Best Time to Visit India

Where To Stay

Agra • Bengaluru • Chennai • Delhi • Goa • Jaipur • Jodhpur • Kolkata • Mumbai

When is the best time to visit India?

I’ve toured extensively across India visiting almost every month of the year. In my opinion, India welcomes visitors throughout the calendar, with October through March generally recommended for exploring the south and May through September advisable for venturing to the far north. Peak travel periods countrywide coincide with summer vacations, Diwali (October/November), and Christmas meaning October and March in the north and November and March in the south offer the best chance to avoid crowds while taking advantage of pleasant conditions and competitive travel and accommodation deals.

When To Visit India – My Recommendations

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

  Southern India: Generally November through March or April, but December and January in Goa are quite busy (though entertaining and vibrant too).

  Note: These 2 major nationwide festivals tend to attract many travelers during certain periods each year: 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 northern regions South: November through March/April. January through March along the southeast coast.
• Best Time for Sightseeing:
  North: October to March, but avoid Christmas/New Year in Agra and Rajasthan. May to September for the farther north regions.
  South: From November through December to March through April. January through March along the southeast coast. The Christmas/New Year period in Goa is very crowded
• 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 along the southeastern coast.
• Best Time for Honeymoons:
  North: October/November to March/April. June to September to the farther north.
  South: November/December to April/May.
• Best Time for Nightlife:
  North: From October to May/June. From May to September in the far northern areas.
  South: November/December through April/May. February through June along the southeast coast.
• Best Time for Saving Money:
  Northern: May/June to September. October to April in the farthest 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 elements to take into account 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.)

  Southern India: Like elsewhere in India, the monsoon season (June to October) and heat (April and May) bring dangers exacerbated for coastal areas by potential cyclones. Inland places such as Bangalore experience milder conditions without monsoon influence or cyclonic risk. Thus, November/December to March/April offer best travel times though peak December/January sees high activity in Goa.Mumbai receives heavy rainfall during the wet season. For Chennai and the southeast coast where the monsoon differs, January to March provide best conditions.

• Best Time for Weather:
  North: The drier and cooler months of October through March provide the prime time to visit. Far more uncomfortable are the hot and humid periods (April and May/June) in the build-up to the rainy season (May/June through September). Fog can impact travel plans and disappoint sightseers in Agra and Delhi during January and February when it can be surprisingly cold. (June through September further north.)
  South: The ‘winter’ of November to March/April (as far as May in Goa) avoids the extreme heat leading up to the rainy timespan when precipitation heavily descends most days and brief flooding could potentially disrupt travel plans. With a differing rainy season, the climate is less warm and usually dry from January to March along the southeast coast.
• High Season:
  Northern (December to February): During these months, weather conditions in this region are dry and virtually no rainfall is recorded. The climate is usually warm, but sometimes moderate or even cold, especially overnight. In Agra and Delhi, fog can affect travel plans and sightseeing. The Christmas/New Year period sees peak times for Agra and Rajasthan. (July and August to the far north.)
  Southern (December to March): The ‘winter’ months are the coolest time of the year when rainfall is rarely recorded and humidity is negligible. Expect warm days which can turn a little chilly at night. The monsoon doesn’t usually halt until December along the southeast coast, so January to March are ideal in places like Chennai.
  Note: Throughout the Christmas/New Year time frame, lodging rates significantly increase and travel tickets for planes and trains prove difficult to obtain regarding the key tourist zones of Agra, Rajasthan, and, especially, Goa. Even busier are these two preeminent nationwide festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September) and Diwali/Deepavali (October/November).
• Shoulder Season:
  North (March, October, and November): These months bridging seasons bypass the worst of the heat (April and May/June) and wettest phase (May/June to September). It can still feel hot in March, with no more cool nights, and monsoonal rains linger through October, especially in Kolkata. (May, June, and September in the farther north.)
  South (April/May, October, and November): These transitional months flanking the warmest (May) and wettest (June to September) periods provide a better time to visit with significantly fewer tourists. April and November bookend the active season along the southeastern coastline.
• Low Season:
  North (April to September): From April to June the temperature commonly averages about 40° Celsius (and can rise higher), exacerbated by smog, humidity, and dust storms in Rajasthan. The rainy season then lasts from June to September. Streets are cleaner and gardens greener, but travel plans may be impacted by heavy rains. Watch out for cyclones along coastal areas, especially Kolkata. (October to April to the far north.).
  South (April/May to September): It is advisable to avoid these months owing to the intense heat and humidity building up to the monsoon season along with the risk of cyclones. However, resorts will have fewer guests and accommodation as well as air tickets will be available at discounted rates. For the southeast coast having a different wet period, the lean season extends from May to November.
  Note: Some tourist businesses (including national parks) could close in Goa for a few months during this time period

