Iconic Indian Festivals You Must Experience In 2025

India- A land of festivals where people from varied religions coexist harmoniously. The various Indian festivals celebrated in 2025 truly manifest India's rich culture and traditions. There are different Indian festivals and celebrations, the most notable of which are listed below. While celebrations occur throughout the year, the country is at its vibrant best from October to January. India is a country where every religion, caste and community celebrates its cultural festivals in India. There are festivals in India that are based on faith and community. So, every day is a new celebration for planning a trip across the country. To give you a fair idea of all the information that would be essential for you, it will also tell you about the relevance of the famous festivals in India. 

21 Famous Festivals of India 2025

The richness of India's culture is evident in its diverse festivals. The vibrant festivals of India showcase the richness of our Indian culture. India celebrates festivals with enthusiasm and devotion. India is a country that is well appreciated, as several Indian festivals 2025 are celebrated here. Here is a quick list of the most popular state-wide festivals in India. The regional festivals, too, are celebrated with much pomp and show. Check the list of religious festivals in India before you visit the best places in Indian cultural heritage to attend the grand celebrations of these famous festivals in India.

1. Christmas: Celebrating The Birth of Jesus Christ

One of the most famous festivals in India and the world, Christmas is significant for elders and children alike. Everyone, regardless of their religion, waits for this day, children especially, for the surprise gifts from Santa. All the churches are lit up and decorated to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus.

• Significance- Birthday of Lord Jesus
• Key attractions- Christmas tree decoration, prayers, the birth of Lord Jesus and Santa Claus are a part of the cultural festival in India. 
• When-25th December
• Where- The festival is celebrated across India. The best places to celebrate Christmas in India are Goa, Pondicherry and Kerala.
• Christmas 2025- December 25th, Thursday
• Things to do- Visit the church and attend prayers, attend carnivals and celebrations 

2. Diwali: The Grand Festival of Lights

Diwali, one of India's most prominent Hindu festivals, is celebrated with pomp and show. During this festival of lights, houses are decorated with clay lamps, candles, and Ashoka leaves. People wear new clothes, participate in family puja, burst crackers, and share sweets with friends, families, and neighbours. It is the most famous festival in India.

• Significance- The festival marks the return of Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after a long exile of 14 years.
• Key attractions- Homes decorated with fancy lights, candles, and clay lamps; bustling shops and markets; fireworks and crackers in one of the best Indian festivals to visit.
• When- The darkest new moon night of the Kartik month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to mid-October to mid-November as per the Gregorian Calendar
• Where- All over the country
• Diwali 2025- October 18th 2025 to October 23rd 2025 (Saturday to Thursday)
• Things to do- Light diyas, decorate your home, and share sweets and gifts with family and loved ones in the Diwali celebrations in India. 

3. Holi: The vivacious Festival of Colours

It is also known as the festival of colours. Holi is one of India's most famous festivals, celebrated with great fervour across the country. On the eve of Holi, people make huge Holika bonfires and sing and dance around them. On the day of the Holi festival in India, a famous festival celebrated in many Indian states, people gather in open areas and apply dry and wet colours of multiple hues to each other, with some carrying water guns and coloured water-filled balloons. It tops the charts of 21 famous festivals in India, as it is celebrated worldwide with happiness.

• Significance- It signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
• Key attractions- Holika bonfire, playing with colours, and having bhaang.
• When- The full moon of the Phalgun month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar corresponds to March in the Gregorian calendar, India celebrates famous festivals.
• Where- Almost all over the country, the most vibrant celebrations can be seen in North Indian states.
• Holi 2025- March 14th, Friday
• Things to do- Holika bonfires, sing and dance around it, play with colours, eat sweets, especially Gujiya.

4. Easter: Celebrating The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Like other festivals in India in 2025 and the world, Easter is celebrated with fervour and great religious solemnity in different parts of the country. Celebrated during spring, Easter celebrations in India are distinguished by various colourful decorations, dances, and plays, as well as simnel and plum cakes, and bright lanterns adorning the streets.

