Do You Know What the Biggest Upcoming Festivals & Events in India 2025 Are

Every year, India celebrates hundreds of festivals with full energy and color. But 2025 is extra special because many of the country’s biggest annual festivals are falling on weekends or extended holidays — making it a perfect year for celebration, family gatherings, tourism, and cultural events. From spiritual festivals like Kumbh Mela and Mahashivratri, to cultural celebrations like Diwali and Holi, from modern events like IPL 2025 and International Film Festivals to regional carnivals like Thrissur Pooram and Bihu festivals — India in 2025 will be a cultural treat.

Let’s look at the main Indian festivals and events that will be the highlight of 2025 calendar.

1. Pongal / Makar Sankranti (14 January 2025, Tuesday)

This is an important harvest festival celebrated across South India as Pongal, and in North India as Makar Sankranti with the kite-flying tradition in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

2. National Festivals: Republic Day (26 Jan), Independence Day (15 Aug)

Republic Day Parade in Delhi on 26 January, and Independence Day celebrations in August, are patriotic highlights with national pride and cultural performances.

3. Jaipur Literature Festival (January 2025)

This global literary festival brings authors, poets, thinkers, and readers from around the world to Rajasthan – a major event for literature lovers.

4. Mahashivratri (26 February 2025, Wednesday)

Mahashivratri is celebrated by millions who perform night-long Shiva bhajans and fasting. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Somnath temple, Lingaraj temple, and Isha Foundation Coimbatore celebrate it with massive scale.

5. Holi – Festival of Colors (13 March 2025, Thursday)

Holi is one of the biggest festivals in India. In 2025, Holika Dahan will be on 12 March and Holi will be celebrated on 13 March. People throw colors, dance, eat gujiya, and enjoy bhang. North Indian cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana host world-famous Holi festivities that attract global tourists.

6. Eid-ul-Fitr (31 March 2025, Monday)

Eid marks the end of Ramadan. Families gather to eat Sheer Khurma, offer prayers at mosques, and give charity. Markets in Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad sparkle with lights and food. Eid in 2025 is expected to be celebrated on 31 March (subject to moon sighting).

7. IPL 2025 (March–May 2025)

The Indian Premier League (Cricket T20) is not just a sports event — it’s a festival for India. IPL 2025 will likely have 10 teams competing over 2 months. Millions watch live in stadiums and check fantasy apps.

8. Ram Navami (9 April 2025, Wednesday)

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. In cities like Ayodhya and temples across India, processions, bhajans, and special aartis are organized. In 2025, Ayodhya will celebrate Ram Navami in huge style due to the grand Ram Mandir inauguration buzz from 2024.

9. Baisakhi & Gudi Padwa (14 April 2025)

These mark the harvest festival for Sikhs and the Marathi New Year for Maharashtrians. Baisakhi parades in Punjab, especially in Amritsar, and Gudi Padwa processions in Maharashtra attract big crowds and tourists.

10. Rath Yatra, Puri (29 June 2025)

The famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha, is a major religious event where millions pull the giant chariots. It attracts global devotees every year.

11. Raksha Bandhan (8 August 2025, Friday)

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, marked by tying a rakhi and exchanging gifts. Falling on a Friday in 2025, this festival will create a beautiful long weekend.

12. Janmashtami (15 August 2025, Friday)

On the birthday of Lord Krishna, temples hold Dahi Handi and midnight celebrations with devotion, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Maharashtra.

13. Ganesh Chaturthi (21 August 2025, Thursday)

Ganesh Chaturthi is a massive festival in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai and Pune. Pandals with giant Ganesh idols, music, public aarti, visarjan processions — the celebration lasts 10 days. In 2025, Ganesh Visarjan will fall on 31 August.

14. Onam (7–17 September 2025)

Onam is Kerala's most important festival. In 2025, the main day (Thiruvonam) is on 14 September, but festivities last over 10 days, with snake boat races, the Pookalam flower designs, and traditional Onam Sadhya feast.

15. Navratri & Durga Puja (22 September – 30 September 2025)

One of the most energetic festivals in India, Navratri means nine nights of dance, Garba, fasting, and devotion to Goddess Durga. In West Bengal, Durga Puja pandals attract millions of people. In Gujarat, Garba nights will bring thousands of dancers together. This is considered one of India’s must-experience festivals.

16. Diwali – Festival of Lights (20 October 2025, Monday)

India’s most famous Hindu festival, Diwali, will be celebrated on Monday, 20 October 2025. Families light diyas, decorate homes, burst crackers, exchange sweets, and do Laxmi Puja in the evening. Diwali weekend will bring long holidays for travel and get-togethers this year.

17. International Film Festival of India (IFFI – November 2025, Goa)

This movie festival in Goa attracts filmmakers from over 90 countries, along with Bollywood stars. It includes screenings, award nights, masterclasses, and has become a huge media event.

18. Kumbh Mela (if Scheduled in 2025)

The Maha Kumbh cycle will be centered in Prayagraj 2025–2026, drawing millions of Hindu pilgrims. If it begins late 2025, it will become one of the biggest global events.

19. State-Level Festivals and Cultural Events

• Thrissur Pooram (Kerala, April–May 2025)

• Pushkar Camel Fair (Rajasthan, November)

• Hornbill Festival (Nagaland, December) – Cultural music, dance, and tourism.

• Bihu (Assam) – Rongali Bihu in April – marks Assamese New Year with folk music and dance.

20. Sunburn Festival & EDM Events (Dec 2025, Goa)

Sunburn is India’s favorite electronic dance music festival, held in Goa around New Year. 2025 lineup is expected to include global artists and DJs.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the biggest festival in India in 2025?
Diwali remains the biggest festival in terms of participation and celebration across India. Holi and Navratri follow next.

Q2. Is Kumbh Mela happening in 2025?
The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is scheduled mainly for 2025–26. Initial bathing dates may start end of 2025.

Q3. What is the date of Diwali in 2025?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) will be celebrated on Monday, 20 October 2025.

Q4. Which festivals attract the most foreign tourists?
Holi (Vrindavan & Mathura), Diwali, Onam, Pushkar Fair, Rath Yatra, Hornbill Festival and Sunburn EDM festival attract foreign tourists every year.

Q5. Are festivals good for travel planning in 2025?
Yes. 2025 has many festivals falling on weekends or long holidays, making it a perfect year to plan trips around festivals like Holi, Navratri, Diwali, Onam, etc.

Conclusion

India in 2025 promises to be filled with joy, devotion, dance, colors, music, and travel. With every passing month, a new festival or mega event brings people together across the country. These celebrations are not only spiritual or social — but also a huge boost for tourism, small businesses, artisans, street markets, and local traditions. Whether it's Holi colors or Diwali lights, Rath Yatra devotion or IPL cheers — 2025 will remind us why India is called a land of festivals and unity in diversity.

So mark your calendars, plan your trips, and invite happiness — because the best way to experience India is through its festivals.

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