

Where to Experience: Maharashtra, especially Mumbai and Pune, celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with massive public installations. Hyderabad and Bangalore also organize grand celebrations.

Things to Do: Visit public Ganesh pandals, participate in daily aarti ceremonies, enjoy cultural programs, prepare modaks (Ganesha’s favorite sweet), and witness grand visarjan processions.

September Festivals 2026

Onam (August 26 onwards)

Onam celebrates King Mahabali’s annual visit to Kerala. The harvest festival features flower carpets, boat races, traditional games, and elaborate feast called Sadya.

Where to Experience: Kerala celebrates Onam throughout the state. Major celebrations happen in Kochi, Thrissur, and Trivandrum with spectacular snake boat races in backwaters.

Things to Do: Create Pookalam (flower rangoli), watch snake boat races, enjoy Sadya feast on banana leaf, witness Kathakali performances, participate in traditional games, and experience cultural programs.

Navaratri and Durga Puja (October 11-20)

Navaratri celebrates nine forms of Goddess Durga through fasting, prayers, and Garba-Dandiya dances. Durga Puja, celebrated mainly in West Bengal, features elaborate pandals and cultural programs.

Where to Experience: Gujarat celebrates Navaratri with colorful Garba nights. Kolkata transforms during Durga Puja with artistic pandals. Travel via Delhi to Kolkata or Delhi to Ahmedabad.

Things to Do: Play Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, pandal hopping in Kolkata, attend cultural programs, observe fasting, enjoy bhog prasad, and witness grand Durga idol immersions.

Dussehra (October 20)

Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana. Giant effigies of Ravana, his brother, and son are burned in open grounds amid fireworks and celebrations.

Where to Experience: Kullu in Himachal Pradesh hosts unique Dussehra celebrations. Mysore’s royal Dussehra procession is legendary. Delhi and other cities burn massive Ravana effigies.

Things to Do: Watch Ramlila performances, witness effigy burning, attend fairs and exhibitions, enjoy special foods, participate in processions, and experience regional variations of celebrations.

October Festivals 2026

Karwa Chauth (October 24)

Karwa Chauth is observed by married women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ long life and prosperity. The festival strengthens marital bonds through traditional rituals.

Where to Experience: Celebrated mainly in North India including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh with traditional ceremonies and community gatherings.

Things to Do: Observe day-long fasting, dress in traditional attire, apply mehndi, exchange sargi before sunrise, perform evening puja, and break fast after sighting the moon.

Diwali (November 8)

Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. People light diyas, burst crackers, exchange gifts, and worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.

Where to Experience: Ayodhya breaks records with lakhs of diyas. Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti during Diwali is spectacular. Jaipur’s markets glow with decorations. Book via Delhi to Ayodhya or Delhi to Varanasi.

Things to Do: Light diyas and candles, create rangoli designs, perform Lakshmi puja, exchange gifts and sweets, burst eco-friendly crackers, clean and decorate homes, and enjoy festive meals.

Bhai Dooj (November 11)

Bhai Dooj celebrates the brother-sister bond similar to Raksha Bandhan. Sisters apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, perform aarti, and pray for their long life and prosperity.

Where to Experience: Celebrated throughout North India with traditional ceremonies at homes. Markets buzz with gifts and sweets purchases.

Things to Do: Sisters perform tilak ceremony for brothers, exchange gifts, prepare special meals, organize family gatherings, and strengthen sibling bonds through traditional rituals.

Chhath Puja (November 13-15)

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God and involves rigorous fasting, standing in water bodies, and offering prayers to both setting and rising sun. The four-day festival showcases devotion and discipline.

Where to Experience: Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh celebrate Chhath Puja with maximum devotion. Ghats along rivers Ganga and Yamuna become major celebration sites.

Things to Do: Observe strict fasting, stand in water offering arghya to sun, prepare traditional thekua and other offerings, witness devotees performing rituals, and experience community celebrations.

November Festivals 2026

Guru Nanak Jayanti (November 24)

Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Sikh communities organize Nagar Kirtan processions, prayers, and langar at gurudwaras.

Where to Experience: Amritsar’s Golden Temple sees grand celebrations. Gurudwaras across India organize special prayers and community meals. Travel via Delhi to Amritsar.

Things to Do: Attend Nagar Kirtan processions, participate in Golden Temple prayers, enjoy community langar, listen to kirtan singing, and experience Sikh hospitality and devotion.

December Festivals 2026

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with church services, carol singing, and festive decorations. Families exchange gifts, prepare special meals, and spread joy and goodwill.

Where to Experience: Goa transforms into a Christmas wonderland with beach parties and church celebrations. Pondicherry, Mumbai, and Kerala also organize beautiful Christmas festivities.

Things to Do: Attend midnight mass at churches, decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts, prepare traditional cakes and meals, participate in carol singing, and enjoy festive markets.

New Year’s Eve (December 31)

New Year’s Eve celebrations include parties, fireworks, concerts, and gatherings to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with hopes and resolutions.

Where to Experience: Goa hosts beach parties, Mumbai organizes grand celebrations, and hill stations like Manali and Shimla offer snowy New Year experiences.

