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73 Festivals In India From July to December 2026 That You Shouldn’t Miss! – Part 1

Celebrating Ladakhi Losar Festival in Dec 2025

Table of Contents

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 73, I split it into parts. This one has all the festivals from July to September. 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

festivals in india from July to December 2026
Image credit: Ima Enoch

With over 400 species of mangoes from across India this vibrant event showcases a kaleidoscope of mango varieties 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

festivals in india from July to December 2026
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

festivals in india from July to December 2026
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)

festivals in india from July to December 2026
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

festivals in india from July to December 2026
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

festivals in india from July to December 2026
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. Bonalu Festival

festivals in india from July to December 2026
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

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. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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)

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. Ganesh Chaturthi in 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

24. 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

25. 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)

26. 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

27. 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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