Top 12 Summer Festivals in India 2026

Music, sunshine, the sea breeze, colourful clothes, folk dances, and happy faces — summer in India is not just about the scorching heat, it’s also about joy and celebration. Summer festivals in India transform the season into a vibrant spectacle, painting the country in a million colours and attracting thousands of tourists from across the globe.

The following list of festivals of India in the summer season highlights some of the most popular events celebrated during this time. From cultural showcases that reflect the diversity of different regions to spiritual gatherings that immerse you in devotion, these Indian festivals in the summer season bring together tradition, community, and festivity in unforgettable ways.

Table Of Content

12 Best Summer Festivals in India in 2026

12 Best Summer Festivals in India (2026)

Gangaur – March 21, 2026 (Saturday)

• Rajasthan – Celebrated with colourful processions, songs, and devotion to Goddess Parvati.

Baisakhi – April 13, 2026 (Monday)

• Punjab & Haryana – Harvest festival and Punjabi New Year, marked by bhangra, fairs, and feasts.

Chithirai Festival – April 19 – April 30, 2026

• Madurai, Tamil Nadu – Grand temple festival with the celestial wedding of Meenakshi–Sundareswarar and Kallazhagar’s entry to Vaigai River.

Moatsu Festival – May 1 – May 3, 2026

• Nagaland – Ao tribe’s post‑sowing celebration with dances, bonfires, and community feasts.

Mount Abu Summer Festival – May 24 – May 26, 2026

• Rajasthan – Folk dances, boat races, and fireworks at Nakki Lake.

Ooty Flower Festival – May 2026 (exact dates to be announced)

• Tamil Nadu – Botanical Garden flower show with thousands of floral displays and sculptures.

Yercaud Summer Festival – May 2026 (7‑day event, dates TBA)

• Tamil Nadu – Flower show at Anna Park, cultural programs, and local exhibitions.

Shimla Summer Festival – June 1 – June 5, 2026

• Himachal Pradesh – Folk music, dance, food stalls, and cultural performances at The Ridge.

Sikkim Summer Festival – May 2026 (State Day May 16 & Saga Dawa May 31)

• Gangtok – Cultural shows, flower exhibitions, and adventure activities.

Hemis Festival – June 24 – June 25, 2026

• Ladakh – Sacred Cham dances at Hemis Monastery, celebrating Guru Padmasambhava’s birth.

Kollam Pooram – April 15, 2026

• Kerala – Elephant processions, percussion music, and fireworks at Ashramam Sri Krishnaswamy Temple.

Pahela Baishakh (Pohela Boishakh) – April 15, 2026 (Wednesday)

• West Bengal & Bangladesh – Bengali New Year with colourful processions, fairs, and prayers.

1. Gangaur

Gangaur is one of the most iconic summer festivals in India, celebrated with grandeur across Rajasthan, especially in Jaipur. Among all the festivals of Rajasthan, Gangaur holds the highest importance. This vibrant celebration begins the day after Holi and continues for 16–18 days, with devotees worshipping Goddess Gauri in magnificent passion and spectacular style.

As part of the festivals of India in the summer season, Gangaur offers a wholesome cultural experience. Visitors can witness splendid processions, traditional Rajasthani folk music, colourful dances, puppet shows, sumptuous food stalls, and dazzling fireworks. It is one of the most cherished Indian festivals in the summer season, blending devotion with festivity and attracting travellers from around the world.

• Where: Rajasthan
• Key Attractions: Puppet shows, folk dances like Kalbelia, grand processions, fireworks
• Gangaur Date (2026): March 22 – April 7, 2026 (commences the day after Holi)

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2. Baisakhi

Baisakhi, or Vaisakhi, is one of India’s most colourful summer festivals. The Punjabi community celebrates this festival by harvesting rabi crops to mark the new year. The farmers wear new colourful dresses, cook delicious food, and honour this new beginning with traditional dance and music, enacting farming stages, wrestling, and fairs. Sikhs celebrate Baisakhi as a collective birthday of the “Khalsa Brotherhood” created by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh in the year 1699. The people of the Sikh community celebrate this auspicious occasion with holy prayer, cooking Kara prasad or sweetened semolina and langar (community lunch).

As one of the most vibrant festivals of India in the summer season, Baisakhi beautifully blends agricultural joy with spiritual devotion. It is also among the most cherished Indian festivals in summer season, drawing travellers to Punjab and Haryana to witness its colourful traditions.

• Where: Punjab and Haryana
• Key Attractions: Bhangra and Gidda dance
• Baisakhi Date (2026): April 13, 2026 (Monday)

3. Chithirai Festival

Chithirai is a festival during the summer season in South India, celebrated with grandeur at the Meenakshi Temple of Madurai. The pulling of a golden chariot with idols, rhythmic drum beats, offerings of sweets, flowers, and incense sticks are the significant highlights of this sacred occasion. A grand fair is also organized for 10 days to mark the festivities, making Chithirai one of the most enjoyable summer festivals in India.

