India's Unique Festivals To Look Out For in 2025
As Shared by the Flâneur Travel Community
Ever stumbled upon a festival that was so incredible, you wished you'd known about it sooner? Happens with me all the time FOR REAL! Back in 2022, I impulsively decided to visit Udaipur solo. That trip sparked a love for travel, and I found myself exploring a new place every weekend. But it wasn’t until I experienced Dev Deepawali in Banaras this year that I discovered a truly unique way to travel: immersing myself in local festivals.
In the first edition of Flâneur Finds, we're diving deep into the heart of India to uncover some truly special, state-specific festivals. These aren't your typical tourist events. They're the kind of experiences that locals cherish, and that often slip under the radar of even the most seasoned travelers.
And here's the best part: These experiences are coming straight from our fellow travelers in the Flâneur Travel community – a group of 500+ passionate explorers. So get ready to hear firsthand accounts of these amazing festivals!
Check out the full list of India's unique festivals with dates here
1. Zeel's Solo Adventure to Ziro Festival
📍 Arunachal Pradesh
By Zeel Shah (@zeelshah1506)
A Place Straight Out of a Storybook
Ziro felt unreal, like something out of a painting. The skies were a shade of blue I didn’t know existed, dotted with clouds so fluffy they could have been drawn by a child. The rice fields stretched endlessly, glowing golden under the sunlight. Rainbows made surprise appearances almost every day, as if they were part of the welcome committee.
I stayed at a campsite called ‘Stay High’, right beside the festival stage. Imagine this: drifting off to sleep with faint melodies in the background and waking up to the same magical music. It wasn’t perfect—long queues for the washroom, cold showers, and tents that turned into ovens by 10 a.m. But none of that mattered. What mattered was the warmth of strangers becoming friends, bonfire-lit nights filled with laughter and music, and the feeling of being completely alive.
There are three things I’ll carry with me forever from Ziro:
The Village Walk:
One morning, I decided to wander through the local villages. I ended up sharing a meal with the kindest locals who fed me rice, vegetables, and something they poured into a tiny glass. I thought it was tea. Surprise—it was rice beer, strong enough to make me blush!
Bonfire Nights:
After the festival wrapped up each night, the campsite came alive. Bonfires crackled, guitars strummed, and strangers sang their hearts out under the stars. I don’t know what it was—maybe the music or the shared love of life—but those nights felt like magic.
The Festival Vibe:
The festival itself was otherworldly. The energy, the stage, the people—everything felt like it was in perfect sync. I danced like no one was watching, humming along to lyrics in languages I didn’t understand. In those moments, nothing else mattered. It was just pure, unfiltered joy.
Would I recommend Ziro? On a scale of 1 to 5, I’d give it a 10. But honestly, it’s not about my recommendation. It’s about trusting that little voice inside you that says, “Go." And if that voice is calling you now, pack your bags. Ziro is waiting.
2. A Foodie’s Guide to Kadri Kambala
📍 Mangalore
By Tejesh (@tejesh_arani)
The Kadri Kambala festival is held in Kadri, Mangalore. This 300-year-old festival originated in the farmer's community of coastal Karnataka and is purely dedicated to Kadri's Lord Manjunatha, a form of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the celebrations are held to please the Gods for a good harvest.
I heard about this festival from my colleague, and I immediately planned a trip during the winter last year. Driving from Bangalore to Kadri, covering the misty, foggy Western Ghats, is a serene experience. On the way, we stopped at 'KT Hotel Laxmi Vilas' for its iconic Kaladaka tea and Rimjim coffee. The tea is strong and flavorful, while the coffee has a rich, creamy, and strong aroma.
We booked our stay near the city and, upon reaching, I had to visit the iconic breakfast spot, 'New Shivabhag Cafe,' an 80-year-old Mangalore legacy. I tried a couple of local dishes like Mangalore buns, Sajjige Rotti, ChattamBade, Sajjige Bajil, and Ragi Manni, ending with a strong filter coffee. All the dishes were so delicious and unique that I went back for breakfast the next day.
After our culinary adventure, we went to the Kambala race spot. Around 2 PM, the race began, with two pairs of buffaloes, controlled by whip-lashing farmers, running along the muddy paddy field track. It was pure joy to see the village kids enjoying themselves in the mud. This was followed by a tug-of-war and a treasure hunt. The beauty of the whole event lies largely in the spirit of competition, village pride, and cultural exchange.
