2025 Festival Guide: India and the Indian sub - continent

Jan 20, 2025

By Richa Shandilya

For 35 years, Trans India Holidays has been crafting unforgettable travel experiences across India and the sub continent. As we celebrate this milestone and reflect on over three decades of specializing in experiential journeys, our team of travel experts has curated a list of must-see festivals to add to your bucket list.

India and the Indian sub continent pulsate with a vibrant energy, undeniably one of the most festival-loving regions on the planet. From joyous street parties and lavish feasts to sacred religious ceremonies and breathtaking traditional dances, there is an adventure to captivate every traveler. Rich in diverse customs and steeped in ancient traditions, this region is truly a land of festivals. These annual celebrations serve as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit and passionate adherence to cultural heritage. Prepare for a sensory explosion! Dazzling displays and a pulsating energy will ignite your senses. Feast your eyes on intricate, flamboyant costumes and a kaleidoscope of captivating colors. Indulge your palate with delectable flavors – savor aromatic curries, fiery stir-fries, and hot noodle soups, alongside golden buttered naan, flavor-bursting spring rolls, and the comforting warmth of spicy Chai tea. The infectious rhythm of local music and mesmerizing dance displays often extend late into the night, while dramatic light displays, romantic lanterns, and candlelight cast a warm glow over the festivities. Experience the magic firsthand – the warm Asian hospitality and infectious spirit will undoubtedly leave you with lifelong memories.

We invite you to immerse yourself in the crowd, feel the energy, and share in the authentic experiences. You only live once!

Holi, Festival of Colors, India

Holi, a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated in India, is affectionately known as the Festival of Colors. This energetic two-day celebration marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Taking place in March, Holi is a joyous occasion filled with vibrant colors. In a grand display, massive crowds of merrymakers toss a kaleidoscope of colorful powders into the air, coating everyone in a rainbow glow. Holi is also said to commemorate the enduring love between Lord Krishna and Radha.

2. The Durga Pooja, India

In Eastern India, the ten-day Durga Puja is a vibrant celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga. Each day of this festival has its own unique traditions and local adaptations. One such distinctive practice involves the creation of intricate Goddess Durga images using mud collected from the sacred River Ganga and her tributaries, as well as mud brought down from the Himalayas. These magnificent creations are meticulously crafted by different communities and displayed in elaborate tableaus within large tents, known as pandals. A spirit of friendly competition often arises as each pandal strives to outshine its neighbors. As the festival concludes, the divine images are ceremoniously returned to the river, where the mud dissolves and continues its journey to the sea, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the ever-flowing divine energy.

3. Diwali -Festival of Lights, India

Diwali, a major Hindu festival in India, is widely known as the Festival of Lights. Considered by many to be the most significant festival in Hinduism, Diwali is celebrated with great fervor in October/November. During this time, millions of twinkling lights, candles, and lanterns illuminate homes and streets across the nation. This dazzling display honors Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, and commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

4. Kataragama Perahera, Sri Lanka

The Kataragama Perahera is a vibrant and colorful festival procession in Sri Lanka. Held annually in July/August, this pilgrimage draws both Hindu and Buddhist devotees who journey on foot to the sacred town of Kataragama to honor the God Skanda.

5. Vesak Day, Sri Lanka

Vesak Day, a significant observance in the Buddhist calendar, is also known as Buddha Day or the Celebration of Vesākha. Falling on the first full moon of May, this sacred day witnesses a captivating transformation along the shores of Beira Lake in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Elaborate light displays illuminate the lake, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha.

6. Shivrartri, Nepal

Shivaratri, a major Hindu festival, stands in contrast to most Hindu celebrations, which primarily occur during the day. Revered as the Night of Lord Shiva, this significant festival honors Lord Shiva, the deity believed to have saved the universe from darkness and ignorance. It also commemorates his sacred marriage to Parvati Ma. Falling on the sixth night of the Phalgun month (February or March), Shivaratri is considered the holiest night of the year. Devotees observe a strict religious fast and maintain a jaagaran, an all-night vigil of worship. Thousands flock to Kathmandu's revered Pashupatinath Temple to partake in a customary dip in the holy Bagmati River before embarking on a long procession towards the sacred shrine.

7. Thimphu Tsechu, Bhutan

The Thimphu Tsechu, held annually in October, is Bhutan's most celebrated festival, attracting visitors from across the globe. This vibrant spectacle is a captivating blend of Bhutanese culture and faith, featuring ornate costumes, ancient rituals, and mesmerizing sacred dances. Among the most renowned are the "Dance of the Black Hats" and the "Dance of the Terrifying Deities," offering a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.