Best Time to Visit India

India › When to Go
Updated: January 12, 2022
By Santorini Dave

Where To Stay

AgraBengaluruChennaiDelhiGoaJaipurJodhpurKolkataMumbai

When is the best time to visit India?

Best time to visit the beaches of Goa, India.

I love the beaches of Goa and they’re at their best from late November to April or May.

I’ve been all over India and have visited in almost every month of the calendar. In my opinion, India is a year-round destination, with October to March being the best time to visit the south and May to September the best time to visit the far north. Summer holidays, Diwali (October/November), and Christmas are peak periods across the country. Hence, October and March in the north and November and March in the south are the best time to avoid the crowds, enjoy pleasant weather, and get good deals on travel and lodging.

When To Visit India – My Recommendations

  • North India: Generally October to March, but avoid Christmas & New Year in Agra and Rajasthan. To the far north, the best time is May to September.

    South India: Generally November to March or April, but December & January in Goa are very busy (though fun and buzzing too).

    Note: These 2 major nationwide festivals are very busy times for travel: Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September) and Diwali/Deepavali (October/November).

  • Best Time for Good Weather:
    North: October/November to March. June to September in the far north.
    South: November to March/April. January to March on the southeast coast.
  • Best Time for Sightseeing:
    North: October to March, but avoid Christmas/New Year in Agra and Rajasthan. May to September to the far north.
    South: November/December to March/April. January to March on the southeast coast. Christmas/New Year in Goa are very busy.
  • Best Time for National Parks:
    North: October to March. May to September in the far north.
    South: November/December to March/April. January to March on the southeast coast.
  • Best Time for Honeymoons:
    North: October/November to March/April. June to September to the far north.
    South: November/December to April/May.
  • Best Time for Nightlife:
    North: October to May/June. May to September in the far north.
    South: November/December to April/May. February to June on the southeast coast.
  • Best Time for Saving Money:
    North: May/June to September. October to April in the far north.
    South: May/June to October/November. August to November on the southeast coast.

Best Time To Visit India

  • Best Time for Sightseeing:
    North: Three factors to consider are the heat, which is generally high from April to May/June; the monsoonal rain (May/June to September), which can sometimes flood roads and train tracks if very heavy; and the fog (December and January), which can affect plane/train travel and sightseeing in Agra and Delhi. So, February, March, October, and November are the prime months. (June to August in the far north.)

    South: Like the rest of India, avoid, if possible, the heat (April and May) and rain (June to October), exacerbated by the potential dangers of cyclones in coastal areas. Inland places like Bengaluru are milder, less influenced by the monsoon, and not affected by cyclones. So, the best times are November/December to March/April but the peak December/January period in Goa is busy. Mumbai can get heavy rain during the monsoon. In Chennai and on the southeast coast, where the monsoon season is different, the best times are January to March.

  • Best Time for Weather:
    North: The dry and cool(er) ‘winter’ of October to March is the prime time to visit. Far more uncomfortable are the hot and humid months (April and May/June) in the build-up to the monsoon (May/June to September). Fog can affect travel plans and disappoint sightseers in Agra and Delhi during January and February when it can be surprisingly cold. (June to September to the far north.)
    South: The ‘winter’ of November to March/April (as far as May in Goa) avoids the extreme heat leading to the monsoon season when it rains heavily most days and sporadic floods may affect travel plans. With a different monsoon season, the weather is less hot and usually dry from January to March along the southeast coast.
  • High Season:
    North (December to February): During these months, this part of the country is dry and virtually no rain is recorded. It’s usually warm, but sometimes cool, or even cold, especially overnight. In Agra and Delhi, fog can affect travel plans and sightseeing. The Christmas/New Year period is peak times for Agra and Rajasthan. (July and August to the far north.)
    South (December to March): The ‘winter’ months are the coolest time of the year when rain is rarely recorded and the humidity is negligible. Expect warm days which can turn a little chilly overnight. The monsoon doesn’t usually stop until December along the southeast coast, so January to March are ideal in places like Chennai.
    Note: During the Christmas/New Year period, hotel rates skyrocket and tickets on planes and trains are hard to find for the major tourist areas of Agra, Rajasthan, and, especially, Goa. Even busier are these two major nationwide festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September) and Diwali/Deepavali (October/November).
  • Shoulder Season:
    North (March, October, and November): These months between seasons avoid the worst of the heat (April and May/June) and wet (May/June to September). It can still be hot in March, with no more cool nights, and monsoonal rains linger through October, especially in Kolkata. (May, June, and September in the far north.)
    South (April/May, October, and November): These are the changeable months either side of the hottest (May) and wettest (June to September) months. A great time to visit because tourist numbers are far lower than at peak times. April and November are the shoulder seasons along the southeast coast.
  • Low Season:
    North (April to September): The heat from April to June can average about 40° Celsius (and can soar higher), made worse by the smog, humidity, and, in Rajasthan, dust storms. The monsoon then lasts from June to September. Streets are cleaner and gardens lusher, but travel plans may be affected by heavy rains. Watch out for cyclones along coastal areas, especially Kolkata. (October to April to the far north.)
    South (April/May to September): Try to avoid these months because of the heat and humidity in the build-up to the monsoon, and the possibility of cyclones. However, resorts will be empty, and rooms and airfare will be at a bargain. Along the southeast coast, which has a different wet season, the low season is from May to November.
    Note: Some tourist businesses (including national parks) may close in Goa for a few months at this time.

