Every year, holidays arrive that we celebrate at home with family. However, it would be interesting if one could use a holiday as an excuse to travel. Many festivals held in different parts of India are unique due to their traditions, cuisine, music, and colorful atmosphere. During such events, one can not only celebrate the festival but also get acquainted with a new culture and city nearby.
According to Skyscanner's Cultural Travel Index, 72 percent of Indian travelers consider planning a special trip to attend a major cultural or religious festival. It is worth noting that every festival celebrated in India takes place on a large scale in some states. If you are looking for such a trip, you can include these five Indian festivals in your list.
Best Festivals in India:
During Durga Puja, the atmosphere in Kolkata completely transforms: magnificent pandals, lighting, the sounds of dhak, and Bengali sweets turn the city into a grand celebration. People come from far away to see the celebration of Durga Puja, so you can plan a trip to Kolkata if you want to witness this festival.
Evenings in Gujarat during Navratri are filled with the melodies of Garba and Dandiya. People in colorful Chaniya Cholis and traditional attire dance Garba late into the night. During this time, you can also enjoy Fafda-Jalebi and various Gujarati dishes.
The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is particularly interesting for those who want to get closer to a different culture of India. At this event, held in the Naga heritage village of Kisama, one can see traditional dances, music, local food, crafts, and various tribal traditions. This festival will take place from December 1 to 10 in 2026.
The experience of attending Dipotsava in Ayodhya during Diwali can be truly special. Millions of lights along the Sarayu River, scenes related to Ramayana, as well as light and drone shows make this festival unforgettable. Since Diwali falls on November 8, 2026, a trip to Ayodhya can be planned for this time.
If you like both music and mountains, then the Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh might interest you. This music festival, which takes place amidst the greenery and mountains of Ziro Valley, attracts independent artists and music lovers. In 2026, this event will take place from September 24 to 27. Here, you enjoy the music outdoors, among the mountains, instead of in a concert hall.
Instead of celebrating any festival only at home this time, make it an occasion for your next trip. This will give you the opportunity to see the diverse culture, traditions, cuisine, and beautiful places of India combined with the celebration.