India Weather by Month

• Indian Weather in January
  North: During this month, days in the north usually have mild temperatures that can feel surprisingly cool at times, especially overnight and with fog occasionally causing difficulties for travel and sightseeing in cities like Delhi and Agra. The Christmas and New Year period is busy in places like Agra and Rajasthan, and smog occasionally blanketing areas such as Delhi and Kolkata can be rather unpleasant. Overall, it`s a popular timeframe featuring numerous festivals, markets, and weddings happening. Conditions are snowy for locations farther north.”
  South: The `winter` season continues with daytime highs ranging from mild to warm but rarely humid conditions. Overnight temperatures may even be cool enough to warrant a light jacket on occasion, while rainfall is seldom observed, allowing many outdoor festivals and events to be scheduled. This remains high season in Goa, while monsoon showers could still impact areas along the southeast coast
• Indian Weather in February
  North: Cool, dry conditions persist (except in Kolkata where it remains warmer), creating an excellent time to visit – particularly since tourist numbers have dropped from the January peak and the fog and haze typically obscuring Delhi and Agra at this time should soon dissipate. However, nights stay cold (except in Kolkata). (More snow and extreme weather occurs further 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: Daytime temperatures climb as the hot season approaches, yet a lightweight layer remains useful at night generally. Conditions stay generally dry aside potential rain in Kolkata now.With haze and fog dissipated by this point, it offers prime traveling until October absent far northern snowmelt. (What`s left of snow slowly melts in the farthest north.)
  South: The average temperatures both during the day and at night increased further, often shifting from pleasantly warm conditions to uncomfortably hot. Nights are no longer cool, but humidity levels remain low. The land continues to be dry, in a state that has lasted for numerous months
• Indian Weather in April
  North: Marked climbing of daytime temperatures starting the intense summer season as weeks of cool nights become history. Moisture increases noticeably as dry thunderstorms and dusty winds periodically blow through Agra and desert parts of Rajasthan though rain not yet. (Mountain roads in the distant north becoming passable.) South: The conclusion of the dry ‘winter’ is marked by sharp increases in average temperatures during the day and night. Now hotter, and sometimes uncomfortably humid as the monsoon is due in a couple months.
• Indian Weather in May
  North: Temperatures sharply rise to approximately 40° Celsius, setting new peaks for the year, and life-endangering heat waves affect some areas regularly. More storms are on the horizon, but they often fail to bring rain for several more weeks, making the hot weather even worse due to debilitating humidity. As the rainy season approaches, some tourist businesses in Rajasthan may close until September/October. Additionally, the beginning of the cyclone season in Kolkata. (Most areas in the far north are now accessible by road.)
  Southern: Daytime temperatures increase noticeably, as does the humidity. Now deep into the hot season as the monsoon approaches, brief downpours are experienced in some areas during the pre-monsoon rains. This month experiences some of the highest overnight averages for the year, with little 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
  Northern India: Generally the least comfortable month as high heat persists throughout each day and night while the monsoon begins gradually (although starting sooner in Kolkata). The humidity may drop slightly and dust storms have dissipated in Rajasthan. Thunderstorms on the horizon may bring some welcomed rain and cause some tourist attractions (and national parks) to close during the wet season in Rajasthan. (Peak season in the far north.)
  Southern Regions: Sudden dramatic start of the monsoon though less precipitation initially impacts southeast coastal areas where rains begin later. Daily intense showers can overwhelm drainage leading to potential travel delays – staying alert for cyclones too remains wise. Stifling humidity and heat persist for now – in fact, June sometimes sees the hottest temperatures in many localities. During this period, some tourist facilities including national parks in Goa may pause operations until October.
• Indian Weather in July