India Weather by Month

  • Indian Weather in January
    North: The dry winter continues with mild days that can be surprisingly cold (except in Kolkata), especially overnight, and fog can sometimes be problematic for traveling and sightseeing in Delhi and Agra. Busy during the Christmas/New Year period in Agra and Rajasthan, and the occasional smog that blankets Delhi and Kolkata can be quite unpleasant. Overall, a popular time for festivals, markets, and weddings. (Snowbound in the far north.)
    South: The ‘winter’ continues as daytime temperatures range from mild to warm, but not too hot and rarely humid. It can even be cool overnight, requiring a light jumper, while rain is rarely recorded, so plenty of festivals and outdoor events are organized. Peak time in Goa, while the monsoon rains may linger for a while along the southeast coast.
  • Indian Weather in February
    North: Cool and dry days continue (except in Kolkata, where it’s warmer), so a terrific time to visit – especially because tourist numbers have fallen from the January peak and the fog and haze in Delhi and Agra should soon disappear. However, still cold overnight (except in Kolkata). (More snow and extreme weather in the far north.)
    South: Another perfect month for traveling with dry warm days that are rarely uncomfortably hot or humid. Pack a jumper because it can turn surprisingly cool after dark. The significant reduction in tourist crowds is reflected in lower hotel rates, especially in Goa.
  • Indian Weather in March
    North: Increase in daytime temperatures as the hot season looms, but a light jumper is often required overnight. Still generally dry, except in Kolkata where some rain may now fall. With any fog and haze usually gone by now, this is the final month for ideal traveling until October. (In the far north, the snow is slowly thawing.)
    South: Another rise in average daytime and overnight temperatures, often from pleasantly warm to uncomfortably hot. It’s no longer cool at night, but humidity is at low levels. Still dry, and has been for several months.
  • Indian Weather in April
    North: Official start of the hot season as daytime temperatures rise markedly over a few weeks and the cool nights have long gone. No rain yet, but the humidity noticeably increases as dry thunderstorms and dusty winds are not unusual in Agra and the desert regions of Rajasthan. (Some mountain roads become passable in the far north.)
    South: The end of the dry ‘winter’ is marked by sharp increases in average temperatures during the day and night. Now hotter, and at times, uncomfortably humid as the monsoon is due in a couple of months.
  • Indian Weather in May
    North: Temperatures rise sharply to year-highs of about 40° Celsius, and life-threatening heatwaves in some areas are not uncommon. More thunderstorms on the horizon, but these often don’t bring rain for a few more weeks, and the hot weather is only made worse by the debilitating humidity. As the wet season looms, some tourist businesses in Rajasthan may close until September/October. Also, the start of the cyclone season in Kolkata. (Most areas in the far north are now accessible by road.)
    South: Daytime temperatures rise noticeably, as does the humidity. Now deep into the hot season as the monsoon looms, so brief downpours are experienced in some areas during the pre-monsoon rains. This month has some of the highest overnight averages for the year, with little or no relief from the heat and humidity. Still minimal rain on the far southwest coast, but more along the southeast coast, while some tourist businesses may start to close in Goa.
  • Indian Weather in June
    North: Probably the most uncomfortable month overall: the high heat continues during the day and overnight, while the monsoon starts slowly (but more quickly in Kolkata). However, the humidity may drop a little and the dust storms in Rajasthan have abated. Thunderstorms on the horizon may now bring a little welcome rain as some tourist businesses (and national parks) close for the wet season in Rajasthan. (Peak season in the far north.)
    South: Sudden and dramatic start of the monsoon, but less so on the southeast coast (where it starts later). Many streets can’t cope with the daily downpours, which may affect travel plans – and always be alert for possible cyclones. No relief from the humidity or heat yet – in fact, June is often the hottest month in many places. In Goa, some tourist businesses (including national parks) may close until October.
  • Indian Weather in July
    North: The monsoon has now well and truly arrived as sheets of rain pummel the coastal regions for hours most days, but less so in inland areas like Agra, Delhi, and Rajasthan (where some businesses may still close for a few months). Some roads flood easily, leading to traffic jams, and travel plans may be affected. Temperatures have dropped a little, but are still high – and be alert for cyclones around Kolkata. (High season in the far north.)