As part of the vibrant festivals of India in the summer season, Chithirai stands out for its cultural depth and spiritual devotion. It is also among the most cherished Indian festivals in summer, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists to witness the re‑enactment of the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.

• Where: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• Key Attractions: Re‑enacting the wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, golden chariot procession, temple rituals, and grand fair
• Chithirai Date (2026): April 19 – April 30, 2026

4. Moatsu Festival

The Moatsu festival is celebrated for 3 days in the first week of May. The primary purpose of this festival is to bring joy, fun, and excitement to the tribal community after completing stressful activities like clearing fields, burning jungles, sowing seeds, repairing houses, and digging wells. The Ao Naga tribal communities celebrate the Moatsu festival with renewed enthusiasm and happiness. It is one of the most lively summer festivals in India, marked by folk music, tribal dance, eating, and drinking. If you are looking for upcoming festivals of India in the summer season, the Moatsu festival is definitely one to experience.

As one of the most unique Indian festivals in the summer season, Moatsu creates a vibrant atmosphere of unity and celebration, making it a cultural highlight in Nagaland.

• Where: Nagaland
• Key Attractions: A massive fire is lit, and women serve meat and wine to men and children sitting around the fire.
• Moatsu Date (2026): May 1 – May 3, 2026

5. Mount Abu Summer Festival

Against the backdrop of rugged mountains and sparkling Nakki Lake, the Mount Abu Summer Festival is a paradise for music lovers and is counted among the most vibrant summer festivals in India. Organised by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, it is one of the most talked about cultural festivals of India in the summer season. This 2‑day fiesta features a traditional rally around Nakki Lake, captivating performances of folk dances, soulful music, puppet shows, magic shows, tug of war, boat races, Matka races, and dazzling fireworks.

As one of the most cherished Indian festivals in the summer season, the Mount Abu Summer Festival beautifully blends natural beauty with cultural richness, making it a must-visit event for travellers seeking authentic Rajasthani traditions.

• Where: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
• Key Attractions: Gair and Ghoomar dance performances, Sham‑e‑Qawwali, cultural competitions, and fireworks
• Mount Abu Summer Festival Date (2026): May 24 – May 26, 2026

6. Ooty Flower Festival

Popularly known as the Ooty Flower Festival, this is one of the most celebrated summer festivals in India, particularly in the Nilgiris. Summer is the peak season in Ooty, and the fiesta enhances the charm of this hill station. In addition to the stunning flower show, the celebration features a variety of spectacular events such as fairs, fruit and art exhibitions, and adventure activities like trekking.

As one of the most vibrant festivals of India in the summer season, the Ooty Flower Festival showcases the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. It is also among the most colourful Indian festivals in the summer season, drawing thousands of tourists to witness breathtaking floral displays and creative arrangements.

• Where: Ooty, Tamil Nadu
• Key Attractions: The Ooty Botanical Garden hosts flower shows with more than 150 varieties of flowers from different countries, along with flower rangolis, floral arrangements, and vegetable carvings.
• Ooty Flower Festival Date (2026): May 20 – May 25, 2026 (expected dates during peak summer season)

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7. Yercaud Summer Festival

The Summer Festival is the most talked-about event in Yercaud and runs for three days. The prime highlights include flower shows, dog shows, horse riding, folk dance performances, cooking, and rangoli competitions. So, if you’re looking for a fun festival to experience the best summer vibes, visit this one for a tour of the best carnival vibes! It is one of the most vibrant summer festivals in India and a highlight among the festivals of India in summer season, making it a must-see Indian festival in summer season.

• Where: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
• Key Attractions: Floral arrangements using one lakh flowers by the Horticulture Department
• Yercaud Summer Festival Date (2026): May 22, 2026 – May 27, 2026

8. Shimla Summer Festival – May/June

Shimla organises this festival to mark the advent of soothing summer in this spectacular hill station and to allure tourists. If you have chosen Shimla for the summer holidays, be a part of this festival and enjoy the various exhibitions of local handicrafts, family games, ice skating shows, food exhibitions, flower shows, photography contests, poster‑making competitions and live theatre. Live performances by amateur and renowned artists from different countries are the showstoppers of this summer festival in India. While you’re out and about in Shimla, make sure you don’t miss out on one of India’s most beautiful festivals of India in summer season and a highlight among Indian festivals in summer season!