• Significance- Resurrection of the Lord Jesus
• Key attractions- Folk songs and dance, Easter eggs, cakes, chocolates, street decorations
• When- 20th April Sunday
• Where- The famous festival in India is celebrated across India. The best places to celebrate Easter in India are Goa, Pondicherry and Kerala.
• Easter 2025- Sunday, April 20th 2025
• Things to do- Attend prayers

5.Eid Ul Fitr: Buffets and Sweet Festivities

Eid is one of India's major festivals for the Muslim community. People dress up in their finest attire, attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit friends and relatives, and exchange gifts, often accompanied by sweets. Elders give children idioms.

• Significance- It celebrates the conclusion of the fasting month, Ramadan, one of the best Indian festivals to visit.
• Key attractions- The beautifully decked-out markets and mosques, the morning Eid namaz at the mosques, and the sweet dishes.
• When- On the 1st day of the month of Shawwal of the lunar Hijri calendar, which corresponds to July of the Gregorian calendar
• Where- Celebrated by Muslims all over the country.
• Eid Ul Fitr 2025- March 30th to March 31st Sunday to Monday
• Things to do- Attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit friends and relatives, and exchange sweets in one of the famous festivals in India. 

6. Guru Nanak Devi Ji Gurupurab: Religious Processions and Peaceful Hymns

One of the most significant Sikh festivals in India, Gurupurab, is celebrated in 2025 with special assemblies on the lives and teachings of the gurus, and langars are organised in the gurudwara. Karah Prasad is distributed among all, and hymn-chanting processions are held in the city. People light up their homes with lamps and candles and burst crackers to celebrate Gurupurab, one of the best Indian festivals to visit. 

• Significance- It is the celebration of the anniversary of the ten Sikh Gurus.
• Key attractions- The soulful Bhajan Kirtan Gurbani in the Gurudwaras, the Langer and the Karah Prasad.
• When- The full moon day in the month of Kartik of the Sikh lunisolar calendar corresponds to November of the Gregorian calendar.
• Where- Celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world, especially in Punjab, which is a cultural festival in India.
• Gurupurab 2025- Wednesday, November 5th 2025
• Things to do: Visit the Gurudwara, immerse yourself in Sewa, and help the needy through charity. 

7. Dussehra: Witness The Triumph of Good Over Evil

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most famous festivals in India, and it is celebrated in the Hindu religion. It is celebrated in different forms nationwide. Ramlila is held everywhere for 10 days. It culminates in Ravan Dahan, the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakaran, a real spectacle to behold. In Mysore, a colourful procession is taken out in Kullu, the best Indian festival to visit and celebrate for 10 days, welcoming their mountain deities into the valley. The Mysore Palace is like a bride, and the atmosphere is filled with drum music. It is a spectacle not to miss on your trip to the city of royals. It is one of the most religious and cultural festivals in India.

• Significance- It celebrates the death of the demon king Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama.
• Key attractions- Hustle and bustle of the decorated markets, Ram Leela acts and the big event of the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakaran
• When- The 10th day of the month of Ashwini, as per the Hindu calendar, corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar.
• Where- Pan India
• Dussehra 2025- October 2nd, Thursday
• Things to do- Visit Dussehra celebrations, the best Indian festivals to visit, attend Ravan Dahan, and visit prominent temples to observe the celebrations. 

8. Navratri: The Nine Days of Fasting, Faith, and Devotion

Navratri is one of the most essential and famous festivals in India. People throughout India celebrate this festival in various ways. Gujarat is a nine-day celebration of rejuvenating Garba nights and high-energy Dandiya Raas dances. People are dressed in beautiful, colourful traditional clothes, and the environment is youthful and invigorating. Fasting is a well-known tradition in the Hindu religion and is linked to a scientific fact. Whenever there is a change in season, it is recommended to fast to rest your digestive system and boost your immunity for the upcoming season. Indeed, it is one of the best Indian festivals to visit.

