| Country |
Start Date / End Date |
Name of Festival |
City |
Description |
| India |
03/24/24 |
Holi |
Mathura, Jaipur, Chanoudgarh (Rajasthan) |
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| 11/12/23 |
Diwali |
Jaipur (Rajasthan), Delhi |
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with passion and reverence. It symbolizes good overcoming evil and light defeating darkness. It marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating demon king Ravana. Homes and streets are bright with oil lamps, candles, and colorful decorations. People gather to feast, exchange gifts, and start fresh with a clean and beautified home. Diwali is a celebration of hope, renewal, and the enduring values of Hinduism. |
| 10/15/23 |
Mysore Dussehra |
Mysuru (Karnataka) |
Mysore Dussehra is a grand festival held in Mysore, Karnataka, celebrating the victory of good over evil. The festival lasts 10 days and culminates in the burning of an effigy of demon king Ravana. The festival features a grand procession with a beautifully decorated idol of goddess Durga, traditional music and dance performances, and showcases of local art and crafts. It is a celebration of Hinduism, Mysore’s cultural heritage and an opportunity for cultural and artistic expression. Mysore Dussehra is an unforgettable experience capturing the essence of this ancient festival. |
| October 20 to 24, 2023 |
Durga Puja |
Kolkata (West Bengal) |
Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrating the victory of goddess Durga over evil demon Mahishasura. The festival lasts 10 days and involves the creation of elaborate pandals (temporary structures) housing the goddess’ idol, surrounded by her children. The pandals are decorated with lights and flowers, and attract devotees who offer prayers. Durga Puja is a time for social exchange with feasts, dance and music, promoting unity and togetherness. It’s a vibrant celebration of Hindu culture and tradition, showcasing the faith and devotion of its followers. |
| November 9 to 15, 2023 |
Bateshwar Fair |
Bateshwar (Uttar Pradesh) |
Bateshwar Fair is a historic and culturally rich annual fair held in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The fair takes place in the picturesque village of Bateshwar, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, and attracts a large number of devotees, traders, and tourists from all over the region. The festival features a religious procession and offerings to Lord Shiva, a vibrant trade hub for textiles, jewelry, and crafts, and a showcase for livestock and rural sports like wrestling and bull racing. It celebrates rural life in India, showcasing its cultural and religious heritage and bringing the community together. |
| 11/26/23 |
Dev Deepawali |
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) |
The Dev Deepawali Festival is a yearly celebration in Varanasi, honoring Lord Vishnu and symbolizing good over evil. Streets are lit with diyas, oil lamps floated in the Ganges, symbolizing the light of knowledge and the illumination of the soul. The festival includes prayers, music, and cultural performances, as well as food, art, and cultural exhibitions. It is a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi and experience the beauty of Hindu spirituality. |
| 2025 |
Maha Kumbh Mela |
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) |
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a religious gathering in India held every 12 years, attracting millions of pilgrims from across the world. It centers around the ritual of bathing in holy rivers to purify the soul, creating a diverse and spiritual atmosphere. The festival also features religious discourses, music and dance performances, and local cuisine. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the rich spirituality of India and the power of faith and community. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure not to be missed, whether for spiritual seekers or just those seeking new experiences. |
| June 28 to 29, 2023 |
Hemis Tsechu |
Leh (Ladakh) |
The Hemis Festival is an annual celebration in Ladakh, India showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous people through masked dances, traditional music, and other activities such as sports competitions and art exhibitions. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse in local culture, learn about the history of Ladakh and make new connections with locals and travelers. The festival is a magnificent display of vibrant, colorful traditional attire and an unforgettable experience not to be missed. |
| 03/24/23 |
Gangaur Festival |
Jaipur, Udaipur (Rajasthan) |
