Festival Tourism In India: Major Indian Festivals And Where To Celebrate Them 

Published on March 18, 2024

Forget the usual selfie at the Taj Mahal; there’s a hidden side of India that demands your immediate festive attention. Brace yourselves as you embark on a journey of festival tourism in India, but with a thrilling twist. 

This isn’t your average festival guide. Keep reading to explore some underrated and downright mind-blowing experiences. 

Major Indian Festivals 

Book your flights from Australia to India as we dive into some prime celebrations across the country that are famous globally: 

Diwali 

Celebrated nationwide every year around late autumn (specifically falling on November 8, 2026), Diwali is often called the “Festival of Lights” and stands as India’s biggest, brightest, and most anticipated holiday of the year. If you have never experienced it, imagine an entire subcontinent glowing under the soft, warm light of millions of small clay oil lamps (diyas), decorative fairy lights, and dazzling fireworks that light up the night sky for days. Spiritually, it celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, commemorating the day Lord Rama returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. Families clean their homes, dress in brand-new traditional clothes, exchange sweet boxes (mithai), and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. For a detailed roadmap on how to plan your trip around this grand festival, check out the Complete Diwali Itinerary and read up on the Best Time to Book Diwali Flights to India 2026 Guide. 

Best Places to Experience Diwali 

Come and celebrate Diwali at the following places for an exceptional experience: 

• Varanasi: Witness the mesmerising, smoke-and-fire spectacle of the grand Ganga Aarti on the ancient river ghats, where thousands of floating lamps drift down the holy River Ganges. 

• Jaipur: Explore the Pink City, where entire historic markets, the Hawa Mahal, and the City Palace are illuminated in golden light—making Jaipur a true paradise for foodies and festival-goers alike this Diwali. 

• Amritsar: See the Golden Temple completely bathed in lights and surrounded by sparkling reflections in the sacred pool, creating an awe-inspiring sight that fills the air with peace and devotion. 

What to Prefer When Joining Diwali: 

When joining Diwali festivities, you should prefer booking heritage hotels or rooftop cafes in Varanasi or Jaipur weeks in advance to get an elevated, panoramic view of the night-time illuminations. Prefer dressing in bright, semi-traditional or traditional Indian attire to blend in and feel part of the spirit, carry earplugs if you are sensitive to loud firecrackers, and prefer visiting local, reputed sweet shops (mithaiwalas) to sample freshly made festival delicacies like kaju katli and gulab jamun. 

Holi 

Exploding across the country each spring (specifically taking place on March 3, 2026), Holi is an unbridled celebration of joy, color, and community. Known as the “Festival of Spring,” Holi marks the arrival of the spring harvest and the victory of good over evil (celebrating the mythological story of Prahlad and Holika). If you are new to it, get ready to throw out your personal comfort zone: on Holi morning, the streets transform into massive open-air parties where strangers and friends alike smear vibrant-colored powders (gulaal) on each other’s faces, spray water from bamboo or plastic water guns (pichkaris), and dance to high-energy folk beats while sipping a sweet festive drink called thandai. Dive deeper into the traditions with this guide on Holi Festival Celebrations. 

Best Places to Experience True Holi Vibes 

For authentic Holi craziness, visit: 

• Mathura: The birthplace of Lord Krishna, where temple rituals and street celebrations kick off weeks in advance with traditional music and devotion. 

• Vrindavan: Here, Holi lasts for days in a whirlwind of color where the Banke Bihari Temple acts as the epicentre of festivities, and priests shower massive piles of flowers and color powders onto the ecstatic crowd. 

• Pushkar: This desert town in Rajasthan offers a uniquely boisterous backpacker-friendly street party paired with a traditional cultural camel fair. 

Safety Precautions for Tourists During Holi 

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from fine-grained powders, and apply a layer of coconut oil or heavy sunscreen to your skin and hair beforehand so the color washes off easily later. 

• Be cautious of synthetic chemical-based colors and stray water balloons; try to stick to organic, herbal gulaal. 

• Wear comfortable, old clothes that you won’t mind getting permanently stained or throwing away afterwards. 