The event concluded around 6 PM, after which we went to 'Pabbas Iconic Gadbad Ice Cream' for a heavenly dessert. We then returned to our staycation and relaxed with a home-cooked meal for dinner. The next morning, we visited the Kadri Manjunath temple and then headed to the beautiful Mulki town for some adventurous water sports.
Must-try food recommendations: Mamu Idly Hotel, Hassan (Blr - Kadri route); KT Hotel Laxmi Vilas (Blr - Kadri route); Pabbas Iconic Gadbad Ice Cream, Mangalore; New Shivabhag Cafe, Kadri; Raja Bhel House, Kadri; Hotel Woodlands, Mangalore; Machali Sea food, Mangalore; Giri Manja's sea food, Mangalore; Paddai Toddy Shop, Mulki
Nearby tourist recommendations: Surfing & Kayaking - Mantra Surf club, Kodi Bengre, Surathkal Beach, Kudlu Theertha Waterfalls, Varangi Jain temple, Udipi lighthouse
Stay recommendations: Kudla Villa, Mangalore; Suvarna Grand Homes, Mangalore; Sai Radha Heritage Beach, Mulki
3. Navigating Kolkata's Durga Puja
📍 Kolkata
By Nishka Mishra (@nishka_mishra_)
"Bro, look at the line."
"It's Chetla; ye kaise miss karde!"
Ten of us stood in front of Chetla Agrani, one of the most talked-about pandals of this year's Durga Puja. The crowd seemed endless, and the wait was long, but no one seemed to mind.
My first Pujo in Kolkata, from October 8-13, left me in awe. Pandal hopping through the night with popcorn in hand, savoring Bengali home-cooked dishes, and navigating cramped metro and taxi rides became my rhythm for the week. From water conservation-themed pandals to the beautifully carved Durga Ma statues, the artistry blew me away.
If you visit during Pujo, expect massive crowds, but that's part of the charm. And know that you can't possibly cover all the pandals in the city — there are so many that you'll find one every few hundred meters! Even more delightful was that most of the pandals I visited had community volunteers passionately explaining the themes behind their creations, adding depth to the experience.
Make sure to stay till the end — towards the end of the week, you'll witness the breathtaking sight of the statues being taken in processions to the Hooghly River and immersed at one of the ghats. It's a beautiful moment, filled with music, chants, and emotions. And if you can, visit Kumortuli, where thousands of Durga Ma statues are created in preparation for the festival. Walking through the lanes of this artisan hub, you’ll see sculptors meticulously shaping clay idols, their hands bringing devotion to life.
I watched this festival bring together family, friends, and strangers in a way I had never experienced before. It was the experience of a city truly alive, and I'd recommend you see it at least once in your life.
4. The Annual Haldi Festival
📍 Pattan Kodoli village, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
By Ronak (@ronaksubudhi)
Pattan Kodoli is a small village near Kolhapur, which celebrates the Vitthal Birdev Yatra, also known as the "yellow festival," annually. It's a week-long festival where people from nearby villages gather at the temple to witness the prophecies of the "baba." It's believed that these prophecies have always been accurate. The prophecies range from climate to politics. The major attraction of the festival is the throwing of bhandara (turmeric with ayurvedic properties) all around. It feels like a different world, where everything is painted yellow. The festival also includes various events like sword fighting, which is truly a sight to behold against the yellow backdrop. The bhandara thrown around signifies prosperity and devotion. It's truly a unique experience. It's the people's beliefs that ultimately keep festivals and cultures alive.
Stay: I highly recommend staying in Kolhapur. This city has always been a matter of pride for Maharashtra. The city transports one back to the past, when there were wadas instead of bungalows. The people there speak with their own unique accent and are very proud of their culture.
Nearby Activities: I rented a bike in Kolhapur and rode around the city for two days. You could visit Panhala Fort, which would take half a day. Don't forget to visit the temple devoted to Chhatrapati Shambhaji Maharaj. It's unique how Marathi people revere him and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as gods.
I then went to Masai Pathaar, a gigantic plateau completely covered with flower beds. It's a lovely experience and a photographer's paradise with perfect sunlight. Having a vehicle is necessary to go there, as the roads are really bad. While returning from there, add Jotiba Mandir to your stop. This temple is completely covered in pink! Just like the yellow festival, a pink festival is held at this temple annually. End your day by witnessing the sunset at Rankala Lake. If you have time, you can further experience lavani, kushti, and other local performances, which would be a perfect addition to your memories.
