Festivals in India

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, marks the start of the Hindu New Year and lasts for five days sometime between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the new moon. Families decorate their homes with lights and diyas (oil lamps), create colourful rangoli designs, exchange gifts, wear new clothes, and gather for prayers and festive meals.

Like New Year celebrations around the world, it’s a time for food, family, friends and firecrackers. Symbolising light over darkness and new beginnings, Diwali is celebrated across India, from Jaipur and Udaipur to Varanasi and Delhi.

Holi is famous for the vibrant coloured powders thrown through the streets, hence why it’s also known as the Festival of Colours. Held each March, it marks the arrival of spring, new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil. The festivities begin with bonfires for Holika Dahan, followed by a day of music, dancing, water fights and clouds of coloured powder.

Holi is especially popular in northern India and is closely tied to stories of Krishna, whose playful colour-throwing inspired today’s traditions. If you’re travelling around March, it’s worth planning around these celebrations.  

Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of Rama over the demon king of Ravana, who carried off Lord Rama’s wife Sita. But don’t worry, good triumphed over evil and now it’s time to party. Celebrations include bonfires, fireworks and burning of effigies of the demon king.

Public celebrations include performances, processions and music held in October. It’s an exciting time to travel, with a festive atmosphere and local celebrations offering a glimpse into India’s storytelling traditions.  

Ganesha is the god of new beginnings, success and wisdom and can be quite easily identified thanks to his elephant head. The Ganesh Chaturthi Festival honours his birth, usually celebrated sometime in August or September for 11 days. 

During this time, you’ll see huge statues built, displayed and worshipped in both homes and public areas, and celebrations include clay idols and public stages, daily prayers and modak offerings (sweet dumplings). On the final day, the statues are paraded through the streets with thousands of followers dancing and singing alongside the procession before finally being immersed in the ocean.  

Held in late August or early September, Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna – one of Hinduism's most beloved deities, known for his wisdom, joy and playful spirit. Expect colourful decorations, devotional singing, dancing and ceremonies.

One of the highlights is Dahi Handi, where teams form human pyramids to reach clay pots filled with butter, curd and money suspended high above the streets. The tradition recreates Krishna’s mischievous childhood antics and offers travellers a glimpse into India’s spiritual traditions and community spirit.  

Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan in March, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and is a time of gratitude, celebration and togetherness. Across India, families attend communal prayers, decorate their homes and exchange gifts and sweets. 

There’s also a charity donation of rice from wealthy families to those in need. For travellers, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience India’s cultural diversity with markets, food and a strong sense of community on display.  

Every January, the skies above Gujarat burst into colour for the international Kite Festival, also known as Uttarayan. Celebrated alongside Makar Sankranti, the festival signals the sun’s northward journey and transition into a new season.

Rooftops fill with families flying kites, sharing traditional winter dishes like undhiyu and sesame sweets, and enjoying a lively, festive atmosphere. Whether you pick up your own kite from a local market or simply watch them dancing across the sky, it’s a uniquely joyful time to visit Gujarat.