| Festival / Event | Location & Organisers | Key Features / Important Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Spituk Gustor Festival | Spituk Monastery, Leh | First among 16 monastic festivals; sacred masked dances (Cham), rituals and prayers; reflects Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage |
| Apricot Blossom Festival (Chuli Mendoq) | Aryan Valley (Dha–Hanu), Turtuk, Tyakshi, Skurbuchan, Kargil; Dept. of Tourism, Kargil | Inspired by Meghalaya’s Cherry Blossom Festival; promotes eco-tourism; showcases apricot orchards and local culture |
| Hemis Festival (Hemis Tsechu) | Hemis Monastery | Celebrates Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche); symbolises victory of good over evil; vibrant masked dances; held July 5–6 (2025) |
| Losar (Ladakhi New Year) | Across Ladakh | Marks Ladakhi New Year; third day includes sighting of first moon and prayers for bumper crops |
| Galdan Namchot | Across Ladakh | Marks birth and enlightenment of Je Tsongkhapa; beginning of winter festive cycle; lighting lamps and community prayers |
| Suru Summer Festival 2025 | Suru Valley, Kargil; UT Administration | Began with first-ever August snowfall; highlights tourism potential; linked to connectivity projects like Zojila Tunnel |
| Ladakh Astro Tourism Festival 2025 | Leh; Tourism Dept. + Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore | First Astro Festival; stargazing, Milky Way observation; ideal due to high altitude and low light pollution |
| International Yoga & Meditation Festival | Ladakh; UT Administration + Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre | Week-long event starting June 15 (2025); promotes wellness tourism |
| Traditional Mamani Festival / National Tribal Fest 2025 | Leh; Dept. of Social & Tribal Welfare + Tribal Research Institute, University of Ladakh | Celebrates and preserves tribal culture; held at Central Asian Museum, Leh |
| Zanskar Winter Sports & Tourism Festival 2024–25 | Zanskar; UT Administration | Promotes winter adventure tourism and sports activities |
| Naropa Festival (Kumbh of Himalaya) | Hemis | Major Buddhist congregation; held once every 12 years |
| Shondol Dance Record (2019) | Leh | Traditional Ladakhi dance entered Guinness Book of World Records |
| Festival / Dance | Community / Location | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Dalkhai Dance | Sambalpuri Folk, Western Odisha | Popular folk dance; performed during festivals; showcased during G20 where IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva participated |
| Rasarkeli, Maelajada, Chutkuchuta, Nachnia, Maleshree | Sambalpuri Region | Traditional folk styles of Odisha |
| Rath Yatra (Puri) | Puri | Oldest & largest chariot festival; held on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya; deities travel to Gundicha Temple |
| Dhimsa | Tribal dance (Bagata tribe influence regionally connected) | Energetic group dance; called Sankidi Kelbar among Bagata |
| Ileana Citaristi | Italian-born Odissi exponent | Living in Odisha since 1979; major contributor to Odissi dance |
| Festival | Community | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Pang Lhabsol | Bhutia | Worship of Mount Khangchendzonga (guardian deity); prayer for protection & prosperity |
| Losoong / Sonam Losoong | Bhutia | Sikkimese New Year; 18th day of 10th Tibetan month; harvest festival; Chaam dances at Rumtek, Phodong & Tsuklakhang monasteries |
| Namsoong | Lepcha | Lepcha New Year; begins on new moon (Kurneet Lovo); week-long celebrations |
| Saga Dawa | Buddhist | Triple Blessed Festival (Birth, Enlightenment, Mahaparinirvana of Buddha); 15th day of 4th Tibetan month |
| Losar | Tibetan community | Tibetan New Year |
| Bhumchu | Tashiding Monastery | Sacred water pot festival; 15th day of 1st lunar month (Feb–March) |
| Dasain | Nepali community | Equivalent of Vijaya Dashami |
| Festival | Community | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Bihu (Magh/Bhogali Bihu) | Assamese | Rongali (Bohag) Bihu (April, New Year), Kongali (Kati) Bihu (October, scarcity/prayer), and Bhogali (Magh) Bihu (January, harvest/feasting |
| Ambubachi Mela | Kamakhya Temple | Known as “East India Kumbh Mela” |
| Chandubi Festival | Kamrup District | Ethnic cultural festival; tourism promotion |
| Baishagu | Bodo | Dedicated to Lord Shiva |
| Me-Dum-Me-Phi | Ahom | Ancestor worship; 31 January |
| Majuli | Cultural hub | Largest river island; Vaishnavite culture |
