Festivals in January 2026 in India
India is a land where every season, emotion, and milestone is celebrated with colour, music, and togetherness. If you truly want to witness the country’s cultural diversity and unmatched festive spirit, festivals in January in India offer the perfect beginning to the year. From harvest celebrations and patriotic events to music, dance, and desert carnivals, January Indian festivals bring the entire nation alive with joy and traditions.
As winter slowly gives way to warmer days, Indian festivals in January beautifully highlight regional cultures through folk music, traditional food, vibrant costumes, and age-old rituals. Whether you are a traveller, culture lover, or someone who simply enjoys celebrations, these festivals celebrated in India in January are worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
Here is a carefully updated list of the 14 best festivals in January 2026 in India, along with correct dates, locations, and what makes each celebration special.
1. Lohri – Bonfires, Music, and Winter Cheer
Lohri is one of the most joyful festivals in January in India, especially in North India. It marks the end of harsh winters and welcomes longer, warmer days. Closely linked with the harvest season, Lohri is all about gratitude, community bonding, and festive food.
Families gather around large bonfires, sing traditional songs, dance to energetic dhol beats, and offer peanuts, popcorn, gajak, and rewri to the fire. Newlyweds and newborns receive special blessings during the celebrations, making it deeply emotional and cultural.
- When: 13 January 2026
- Where: Punjab, Haryana, Delhi & North India
- What’s Special: Bonfire rituals, folk songs, dhol dancing, and winter delicacies
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2. Republic Day – India’s National Pride on Display
Republic Day is one of the most significant Indian festivals in January, commemorating the day India adopted its Constitution in 1950. It reflects the country’s unity, democracy, and cultural diversity.
The grand Republic Day Parade in New Delhi is the highlight, featuring military displays, cultural tableaux from different states, school performances, and fly-pasts by fighter jets. The entire nation celebrates with pride, patriotism, and respect.
- When: 26 January 2026
- Where: New Delhi (celebrated nationwide)
- What’s Special: Republic Day Parade, cultural floats, and air force fly-past
3. Vasant Panchami – Welcoming Spring with Yellow Hues
Vasant Panchami is among the most peaceful festivals celebrated in India in January, marking the arrival of spring. Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and art, the festival is celebrated with prayers and positivity.
People wear yellow clothes, fly kites, and prepare sweet dishes like meethe chawal. Schools, colleges, and cultural institutions hold special prayers, making it one of the most meaningful January Indian festivals.
- When: 23 January 2026
- Where: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
- What’s Special: Saraswati Puja, yellow attire, kite flying, and festive sweets
4. Pongal – South India’s Harvest Thanksgiving
Pongal is a major harvest festival and one of the most loved festivals in January in India, especially in Tamil Nadu. Celebrated over four days, it thanks nature, farmers, and animals for a successful harvest.
Homes are decorated with colourful kolams, new clothes are worn, and the traditional Pongal dish made of rice and milk is cooked outdoors. Cultural dances, family gatherings, and village celebrations make it a heart-warming festival.
- When: 14–17 January 2026
- Where: Tamil Nadu
- What’s Special: Kolams, Pongal dish, cattle worship, and traditional games
5. Makara Sankranti – Celebrating the Sun’s Transition
Makara Sankranti is one of the most widely celebrated Indian festivals in January, marking the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara). It symbolises the end of winter and the beginning of longer days.
People take holy dips, offer prayers to the Sun God, fly kites, and enjoy festive meals. Though celebrated across India, each region adds its own cultural touch.
- When: 14 January 2026
- Where: Pan-India (especially South & West India)
- What’s Special: Kite flying, temple rituals, fairs, and festive feasts
6. Rann Utsav – Gujarat’s White Desert Celebration
Rann Utsav is one of the most visually stunning festivals in January in India. Set against the vast white salt desert of Kutch, it showcases Gujarat’s folk culture, crafts, music, and cuisine.
Tourists can stay in luxury tents, enjoy cultural performances under the moonlight, and shop for handcrafted souvenirs. It is a perfect blend of comfort and culture.
- When: November 2025 – March 2026
- Where: Dhordo, Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
- What’s Special: White desert views, folk dances, crafts, and tent stays
7. Jaipur Literature Festival – A Treat for Book Lovers
The Jaipur Literature Festival is one of Asia’s biggest literary gatherings and a unique addition to January Indian festivals. Authors, poets, thinkers, and readers from around the world come together to celebrate literature and ideas.
The open sessions, debates, book launches, and readings make it intellectually enriching and culturally vibrant.
- When: 29 January – 2 February 2026
- Where: Jaipur, Rajasthan
- What’s Special: Author interactions, book readings, free entry sessions
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8. International Kite Festival – Skies Full of Colour
Held during Makara Sankranti, the International Kite Festival is one of the most exciting festivals in January in India. The sky fills with colourful kites flown by participants from across the globe.
From kite competitions to night shows with illuminated kites, the festival creates a joyful atmosphere for all ages.
- When: 14 January 2026
- Where: Ahmedabad & Jaipur
- What’s Special: Kite flying competitions, cultural shows, and night displays
9. Bikaner Camel Festival – Rajasthan’s Desert Pride
The Bikaner Camel Festival 2026 will be celebrated from January 9 to January 11, 2026, in Rajasthan, making it one of the most unique and colourful festivals in January in India. This fair honours the “Ship of the Desert” with camel parades, races, dances, and cultural performances, drawing visitors from across the world.
