Each festival is unique and in some cases, the same festival is celebrated in a different manner by different communities. If you are visiting in January, here is the list of all the interesting events, fairs and festivals celebrated in India in January. Remember that the dates of these festivals vary from year to year and this list is exclusively for January 2021.
1. New Year’s Day
Place of Celebration : Throughout the Country
Date : 1st Jan 2025
Although every state and community has its own local new year, the influence of western culture has introduced this new fiesta into the Indian calendar. Each state celebrates this festival with grandeur and fun. If you are looking for exclusive celebrations, visit Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Pondicherry, Bangalore and other ultra-modern cities.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Many clubs, hotels and other hi-fi spots will be thriving with parties, theme parties, dance celebration and so on.
- The market regions will be offering interesting discounts and it is the best time for shopping experience.
- Open-air parties will be conducted with booze, dance, and music in beaches of Goa.
- Many rituals and unique prayers will be conducted in religious sites for the wellness of people in the upcoming new year.
Read More : 20 Best Places to Visit in New Year in India
2. Pattadakal Dance Festival
Place of Celebration : Pattadakal, Karnataka
Date : 1st Jan 2025
This is an annual dance festival celebrated in the Pattadakkal group of temples, which were built during the 7th century AD. This festival focuses on the ancient dance forms of the land. It also shows more interest in the culture of the Kannadigas community of the region.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Watch mesmerizing dance performances by local artists and performers from around the country.
- A craft mela is set up around the temple region where you can buy souvenirs and cultural items from artisans and even watch them work their masterpieces.
Also Read : 20 Most Famous Temples in Karnataka
3. Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam
Place of Celebration : Kuthiramalika Palace, Kerala
Date : 28th Dec 2024 - 1st Jan 2025
Theyyam is a unique colorful and exotic dance form of Kerala. This festival stages Theyyam as the main element of celebration. This festival is a celebration of welcoming the new year. The dance is a mesmerizing element and the dresses of the dancers add a visual wonder to the feel.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Enjoy 40 different styles of Theyyam during this festival.
- Stalls will be erected around the temple where you can buy religious items, souvenirs, cultural items, and others.
- Special rituals are conducted in the temple during the festival.
4. Swathi Sangeetholsavam
Place of Celebration : Kuthiramalika Palace, Kerala
Date : Not Confirmed
The name of the festival can be translated as Swathi music festival. This is a ten-day festival celebrated to praise the life and work of Swathi Thirunalwas, a famous singer and former ruler of the region. This annual music festival paves way for budding talents.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Several music performances will be conducted by more than 100 musicians from around the state
- Instrumental music performances of local instruments like Ghatam, Veena, Mridangam, Tavil, and others will be performed.
5. Chennai Dance and Music festival
Place of Celebration : Chennai
Date : 3rd Jan 2025
This is a celebration of Southern India’s dance and music forms. More focus is provided on the Carnatic music, during this festival. This festival is celebrated in many temples, auditoriums, art centers, and heritage sites, throughout the city. This festival started in 1927 and it was initially called the Margazhi festival. This festival celebrates the anniversary of the inauguration of Madras Music Academy. Later, many music and dance schools joined up to create this grand festival.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Around 300 concerts are conducted throughout the city with more than 2000 participants.
- Starting from vocal to instrumental music, you can find many music performances.
- Dance performances are conducted in many auditoriums by talented artists and famous dancers.
- Performances are conducted in various South Indian languages like Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and others.
Also Read : 10 Most Popular Festivals of South India
Suggested Tour :
Read More : Top Places to Visit in Chennai – The Capital of Tamilnadu
6. Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday
Place of Celebration : Throughout the country
Date : 6th Jan 2025
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, and the most significant Guru was born on 5th January in the mid of 17th century. During some years, although the birthday falls on 5th, the festival is celebrated on another day, according to the lunar cycle. He was a renowned master of spiritual power, poet, philosopher, preacher and many others. To mark his birth anniversary, many rituals and events are conducted by Sikhs throughout the country.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Special early morning celebrations, processions, and other rituals are conducted in Gurudwaras.
