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FESTIVAL CALENDAR · MADHYA PRADESH · 013

Festivals in Madhya Pradesh.

13 festivals across Madhya Pradesh — organised by month.

January

Mandu Festival

Mandu

Five-day cultural and heritage festival showcasing Mandu's Afghan-era architecture and local traditions. Features adventure sports, cycling expeditions, live music concerts, local art and craft exhibitions, food stalls, poetry readings, nature trails, and architecture-themed activities celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage.

Lokrang Festival

Bhopal

One of India's most anticipated cultural celebrations honoring tribal and folk traditions through music, dance, art, storytelling, and local cuisine. Held at Ravindra Bhavan Complex with performances, exhibitions, and cultural experiences reflecting rural and indigenous Indian heritage. Free admission. Running for over two decades.

February

Maha Shivaratri

Omkareshwar

Festival at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the Om-shaped island in the Narmada River. Marked by night-long abhishek, Vedic chanting, grand processions, and pilgrims offering prayers to Lord Shiva at this sacred Jyotirlinga.

Maha Shivaratri

Ujjain

Night-long festival celebrating Lord Shiva at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. Marked by elaborate abhishek (ritual bathing), chanting of Vedic hymns, grand processions, and massive influx of pilgrims offering bilva leaves and holy water to the lingam. Bhasma Aarti slots sell out months in advance.

Khajuraho Dance Festival

Khajuraho

India's premier classical dance festival held against the backdrop of illuminated medieval temples, featuring Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and more.

March

Orchha Festival

Orchha

Annual cultural festival featuring classical music, folk dance, light-and-sound shows at the historic palaces and cenotaphs.

Maha Shivaratri at Kandariya Mahadeva

Khajuraho

Grand worship at the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the largest in the Khajuraho complex, with night-long vigils and Shiva abhishekam.

April

Simhastha Kumbh Mela

Ujjain

One of four major Kumbh Melas in India, held in Ujjain when Jupiter enters Leo (Simha Rashi). Spans two months with three main Shahi Snan (sacred bathing) dates where hundreds of thousands of sadhus and pilgrims participate in grand processions and holy dips in the Shipra River, believed to cleanse the soul and lead to moksha.

Ram Raja Temple Festival (Ram Navami)

Orchha

Grand celebration at the only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king with a guard of honour and gun salute.

May

Buddha Purnima

Sanchi

Festival at Sanchi Buddhist stupa celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing on the full moon day of Vaishakh month. Attracts monks and followers from Bhutan, China, Japan, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka who gather at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. District administration ensures comprehensive arrangements including security, cleanliness, water, and health facilities.

November

Nagdwari Mela

Pachmarhi

Festival celebrated in Pachmarhi dedicated to the worship of Nag Devata (serpent deity). Attracts thousands of tourists from Nagpur and Maharashtra who visit the fair to worship the serpent deity. Historically held during Nag Panchami (July-August), the festival timing has shifted to November in recent years.

Kartik Purnima

Omkareshwar

Ten-day festival at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga celebrated at the end of Chaturmas. A major fair is organized where devotees take holy dips in the Narmada River and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, making it a spiritually enriching experience for thousands of pilgrims.

December

Tansen Samaroh

Gwalior

Annual music festival held near the tomb of Tansen in Behat village, Gwalior, honoring the legendary musician Sangeet Shiromani Tansen. Features performances by world-class vocal and instrumental artists, awards ceremony with National Tansen Samman and Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman presentations on the opening day. Celebrates classical Indian music legacy.

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