Come to think of it, around 70% of these festivals in India were unknown to me; however, researching them definitely exposed me to the various cultures and beliefs that are prevalent across India – one of the most vibrant nations where festivals thrive in every nook and cranny. In all, I listed 73 festivals in India from July to December 2026 that are celebrated across all the states. Because it’s nearly impossible to keep scrolling to check all 74, I split it into parts. This one has all the festivals from July to September, which is around 28. I will soon publish the one from October to December, well in time for you to plan your trips.
Don’t forget to save the dates!
JULY
1. International Mango Festival

Image credit: Ima Enoch
With over 400 mango varieties from across India, this vibrant event showcases a kaleidoscope of mangoes from around the world, offering a sensory delight for fruit enthusiasts. From succulent tastings to engaging workshops on mango cultivation, this festival is a paradise for mango lovers.
Where: Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, New Delhi
When: July 3 to July 5, 2026
2. Amarnath Yatra

Image credit: Yousuf R
This sacred festival holds immense significance as it commemorates Lord Shiva’s divine manifestation in the mystical Amarnath Cave. Witnessed by devotees from far and wide, this awe-inspiring journey symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and a profound connection with the divine.
Where: Amarnath
When: July 3, 2026 to August 28, 2026
3. Dree Festival

Image credit: Travel Holidays
Originating from the Apatani tribe, this festival celebrates the agricultural harvest with vibrant rituals, traditional dances, and offerings to the gods. Join in the jubilant festivities as locals adorn themselves in colorful attire, showcase traditional music and dance performances, and indulge in feasts of delicious tribal delicacies.
Where: Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
When: July 4 to July 7
4. Tuluni (Sumi)

Image credit: Incredible India
Occurring in July, this is a mid-year festival celebrated in the Zunheboto area featuring feasts, gift exchanges, and the celebration of bountiful crops.
Where: Nagaland
When: July 8, 2026
5. Behdienkhlam Festival

Image credit: Meghalaya Tourism Board
Behdienkhlam Festival, originating from the Pnar tribe of Meghalaya, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and marks the onset of the agricultural season. This vibrant festival showcases rhythmic dances, where participants energetically stomp on the ground with bamboo poles to drive away malevolent spirits and bring prosperity to the community.
Where: Meghalaya
When: July 11 to July 14
6. Karsha Gustor Festival

Image credit: Tour My India
Held in the serene village of Karsha, Ladakh, this vibrant celebration combines ancient rituals, masked dances, and spiritual fervor. Witness the monastery come alive as monks adorned in colorful costumes perform sacred dances to ward off evil spirits.
Where: Karsha Monastery, Zanskar
When: July 12th and 13th
7. Rath Yatra

Image credit: Dibakar Roy
Rath Yatra is the world’s largest chariot festival where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, make a grand annual journey from their temple to their aunt’s home in Puri, Odisha, to meet their devotees. This UNESCO-recognized event, often called the “Chariot Festival,” is celebrated with millions of devotees pulling the massive, hand-built wooden chariots through the streets in a spectacular display of faith and devotion
Where: The largest and most popular celebration is in Puri, Odisha
When: July 16, 2026
[You can also read: Gearing Up For Rath Yatra 2026, Where & When ]
8. Korzok Gustor

Image credit: Incredible India
Experience Ladakh’s enchanting Korzok Gustor festival, a vibrant celebration of masked dances, religious rituals, and colorful processions at the historic Korzok Monastery. This ancient tradition symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and offers a mesmerizing glimpse into Ladakhi culture and spirituality.
Where: Korzok Monastery in Ladakh
When: July 17 to July 18, 2026
9. Bonalu Festival

Image credit: Incredible India
Originating from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad in India, this festival is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mahakali. During Bonalu, devotees offer vibrant processions, adorned with turmeric, vermilion, and flowers, carrying pots filled with offerings to honor the deity and seek her blessings.
Where: Hyderabad/ Secunderabad
When: July 19: Golconda Fort Bonalu
- July 26: Balkampet Yellamma Kalyanam
- August 2: Lashkar Bonalu (Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahankali Temple)
- August 9: Old City Bonalu (Lal Darwaza Mahankali Temple)
- August 10: Rangam (Potharaju oracle) and Final Telangana State Public Holiday
10. Kharchi Puja

Image credit: National Today
Held in July at Old Agartala, this week-long festival features the worship of the fourteen ancient deities of the Tripuri people. It signifies the purification of Mother Earth and brings together people of diverse backgrounds.
Where: In the historic Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Old Agartala
When: July 21, 2026
11. Takthok Tsechu