    South: Heavy rain continues, usually daily, causing flooded roads and railway tracks, so travel plans may be affected. In places like Mumbai (731mm) and Goa (1,200mm), it’s the wettest month on average. Cyclones and severe storms are not uncommon along the coast. There’s a slight drop in the daytime and overnight temperatures, but most visitors wouldn’t notice. Some tourist businesses will close in Goa for a few months.
  • Indian Weather in August
    North: August is just as uncomfortable as July, especially along the coastal regions (e.g. Kolkata) where cyclones are still possible. A slight decrease in temperatures and more significant fall in humidity, but weeks of heavy rain have turned some roads into mud, so travel plans may be affected. The only upside is the lack of tourists and slashing of hotel rates, but some businesses in Rajasthan (including national parks) have closed. (Peak season to the far north, as more tourists and other Indians escape the heat and rain on the plains.)
    South: While there’s a slight decrease in average rainfall in Mumbai and Goa, there is a build-up to a different monsoon season in other areas like Chennai. Rain is at its peak in southern India, and landslides and road closures are common, especially in the hill stations. The only positive is a fall in average daytime and overnight temperatures.
  • Indian Weather in September
    North: Some respite from the heavy rain of the previous 2-3 months is expected, but the monsoon lingers for a few more weeks, so the affected roads may still affect travel plans. Temperatures during the day, and especially overnight, continue to fall a little as the cool dry ‘winter’ looms. (Still mild and dry in the far north.)
    South: Some inland places (e.g. Bengaluru) and along the southeast coast (e.g. Chennai) are wet, while along the west coast (i.e. Mumbai and Goa) average rainfall is diminishing – perhaps half the previous month – but travel plans may still be affected. Temperatures generally remain lower than the peak of a couple of months before.
  • Indian Weather in October
    North: Immediately after the monsoon stops, the gardens are lush, the fresh fruits are more delicious, and the air is cleaner. The rain may linger, especially in Kolkata, into October, but the humidity is noticeably less and the daytime and overnight temperatures drop a few more degrees. Any tourist businesses, including national parks that may have closed for the wet season, will now re-open.
    South: Sharp decrease in rainfall along the west coast, but the monsoon may linger for a week or two more. Temperatures can vary oddly – increasing in Mumbai markedly, and remaining stable in Bengaluru, but dropping elsewhere. Flooded roads should have dried out, and tourist businesses that closed during the monsoon in places like Goa have reopened. In contrast to the west coast, the worst of the monsoon has now started in places like Chennai, so heavy downpours should be expected and cyclones are not uncommon.
  • Indian Weather in November
    North: Start of the dry cool winter which is ideal for traveling during the next 3-4 months. The rain has stopped to virtually nothing, and average temperatures have fallen to a warm 28-30° Celsius during the day and a cool (and often, cold) 12-14° overnight – but a little warmer in Kolkata. Fog in Agra and Delhi may frustrate travel plans and hamper views of the Taj Mahal or Red Fort. (Most tourist businesses in the far north have now closed for the winter.)
    South: As some rain lingers inland, it is still very wet in Chennai (which usually records its highest rainfall for the year), but the monsoon has finished in places like Mumbai and Goa. The start of the ‘winter’ means dry and warm days, which can be a little hot for some, but marked decrease in overnight temperatures. Far more festivals and outdoor events are held from now until March.
  • Indian Weather in December
    North: During the dry winter, December is often the coldest or second-coldest month of the year on average: a mild 22-23° Celsius during the day and downright chilly at 8-9° overnight. (About 27°/13° in Kolkata.) It can feel even colder as winds blow in from the snow-capped Himalayas, and fog can be problematic for travel and sightseeing in Agra and Delhi. Delhi and Kolkata can also suffer badly from smog. With abundant festivals, markets, and weddings, and the busiest time for European tourists in Agra and Rajasthan, hotel rates rise and travel tickets should be booked well in advance. (Extreme weather in the far north can affect roads and some airports.)
    South: This month is deep into the dry ‘winter’ – except along the southeast coast where the monsoon tapers off later in the month. Often lowest temperatures of the year during the day – so it’s warm, rather than hot – and worthy of a jumper overnight when it can get astonishingly cold. Start of the peak season as tourist numbers (and hotel rates) skyrocket, especially in Goa, where crowds can be overwhelming during Christmas and New Year.