Things to Do: Attend New Year parties, watch fireworks displays, enjoy countdown celebrations, make resolutions, spend time with loved ones, and welcome the new year with positivity.

Planning Your Festival Travel

Booking Festival Travel with zingbus

Festival times see increased travel demand making advance planning essential. The zingbus app makes booking festival travel convenient with multiple routes across India.

Festival Travel Tips:

• Book tickets at least 2-3 weeks before major festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra
• Check multiple departure times as popular slots fill quickly during festival season
• Compare different bus types based on journey duration and budget requirements
• Enable app notifications to receive updates about special festival offers
• Consider traveling a day before the main festival to avoid last-minute rush
• Save frequently traveled festival routes as favorites for quicker future bookings

Popular festival routes include Delhi to Mathura for Holi and Janmashtami, Delhi to Varanasi for Diwali, Delhi to Amritsar for Baisakhi and Guru Nanak Jayanti, and Delhi to Ayodhya for Ram Navami and Diwali.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many festivals in India are celebrated throughout the year?

A: India celebrates hundreds of festivals throughout the year across different religions and regions. Major festivals include around 30-40 national and religious celebrations, while regional and tribal festivals add hundreds more. This diversity makes India one of the world’s most festival-rich countries with celebrations happening almost every month.

Q: What are the 10 famous festivals of India?

A: The ten most famous festivals of india include Diwali (festival of lights), Holi (color festival), Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Dussehra, Eid, Christmas, Baisakhi, and Onam. Each festival represents different religious traditions and regional cultures, celebrated with unique customs and rituals across various parts of the country.

Q: Which upcoming festivals in India are best for travelers?

A: Holi in Mathura-Vrindavan, Durga Puja in Kolkata, Diwali in Varanasi, Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, Onam in Kerala, and Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan offer incredible experiences. Book travel via zingbus app to reach these festival destinations comfortably and plan your journey around these vibrant celebrations.

Q: When should I book tickets for festival travel?

A: Book festival travel tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance for major celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra. Popular routes like Delhi to Mathura or Delhi to Varanasi fill quickly during festival season. Early booking ensures seat availability and sometimes better prices.

Q: Which festivals of India in 2026 fall on weekends?

A: Several major festivals in 2026 fall on weekends making them perfect for travel plans. Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8 creating a holiday weekend. Other weekend festivals include Saturday Eid ul-Fitr on March 21, Sunday Easter on April 5, and Saturday Independence Day on August 15, allowing extended celebrations without work leaves.

Q: What are the best coming festivals for family trips?

A: Diwali, Dussehra, Christmas, and New Year offer great family travel opportunities. Summer festivals like Rath Yatra and monsoon celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi also work well. These coming festivals feature family-friendly activities, cultural programs, and create lasting memories for children and adults together.

Q: How to experience coming festivals in India authentically?

A: Visit the origin places of festivals for authentic experiences. For Holi, travel to Mathura via Delhi to Mathura. For Durga Puja, visit Kolkata. For Onam, experience Kerala. Staying with local families, participating in rituals, and respecting traditions helps experience coming festivals of India authentically.

Q: Which upcoming festivals and events in India attract international tourists?

A: Holi, Diwali, Pushkar Camel Fair, Durga Puja, Hornbill Festival, and Kumbh Mela attract maximum international visitors. These upcoming festivals and events showcase India’s cultural diversity, spiritual traditions, and vibrant celebrations, making them bucket-list experiences for travelers worldwide seeking authentic Indian cultural immersion.

Q: Are there specific dress codes for different festivals?

A: Some festivals have traditional dress preferences. Wear traditional attire for religious festivals, comfortable clothes for Holi that can get stained, ethnic wear for Diwali and Navaratri, and warm clothes for winter festivals. Visiting religious places during festivals may require modest clothing covering shoulders and legs appropriately.

Q: What precautions should I take during festival travel?

A: Book accommodations and transport early through zingbus app, carry essential medicines, stay hydrated during crowded celebrations, keep valuables secure, respect local customs, avoid deserted areas during late hours, and follow safety guidelines. Festival times mean large crowds, so extra precautions ensure safe and enjoyable experiences.

Celebrate India’s Festival Spirit

The festivals of india offer windows into the country’s rich cultural heritage, religious diversity, and community spirit. From the joyous colors of Holi to the spiritual lights of Diwali, from harvest celebrations like Pongal to religious observances like Eid and Christmas, each festival brings people together in celebration.

Planning your travels around these upcoming festivals in india 2026 lets you experience the country at its most vibrant and welcoming. With this complete festival calendar, you can plan year-round journeys to different regions, experiencing local traditions, cuisines, and hospitality while participating in celebrations that have been passed down through generations.

Download the zingbus app today to start planning your festival journeys across India. From quick weekend trips to longer cultural explorations, comfortable and reliable transport makes celebrating these beautiful traditions easier than ever. Your next festival adventure awaits with colors, lights, and joy!

About zingbus: zingbus connects major cities across India with comfortable, reliable, and affordable intercity bus services, helping travelers reach festival destinations conveniently and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage throughout the year.