  North: The monsoon storms have taken firm hold of the coastal regions, dumping sheets of rain for hours daily but less inland like Agra, Delhi, and Rajasthan (where some businesses may yet close a few months more). Some roadways prone to flooding cause traffic jams, potentially impacting plans. Temperatures down a bit but remain high – also watch 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. Storms of notable intensity and severity are not uncommon along the coast. There’s a slight drop in the temperatures during the day and at night, 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, particularly along coastal areas (e.g. Kolkata) where cyclones remain possible. A slight decrease in temperatures and more significant fall in humidity, but weeks of heavy rain have transformed some roads into mud, so travel plans may be impacted. The sole 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: Though on average there is a slight decrease in rainfall in Mumbai and Goa, rainfall is peaking in other parts of southern India like Chennai in this season. Landslides and road closures are frequent particularly in hilly areas. The only positive aspect is a reduction in average day and night temperatures
• Indian Weather in September
  North: Some relief from the heavy rainfall over the previous 2-3 months is anticipated, but the monsoon lingers for a few more weeks, so the affected roads may still impact travel plans. Temperatures during the day, and particularly overnight, continue to gradually fall a little as the cool dry ‘winter’ approaches. (Still mild and dry in the far north.) South: Some inland locations (e.g. Bengaluru) and along the southeast coast (e.g. Chennai) receive rainfall, while along the west coast (i.e. Mumbai and Goa) average precipitation diminishes – perhaps half of the previous month – but travel plans may remain impacted. Temperatures generally persist lower than the peak of a couple months before.
• Indian Weather in October
  Northern Region: Just after the monsoon ends, the gardens are lush, fresh fruits are more delicious and the air cleaner. Rain may linger, particularly in Kolkata, into October, but humidity decreases noticeably and daytime and overnight temperatures drop a few more degrees. Any tourist businesses, like national parks that may have closed during the wet season, will now reopen.
  South: South India is expected to experience a sharp reduction in rainfall along its west coast, but the monsoon season may continue for another week or two. Temperatures could vary unusually – seeing a notable rise in Mumbai, remaining stable in Bengaluru, but falling elsewhere. Flooded roads should have dried up by now, and tourist businesses in places like Goa that closed during the monsoon have reopened. In contrast to the west coast, the worst of the monsoon has now begun in areas like Chennai, so heavy downpours must be anticipated and cyclones are not uncommon
• Indian Weather in November
  North: The start of the moderately cool and dry winter period that is ideal for voyaging over the following 3-4 months. Moisture from rain has almost halted completely, and ordinary temperatures have declined to a warm 28-30° Celsius during daylight hours and a modestly (and regularly, frigid) 12-14° overnight – but a little warmer in Kolkata. Fog in Agra and Delhi may frustrate travel designs and hamper perspectives of the Taj Mahal or Red Fort. (The majority of tourist companies in the far north have presently shut down for the winter.)
  South: As some rainfall lingers inland, it remains rather damp in Chennai (which usually documents its greatest precipitation for the year), but the monsoon has concluded in places such as Mumbai and Goa. The initiation of the ‘winter’ signifies dry and warm days, which can be somewhat hot for some, but marked decrease in overnight temperatures. Considerably more festivities and outdoor happenings are held from now until March
• Indian Weather in December
  Northern: Typically during the dry winter season, the month of December often averages as the coldest or second coldest time of the year, with daytime highs averaging mildly around 22-23° Celsius yet overnight lows dropping to a rather chilly 8-9° range. (Roughly equivalent to 27°/13° in Kolkata, India.) It can sense even chillier as winds blow south from snow-capped mountain peaks, and fog is sometimes problematic for travel and sightseeing in cities like Agra and Delhi. The capitals of Delhi and Kolkata can also experience poor air quality due to smog. With many festivals, bustling markets, and weddings occurring alongside the peak season for European visitors to destinations in Agra and Rajasthan, lodging prices increase and transportation reservations should be made well in advance. (Severe conditions in remote northern areas can impact roadways and some airports at times.)
  South: This represents the extended dry season – except near the southeast coast where the monsoon activity gradually declines later in the month. Commonly experiencing the lowest daily highs of the year during this period – meaning temperatures feel warm rather than hot – and overnight it can get stunningly frigid worthy of extra layers. It marks the beginning of peak travel season as visitor numbers and lodging prices significantly increase, especially in Goa facing overwhelming crowds around Christmas and New Year