Travel: Kolhapur is a one-night journey from Mumbai and even closer to Pune. It also has an airport with frequent flights. To travel to Pattan Kodoli, which is 40 minutes from the city, you could take the local bus, commonly known as lalpari, rent a vehicle, or book a cab.
Food: Don't forget Kolhapur's specialty: the tambda pandhra meal, which consists of red and white mutton curries served with rice, solkadhi (a drink made with kokum and coconut milk), bhakri, and other accompaniments. Another famous specialty is misal pav. I tried Phadtare and Kalamba Misal, and both were really good. You could also try vada pav, kat vada, and many other delicacies, asking the locals. Keep in mind, pav in Kolhapur is a bread slice.
5. Chithirai Festival, Madurai
📍 Madurai
By Jai (@ReapandRevel)
When Lord Shiva himself descended from Mount Kailash to the abode of Sundareshwar to marry Meenakshi, the queen of Madurai renowned for her unparalleled beauty and bountiful grace.
Celebrated during the holy Tamil month of Chithirai, which falls roughly within April, the two-week-long Chithirai festival in Madurai marks the coronation of Meenakshi as the queen of Madurai and the coming together of the Shaivaite and Vaishnavite sects of Hinduism. The Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati (represented by Meenakshi), is celebrated with grand fervor, marked by the typical Tamilian spirit of generosity.
A City Buzzing with Excitement
The city of Madurai, known as the "City that Never Sleeps," comes alive with excitement during this period. Shopkeepers lining the periphery of the famed Meenakshi Temple provide meals (annadanam) to the throngs of people who visit the city from far and wide. It's said that close to a million people visit Madurai during the festival. A favorite among the masses is Kesari, a sweet dish made with semolina, sugar, and ghee. The proud Tamilians serve the devotees as their guests, with humility and pleasure.
Experiencing the Festival
The temple itself is decorated grandly, with vibrant music and dance performances throughout the festival. However, due to the high volume of devotees, entry to the temple can be restricted with long queues. It's advisable to book your entry pass in advance on the temple website. After the wedding ceremony, a generous meal is provided at the annadanam hall within the temple.
The festival also attracts visitors with its diverse display of exhibitions, cultural shows, and entertainment programs. The energy and atmosphere are infectious with happiness, excitement, and religious fervor.
A Grand Procession and Blessings
The post-wedding procession along the streets of Madurai is a sight to behold. The festival culminates with the arrival of Lord Alagar (representing Vishnu) from his temple, Kallagar Kovil, to the banks of the holy Vaigai River in Madurai. Here, he showers blessings upon the newly wed couple.
A Cultural and Religious Spectacle
The Chithirai festival is a cultural phenomenon that showcases the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu and the generosity of the Tamil people.
Getting There and Where to Stay
Madurai is well-connected by rail and air to most major cities in India. The city offers a variety of hotels and lodges to suit all budgets, from basic facilities to five-star accommodations. Meals are free at the temple and quite economical outside. A budget traveler can easily manage on approximately INR 800 per day, including stay and food.
6. A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Dev Deepawali
📍 Varanasi
By Darshan (@darshanity246)
Dev Deepawali in Varanasi was an absolutely mesmerizing experience! It was my first time in the city, and we arrived on the day of the festival itself – perfect timing! The entire city was buzzing with excitement and preparations for the festival. In the evening, we hopped on a boat for a ride down the Ganga. Witnessing the ghats illuminated with thousands of diyas and the fireworks exploding overhead was simply magical.
A Pro Tip: Don’t miss the evening boat ride for the aarti. The views are breathtaking! Though getting off the boat and navigating your way home can be a bit of an adventure, it’s totally worth it! And keep an ear out for the conch-blowing pundits; their superhuman lung capacity is truly impressive! Dev Deepawali is an experience you won’t soon forget. Har Har Mahadev!
Must-try food recommendations: Chachi ki Kachori, Pehlvaan Lassi, Kashi Chat Bhandar (known for its tamatar chat, try its aloo tikki instead), Unnamed Places :)
Pro tip 2.0: Buy the VIP pass for Kashi Vishwanath Temple 2 days before or just show up at odd times to Temple when no one else is planning to go and do the darshan in less than 30 mins!