Indian Holidays, Events, and Festivals

    India has the world’s second-largest number of Muslims (after Indonesia). Dates for these 4 major festivals change each year according to the Islamic calendar. Each is a public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.

  • Eid-al-Fitr – Usually falls mid-year, at the end of Ramadan, once the crescent moon is seen, and is celebrated with up to 3 days of feasts, music, and dance at mosques and homes.
  • Eid Mulid-un-Nabi (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) – Celebrated with prayers and parades during the third lunar month of the Islamic calendar (usually year-end).
  • Muharram/Ashura – Start of the Islamic New Year (usually mid-year, between July and September).
  • Eid al-Adha/Zuha (Bakr-Id) – Celebrates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Animals, mostly goats, are slaughtered and shared with families and the poor.

Indian Events in January

  • New Year’s Day (1st) – Celebrated by families and friends, especially in more developed areas. Usually some concerts.
  • Lohri (13th) – Traditional harvest festival dedicated to fire and the Sun God and celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, mostly in the state of Punjab, where it is also a public holiday. “Til rice” or sweet rice mixed with jaggery and sesame seeds is the traditional dish of the festival.
  • Uttarayan/Makar Sankranti (14th) – Popular, non-religious event celebrating the imminent end of winter, similar to Lohri, but celebrated more in Western India, especially with kite flying. It is also a big day in Varanasi, where people from all over the world come to dip in the holy waters of the river Ganga to wash away their sins.
  • Pongal (14th or 15th) – Similar to Lohri and Makar Sankranthi, this multi-day harvest festival is celebrated in South India (mostly Kerala), and is marked by bonfires, decorating houses, paying respect to farm animals which help the farmers provide for their families, visiting families and friends, and exchanging gifts. Sweet rice pudding, also called Pongal, is cooked and consumed.
  • Army Day (15th) – Commemorating fallen soldiers and the handover of power at Independence. Celebrated in Delhi and at all Army headquarters with more gusto than elsewhere.
  • Jaipur Literature Festival (late January) – Several days of cultural and artistic events drawing visitors and renowned authors, historians, actors, and poets from across the globe.
  • Republic Day (26th) – Commemorates the adoption of the country’s constitution on January 26, 1950. Huge parade in Delhi, but less restrained elsewhere. National holiday when all government offices and some tourist attractions close.
  • Beating the Retreat (29th) – Part of the Republic Day celebrations (see above) with a ceremony, including magnificent performances by various bands of the India Armed Forces, outside the Presidential Palace in Delhi.
  • Martyr’s Day (30th) – Death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the founding father of modern-day India.
  • Vasant Panchami (changeable, January/February) – Hindu ceremony, where devotees dressed in yellow place books and instruments in front of Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, for blessings and to celebrate the coming of spring. Regional holiday in many states.
  • Guru Govind/Gobind Singh Jayanti (changeable) – Public holiday in Punjab to commemorate the birth of the 10th guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.
  • The Dover Lane Music Conference (changeable, late January) – Major celebration of traditional music attracting notable Indian artists to Kolkata.
  • International Kolkata Book Fair (changeable, late January to early February) – Asia’s largest book fair is held across 12 days. Over 600 stalls and numerous local and internationally-known writers attend.