- At the break of dawn, devotees join up to sing religious tunes and also play a certain exotic musical instrument.
- You can find interesting stalls around Gurudwara to buy religious items, delicacies, and others.
- Free beverages and food are served near the place of worship. You can find free stalls for rose milk, langar meal, delicacies, and others.
- Kadha Prasad is a delicacy you can taste in the Gurudwaras during this festival.
- Many seminars and lectures will be conducted by leaders of this religion.
Suggested Tour – Golden Temple Amritsar - The Most Visited Place in the World
Read More : 10 Days - Golden Triangle Tour with Amritsar (Golden Temple)
7. International Kite Festival
Place of Celebration : Gujarat
Date : 7th – 14th Jan 2025
Since 1980, this festival is hosted in Ahmedabad, Surat and many other destinations in Gujarat. Every year, Gujarat celebrates more than 200 festivals and this is one of the top celebrations. This festival brings kite flyers and makers together and it is one of the most colorful festivals of the country. It is not just about India. You can find rokkaku fighting Japanese kite, American banner kites, sculptural Italian kites, flying dragon Chinese kites and so on.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Special kite market is open throughout Gujarat, where kite makers and kite enthusiasts can buy different kinds of kites or materials to make a kite.
- You can find special delicacies during this festival like surtijamun, laddu and others
- Watching kites populate the sky and flying kites are the top attraction of this festival.
- Watch the sky early in the morning or late at night to spot kites with lanterns flying in the sky.
- Watch renowned kite fighters flying 500 kites with just one string.
Suggested Tour :
8. Goa Tantra Festival
Place of Celebration : Goa
Date : 8th – 12th Jan 2025
The main philosophy behind tantra is ‘Life is God’. This is a large healing festival with numerous people visiting Goa from around 25 countries. This festival takes place in the famous beach cottage, Love Temple Retreat Center. This festival is considered as an experience of love and to celebrate oneself.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Many yoga sessions will be conducted by different gurus. Top yoga genres to experience are Shiva Shakti Yoga, Acro Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Partner Yoga, and others.
- Tantra meditation will be conducted by specialists
- You can enjoy live music celebrations during this festival
- Many massage sessions involving tantra is provided
- Cacao ceremony is the top experience to enjoy during this festival
- Drum circle, dance practice, singing circle, and others are enjoyed during this festival.
Also Read : Major Festivals and Events in Goa
Read More : 20 Amazing Things To Do In Goa Trip
9. Arthunkal Perunnal
Place of Celebration : Alappuzha, Kerala
Date : held in January
This is the annual feast of the famous church of Arthunkal, St. Andrew’s Forane Church. This is an important religious celebration of the state for Christians. Christians from around the state and neighboring regions visit the church to be a part of the rituals and celebrations.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- A grand feast is thrown for the devotees and visitors. Tourists can take also part in the feast.
- Early morning special masses and prayers will be conducted by the church
- Take part in the procession of the St. Sebastian statue to the nearby beach and back.
- The main part of the ritual is the crawl from the beach to the church. Devotees would crawl on all fours to reach the church from the beach.
Also Read : Top Fairs and Festivals in Kerala
Suggested Tour :
10. Bikaner Camel Festival
Place of Celebration : Bikaner
Date : 11th – 12th Jan 2025
This is one of the famous camel fairs of Rajasthan. This festival is conducted to celebrate the wealth of camel in this region. Bikaner is the only camel breeding center in the country and people from around the world come to watch the trade fair and the celebrations involving camels here. This is a two-day festival.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Watch camel related activities like camel race, camel beauty contest, and others
- Traditional cultural performances including dance, music, and others would be conducted
- Parade of camels wearing large jewelry like anklets, necklace, and others
- Fire dance, skirt swirling dance and gymnastic performances will be conducted.
