Tarkarli · Maharashtra
Major annual fair at Bharadi Devi Temple in Anganewadi village (Masure, ~10-12 km from Malvan). Goddess Bharadi (Earth Goddess) renowned for wish-fulfilling power. Festival February or March with no fixed date (decided by consensus). Rituals 4am to 10pm with mass cooking and 'Taate Lawane' (prasad serving). Devotees from Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka participate.
Kollam · Kerala
Festival celebrating Kollam's coir (coconut fibre) and cashew heritage. Coir craft demonstrations, boat races on Ashtamudi Lake, cashew tasting, local art exhibitions.
February (5 days)
Auroville · Puducherry
Anniversary of Auroville's founding in 1968. Bonfire ceremony at the Matrimandir amphitheatre. Earth from 124 nations (brought at the original ceremony) is symbolically honored. Open to visitors with advance registration.
February 28
Badami · Karnataka
Chariot procession and temple fair at the ancient Banashankari Amma Temple. Folk performances, rural market, devotional music.
January-February (during Ratha Saptami)
Dungarpur · Rajasthan
Massive tribal fair at the confluence of Som and Mahi rivers where Bhil tribals gather for a holy dip, folk dancing, and paying respects at the Baneshwar Mahadev Temple.
February (Magh Purnima)
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) · Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Water sports competitions, beach volleyball, sandcastle building, local seafood festival.
February (dates vary)
Junagadh · Gujarat
A five-day sacred fair at the Bhavnath Mahadev temple at the foothills of Girnar mountain, honoring Lord Shiva. The fair is renowned for processions of naga sadhus, ritual bathing in holy Mrugi Kund, devotional singing through the night, and traditional bhavai folk dances. Attracts thousands of pilgrims and ascetics.
February-March (Maha Shivratri, typically February/early March)
Deeg · Rajasthan
Two-day festival celebrated at Deeg Palace with great pomp, honoring Lord Krishna and Braj region heritage. Features colorful fountain displays (900 fountains operational), Rajasthani folk performances, kabaddi, rope pulling, Mehendi art, and rangoli competitions.
February–March (lunar calendar, Phalgun Shukla Paksha)
Thanjavur (Tanjore) · Tamil Nadu
Annual Maha Kumbabishekam and cultural festival at the UNESCO temple. Classical music, Bharatanatyam, Carnatic concerts against the backdrop of the 1,000-year-old temple. Nightly illumination.
February (10 days)
Kushinagar · Uttar Pradesh
Pilgrims from across the Buddhist world gather at the Mahaparinirvana Temple housing the 6m reclining Buddha, with prayer ceremonies, lamp offerings, and meditation retreats.
February (Magh Purnima)
Champaner-Pavagadh · Gujarat
Cultural celebration at the UNESCO site. Classical music, heritage walks, archaeological exhibitions.
February
Saputara · Gujarat
One of Gujarat's most significant tribal festivals held in Ahwa, Dang District, in the Saputara Hills. Gatherings of diverse tribal communities including Bhils, Kunbis, Warlis, and Gamits in traditional attire. Spectacular tribal dances performed in concentric circles with traditional percussion and wind instruments (Kahalia, Tadpur). The festival's name was changed to 'Jamabandi Durbar' with the District Collector officiating.
February-March (historically before Holi; 2026 dates: Feb 26 - Mar 3)
Jaisalmer · Rajasthan
Camel polo, turban-tying races, Mr. Desert competition, folk music under the stars at Sam Sand Dunes.
February (3 days)
Dhauli · Odisha
Classical, folk, and martial dance festival held at the Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) on Dhauli Hill. Features performances from classical dance forms and the distinctive Odissi and martial traditions, organized jointly by Odisha Culture & Tourism and Odisha Dance Academy.
2-5 Feb
Nubra Valley · Ladakh
Two-day Buddhist festival at Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley with Cham masked dances, ritual destruction of evil effigies, and prayers for the new year.
February (Tibetan 28th-29th day, 12th month)
Yuksom · Sikkim
Annual festival at Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim (established 1701), located above Yuksom. Features Buddhist rituals and celebrations marking the Buddhist calendar with prayers performed by monks.
February (15th day of 1st Tibetan lunar month)
Elephanta Caves · Maharashtra
Classical music and dance at the ancient caves. MTDC organises performances at the cave entrance during sunset.
February (2 days)
Spiti Valley · Himachal Pradesh
Ancient demon-chasing festival. Masked dancers, bonfires, local chang beer. Zero tourists.
February
Tamenglong · Manipur
The New Year and post-harvest festival of the Zeliangrong people (Zeme, Rongmei, Liangmai, Inpui tribes). Gaan-Ngai lasts five days and marks the closing of the old year and arrival of the new one. The festival carries hopes for peace and prosperity.
February 15 (Lui-Ngai-Ni universal date for Zeliangrong)
Margao · Goa
Goa's largest carnival parade, with Margao hosting vibrant celebrations on February 15. The parade moves from Holy Spirit Church to Margao Municipal Council Square, featuring elaborate floats, dance groups, drummers, and live music in South Goa's main city.