Indian Events in February

  • Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (from 1st Saturday in February) – Mumbai’s premier cultural extravaganza, with 9 days of literary and arts events, music, and workshops.
  • Taj Mahotsav (18th to 27th) – Numerous cultural activities, including parades of elephants and camels, as well as handicraft and food stalls in Agra just outside the Taj Mahal.
  • Shivaji Jayanti (19th) – Celebrates the birth of the great Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Public holiday in the state of Maharashtra.
  • Elephanta Festival (changeable, February/March) – Two or three days of traditional performances on Elephanta Island, a short ferry ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
  • Maha Shivaratri (changeable, February/March) – Day of fasting as a dedication to Lord Shiva, and marked with ceremonies in Shiv temples. Public holiday in most states, when government offices and some tourist attractions may close.
  • Goa Carnival (changeable, February/March) – Four days of fun, food stalls, music, dance, and colorful parades, often with locals wearing masks.
  • Elephant Festival (changeable, February/March) – Dramatic parade of the much-loved creatures in Jaipur. Elephants are bathed and dressed royally, and festivities include games, music, and dance. Day before Holi (see below).
  • Holi (changeable, February/March) – Vibrant commemoration of the start of spring. Almost everyone – including unsuspecting foreigners – is doused with colored water and/or powder. Public holiday in most states.
  • Thygaraja Festival (end-February to early-March) – Major cultural festival in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with traditional music and other events over many days.

Indian Events in March

  • Chaitra Navaratri/Rama Navaratri (changeable, March/April) – The beginning of the new year as per the Hindu calendar. The 9th night is celebrated as Rama Navami.
  • Rama Navami (changeable, March/April) – Celebrates Lord Rama’s birth. Plenty of music, dancing, fasting, and feasting, and reading of the epic Ramayana story beforehand. Public holiday when most government offices and some tourist attractions may close.
  • Mahavir Jayanti (changeable, March/April) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the most revered teacher of Jainism. Colorful festivities in temples and offerings to the poor. Public holiday in most states when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
  • Bengaluru Karaga (changeable, March/April) – 11 days of religious and traditional music and dance, and parades of men dressed as women and carrying big earthen pots on their heads in Bengaluru, to celebrate the Goddess Draupadi and womanhood.
  • Easter (changeable, March/April) – Celebrated by the Christian minority, but most vibrant in Goa where some businesses may close on Good Friday.
  • Gudi Padwa (changeable, March/April) – Traditional start of the Hindu New Year, mostly in Western India. Family visits, flying of a special flag, and spring-cleaning. Regional public holiday in some Western states.
  • Gangaur Festival (changeable, March/April) – Celebrated earnestly across Rajasthan with parades, particularly of women, to celebrate marital bliss. Also, linked to the onset of spring and the hopefully abundant harvest.

Indian Events in April

  • Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival (early April) – Fascinating and unique event held at the majestic Mehrangarh Fort over 3 days, with performances by international gypsies as well as local Rajasthani troupes.
  • Vaisakhi (usually 13th or 14th) – Another festival related to the onset of spring, as well as the start of the New Year according to the Sikh calendar. Abundant music, dance, wrestling, and the wearing of traditional costumes.
  • Ambedkar Jayanti/Bhim Jayanti (14th) – Celebrates the birth of late Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a leading historical figure. Major political figures and followers pay tribute to his statues. National holiday.
  • Vesak/Buddha Purnima (changeable, April/May) – Solemn festivals at temples marking the birth and death of Gautama Buddha, founder of Buddhism. Public holiday in some states, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.

Indian Events in May

  • Jodhpur Foundation Day (11-12 May) – Very colorful commemoration of the city’s creation, with lights, music, festivals, stalls, and free entry to the Mehrangarh fort.
  • Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti (changeable, May/June) – Birthday of revered 15th-century poet and saint. Public holiday in a few northern states.

Indian Events in June

  • Thomas Jones Day (22nd) – Celebrated in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya to mark the arrival of a Welsh Christian missionary.