| Festival | Tribe | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Mopin | Galo | Worship of Goddess Anyi Pinku Pinte for crops & prosperity |
| Dree | Apatani | Agricultural festival; Ziro Valley |
| Solung | Adi | Agricultural festival; September |
| Nyokum | Nyishi | Community worship festival |
| Loku | Nocte | Marks end of paddy harvesting |
| Sanken | Khamti, Singpho etc. | Water festival (April) |
| Songkran (local variation) | Buddhist communities | April festival |
| Losar | Monpa etc. | New Year festival |
| Festival | Tribe / Location | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Hornbill Festival | All 16 Naga Tribes | 10-day festival; first week of December; cultural unity |
| Moatsü | Ao Tribe | Celebrated in Dimapur & Chuchuyimlang |
| Tokhü Emong | Lotha Naga | Post-harvest festival |
| Naknyulum | Chang Tribe | Traditional festival |
| Naga King Chilli Festival (Raja Mircha) | Seiyhama Village | Promotes GI chilli variety |
| Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival | Ukhrul region (Tangkhul influence) | Celebrates unique chilli variety |
| Potato Festival | State initiative | Climate-resilient farming promotion |
| Festival | Community | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Sangai Festival | State Tourism Dept | Largest cultural festival; November |
| Yaoshang | Meitei | Holi festival of Manipur |
| Lui Ngai Ni | Naga Tribes | Seed sowing festival |
| Chieraoba | Meitei | Manipuri New Year |
| Lai Haraoba | Meitei | “Merry making of Gods” |
| Gang Ngai | Kabui / Rongmei | Winter festival |
| Wuyawon Festival | Kamjong | Celebrates Wuyawon flower |
| Shingcha Wuyawon Festival | Manipur | Nature-based cultural festival |
| Festival / Site | Community / Location | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Ker Puja | Tripuri community | Unique tribal ritual; performed for protection of the state; entry restrictions during observance |
| Kharchi Puja | Tripura (Old Agartala) | Celebrated in Ashadha month; worship of Fourteen Gods; rituals linked to Howrah River |
| Garia Puja | Tripuri tribes | Agricultural festival; worship of Garia deity for prosperity and good harvest |
| Biju Festival | Chakma community | Celebrated on April 13; marks Chakma New Year; cultural dances and rituals |
| Ashokastami Mela (Unakoti) | Unakoti | Associated with Ram vs Ravan legends; major pilgrimage site with rock-cut sculptures |
| Pilak | South Tripura | Archaeological site; Buddhist and Hindu sculptures; reflects early medieval heritage |
| Mango Festival | State-level | Promotes horticulture and agro-tourism |
| Festival / Event | Time / Location | Key Features / Important Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Pongal / Sankranti (Makar Sankranti) | January; Across Andhra Pradesh | • Major harvest festival • Gratitude to Sun God, cattle & Mother Nature • Four days: Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma, Mukkanuma • Houses decorated with rangoli • Sweet dish Pongal (rice + jaggery) prepared |
| Ugadi (Telugu New Year) | March–April; Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka | • Marks Telugu New Year • Based on lunisolar calendar • Homes decorated with mango leaf Torana • Special dish Ugadi Pachadi (six tastes of life) • New clothes, prayers and festive meals |
| Vinayaka Chaturthi | Aug–Sept; Statewide | • Celebrates birth of Lord Ganesha • Ten-day celebration • Offerings: flowers, sandal paste, vermilion, fruits • Foods: payasam, kheer • Ends with idol immersion (Visarjan) |
| Maha Shivratri | Feb–March; Shiva temples | • Dedicated to Lord Shiva • Celebrated on Krishna Chaturdashi night • Fasting and temple prayers • Night-long rituals and cultural performances • Important temples: Kalahasteeswara & Mallikarjuna Swamy |
| Dussehra / Vijayadashami | October; Statewide | • 10-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga • Worship in Durga temples • Tradition of Bommala Koluvu (doll display) • Traditional attire and festive food |
| Diwali | Oct–Nov; Amavasya | • Festival of Lights • Lakshmi Puja performed • Houses decorated with diyas and rangoli • Fireworks and sweets exchange |
| Christmas | 25 December; Churches across Andhra Pradesh | • Celebrates birth of Jesus Christ • Church prayers and choirs • Community gatherings and fairs • Cultural celebrations and decorations |
| Visakha Utsav | December; Visakhapatnam | • Organized by AP Tourism Development Corporation • Started in 1997 • 4-day cultural festival • Includes handicraft exhibitions, heritage tours, sports events, flower shows |
| Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam | October; Tirumala Venkateswara Temple | • 9-day temple festival • Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara • Believed to be started by Lord Brahma • Grand processions and rituals • Attracts millions of devotees |
| Lumbini Festival | December; Nagarjunasagar & Hyderabad | • Organized by Tourism Department • Celebrates Buddhist heritage of Andhra Pradesh • 3-day cultural festival • Highlights importance of Buddhism in medieval Andhra |
| Rayalaseema Food & Dance Festival | October; Chittoor district | • Showcases Rayalaseema culture • Displays folk dances, crafts and cuisine • Major food and art festival of the region |
| Deccan Festival | Feb–March; Hyderabad | • 5-day festival • Celebrates Deccan art, cuisine and culture • Includes cultural performances, poetry sessions, handicraft exhibitions • Popular for Hyderabadi pearls and food fairs |
| Festival | Deity / Community | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Puthandu | Tamil Community | Tamil New Year; celebrated in April |
| Thaipusam | Lord Murugan devotees | Celebrated on full moon of Thai month; rituals include Kavadi Attam and body piercing; symbol of devotion and penance |
| Arudra Darshanam | Lord Shiva (Nataraja) | Celebrates cosmic dance of Shiva; Margazhi month |
| Chithirai Thiruvizha | Madurai (Meenakshi Temple) | Celebrates celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar |
| Panguni Uthiram | Murugan & Shiva temples | Celebrates divine marriages; Panguni month |
| Karthigai Deepam | Lord Shiva | Festival of lights; lighting of lamps; celebrated in Karthigai month |
| Kavadi Attam | Devotees of Lord Murugan | Ritual dance performed during Thaipusam; act of penance |
| Pongal | Agrarian community | 1) Bhogi Pongal (cleaning/renewal), 2) Thai Pongal (worshipping the Sun God), 3) Mattu Pongal (honoring cattle), and 4) Kaanum Pongal (family outings) |
| Festival / Event | Time & Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Attukal Pongala | Feb–March; Attukal Bhagavathy Temple | Largest gathering of women; Guinness record |
| Makaravilakku | January; Sabarimala Temple | Makara Jyothi sighting |
| Onam | Aug–Sept | Harvest festival celebrating King Mahabali |
| Vishu | April | Malayalam New Year |
| Thrissur Pooram | April–May | Elephant procession & fireworks |
| Theyyam | Dec–March | Ritual dance embodying deities |
| Boat Races | July–Sept | Snake boat races |
| Thiruvathira | Dec–Jan | Women festival with Thiruvathirakali dance |
| Navaratri | Sept–Oct | Nine nights of Goddess Durga |
| Kalpathi Ratholsavam | Nov | Chariot festival |
| Eid-ul-Adha | Variable | Major Islamic festival |
| Yaanam Travel Literary Festival | Oct | India’s first travel literary festival |
| Festival | Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Paryushana / Das Lakshana Parva | Aug–Sept | Most important Jain festival |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Mar–Apr | Birth of Mahavira |
| Diwali (Jain significance) | Oct–Nov | Nirvana of Mahavira |
| Jain New Year | Kartik Shukla Pratipada | Spiritual renewal |
| Akshaya Tritiya | Apr–May | End of Rishabhadeva fast |
| Gyan Panchami | Oct–Nov | Worship of knowledge |
| Mauna Agiyaras | Nov–Dec | Day of silence |
| Navpad Oli | Twice yearly | Fasting & meditation |
| Mahamastakabhisheka | Every 12 years | Bahubali statue ceremony |
| Festival | Tribe | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Wangala | Garo | Harvest festival; 100 drums |
| Behdienkhlam | Jaintia | Ritual to drive away disease |
| Nongkrem | Khasi | Thanksgiving dance |
| Shad Suk Mynsiem | Khasi | Spring festival |
| Shad Sukra | Jaintia | Pre-sowing festival |
| State | Festival | Month | Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh / Telangana | Ugadi | March/April | New Year | Start of agricultural cycle |
| Assam | Bohag Bihu | April | Harvest | Assamese New Year |
| Bihar / Jharkhand | Karam | Aug–Sept | Tribal harvest | Worship of Karam tree |
| Gujarat | Uttarayan | January | Harvest | Kite festival |
| Himachal Pradesh | Lohri | January | Harvest | Bonfire festival |
| Maharashtra | Gudi Padwa | March | New Year | Spring harvest |
| Mizoram | Chapchar Kut | March | Pre-harvest | End of jhum clearing |
| Odisha | Nuakhai | Aug–Sept | Harvest | New rice offering |
| Punjab / Haryana | Baisakhi | April | Harvest | Rabi harvest |
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal | January | Harvest | Sun God worship |
| West Bengal | Nabanna | Nov | Harvest | New rice festival |