What to Prefer When Joining Holi: 

When joining Holi, you should prefer wearing old, disposable white cotton clothes that showcase the exploding colors best. Prefer sticking to daytime street celebrations and joining organized temple gatherings (like in Vrindavan or Mathura) for a safer, more culturally rich experience. Always prefer consuming festival drinks like thandai strictly from trusted, hygienic vendors, and keep your phone and electronics safely sealed in waterproof pouches. 

Durga Pooja 

Held annually in eastern India, most famously and grandly in West Bengal, Durga Pooja takes place over five vibrant days in autumn (running from October 17 to October 21, 2026). This massive cultural and religious carnival honors Goddess Durga’s fierce victory over the shape-shifting buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing feminine divine power (Shakti). For a first-timer, it is an artistic marvel: entire neighborhoods in Kolkata construct towering, elaborate temporary architectural structures called pandals. These aren’t just tents; they are designed by master artisans to look like futuristic spaceships, ancient temples, or abstract art installations, housing exquisitely sculpted, hand-painted idols of the Goddess as the city turns into an open-air art museum buzzing with music, chanting, and massive crowds all night long. 

Best Places to Experience Durga Pooja 

To witness the true grandeur of Durga Puja, Kolkata is the place to look out for. 

Must Visit Pandals and Local Food Stalls: 

• You can visit iconic hubs like Santosh Mitra Square and Dakshineswar Kali Bari to experience the first-hand rituals, the rhythmic beat of the dhak drums, and evening aarati dances. 

• Furthermore, do not miss out on delectable Bengali street food stalls offering Puchka (crisp, spicy hollow street dumplings) and Rosogolla (spongy-soft sweet cheese balls in sugar syrup). 

What to Prefer When Joining Durga Pooja: 

When joining Durga Pooja in Kolkata, you should prefer visiting major pandals during the early afternoon (if you want to inspect the intricate artwork without massive shoulder-to-shoulder crowds) or late midnight (if you want to experience the glowing lights and electric carnival atmosphere). Prefer wearing comfortable walking shoes because you will cover a lot of ground on foot, and prefer trying traditional Bengali food stalls right outside the pandals for authentic rolls, cutlets, and sweets. 

Navratri 

Literally translated as “nine nights,” Navratri is a vibrant nine-day festival dedicated to worshipping the nine different manifestations of Goddess Durga, held nationwide and spanning October 11 to October 19, 2026 (Sharada Navratri). Across different parts of India, people observe fasts, perform spiritual chants, and—most famously—gather in massive open-ground circles every night to dance. Discover more about the energy of the season via The Power of Nine Nights: Happy Navratri and explore festive recipes with 10 Navratri Recipes You Shouldnt Miss. 

Best Places to Experience Navratri 

Join the celebrations of Navratri at: 

• Gujarat: Witness the hypnotic, rhythmic Garba and high-speed Dandiya Raas (stick-dance) performed in massive synchronized circles throughout the night by thousands of dancers dressed in glittering, mirror-worked traditional attire. 

• Maharashtra: Immerse yourself in local traditions like the Kolhapuri and Puneri customs of setting up artistic displays and worshipping clay figurines of Goddess Durga with devotional songs. 

What to Prefer When Joining Navratri: 

When joining Navratri, you should prefer wearing traditional embroidered or mirror-work ethnic wear (Chaniya Choli or Kurta-Pyjama) to fit right into the vibrant dance grounds. Prefer learning or observing the basic circular steps of Garba beforehand so you can comfortably join the community circles in Gujarat, and prefer pacing yourself—these festive dance sessions often go on late into the warm autumn night fueled by high-energy folk bands. 

Essential Travel & Booking Tips for Your Festival Journey 

• Flights & Deals: Securing your seat early is vital during peak holiday windows. Look into Cheap Flights from Australia to India 2026 Best Deals & Booking Tips or check out seasonal promotions like the Fly India Super Sale. 

• Visas & Documentation: Make sure your travel paperwork is sorted well ahead of time by reviewing the India Visa Guide for Australian Residents. 

• Traveling with Family: If you are bringing little ones along for the festivities, read these helpful insights on Traveling with Kids During Festival Season. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)