- Puppet shows will be conducted with wooden puppets to narrate interesting folklore.
- At night, fireworks will be conducted to mark the end of the festival.
- Many stalls will be erected around the fairground and top souvenirs to buy here are craft items, leather articles, pottery items, jewelry, camel hair articles, and others.
- Enjoy exotic delicacies like camel milk sweets, camel milk tea, and other local dishes.
- Some service providers offer camel safari through the streets of Bikaner or around the fairground.
Get Complete Info : Bikaner Camel Festival – A Traditional Trade of Camel in Rajasthan
11. Vasantholsavam
Place of Celebration : Kanakakkunnu Palace, Kerala
Date : Not Confirmed
This festival is celebrated as a spring welcoming ceremony. However, from a tourist point of view, it is a famous flower festival. This festival is a tribute to the agricultural products provided by mother earth. If you love foliage, this is the best colorful festival to enjoy.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Explore the iconic flower show, which holds common and exotic flower species from around the country.
- Visit the exhibition site where medicinal plants and herbs will be displayed. Medicinal products are also sold in this exhibition.
- Enjoy local delicacies at the food stalls erected closer to the flower show
- The display of tribal artworks and other lifestyle elements would be organized.
Also Read : Onam Festival – The Harvest Festival of Kerala
Suggested Tour :
12. Lohri
Place of Celebration : Punjab
Date : 13th Jan 2025
Lohri is celebrated to mark the end of the harsh winter and the harvest season of rabi. It is also the time of sugarcane harvest and thus, it is considered as the financial new year for Punjabi farmers. Gur, rewi, and peanuts are the three crops involved in this celebration. This festival celebrates fertility and it is important among newly-weds and new parents in Punjab.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Watch womenfolk sing and dance around a large fire.
- Try traditional festival delicacies like sarson da saag, gajjak, makki di roti and til rice.
- By sunset, people gather around the large fire to throw puffed rice, peanuts and popcorn into the fire.
- Traditional songs will be recited during this fire festival.
- Bhangra dance form is the most famous performance in this festival.
Also Read : 8 Most Common Religions in India
Also Read : 7 Days - Amritsar Dharamshala Shimla Tour from Mumbai
13. Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival
Place of Celebration : Sakthi Mills Ground, Pollachi
Date : 12th to 16th January 2025
Eight countries come together to enjoy this balloon festival. You can find balloons of different varieties flying over the vast blue sky. Apart from this, numerous children's activities and cultural programs will be conducted throughout the festival. This festival is celebrated during the time of Pongal, the harvest festival.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Watch balloons ascend to the sky early in the morning.
- The food festival will be conducted in the fairground to enjoy the cuisine of the land and street food.
- Music concerts will be conducted late at night by celebrity singers and artists
- A large fun zone will be open for kids with rides, play area, and others
- The prime activity to enjoy is riding on the hot air balloon to get a panoramic view of the region.
Suggested Tour :
Also Read : Top 10 Tourist Places in Tamilnadu
14. Kenduli Mela
Place of Celebration : West Bengal
Date : Not Confirmed
This fair is conducted in Kenduli, Poet Jaidev’s birthplace. This fair is a musical tribute to the Baul community’s culture. The community makes its livelihood by singing and their sings have a philosophical expression. This festival is celebrated during the harvest festival of the land.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Music and instrumental performances are conducted by local communities like Bauls and Kirtanias.
- A large fir is conducted where many local things are sold like fishing nets, craftworks, pottery items, and others.
- Take part in the holy dip in River Ajoy
- Akhras, temporary tents are erected for Bauls to stay during the festival. If you wish, you can camp closer to them.
- On the last day, colored ashes are smeared at each other, similar to the Holi festival.