February 13-17 (February 15 in Margao)
Panaji · Goa
India's only Mardi Gras — King Momo leads parades through Panaji with floats, music, dancing, and masks. Portuguese-origin festival unique to Goa.
February (3 days before Lent)
Gopeshwar · Uttarakhand
Grand fair at the ancient Gopinath Temple where a trident stands exposed to all weather without rusting; thousands gather for night-long Shiva worship.
February-March (Maha Shivaratri)
Gulmarg · Jammu & Kashmir
National-level skiing and snowboarding championships on Gulmarg's slopes, with the Gulmarg gondola — world's second-highest cable car — ferrying spectators to 3,980m.
February (varies)
Kaziranga · Assam
A celebration of wildlife conservation and cultural heritage held at Kaziranga National Park, featuring hundreds of decorated Asiatic elephants in parades, races, football matches, and dance performances. Jointly organized by Assam's Forest and Tourism Departments to highlight elephant conservation efforts and address human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
February 11-17
Khajuraho · Madhya Pradesh
India's premier classical dance festival held against the backdrop of illuminated medieval temples, featuring Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and more.
Late February (one week)
Lepakshi · Andhra Pradesh
10-day annual Masi Brahmotsavam at the 16th-century Veerabhadra temple, climaxing with the spectacular car festival (Rathotsavam) where the deity's chariot is drawn through Lepakshi streets. Attracts thousands to this Vijayanagara architectural masterpiece.
February–March (Maha Shivaratri, Feb 15–16 typically)
Likir · Ladakh
One of the most important monastic festivals in Ladakh held at Likir Monastery. Features vibrant masked dances (Cham) performed by monks in elaborate costumes depicting the triumph of good over evil. Sacred rituals and votive offerings (Dosmochey) are performed to ward off evil spirits.
27th-29th day of 12th Tibetan month (mid-February)
Lolab Valley · Jammu & Kashmir
A two-day celebration of Kashmiri culture held at Kariwan in Devar Lolab. Features traditional folk music, snow volleyball, skiing, dance performances, local handicraft displays, and culinary delights. Attracts thousands of visitors for music performances, heritage walks, and nature experiences.
February (winter season)
Gangtok · Sikkim
Tibetan Buddhist New Year — masked Cham dances at monasteries, ritual offerings, butter sculptures, community feasting, and monastery rituals across Sikkim and Arunachal.
Feb-Mar (Tibetan calendar)
Tawang · Arunachal Pradesh
The Monpa tribe celebrates their New Year with traditional dances, yak-butter sculptures, archery contests, and community feasts at the monastery.
February–March
Lahaul Valley · Himachal Pradesh
Buddhist new year celebration in Lahaul known locally as 'Halda', marking the end of harvest season. Monasteries perform ritual 'Cham dances' (masked devil dances) in colorful costumes depicting triumph of good over evil. Includes traditional Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies.
February (lunar calendar)
Kalimpong · West Bengal
Tibetan New Year celebration marked by vibrant processions, masked dances, and cultural performances. Celebrated by the significant Tibetan Buddhist community in Kalimpong, featuring monastery prayers, traditional dress, and community gatherings.
February
Darjeeling · West Bengal
Tibetan Buddhist New Year celebrated with monastery prayers, traditional dances, feasting, and the hanging of new prayer flags.
February–March
Dharamshala · Himachal Pradesh
Dalai Lama often gives public teaching. Tibetan opera, mask dances, butter sculptures.
February / March
McLeod Ganj · Himachal Pradesh
Three-day Tibetan New Year celebration marking the Fire Horse Year (2026). Families prepare khapse (traditional Tibetan sweets), monasteries conduct prayers, and thousands gather at Tsuglagkhang temple. Dalai Lama participates in celebrations.
February 18-20
Gangtok · Sikkim
The Tibetan New Year is celebrated across Gangtok with monastery rituals, Cham dances, traditional food, and community gatherings.
February–March
Ukhrul · Manipur
The New Year and seed-sowing festival of the Tangkhul Naga tribe, marking the onset of the agricultural season. Luira Phanit (from 'Lui' = field, 'ra' = dig, 'phanit' = festival) invokes the Almighty's blessings for crops and prosperity. The festival features indigenous games, music, dance, folk performances, and the significant Luithui Khami ritual where the Awunga (chief) and Awungva (chief queen) perform the first seed-sowing, after which villagers are permitted to sow their own seeds.
February 15 (Lui-Ngai-Ni, the universal Naga date), also celebrated Jan-Mar depending on village traditions
Trimbakeshwar · Maharashtra
Most important festival for Shiva devotees at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. Midnight Nishita Kaal puja draws massive crowds.
Amaravati · Andhra Pradesh
One of the major festivals at Amareswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, drawing thousands of pilgrims to this Pancharama Kshetra on the Krishna River. Commemorates the cosmic dance and meditation of Lord Shiva.
February (Maha Shivaratri)
Omkareshwar · Madhya Pradesh
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.