7. A Spiritual Journey to Puri: Exploring the Jagannath Temple and Rath Yatra
📍 Odisha
By Brajesh (@Raibrajesh)
Puri Jagannath Temple, a hallowed site in Hinduism, stands as one of the four primary pilgrimage destinations of the Char Dham Yatra. Shrouded in ancient myths and legends, the temple is believed to house the divine heart of Lord Krishna himself. This spiritual aura, coupled with the grandeur of its annual Ratha Yatra, draws devotees from around the world.
The Enigmatic Flag: One of the temple's most intriguing mysteries lies in the flag atop its spire. Defying the laws of physics, the flag flutters against the wind, a daily ritual observed for over 1800 years. As the sun dips below the horizon, devotees gather to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle.
The Majestic Ratha Yatra: The pinnacle of the temple's festivities is the Ratha Yatra, a vibrant procession of three colossal chariots carrying the deities: Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. Millions of pilgrims converge on Puri to witness this extraordinary event, a sea of humanity pushing and pulling the chariots through the bustling streets.
Planning Your Pilgrimage
Getting There:
By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 kilometers away.
By Train: Puri railway station is well-connected to major cities across India.
By Road: State-run and private buses ply regularly between Bhubaneswar and Puri costing Rs 100 or less!
Accommodation:
A wide range of accommodation options are available, from budget-friendly dharamshalas to luxurious hotels. For the best experience, consider staying near Puri Beach, Shankar Road, or Jagannath Temple Road.
Timing Your Visit:
The Ratha Yatra typically takes place in June or July, depending on the Hindu calendar. For a glimpse of the deities within the temple, plan your visit before the festival, as the temple remains closed for 15 days prior to the event.
Experiencing the Divine:
Witness the Flag Ceremony: A daily ritual, especially mesmerizing during sunset.
Immerse in the Ratha Yatra: A once-in-a-lifetime experience, be prepared for crowds and chaos.
Savor the Mahaprasad: The divine feast offered to the deities and then distributed to devotees.
Explore Puri Beach: Relax on the pristine sands and witness the enchanting evening aarti.
Visit Konark Sun Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate stonework.
8. Experiencing Holi in Barsana
📍 Mathura
By Anush
Holi at Barsana - an attempt to gauge the rich cultural intricacies of India by celebrating festivals in an authentic setting.
Holi festivities at Barsana transform the entire town into a spectacle. Amidst vibrant decorations and celebrations, the energy is pulsating and the entire town is brimming with excitement. The streets are adorned with dancing and singing, communal food, skits and plays. Colors dance through the air, painting everything in hues of joy. With each step, it feels as if one is was walking on a soft carpet of gulal, an apt pathway to the sacred temple.
Day 2 of this 7 day festival is the Lathmar Holi - re-creation of a famous Hindu legend. According to this tale, Lord Krishna, hailing from the village of Nandgaon, visited his beloved Radha's town, Barsana. Legend has it that Krishna teased Radha and her friends, who in turn responded by driving him out of Barsana. Keeping in tune with this, the men from Nandgaon visit Barsana every year, only to be greeted by lathis. The women joyfully hurl sticks at the men, who try to shield themselves as much as they can while embracing the beating as a blessing.
Another fascinating thing I witnessed was ample men dressed as Gopis, embodying themselves as sakhis of Radha. This was a way to relish the joy of conjugal love of their beloved God, thereby seeking a deeper connection with Lord Krishna.
While I had my fair share of biases and most of these traditions transcended my rationality, I found myself humbled by the unwavering belief and faith of the people around me. This led me to set aside my logic and blend in and let the town take me along.
People were remarkably willing to go through the almost stampede-like situation for hours at once to simply get a glimpse of the idol for a mere 5 seconds in which they would dance, cry, jump and sing all at the same time in a whirlwind of devotion. Additionally, people would plead and fight with the officials to jump across the roped fence to offer their prayers from inside the temple. Witnessing such fervent emotions reminded me the importance of respecting other people’s faith amidst your own biases as it is a source of purpose, comfort and strength for many!
Thank you for reading!
So, there you have it! A glimpse into some of India's most vibrant and unique festivals. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, these festivals offer unforgettable experiences.
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