From Durga Puja to Rann Utsav, 5 Indian festivals in 2026 worth planning a trip for

Some of the most memorable journeys begin with a celebration. Across India, festivals offer travellers a reason to discover a destination beyond its usual tourist attractions, whether that means joining the crowds at Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals, dancing through Navratri in Gujarat or discovering the music and traditions of the Northeast. This growing interest in festival-led travel is reflected in Skyscanner’s latest India Culture Travel Index, which found that 72% of Indian travellers would consider planning a trip specifically to attend a major cultural or religious festival. From age-old traditions and spectacular celebrations to open-air music festivals set against striking landscapes, these five events offer plenty of inspiration for your next getaway.

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1. Durga puja, Kolkata

During Durga Puja, Kolkata becomes a city-wide celebration, with elaborately designed pandals, music-filled streets and crowds moving between neighbourhoods to admire the festivities. The air is filled with the aroma of bhog and Bengali sweets, while the city’s artistic installations and cultural traditions make the experience as much about exploring Kolkata as it is about celebrating the festival. The main celebrations take place from 16 to 21 October, making it an ideal time to experience the city at its most vibrant. It is little surprise that Durga Puja tops the list of festivals inspiring travel in India.

2. Navratri garba, Gujarat

For nine nights, Gujarat comes alive with the rhythms of Garba. Open grounds and streets fill with dancers in colourful chaniya cholis, swirling dandiya sticks and music that continues well into the night. In 2026, Navratri falls from 11 to 20 October, making it an opportunity to experience the state’s festive traditions in full swing this autumn. Food is another essential part of the experience, from fafda-jalebi to khichdi and other Gujarati favourites.

3. Hornbill festival, Nagaland

Set against the hills of Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival offers a window into the region’s diverse cultural traditions. Hosted at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, the festival brings communities together through traditional music and dance, indigenous games, handicrafts, local cuisine and live performances. Scheduled for 1 to 10 December in 2026, it is a compelling reason to visit Nagaland at the start of winter.

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4. Ayodhya Deepotsav, Uttar Pradesh

Few places offer a Diwali spectacle quite like Ayodhya during Deepotsav. The annual celebration sees millions of diyas illuminate the banks of the Saryu River, accompanied by fireworks, laser and drone shows, and processions inspired by the Ramayana. With Diwali falling on 8 November in 2026, the festival offers an opportunity to experience the occasion in a city deeply connected to its cultural and religious significance.

5. Rann Utsav, Gujarat

For a winter getaway that combines culture with striking natural landscapes, Rann Utsav offers a memorable reason to visit Gujarat. Held in the vast white salt desert of the Great Rann of Kutch, the seasonal festival brings the region to life with folk music, traditional dance, local crafts and Gujarati cuisine. Running from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, it invites travellers to experience the landscape under clear skies, with cultural performances and starlit evenings adding to the atmosphere.

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