Gangaur is a cherished festival celebrated by women in Rajasthan, honoring Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva. It celebrates marital happiness, femininity, and spring over 18 days. Women adorn themselves in traditional attire and prepare offerings for the goddess, while a procession of a beautifully adorned idol of Gauri takes place, accompanied by music and dancing. The festival is a time for married women to pray for their husband’s health and happiness, and for unmarried women to pray for a spouse like Lord Shiva. It also celebrates the bond between women and is a celebration of love, joy, and life, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and the importance of the feminine divine in Hinduism. |
| March 25 – 27, 2023 |
Holla Maholla |
Anandpur Sahib (Punjab) |
Holla Maholla is a Sikh festival celebrated in Punjab, India, to mark the Sikh New Year. It takes place after the Hindu festival of Holi, and is a celebration of the Sikh martial tradition. The festival is marked by displays of physical prowess, with participants engaging in mock battles, sword-fighting, and horse-riding. It is also a time for spiritual reflection and devotion, with prayer, hymn-singing, and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib. The festival is a unique and unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Sikh community and their commitment to the Sikh way of life. |
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| Nepal |
April 21 to May 21, 2023 |
Rato Macchendranath |
Patan |
The Rato Macchendranath Festival is an annual celebration of cultural and religious heritage in Nepal honoring the Hindu deity Macchendranath, the god of rain and fertility. The festival features a chariot procession with a statue of Macchendranath, music, dance, and cultural activities for several weeks in Kathmandu, attracting locals and tourists alike. The procession is a symbol of devotion and showcases Nepal’s spiritual heritage. The festival is a celebration of community and tradition that leaves all in awe of Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. |
| 04/14/23 |
Bisset (Biska) Jatra |
Bhaktapur |
The Bisset Jatra Festival is a yearly celebration in Nepal honoring the gods and rejoicing in life. The festival features cultural activities such as music, dance, and religious ceremonies, as well as a procession of a chariot carrying a statue of Lord Vishnu. This procession is accompanied by devotees and musicians and is a symbol of the vibrant and joyful spirit of the Nepali people. For those who witness the Bisset Jatra Festival, it is an unforgettable experience, a celebration of life and community that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. |
| 09/28/23 |
Indra Jatra |
Kathmandu |
The Indra Jatra Festival in Nepal is a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition, honoring the Hindu deity Indra. With music, dance, feasts, and religious ceremonies, the festival brings the people of Nepal together in joyous celebration. The procession, featuring a large wooden chariot carrying Lord Indra’s statue, is a mesmerizing display of devotion and energy. For those who witness the Indra Jatra Festival, it is a truly magical experience, a celebration of life and community that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. |
| 09/28/23 |
Gai Jatra |
Kathmandu and Patan |
Gai Jatra, or Cow Festival, is a joyous Hindu festival in Nepal where participants parade a cow or young boy dressed as one to honor and remember deceased family members. It originated in ancient times when cows were symbols of wealth and was ordered by the king of Nepal to cheer up his grieving queen during a time of loss. Today, the festival is celebrated with colorful costumes, music, and displays of cultural and religious symbols. It is a time to remember the dead and come together to celebrate life, joy, and unity, reflecting the unique blend of Hinduism and Nepalese cultural traditions. |
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| Bhutan |
April 20 to 24, 2024 |
Paro Tshechu |
Paro |
Paro Tshechu is a celebration of the life and teachings of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. During the festival, people dress in their finest traditional clothing and gather at the Paro Dzong, a fortress and monastery that dates back to the 17th century. Monks perform colorful masked dances and sacred rituals, while the air is filled with the sounds of music, horns, and chanting. The festival is also an important social event, bringing together people from different communities and regions to celebrate their shared culture and traditions. It is a time for families to gather, for young people to find romance, and for old friends to reunite. |
| April 20 to 24, 2024 |
Ura Yakchoe |
Bumthang |