• Significance- It represents the celebration of the Goddess Amba in nine different forms.
• Key attractions- The 9 days of dance festivities in Gujarat, the exquisite Chaniye Cholis and the Gujarat cuisine Sabudana Khichdi, Mandvi Paak, Singoda ki Kheer, and Potato Wafers.
• When- The first nine days of the month of Ashwin, according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, correspond to September or October of the Gregorian calendar. It is one of India's most famous
• Where- Almost all over the country, most vivacious in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the metros
• Navratri 2025- 30th March to 7th April
• Things to do- Fast for nine days, visit temples and religious places, celebrate Navratri's 8th and 9th days with Kanya Pujan, and attend dandiya nights to celebrate the best Indian festivals in India.

9. Durga Puja- Of prosperity, goodness, and Devotion

One of the most important Hindu festivals in India, Durga Puja, is celebrated with great grandeur by Bengalis throughout the country and is ranked among the top religious and cultural festivals in India. The 10 days of fasting, feasting, and worship of Goodness Durga are accompanied by cultural songs, dances, and dramas. Vast and beautiful Durga idols are crafted and displayed in elaborate pandals. People wear traditional wear and go around the pandal, hopping, praying, and feasting.

• Significance—It commemorates Lord Rama's invocation of Goddess Durga before going to war with the demon king Ravana, making it one of the best Indian festivals to visit.
• Key attractions- Plush pandals, beautiful ten-armed Durga idols and the puja
• When- The 10th day of Ashwina Shukla paksha according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar.
• Where- Kolkata and the metros are the best Indian festivals in 2025 during Durga Puja celebrations
• Durga Puja 2025- 28th September to 2nd October
• Things to do- Visit Durga Puja pandals to catch the authentic vibe of this celebration. 

10. Krishna Janmashtami: The Birth of the Mighty and Mischief-Making

Janmashtami is again a beautiful one among India's most famous festivals 2025. Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are very popular. People fast throughout the day and break it with a special meal after dusk, which makes it one of the most important festivals in the list of festivals of India. Visiting temples, praying, dancing, and singing bhajans at midnight are part of the celebrations marking the birth of Lord Krishna. Often, small children dress up like Lord Krishna on this day. Images and picturisation of Krishna's life story are depicted in the jhankis in temples. It is one of India's most famous festivals 2025.

• Significance- It is the annual celebration of the birthday of Lord Krishna
• Key attractions- The Janmashtami puja and festivities in the temples and the jhankis of Lord Krishna.
• When- The 8th day of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar.
• Where- Celebrated by the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar.
• Janmashtami 2025- Saturday, August 16th
• Things to do- Visit Krishna temples and attend special pujas, including bhajans and jhankis, to celebrate cultural festivals in India. 

11. Ganesh Chaturthi: Eleven Days of Pampering Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi, another important Hindu religious festival in India, is a 10-day affair of colourful festivities. Huge handcrafted Ganesh idols are installed in homes or outdoors in public parks. Pujas are performed in the morning and the evening. The last day is Visarjan, one of the most famous Indian festivals of 2025, the immersion of an idol in a water body. Cultural activities include singing, dancing, theatre, and free medical and blood donation camps.

• Significance- It's the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God.
• Key attractions- The beautifully crafted life-size idols of Ganesha and the immersion ceremony
• When- The 4th day of the first fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar
• Where- Celebrated in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh with fervour and gaiety, is one of the famous festivals in India.
• Ganesh Chaturthi 2025- August 26th 1:54 pm to August 27th 3:44 pm
• Things to do- Immerse yourself in cultural activities and participate in the Visarjan ceremony. 

12. Raksha Bandhan: Strengthening The Bond of Kinship

One of the famous festivals in India, Rakhi, is celebrated among Hindus. It symbolises brother-sister bonding. During Rakhi, the sister performs Aarti, applies tilak, and ties rakhi on the brother's wrist, wishing him well-being. The brother, in return, vows to protect the sister. Another festival similar to Rakhi is Bhai Dooj, which occurs just after Diwali, one of the best Indian festivals to visit.

