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Festive Journeys: Best Places to Travel in India During Major Festivals

India is a land of colors, cultures, and celebrations. From north to south, east to west—festivals here aren’t just events, they’re full-fledged experiences that combine tradition, food, joy, dance, music, and community. What makes Indian festivals even more exciting is how regionally diverse they are. Holi in Vrindavan feels completely different than in Jaipur. Durga Puja in Kolkata and Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai are two worlds apart.

In this blog, we’ll take you through 10 incredible places to visit during Indian festivals. It’s not just about the celebration—it’s about traveling to the heart of the festival, living it like a local, and creating memories you’ll never forget.

🕉️ 1. Varanasi during Dev Deepawali

While Diwali is celebrated across India, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi is something else. It happens 15 days after Diwali, and the entire stretch of ghats along the Ganges is lit up with millions of diyas.

Why Visit?

Spiritual and photogenic experience

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Sky full of fireworks & floating lamps

When: November (15 days after Diwali)

🎨 2. Vrindavan & Barsana during Holi

Holi in Vrindavan isn’t just a color festival—it’s a spiritual color journey. Locals celebrate Lathmar Holi (women playfully hit men with sticks), Phoolon ki Holi (flowers instead of color), and traditional songs echo in temples.

Why Visit?

Culturally rich, unique style of Holi

Celebrated across 7+ days

Safe, devotional, and fun

When: March

🪔 3. Amritsar during Baisakhi

Baisakhi is the harvest festival of Punjab and also marks the Sikh New Year. In Amritsar, Golden Temple glows in celebration, and the streets are alive with Bhangra, dhol, and free langar (community meals).

Why Visit?

Traditional Sikh culture

Vibrant Punjabi performances

Delicious street food

When: April 13/14

🐘 4. Jaipur during Diwali

Jaipur during Diwali looks like a fairy tale kingdom. Markets are lit up, palaces are decorated, and sweets are shared everywhere. It’s the perfect blend of royalty and festivity.

Why Visit?

Best-lit markets in India

Shop handicrafts at Johri Bazaar

Attend Diwali cultural shows

When: October/November

🧨 5. Kolkata during Durga Puja

Durga Puja is more than a festival in Kolkata—it’s a lifestyle. Streets become art galleries with pandals (temporary temples), live music, dance, and endless food stalls.

Why Visit?

24x7 street life for 5 days

Stunning pandals and light displays

Best Bengali food experience

When: September/October

🌊 6. Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi

Mumbai’s energy during Ganpati festival is something that has to be seen to be believed. Giant idols are installed in homes and public pandals, and on the last day, people immerse them in the sea with dancing and music.

Why Visit?

Live visarjan at Girgaon Chowpatty

Visit famous pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja

Modak, Mumbai street food, and a festive buzz

When: August/September

🔥 7. Ahmedabad during Navratri

If you want to dance your heart out, Navratri in Gujarat is perfect. Ahmedabad hosts the biggest Garba nights with thousands of people in traditional attire, dancing in colorful circles.

Why Visit?

Traditional Garba dance nights

Bright, colorful culture and dress

Try Gujarati Thali during the fast

When: September/October

🌕 8. Kullu during Dussehra

While the rest of India celebrates Dussehra with Ramleela and firecrackers, Kullu hosts a week-long cultural parade. Gods from nearby villages are brought in processions and the entire valley comes alive.

Why Visit?

Himalayan culture experience

No burning of effigies—just community celebration

Local music, food, and crafts

When: October

🐍 9. Kerala during Onam

Onam is Kerala’s biggest festival and it brings out the best of Kerala’s tradition. From flower carpets to boat races and Onam Sadhya (feast), it’s a cultural extravaganza.

Why Visit?

Snake boat races in Alappuzha

Grand Onam meals on banana leaves

Pulikali (tiger body paint dance)

When: August/September

🔮 10. Pushkar during Camel Fair

Pushkar Camel Fair is not exactly a religious festival, but it’s one of India’s most photogenic and quirky events. Over 50,000 camels, decorated and paraded, with folk music and competitions.

Why Visit?

Camel races, beard competitions, desert camping

Cultural shows and Rajasthani bazaars

Sunset by Pushkar Lake

When: November

🎒 Festival Travel Tips:

Book Early: Hotels fill up fast during festivals.

Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly and follow traditions.

Travel Light: Especially if you’re going to crowded places.

Try Local Food: Festivals are the best time to taste authentic cuisine.

Stay Safe: Keep your valuables safe, especially in big crowds.

🧭 Conclusion:

Festivals in India are more than rituals—they’re an opportunity to connect with the soul of the country. When you travel to celebrate a festival, you don’t just see the place—you feel its rhythm, taste its food, meet its people, and understand its spirit. So next time you're planning a vacation, align it with a festival and see India in its most vibrant form.

Whether it’s the glowing lamps of Varanasi, the colorful powder in Vrindavan, or the dhol beats in Amritsar—there’s no better way to travel India than through its festivals.