The Ura Yakchoe festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration held annually in the remote Ura Valley of Bhutan. During the festival, locals don traditional attire and gather at the Ura Lhakhang temple to witness the unveiling of a sacred relic – a statue of Guru Rinpoche believed to have miraculously replicated itself. The statue is displayed for only a few days, and it is considered a great honor to be able to see it. Along with the sacred unveiling, the festival also features traditional Bhutanese dances and music, including the famous black hat dance performed by monks. As a celebration of both religion and culture, the Ura Yakchoe festival is a unique and significant event that provides a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of Bhutan. |
| September 24 to 26, 2023 |
Thimphu Tshechu |
Thimphu |
Thimphu Tshechu is a colorful and vibrant annual festival in Bhutan, celebrated in the capital city. The festival honors the life and teachings of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. People from all over Bhutan gather at the Tashichho Dzong, a magnificent fortress and monastery, dressed in their traditional clothing. Monks perform masked dances and sacred rituals, accompanied by horns, cymbals, and drums. Thimphu Tshechu is both a religious and social occasion, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate their shared culture and traditions, reminding them of the enduring values that sustain their culture. |
| October 28 to 31, 2023 |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
Bumthang |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup is an annual festival celebrated in the Jambay Lhakhang temple in Bhutan. It marks the establishment of Buddhism in Bhutan and features masked dances and religious ceremonies performed by monks. The festival also serves as a time for pilgrimage, with visitors seeking blessings and making offerings to the deities. Traditional food, drinks, and handicrafts are on display during the festival, and it is a vibrant celebration of Bhutanese cultural and spiritual heritage. The festival is a testament to the importance of Buddhism in Bhutanese society and is a time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual fulfillment. |
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| Sri Lanka |
April 13 to 14, 2024 |
Sinhala-Tamil New year |
Across Sri Lanka |
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, marking the onset of the Lunar year, typically in the month of April, is a time when the island of Sri Lanka radiates an effervescent spirit and effulgent charm. The lead-up to the festivities sees Sri Lankans engaging in a flurry of preparations, from purifying and embellishing their dwellings to crafting traditional delicacies, all while basking in the warmth of familial company. On the day of the New Year, locals don their resplendent attire and indulge in a host of delightful customs, including the anointing of their children with herbal oils, relishing the first home-cooked feast of the year, igniting colourful fireworks and partaking in street games. |
| 05/05/23 |
Vesak Poya |
Colombo |
Vesak Poya is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Sri Lanka to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha. The festival is characterized by vibrant decorations, colorful lanterns, and acts of generosity towards the less fortunate. Buddhists engage in spiritual activities such as visiting temples, offering flowers and lighting oil lamps, while non-Buddhists participate in the festivities by enjoying the visual displays and partaking in traditional delicacies. The festival promotes peace, compassion, and spiritual reflection, reflecting the country’s deep cultural and religious roots in Buddhism. |
| 06/03/23 |
Poson Poya |
Mihintale |
Poson Poya is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Sri Lanka to commemorate the arrival of Buddhism in the country. The festival is celebrated in June, during the full moon, and is characterized by vibrant decorations, colorful lanterns, and acts of generosity towards the less fortunate. Buddhists engage in spiritual activities such as visiting temples, offering flowers and lighting oil lamps, and participating in almsgiving. The festival promotes peace, compassion, and spiritual reflection, reflecting the country’s deep cultural and religious roots in Buddhism. Poson Poya is particularly significant in Sri Lanka as it marks the introduction of Buddhism to the country, which has had a profound impact on its people, culture, and way of life. |
| August 13 to 23, 2023 |
Kandy Esala Perahera |
Kandy |
The Kandy Esala Perahera is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable celebration, overflowing with rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual significance. It is a glorious tribute to the holy tooth relic of the Buddha, and the entire city of Kandy bursts with life and energy during this momentous occasion. The vibrant pageantry and lavish performances by thousands of dancers, drummers, fire jugglers, and musicians, all adorned in opulent traditional attire, create an electrifying atmosphere. And let’s not forget the majestic elephants, draped in resplendent jewels and clothing, who also take part in the stunning procession. |
