If 2026 is the year you plan to travel with purpose, India’s festival calendar offers a compelling starting point. Across deserts, river islands, mountain valleys and historic cities, the country’s cultural
gatherings blur the lines between travel, art and lived experience. From literature festivals that spark ideas to music gatherings rooted in local communities, these events offer more than spectacle. They offer context, connection and memory.
Here are ten festivals that deserve a place on your 2026 itinerary.
Jaipur Literature Festival – January
Often called the world’s largest free literary festival, the Jaipur Literature Festival transforms the Pink City into a global meeting ground for writers, thinkers and artists. Panel discussions, debates and book launches unfold against a heritage backdrop, making it as much a cultural immersion as an intellectual one. The 19th edition is scheduled from January 15–19, 2026.
Goa Carnival – February
Rooted in Portuguese tradition, the Goa Carnival is a burst of colour, music and theatrical parades. Floats roll through the streets, dancers take over public spaces, and food becomes a central attraction. In 2026, celebrations are expected between February 14 and 17.
Rann Utsav – Till February 2026
Set against the stark white expanse of the Rann of Kutch, this festival celebrates Gujarat’s crafts, folk traditions and desert life. Cultural performances, craft bazaars and starlit desert nights make it one of India’s most visually arresting experiences, running until February 28, 2026.
Kochi–Muziris Biennale – Till March 2026
India’s premier contemporary art exhibition takes over warehouses, heritage buildings and open spaces across Kochi. Installations and performances explore political, social and cultural themes, offering a deeply immersive art experience until March 31, 2026.
International Flower Festival, Sikkim – May
Gangtok comes alive with rare orchids, rhododendrons and floral showcases during this month-long celebration. Beyond flowers, the festival features cultural performances, conferences and outdoor activities that spotlight Sikkim’s biodiversity.
Hemis Gompa Festival, Ladakh – June/July
One of Ladakh’s most significant Buddhist festivals, Hemis is known for its masked dances, sacred music and the ceremonial unfurling of giant thangkas. The event offers rare insight into Himalayan spiritual traditions.
Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race – August
Kerala’s famed snake boats cut through Punnamada Lake in dramatic synchrony, powered by hundreds of oarsmen chanting traditional songs. The race is both a sporting event and a cultural celebration.
Ziro Music Festival – September
Hosted by the Apatani community in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Valley, this indie music festival blends global sounds with local culture in an intimate, eco-conscious setting.
Majuli Music Festival – November/December
Held on the world’s largest river island, this festival celebrates Assam’s musical heritage alongside contemporary sounds, framed by the Brahmaputra’s shifting landscapes.
Hornbill Festival, Nagaland – December
Known as the “festival of festivals,” Hornbill brings together Nagaland’s tribes through dance, music, crafts and food. It’s a fitting finale to a year rich in cultural discovery.