15. Kanjiramattom Nercha
Place of Celebration : Kanjiramattom Mosque, Kerala
Date : 13th - 14th Jan 2025
This is the annual flag hoisting festival celebrated in Kanjiramattom mosque. This festival is famous for its rituals and unique style of celebrations. Apart from religious events, the festival also gives equal importance to Islamic art forms, which is not performed in any other celebrations in the state.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Take part in the procession in which pilgrims walk towards the mosque with a small earthen pot covered with sandalwood paste and filled with coins.
- Watch unique rituals conducted in the mosque.
- Watch the elephant procession that takes place from the mosque to a couple of streets and back to the mosque.
- This festival ends with a cultural fiesta in which traditional Islamic art forms like Duffmuttu, Kolkata, and others are performed.
16. Pongal
Place of Celebration : Throughout Tamil Nadu; well celebrated in village regions
Date : 14th 2025
This is a four-day festival. The first day is Bhogi, which is considered as a day for Rain God to thank him for his generous showers. The second day is the main Pongal festival and the day is dedicated to Sun God. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of warmer season for harvest and cultivation. The third day is dedicated to cows, which are very essential for farming and other activities. The last day is Katya Pongal or Kaanum Pongal and this day is celebrated for the well-being of family and friends.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Special rituals and processions will be conducted in temples
- People pay tribute to Sun God by cooking rice in wood stoves, outside the house
- Bullfighting (jattikattu) is conducted in many village regions
- Many folk and cultural programs are conducted throughout the state
- Sweet Pongal, kolukotta, mango chutney, and other delicacies are made for this festival
- Take a walk through any house-filled alley early in the morning to watch womenfolk decorating their walkway with decorative rangoli made with many colors.
- Sugarcane is consumed a lot during this festival. Try tasting it.
Suggested Tour : 11 Days - Tamilnadu and Kerala Tour
Also Read : 10 Most Popular Festivals of South India
17. Kerala Village Fair
Place of Celebration : Kovalam, Kerala
Date : Not Confirmed
This is a ten-day-long local fair called Gramam in Kovalam. This is one of the few fairs of the country, which are visited by international tourists. Gramam’s basic principle is to re-create the traditions of the land. You can find locals in ethnic dresses, traditional works would be on display and so on. Even an entire village is set up in the traditional look.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Many folk dances, music, and other performance arts are conducted during this fair
- Walk around the village to find flower-based designs in front of the homes.
- Many houses will have antique collection displays and other galleries.
- A large shopping area is dedicated to buying traditional items starting from clothing to metalwork
- Visit the food stall around the fairground to find traditional cuisines of the land.
Suggested Tour : 10 Days - Best of Kerala Tour
Kovalam Travel Guide
18. Bhogali Bihu
Place of Celebration : Assam
Date : 15th Jan 2025
This is one of the most significant celebrations in North-east India. This festival is also called Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu. This celebration is a feast, which is conducted after the harvest season. The highlight of this festival is food. This festival also marks the beginning of the sun’s movement towards the Tropic of Cancer. This is also Assamese New Year's day.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Explore the temporary huts built by the locals using bamboo and thatch.This temporary huts are then burnt on the next day to mark the beginning of the celebration.
- Many games will be conducted like the bird fight, bullfight, pot breaking, and others.
- Take part in the community feasts during the festival and also during the night before the festival
- Watch locals performing dance and music performances. The best of all is the traditional Bihu dance
- Special rituals take place in the farmlands. Tourists are not allowed to take part in the ritual, but you can view it as an audience.
- A fair is organized at different places in Assam, where you can buy souvenirs, craft items, religious items and so on.
- Traditional instrumental music performances are also conducted in prime places.
- Top dishes to try in the fairgrounds are aalupatik, masor tango, khar, jaakh and others.
Also Read : 20 Best Places to visit in Assam
19. Athirampuzha Perunnal
Place of Celebration : Kottayam, Kerala
Date : Not Confirmed
This church was built during the Portuguese rule. The main deity statue in the church was brought in by the Portugal troops from their homeland. This festival is the annual feast of this ancient church.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Take part in the grand procession through the streets. The procession includes musical band, fireworks, and other spectacular elements
- Visit early in the morning to take part in the flag hoisting ceremony in the church.