• Significance- It symbolises the strong bond of a brother and sister.
• Key attractions- The ritual of Rakhi and the brightly decked-out markets showcasing a colourful variety of rakhis and sweets.
• When—The full moon day of the Shravana month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar corresponds to August of the Gregorian calendar, the best Indian festival in 2025.
• Where- Particularly in North Central and West India
• Raksha Bandhan 2025- August 9th, Saturday
• Things to do- Celebrate the day with your siblings 

13. Bihu: Dancing, Music and Laughter

Popular among the Indian festivals 2025 celebrated in the North East, Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam. During the month-long celebrations, young men and women wear traditional clothes and perform the Bihu dance in the village fields and courtyards. During Bihu celebrations in India, a community feast is held with much fanfare in the famous festivals in India.

• Significance- It's the traditional New Year celebration of the Assamese.
• Key attractions- The Bihu dance and the local cuisine, coconut laddoo, til pitha, etc
• When- April 14th
• Where- Celebrated by the Assamese diaspora around the world, especially in Assam
• Bihu 2025- 14th April to 20th April Monday to Sunday
• Things to do- Wear traditional clothes and attend ceremonies, indulge in local rituals at the cultural festivals in India. 

14. Hemis: Soothing Chants and Colourful Costumes

Hemis is a two-day religious festival from Ladakh, one of India's most important festivals. It attracts many locals and foreign tourists each year. The festivities include the Charm dance, a famous festival in India, done by priests and accompanied by the traditional music of cymbals, drums, and trumpets played by the monks. It's among the most distinctive festivals, where dancing priests dress up in elaborate brocade outfits and masks.

• Significance- It's celebrating the birth anniversary of spiritual leader Padmasambhava, founder of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.
• Key attractions- The scenic Hemis monastery and the Charm dance
• When- 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month, which corresponds to June or July of the Gregorian calendar, is the best time to visit Indian festivals.
• Where- Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
• Hemis 2025- 5th and 6th July, Saturday to Sunday
• Things to do- Attend the ceremonies and processions by the priests 

15. Onam: Welcoming The Mighty Mahabali

Onam is one of the best Indian festivals to visit. During this festival, people wear traditional clothing, adorn their houses with Pookalam, and prepare Onasadya. Events like Vallamkali, Kaikottikali, Kathakali dance, and Phulikali procession are also held.

• Significance- It celebrates the homecoming of the legendary king Mahabali in this cultural festival in India.
• Key attractions- The spectacular Snake Boat Race, the enigmatic, which corresponds to August and September of the Gregorian calendar
• When- In the month of Chingam in the Malaysian calendar, which corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar
• Where- Celebrated by people of all communities in the state of Kerala.
• Onam 2025- Friday, September 5th
• Things to do- Attend boat races and other ceremonies 

16. Pongal: Rich Rangolis and Sweet Savouries

The four-day harvest festival in South India is one of the most famous festivals in India. People prepare Pongal dishes and wear traditional attire. Celebrities participate in bonfires, dancing, cattle races, sweets, and savouries during this renowned festival. The houses look resplendent with Kolam designs.

• Significance- It's a festival of thanksgiving to nature, representing the year's first harvest.
• Key attractions- The variety of Kolam designs and cattle races are part of this famous festival in India. 
• When- 14th century
• Where- Celebrated by Tamils all over India, primarily in Tamil Nadu
• Pongal 2025- January 14th to January 17th, Tuesday to Friday
• Things to do- Bonfires, dancing, cattle races, sweets and savouries. 

17. Baisakhi: Traditions and Cultural Prosperity

Baisakhi, one of the most famous festivals in India, is celebrated by the Sikh community of Punjab and those around the world. It welcomes the harvest season for the rabi crops. The Sikhs celebrate this festival with great excitement and enthusiasm by performing local folk dances such as Giddha and Bhangra. The Indian festival of 2025 holds great religious significance in India, as it marks the day when the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, laid the foundation stone for the Khalsa Panth Order in 1699.