• Where: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
• Key Attractions: Himachali Film Festival
• Shimla Summer Festival Date (2026): June 1 – June 5, 2026

9. Sikkim Summer Festival

Unlike other festivals celebrated in the summer season in India, the Sikkim Summer Festival is a month‑long celebration. It features entertaining cultural shows, local food festivals, whitewater rafting in Teesta, Sikkimese folk dances, a showcase of films on Sikkim tourism, local handicrafts exhibitions, and stunning flower shows featuring orchids, rhododendrons, and primulas. So, are you ready to enjoy one of the most glorious Indian festivals in the summer season yet? This vibrant event is also counted among the most colourful summer festivals in India and remains a highlight of the festivals of India in summer season.

• Where: Gangtok, Sikkim
• Key Attractions: Thrilling yak safari on the outskirts of Gangtok
• Sikkim Summer Festival Date (2026): May 26, 2026

10. Hemis Festival 2026

In the list of summer festivals in India, Hemis is a popular festival celebrated at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. This cultural merriment is observed with colossal grandeur. The lamas wear fine silk apparels and masks and perform dances to represent the marvelous achievements of Padmasambhava – the Indian Buddhist master of the 8th century. The festival is celebrated for 2 days and ends with a sacrificial offering on the second day. Hence, plan your trip to Ladakh in a way that will allow you to experience this festival, which is among the most unique festivals of India in summer season and a highlight of Indian festivals in summer season.

• Where: Hemis Monastery, Ladakh
• Key Attractions: Mask dances by lamas of Hemis Monastery
• Hemis Festival Date (2026): June 24 – June 25, 2026

11. Kollam Pooram

If you are visiting Kerala in April, you must attend the Kollam Pooram Festival, which is held annually. Organized at Asramam Maidan, Kollam Pooram attracts a lot of travellers. Dedicated to Lord Krishnaswamy, this festival is celebrated grandly at Sri Krishnaswamy Temple in Kollam. The priests perform rituals, and the temple is decorated with fresh flowers. To witness the traditions and culture of Kerala, you should attend this festival on your vacation, as it is one of the most vibrant summer festivals in India and a highlight among the festivals of India in summer season, making it a cherished Indian festival in summer season.

• Where: Kerala
• Key Attractions: Folk dances
• Kollam Pooram Date (2026): April 15, 2026

12. Pahela Baishakh

Pahela Baishakh, the first day in the Bengali calendar, is celebrated on 15 April yearly in West Bengal. It is also known as the Bengali New Year and is an eminent local festival. Fairs and rallies are organised, and the streets are crowded with people dancing and enjoying the festivities. To participate in the New Year celebrations in West Bengal, visit Kolkata and learn more about the local traditions. This vibrant occasion is among the most colourful summer festivals in India, making it a highlight of the festivals of India in summer season and one of the most cherished Indian festivals in summer season.

• Where: West Bengal
• Key Attractions: Fairs, rallies, and dance performances
• Pahela Baishakh Date (2026): April 15, 2026 (Wednesday)

We hope this complete list of summer festivals celebrated in different states of India helps you decide where you want to travel this summer. Plan a soothing trip to India to have a lifetime experience. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and plan that trip you’ve wanted to go for a very long time!

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FAQs About Summer Festivals in India

What are the different types of festivals?

Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, Holi and Durga Puja are some of the different kinds of festivals.

Which is the national festival of India?

Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti are considered to be the national festivals of India.

What are traditional festivals?

A festival is an occasion celebrated by a community of a group of people which focuses on some characteristics of those related people in the group, religion or culture. Traditional festivals symbolise a tradition followed by such a community or group of people.

How many festivals are celebrated in India?

Every state in India celebrates about 20 to 30 grand festivals at different times of the year. Ganesh Chaturthi, Independence Day, Holi, Deepavali, Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Eid, and Pongal are some of the most important festivals in India. From some popular festivals to unusual festivals in India, celebrations go on throughout the year.

Which festival is celebrated during summer in Rajasthan?

The Summer Festival is organized and celebrated in the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu. It is held annually during May or June on Budh Poornima.

Which festivals in India are celebrated during springtime?

Holi, Navroze, Baisakhi, Easter and Magh Bihu are some of the festivals that are celebrated during springtime in India.

Which festival marks the beginning of the spring season?

Pongal, a popular festival in South India is celebrated during the inception of the winter season. The festival lasts for 4 days and each day prayer is offered to different deities like fire, sun, cattle, and birds.

Which state in India is known as the land of festivals?

Nagaland, one of the states in the north-eastern province of India is known as the “Land of Festivals”.

Why are Indian festivals important?

A festival is an auspicious day or period of religious celebration prevalent in all societies and religious communities. Festivals are an essential part of our life as they are associated with religion and deities.

Which city is known as ‘City of Festivals’?

Madurai in Tamil Nadu is known as the ‘City of Festivals’ in India. Many festivals are celebrated here with a lot of pomp and show.

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