- Special confession arrangements are made for the devotees today in the church.
Suggested Tour : 8 Days – Kerala Culture Tour
20. Nishagandhi Festival
Place of Celebration : Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Date : Not Confirmed
This is a seven-day cultural festival celebrated as a tribute to dance forms of the land. Although it is a holistic cultural festival, more focus is given to the rare dance forms of the land, which are slowly getting depleted from the modern world.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Enjoy dance performances by renowned dancers and budding artists.
- The entire premises of Kanakakkunnu Palace will be decorated beautifully, stroll through the region to enjoy the ancient architecture of the land.
- Kathakali fest will be conducted inside the palace and is open to tourists.
Also Read : Know About the Traditional Dances of Kerala
21. Mamallapuram Dance Festival
Place of Celebration : Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram
Date : Not Confirmed
This is a traditional dance and music festival, which is celebrated in the heritage site of Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram. This festival is conducted as a tribute to the local dance, music and other arts and crafts of the land. The performances start early in the morning by 6 am and are completed by 8 pm, every day. Evening is the most beautiful time to visit to enjoy activities during this festival.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Dancers from around the country take part in performing dances of each state like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali, and others.
- Music performances are done by solo and group singers.
- You can find instrumental music performances too.
- Visit the beach in the evening to find many stalls for shopping and delicacy tasting.
- Visit the shore temple, which would be at prime beauty during this celebration.
Suggested Tour :
Read More : Top Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
22. Araku Balloon Festival
Place of Celebration : Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Date : Not Confirmed
Araku valley is very mesmerizing with spreading green foliage in Andhra Pradesh. These slopes of the valley are beautified with numerous hot air balloons floating. This three-day festival is famous for its array of activities involving hot air balloons.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- The primary attraction of this festival is riding the hot air balloon to get an eagle-eye view of the valley.
- Professional aerial performers conduct many stunning activities in the sky
- Some stay in overnight camps for three days to enjoy nature.
- People stay back in the valley region for barbeque dinner and other celebrations of their own.
Read More : Famous Festivals in Andhra Pradesh
Suggested Tour : 26 Days - Elegant South India Tour
23. Modhera Dance Festival
Place of Celebration : Sun Temple of Modhera, Gujarat
Date : Not Confirmed Yet
This is a dance and cultural celebration conducted as a tribute to the Sun God. Previously called Uttarardh Mahotsav, this is one of the famous festivals of Gujarat. This festival takes place for three days and it is the best way to enjoy the cultural elements of the state. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of the sun’s transit towards the north.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Cultural and folk versions of dance, music and other art forms are performed by artists from around the state. Other state dances are also performed during the show
- Instrumental music shows are also conducted.
- Nritya dance is the most colorful and grand performance of all. Do not miss this performance.
24. Spituk Gustor Festival
Place of Celebration : Spituk Monastery, Ladakh
Date : 27th – 28th Jan 2025
This is a traditional colorful festival conducted on the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar. The main aim of this festival is to ward off the evil spirits and promote goodness. During this festival, the monastery takes up a lush beauty and tourists from around the country visit Ladakh to be a part of this celebration.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- The iconic performance of this festival is the masked dance of the monks
- Visit the Tibetan prayer hall to watch rituals and take part in meditation.
- Enjoy musical instrument performances of bells and cymbals
- Watch the burning ceremony in which a sacrificial cake is being burnt as a symbol of destroying evil.
- Watch the amulet of the monastery being displayed to the public. After the festival, the protective charm will be locked up in the monastery for another year.
