Plan your 2026 holidays with India’s most vibrant festivals! From Jaipur Literature Festival and Goa Carnival to Rann Utsav, Hornbill Festival, and Ziro Music Festival, explore India’s cultural richness, music, art, and traditions in 2026.

India is a land of colors, culture, and celebrations, and 2026 promises an exciting lineup of festivals that every traveler should experience. From literary gatherings and music festivals to desert fairs and boat races, the upcoming year offers events that showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant diversity. Here’s a guide to 10 unmissable festivals across India in 2026.

1. Jaipur Literature Festival – January 15-19, 2026

Kicking off the year, the Jaipur Literature Festival in Rajasthan is India’s largest and most celebrated literary event. The festival brings together world-renowned authors, thinkers, filmmakers, and philosophers for book launches, panel discussions, debates, and cultural performances. Book lovers from around the world flock to Jaipur to immerse themselves in literary discussions and creative exchange.

2. Goa Carnival – February 14-17, 2026

Goa Carnival, also called Viva Carnival, is a lively festival rooted in Portuguese traditions, celebrated just before Lent. This vibrant festival features street parades, colorful costumes, music, dance, and a feast of Goan cuisine. Visitors can enjoy an atmosphere full of energy and joy while experiencing Goa’s unique cultural blend.

3. Rann Utsav – November 23, 2025 to February 28, 2026

The Rann Utsav in Kutch, Gujarat, is a spectacular desert festival celebrating art, culture, and local crafts. Tourists can explore folk music and dance performances, shop for handicrafts, enjoy adventure activities, and savor traditional cuisine—all set against the surreal backdrop of the white salt desert.

4. Kochi-Muziris Biennale – December 2025 to March 31, 2026

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale in Kerala is a global platform for contemporary art. The sixth edition features installations, exhibitions, and performances exploring social, cultural, and political themes. Artists from around the world converge in Kochi, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts in early 2026.

5. International Flower Festival, Sikkim – May 2026

Held in Gangtok, the month-long International Flower Festival showcases over 500 rare orchid species, 36 rhododendron varieties, and 23 types of bamboo. Alongside flower displays, the festival hosts competitions, conferences, adventure sports, and cultural programs, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

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6. Hemis Gompa Cultural Festival, Ladakh – June 2026

This Buddhist festival in Ladakh is famous for its vibrant masked dances, traditional music, and the display of enormous thangkas (Buddhist paintings). Celebrated on the 10th day of the fifth Tibetan month, it is a culturally immersive experience for tourists exploring Himalayan traditions.

7. Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, Kerala – August 2026

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha is one of India’s most thrilling water festivals. Hundreds of rowers navigate massive Chundan Vallams (snake boats) in perfect sync to traditional songs, creating a spectacle of skill, coordination, and excitement.

8. Ziro Music Festival, Arunachal Pradesh – September 2026

Set in the scenic Ziro Valley, this four-day indie music festival celebrates a mix of folk, rock, electronic, and world music. Hosted by the Apatani tribe, the festival is a favorite among music enthusiasts and travelers seeking cultural and musical immersion in Northeast India.

9. Majuli Music Festival, Assam – November/December 2026

India’s largest indie music festival is held on Majuli, the world’s largest river island. The festival showcases folk, classical, and contemporary artists alongside Assam’s traditional crafts. The event provides a unique experience combining music, art, and the scenic beauty of the Brahmaputra River.

10. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland – December 2026

Known as the “festival of festivals,” the Hornbill Festival celebrates Nagaland’s tribal heritage, arts, handicrafts, traditional sports, and cuisine. The 10-day extravaganza draws visitors from across India and abroad, offering a rare glimpse into the state’s rich cultural traditions.