• Significance- Welcoming the harvest season
• Key attraction- Folk dance like Bhangra and Giddha, Punjabi feasts, decorations in houses and Gurudwaras
• When- 13th April Sunday
• Where- The festival, Baisakhi, is celebrated in India in Punjab.
• Baisakhi 2025- April 13th Sunday
• Things to do- Visit gurudwaras, enjoy scrumptious food (langer) served at celebrations, and participate in local celebrations at the cultural festivals in India.

18. Maha Shivratri: Devotion to Lord Shiva

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this Indian festival is highly revered among its devotees. It holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun. It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva on this day attain salvation and redemption from their sins. It is also one of the most famous festivals in India, celebrated by both unmarried and married women to achieve marital bliss.

• Significance- Devotion to Lord Shiva
• Key attractions- Fasting and worshipping Lord Shiva
• When- February 26th, Wednesday
• Where- India and Nepal
• Maha Shivratri 2025- Wed 26 Feb 11:08 am to Thur 27 Feb 8:54 am
• Things to do- Visit temples and witness celebrations and festivities at the best Indian festivals to visit. 

19. Basant Panchami: Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati

Celebrated in January or February, Basant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is one of the most famous festivals in India. It is an essential day for scholars and students when they pay homage to the Goddess of Knowledge. It is widely celebrated in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Punjab, and Haryana, making it one of the best Indian festivals to visit. People in Rajasthan offer jasmine garlands to the goddess, and langers are held in the state of Punjab.

• Significance- It marks the beginning of spring
• Key attractions- On this day, people wear yellow coloured clothes and make yellow dishes like sweet saffron rice and kadhi
• When- It is celebrated on the fifth day of the Magha month of the Hindu calendar.
• Where- States of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Punjab, and Haryana
• Basant Panchami 2025- Sunday 2nd February 2025
• Things to do- Attend the Saraswati Puja and the celebrations at the best Indian festivals to visit. 

20. Mahavir Jayanti: Birth of Lord Mahavir

Mahavir Jayanti Kalyanak is a significant day for the people of the Jain religion, as it marks the birth of Lord Mahavira. As you may have noticed, the statue of Lord Mahavira is given a Mahabhishek, which involves bathing it with milk and flowers. Even a grand procession of the Lord Mahavira idol is carried out in the streets to celebrate the cultural festivals in India.

• Significance- It is the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir
• Key attractions- Prayers are offered, and fasting is observed. Rath Yatra is also carried out.
• When- It is celebrated on the 13th day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu Calendar
• Where- It is wisely celebrated in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan
• Mahavir Jayanti 2025- Thursday, April 10th 2025
• Things to do- Attend grand processions, visit Jain temples 

21. Chhath Puja: A Festival Dedicated To the Sun God

Chaath Puja, one of the best Indian festivals to visit, is a four-day festival dedicated to worshipping the sun god. Devotees pray to them, thanking them for their lives, wealth, health, and families. Many also bathe in the holy Ganges River, and devotees fast during pujas, following the legend of the fast of Rama and Sita to honour the sun god.

• Significance - The festival is dedicated to worshipping the sun god, which is a part of the cultural festivals in India.
• Key attractions- Some devotees fast from food and water as a ritual of the puja.
• When- On the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartika, which falls in October or November on the Gregorian Calendar
• Where- Bihar
• Chhath Puja- Tuesday, October 28th
• Things to do- Attend festivities, take a bath in holy rivers, and indulge in celebrations of the cultural festivals in India. 

Final Takeaway
India's numerous essential festivals showcase the nation's rich and diverse culture and religious sentiments. I hope this list of famous festivals in India sparked an urge to travel to different places and participate in celebrations. If you want to know more about the Indian festive spirit, these commonly asked questions will be helpful. Do not hesitate to plan a trip to India to celebrate the famous festivals in India.