Also Read : Losar Festival! Celebration and Highlights in India
25. Jaipur Literature Festival
Place of Celebration : Diggi Palace, Jaipur
Date : 30th Jan – 3rd Feb 2025
This program starts at 8 am and is concluded by 6:30 pm every day. This festival celebrates the art and craft forms of the land including works of literature. Experts from around the world are called for seminars, programs, and others.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Many speakers from around the world visit Jaipur to address the crowd.
- A large fair is conducted for local craftsmen, artisans and weavers to sell their masterpieces. This is the best place to buy interesting items like footwear, novel home décor items, traditional clothes, and others
- A night market is conducted at Clarks Amer for celebration and shopping. You can also find special stalls in Pool Bazaar during this festival.
- The festival starts with morning music performances and you can find many workshops conducted by top literature stars from around the world.
Read More : Fairs and Festivals of Jaipur
Also Read : 5 Reasons! Why Visit Jaipur with Palace on Wheels Train
26. Chinese New Year
Place of Celebration : North-east India (best enjoyed in Tripura) and Kolkata
Date : 29th Jan 2025
Although the population of Chinese in India is quite less, you can find celebrations in the north-east part of the country. Kolkata also holds a small population of this ethnic group and you can find a spectacular celebration.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Visit China Town to enjoy the festival. You can find fireworks, decorations, and other aesthetic factors.
- Dragon dance will be conducted by expert dancers during this festival
- The Chinese population will have a grand feast in their homes. If you have a local Chinese friend, you can try their home-made food. If not, visit an authentic Chinese restaurant to try delicacies of New Year like fish ball, sweet rice balls, rice cake, and others.
Also Read : Seven Sisters of India – Complete Information About North East India States
27. Republic Day
Place of Celebration : Throughout the country
Date : 26th Jan 2025
This is the day of declaring the democratic setup of the country. India has been celebrating Republic Day since 1950. This is a national celebration however, the best of celebrations take place in Delhi.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- The famous Republic Day parade with the march of army troops, weapons display, rocket display, stunts by army troops and others.
- Horse march is conducted by the cavalry department of the country.
- Selected scout boys from around the country take part in this parade.
- You can find an array of regional dances, patriotic song performances, and others.
- There will be dedicated flag hoisting and other activities in all major capital cities around the country.
- Many institutes and communities conduct cultural performances and games during this celebration.
Read More : What to do in Delhi for 2 Days
28. Lokrang Festival
Place of Celebration : Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Date : 26th Jan 2025
This cultural festival focuses on dance, tribal art forms, crafts, and others. This festival embraces the heritage of the land in a festive way. Apart from the local culture, many art and craft forms from around the country and even international destinations are expressed during this festival.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Enjoy folk, tribal, classic and other forms of dance performances
- Explore the art and craft exhibition
- Music performances from many states are performed on the stage of this festival
- Paintings of renowned artists and budding talents are displayed for viewing and buying
- Music history exhibition is the highlight of this festival
- Enjoy storytelling, puppet shows, and children movie presentations provide entertainment to all age-groups
- Enjoy the local cuisine at the food fest conducted along with the celebration.
Also Read : Top 10 Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh
29. Rann Utsav
Place of Celebration : Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Date : 24th to 26th Jan 2025
This is a festival of natural and cultural beauty. Rann of Kutch is a vast salt desert, which is at prime beauty during the winter season. During this festival, carnival is conducted throughout the winter season. A temporary city is erected inside the desert to aid tourists. If you are visiting India during winter, this is a wonderful fiesta to be a part of.
Attractions and activities to enjoy during the festival
- Dance, music and other cultural performances are conducted by several artisans
- During full moon night, people camp in the desert and enjoy a bonfire, music performances, and others
- On the banks and beach regions, fairs are conducted where you can buy interesting souvenirs.
- Many adventure activities will be open for tourists like ATV riding, camel riding, camel cart tours, paramotoring, and others.
- If you are looking for some spiritual time, take part in yoga, meditation, and other workshops.
- Explore the temporary city to enjoy the culture of the land.
- Visit arts and crafts exhibitions and sale grounds