Image credit: Incredible India
A sacred Ladakhi Buddhist festival held at the unique cave monastery of Takthok, featuring vibrant masked Cham dances
Where: Takthok Monastery (located in Sakti village, about 50 km east of Leh, Ladakh)
When: July 24–25, 2026
12. Sani Naro Nasjal

Image credit: Incredible India
A spiritual Ladakhi festival at the ancient Sani Monastery in Zanskar, marked by the unveiling of the statue of the yogi Naropa and unique village traditions
Where: Sani Monastery
When: July 28 and 29, 2026
13. Malabar River Festival

Image credit: Kerala Adventure
Asia’s largest white water kayaking competition and adventure sports festival, held on the Chalipuzha and Iruvanjippuzha rivers in Kozhikode, Kerala.
Where: Chalipuzha and Iruvanjipuzha rivers in the Kozhikode district of Kerala
When: July 30 to August 2, 2026
AUGUST
14. Ker Puja

Image credit: Tripura Times
Occurring shortly after Kharchi Puja, this is a highly sacred festival dedicated to Ker, the deity of protection and welfare. Strict rituals are followed to ensure the security of the community.
Where: Agartala and surrounding areas in Tripura, particularly near the royal palace and former royal capital.
When: August 7, 2026
15. Independence Day

Image credit: Mitul Gajera
India’s national day, celebrated on August 15th, marked by the hoisting of the national flag and cultural events across the country.
Where: All over India
When: August 15, 2026
16. Hariyali Teej
A monsoon festival celebrated by women with fasting, singing, and swinging, dedicated to Goddess Parvati and the union with Lord Shiva.
Where: Haryana
When: August 15, 2026
17. Nag Panchami (Nationwide, especially in Maharashtra & North India)

Image credit: Google
A Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes (Nagas), observed with offerings of milk and prayers at snake pits or temples.
Where: All over India
When: August 17, 2026
18. Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Kerala

Image credit: Kerala Tourism
Kerala’s most prestigious water carnival, where iconic snake boats race on the scenic Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha
Where: Alappuzha, Kerala
When: August 22, 2026
19. Neermahal Festival

Image credit: thestumbled
Held at the picturesque floating water palace on Rudrasagar Lake (Melaghar) in August and December. It features three days of colorful boat races, swimming competitions, and cultural events.
Where: Tripura
When: In August & December (dates yet to be confirmed)
20. Onam, Kerala

Image credit: mid-day
Kerala’s vibrant harvest festival, celebrating the homecoming of King Mahabali with flower carpets, boat races, and the grand Onam Sadhya feast
Where: Kerala
When: August 25 to 28, 2026
21. Pulikali Tiger Dance

Image credit: Hindustan Times
A vibrant folk art from Kerala performed on the fourth day of Onam, in which hundreds of artists paint their bodies like tigers and dance to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums like the chenda and thakil.
Where: Swaraj Ground in Thrissur district
When: August 29, 2026
SEPTEMBER
22. Janmashtami

Image credit: Pavan Prasad
The joyous Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, marked by fasting, singing devotional songs, and festivities that continue until midnight.
Where: All over India
When: September 4, 2026
23. Mount Mary Festival
A famous week-long annual fair held in September at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, Mumbai, celebrating the Nativity of Mother Mary with a carnival-like atmosphere of food and devotion.
Where: Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra, Mumbai
When: September 13, 2026
24. Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

Attending Ganpati Puja in Borivali, Mumbai
A major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, featuring the installation of his clay idols in homes and public pandals for worship.
Where: Maharashtra and Karnataka
When: Begins on September 14, 2026
25. Tarnetar Fair

Image credit: Gujarat Tourism
Hosted in the Surendranagar district, this vibrant 3-day rural festival features traditional music, dances, and local craftsmanship.
Where: Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple, Tarnetar, Gujarat
When: September 14 to 17, 2026
26. Nuakhai
A major harvest festival celebrated in Western Odisha (especially in Sambalpur and Bargarh) in August/September. Farmers offer the newly harvested paddy (Nua) to the presiding deities, followed by community feasts, traditional music, and the Dangia dance.
Where: Odisha
When: September 16, 2026 (Dates may vary)
27. Ziro Festival of Music

Image credit: Conde Nast
A highly anticipated four-day eco-friendly music festival hosted in the picturesque Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
Where: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
When: September 24 to 27, 2026
28. Bhadrapad Ambaji Fair

Image credit: Gujarat Tourism
A massive religious pilgrimage fair at the Ambaji temple, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees on the full moon of the Bhadrapad month.
Where: Ambaji hosts the Bhadarvi Poonam Fair
When: September 25, 2026
Festivals in India are not just about following a ritual or a scripture; they’re a celebration of oneness. A warmth that welcomes people from all walks of life to come together and participate wholeheartedly in the festive fervour.
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