- When: 11–12 January 2026
- Where: Bikaner, Rajasthan
- What’s Special: Camel beauty contests, races, and folk performances
10. Chennai Music Festival – Carnatic Music at Its Best
The Chennai Music Festival is one of the most famous festivals in January in India, often described as the world’s largest cultural event. Highlighting traditional South Indian Carnatic music, dance, and other arts, this month‑long celebration features more than 1,000 performances along with seminars, discussions, and demonstrations. As one of the most vibrant January Indian festivals, it beautifully showcases the richness of classical heritage and remains a must‑attend among the Indian festivals in January.
- When: December 2025 – January 2026
- Where: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- What’s Special: Classical concerts, dance recitals, and cultural discussions
11. Nagaur Fair – Rajasthan’s Rural Spectacle
Located about 150 kilometres from Jodhpur, the rural town of Nagaur in Rajasthan comes alive with the Nagaur Fair, one of the most famous festivals in January in India. Known as the country’s second‑largest cattle fair, it becomes the trading ground for nearly 70,000 bullocks, camels, and horses. Beyond animal trading, this vibrant event offers folk dances, tug‑of‑war competitions, camel races, and cultural performances, making it one of the most exciting January Indian festivals. With its mix of tradition, entertainment, and local flavor, the Nagaur Fair truly stands out among the Indian festivals in January and is a must‑visit for those seeking authentic desert culture.
- When: 28 January – 31 January 2026
- Where: Nagaur, Rajasthan
- What’s Special: Cattle trading, folk games, handicrafts shopping
12. Modhera Dance Festival – Classical Arts at a Historic Temple
An annual classical dance festival, Modhera is a must-attend for everyone. The ancient 11th century Sun Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, acts as a breathtaking backdrop for the occasion. Innumerable artists come forward from various states in the country and make it a memorable evening for everyone. To witness the country’s immense talent in store, this is surely the place to be!
- When: 18 Jan 2025 – 19 Jan, 2025
- Where: Modhera, Gujarat
- What’s Special: The whole temple is illuminated and acts as a gorgeous backdrop for the performances throughout the evening.
13. Kenduli Mela – Soulful Folk Music of Bengal
Situated around 30 kilometres from Shantiniketan in West Bengal, Kenduli Mela is one of the most vibrant festivals in January in India that every traveller should experience at least once. This fair offers a captivating dose of Bengal’s folk traditions, where wandering Baul musicians gather to perform soulful songs with their ektara. As one of the most unique January Indian festivals, it provides a beautiful peek into the rich Bengali culture. With its music, philosophy, and spiritual energy, Kenduli Mela stands out among the Indian festivals in January and is truly a celebration you wouldn’t want to miss.
- When: 14 January 2026
- Where: Kenduli, West Bengal
- What’s Special: Baul music, folk instruments, spiritual atmosphere
14. Bhogali Bihu – Assam’s Harvest Celebration
Also known as Magh Bihu, this is one of the major harvest festivals celebrated in Assam and among the most vibrant festivals in January in India. The celebrations begin a day before the last day of the Assamese month of ‘Puh’, marking the completion of cultivation work. Locals treat themselves to delicious food and fun sports, with homes filled with traditional snacks and sweets. Games involving pets and eggs add to the festive cheer, making Bhogali Bihu one of the most unique January Indian festivals. For those seeking to explore the lesser‑known side of the northeast, this stands out as one of the most authentic Indian festivals in January and is truly worth experiencing among the many festivals celebrated in India in January.
- When: 15 January 2026
- Where: Assam
- What’s Special: Community feasts, Meji bonfire, traditional sports
There is no doubt that all of these top festivals in January in India put a celebratory start to the year and even bring diverse cultures together. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing and plan your trip to India for a charming experience!
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FAQs About Festivals In January In India
Which are the top Indian festivals?
Lohri, Republic Day, Vaisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Eid‑Al‑Fitr, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Dussehra are counted among the top and most famous festivals in India. Many of these are also celebrated as festivals in January in India, making them part of the vibrant calendar of January Indian festivals.
Which are the most famous festivals in South India?
Onam, Pongal, Mysore Dussehra, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, and the Hampi Festival are some of the most famous festivals in South India. Pongal, in particular, is one of the most important Indian festivals in January, showcasing harvest traditions and family celebrations.
Which are the major cultural festivals in January in India?
The Jaipur Literature Festival, Modhera Dance Festival, Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Bikaner Camel Fair, Rann Utsav, Swathi Sangeetholsavam, Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam, and Mukteshwar Dance Festival are among the major cultural festivals celebrated in India in January. These events highlight literature, dance, music, and regional traditions, making them unmissable January Indian festivals.
Which festivals are celebrated in the winter season?
Lohri and Pongal are two of the most popular festivals in January in India, celebrated during the winter season. They are also considered important Indian festivals in January, marking harvest time and the joy of community gatherings.
What festivals are in March?
Holi is the most significant festival celebrated in March. While it is not part of the festivals in January in India, it remains one of the most colourful and widely enjoyed celebrations across the country.
Which national holidays are in January?
Republic Day is the key national holiday celebrated in January. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India in January, observed nationwide with patriotic pride and grand parades, making it a highlight among January Indian festivals.
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