Indian Events in July

  • Rasksha Bandhan/Rakhi (changeable, July/August) – Hindu festival marking the importance of families, especially siblings. Commonly called Brother and Sister Day, where sisters tie colorful strings (Rakhis) on their brothers’ hands, and brothers give gifts in return.
  • Nariyal Poornima/Nariel Purnima (changeable, July/August) – Traditional ‘Coconut Festival’ in Mumbai and surrounding areas when fishermen paint boats and make offerings of coconuts to the Sea God to signify the imminent end of the monsoon.

Indian Events in August

  • Independence Day (15th) – Celebrates India’s independence from the British in 1947. Patriotic time, with government buildings suitably decorated, and ceremonies held, especially in the state capitals. Also, a time for families to get together. National holiday when all government offices and many tourist attractions close.
  • Parsi New Year/Navroz (mid-August) – Celebrated by the Parsi community, which follows the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism, to mark the beginning of the Iranian calendar.
  • Madras Day (22nd) – Part of a week-long celebration of the city’s foundation in 1639, marked with concerts, food markets, and other events.
  • Janmashtami (changeable, August/September) – Marks the birth of Lord Krishna with offerings, fasting, festivities, and decorations of buildings. Public holiday in most states, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi (changeable, August/September) – Up to 10 days of celebrations for the birth of the highly-revered elephant-headed God, Ganesha. Idol immersion at public beaches is a must-see.
  • (Haryali/Hartalika) Teej (changeable, August/September) – Two-day celebrations linked to the arrival of the monsoon and marriage of Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva. Parades, mostly with dancing and praying by women and girls.

Indian Events in September

  • Ram Barat (changeable, September/October) – For three days before Dussehra (see below), there are celebrations and recreations of the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita with parades of elephants and horses, and lots of loud music, especially in Agra.
  • Navaratri (changeable, October/November) – Nine days of passionately celebrating the battle of Goddess Durga over a demon, or Lord Rama over Ravana. Some celebrate with traditional dancing, others by fasting. In Kolkata, with fireworks, colorful parades, and cultural events. The 9th day is Dussehra.
  • Dussehra (changeable, September/October) – Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, and the general battle of good over evil. Praying at temples, offerings of special food, and burning of Ravana’s effigies. National holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
  • Marwar Festival (changeable, September/October) – Two-day event in Jodhpur displaying local culture, art, dancing, and singing. Also, a game of polo with camels.

Indian Events in October

  • Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (2nd) – Sombre occasion commemorating the birthday of the country’s founding father. National holiday when all government offices and many tourist attractions close.
  • Mumbai Film Festival (late October) – One-week Bollywood extravaganza celebrating the city’s premier film industry with screenings and awards.
  • Pushkar Fair (changeable, October/November) – One of the biggest livestock fairs in the world, it attracts over 200k people across 5 days. Over 100k animals, including camels, cows, and horses are traded, alongside entertainment like ferris wheels, folk music and dances, performances, races, and sports.
  • Karaka Chaturthi/Karva Chauth (changeable, October/November) – In respect of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, it’s a social occasion for families and friends. Also, fasting and other special ceremonies among married women to wish for long and healthy lives for their husbands.
  • Diwali/Deepavali (changeable, October/November) – Major 5-day festival of lights, candles, and fireworks. Busy time for travel because it’s celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. One day is a national holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.

Indian Events in November

  • Guru Nanak Jayanti (changeable) – Celebrates the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, marked by prayers and parades. Public holiday in most states.
  • Jazzfest Kolkata (changeable, November/December) – Three days of foot-tapping music for and by aficionados. Also, blues and more contemporary music.

Indian Events in December

  • Feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (8-10th) – Held at the iconic whitewashed church at Panaji (Goa) with dances, music, stalls, and fireworks.
  • Serendipity Arts Festival (late December) – A week of music, crafts, and food at Panaji (Goa).
  • Christmas Day (25th) – Celebrated by all Christians and most tourists, and especially vibrant in Goa and Kerala. National holiday.
  • Sunburn Festival (27-29th) – Goa’s most popular music festival for young people is timed for the peak period between Christmas and New Year.
  • New Year’s Eve (31st) – Celebrated by most Indians, and all tourists, especially in major cities – but, perhaps, not as boisterously as in the West.

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