February/March (Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi)
Harihareshwar · Maharashtra
A major festival at the Harihareshwar Temple (also called Dakshin Kashi), where Lord Shiva is worshipped with elaborate aarti ceremonies, processions, and sacred hymns. Attracts large crowds of devotees to this ancestral Peshwa temple on the Konkan coast.
February–March (14th lunar day of Phalgun month)
Ujjain · Madhya Pradesh
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.
February/March (Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi)
Kumbakonam · Tamil Nadu
Sacred bathing festival at the Mahamaham tank — millions of pilgrims take a holy dip when the celestial alignment occurs. Next Mahamaham expected ~2028. The town transforms completely.
Once every 12 years (when Jupiter enters Leo)
Shravanabelagola · Karnataka
Grand anointment of the 57-foot Gommateshwara statue with milk, saffron, coconut water, and sandalwood. Millions attend. Visible from kilometers away.
Once every 12 years (next: ~2030)
Mandi · Himachal Pradesh
Over 200 village deities are carried in decorated palanquins to Mandi's Paddal Ground for a week-long International Maha Shivaratri Fair with cultural programs.
February-March (Maha Shivaratri)
Marari Beach · Kerala
Annual 10-day festival at the 700-year-old Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple (one of India's oldest, uniquely depicting Mahadevan and Parvathi face-to-face). Festival commences with flag hoisting 10 days before Arattu. Features traditional Kerala performing arts (Kathakali, Chakyar Koothu, Nangyar Kooth), melam music, fireworks, and caparisoned elephants. Concludes with Arattu—ritual bathing of the deity in the sea.
Kumbham month (February–March); Arattu on new moon day (10-day festival period ending)
Chidambaram · Tamil Nadu
Classical dance festival at the Nataraja Temple — 500+ dancers from across India perform Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi in front of the cosmic dancer. Night-long performances.
February-March (5 days during Maha Shivaratri)
Shekhawati · Rajasthan
Heritage festival in the painted havelis of Shekhawati with guided fresco tours, folk music, camel safaris, and traditional Marwari cuisine.
February (varies)
Neemrana · Rajasthan
Classical Indian music festival hosted at the 15th-century Neemrana Fort-Palace with performances by renowned artists in the stepped fort's courtyards.
February (varies)
Bhitarkanika · Odisha
Conservation festival during peak turtle nesting at Gahirmatha. Awareness programs, guided nesting viewing, conservation education.
February (during peak nesting)
Patiala · Punjab
Festival at the Sheesh Mahal and Qila Mubarak showcasing Patiala's royal Sikh heritage with phulkari exhibitions, gatka martial arts, and the Patiala peg tradition.
February (varies)
Pattadakal · Karnataka
Classical dance performances at the UNESCO World Heritage temple complex. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi against the backdrop of 7th-century Chalukyan temples.
January-February (3 days)
Anini · Arunachal Pradesh
The Reh Festival is the most significant cultural celebration of the Idu Mishmi community, marking ritual propitiation of deities and thanksgiving for harmony, health, and prosperity. The festival features traditional dances, elaborate handwoven attire adorned with bright patterns, and ancient ceremonial practices rooted in the tribe's spiritual connection with ancestral beliefs.
February 1–3
Chandigarh · Chandigarh
Annual flower show at Zakir Hussain Rose Garden — Asia's largest rose garden with 1,600+ species — featuring rose competitions, garden tours, and cultural programs.
February (last week)
Warangal · Telangana
Asia largest tribal festival at Medaram. 10-20 million tribal devotees gather over 4 days. Honors tribal goddesses.
Biennial (February — even years, next: 2028)
Kohima · Nagaland
Angami Naga purification festival — ritual bathing in the village spring, community feast of rice and meat, war dances, and the symbolic cleansing of the year's sins.
Feb 25 (Angami calendar)
Khonoma · Nagaland
A ten-day purification festival of the Angami Naga people held in Khonoma and surrounding Angami villages. The festival involves ceremonial cleansing of the body and soul to wash away past sins, renewal rituals, initiation of young people to adulthood, and community unification. Represents an identity marker of the Angami people with deep spiritual and social significance.
February 25
Maredumilli · Andhra Pradesh
Annual tribal dance festival organized at this Eastern Ghats eco-tourism site where indigenous communities of the Maredumilli forest region celebrate with traditional Mela performances. Showcases tribal biodiversity and cultural heritage alongside forest conservation efforts.
February (Maha Shivaratri)
Sirpur · Chhattisgarh
Annual national-level festival held at the backdrop of 7th-century Lakshmana Temple and Mahanadi River banks. Features classical, folk, and tribal dance performances from across India, including Panthi, Danda, and Bastariya dances, alongside music by national and international artists.
February 1–3 (aligns with Maghi Purnima)
Nashik · Maharashtra
India's premier wine and music festival at Sula Vineyards. Live music, wine tasting, food, grape stomping, hot air balloons.
February (2 days)
Agra · Uttar Pradesh
Arts, crafts, music, and dance festival near the Taj Mahal. Artisans from across India showcase work.
February 18-27 (10 days)
Basara · Telangana
Grand Saraswathi Puja — children brought for Aksharabhyasa (first writing ceremony). Thousands of families participate.
January/February