Indian Holidays, Events, and Festivals

Home to the planet`s second largest Muslim population after Indonesia, India celebrates four principal religious commemorations that alter dates annually relative to the Islamic calendar. Observed as public holidays, some governmental offices and cultural sites may close on these sacred occasions that unite adherents.
• Eid al-Fitr – Typically falls in the middle of the year, at the conclusion of Ramadan, once the crescent moon is viewed, and is celebrated with up to 3 days of feasts, music, and dance at mosques and homes.
• Eid Mulid-un-Nabi (The birthday of the Prophet Mohammed) – Celebrated with prayers and processions during the third lunar month of the Islamic calendar (usually year-end).
• The Muharram/Ashura festival – Commencement of the Islamic New Year (usually mid-year, involving July and September).
• Eid al-Adha/Zuha (Bakr-Id) – Commemorates Ibrahim`s willingness to sacrifice his son. Mainly goats are ritually slaughtered and shared with family, friends, and those in need.

Indian Events in January

• New Year’s Day (1st) – Marked by families and friends getting together, particularly in more developed areas. Usually some concerts are held.
• 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 celebration without religious attachment marking the impending conclusion of winter, comparable to Lohri, but predominantly commemorated in Western India, particularly with recreational airborne object projecting. It is also a significant day in Varanasi, where individuals from everywhere throughout the world appear to submerge in the consecrated waters of the waterway Ganges to cleanse away their sins.
• Pongal (14th or 15th) – Comparable to Lohri and Makar Sankranthi, this multi-day agricultural festival is celebrated predominantly in the Indian state of Kerala, and is marked by bonfires, home decorations, showing gratitude to farm animals which aid the farmers in providing for their families, visiting relatives and acquaintances, and exchanging gifts. Sweet rice cooked in milk, also called Pongal, is prepared and partaken.
• Commemorating the courageous soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation`s freedom and marking the transfer of governing authority to independent India, Army Day (15th) is observed with special ceremonies in New Delhi and all Army headquarters, generating more enthusiasm there than elsewhere.
• Jaipur Literature Festival (late January) – Over several days, this event features cultural and artistic programming attracting visitors as well as renowned authors, historians, actors, and poets from worldwide.
• Republic Day (the 26th) – Commemorates the endorsement of the nation`s constitution on January 26th, 1950. Vast parade in Delhi, but less constrained in other places. National holiday when all administration offices and some tourist attractions close.
• Beating the Retreat (29th) – Section of the Republic Day festivities (see above) including an elaborate ceremony held outside the Presidential Palace in Delhi, showcasing stunning performances by various bands from the Indian Armed Forces.
• Martyr’s Day (30th) – Death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the founding father of modern-day India.
• Vasant Panchami (changeable, January/February) – Hindu ritual, where devotees dressed in yellow place books and instruments facing Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, for blessings and to celebrate the coming of spring. Regional holiday in many states.
• Commemorating the birth of the 10th Sikh guru Guru Gobind/Gobind Singh, this public holiday in Punjab honors his legacy.
• The Dover Lane Music Conference (changeable, late January) – Major festival celebrating traditional music attracting notable Indian artists to Kolkata.
• International Kolkata Book Fair (timing varies, late January to early February) – Asia’s largest book expo spans twelve days. Over six hundred exhibitor stands and many local and globally renowned authors are present.

Indian Events in February

• Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (from the 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 offerings, like spectacles of elephants and camels, and also handicraft and cuisine vendors in Agra just by the Taj Mahal.
• Shivaji Jayanti (19th) – Honors the birthday of the great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A public holiday in Maharashtra state.
• The Elephanta Festival (date varies, usually February/March) includes traditional performances over two or three days on Elephanta Island, a brief ferry ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
• Maha Shivaratri (the date changes, usually February/March) – A day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked with ceremonies in Shiv temples. A public holiday in most states, when government offices and some tourist attractions may close.

The following rephrases the list item while keeping essential details:

• Goa Carnival (variable, February/March) – A four day period of fun, food stalls, music, dance, and colorful parades, often with locals wearing disguises.
• Elephant Festival (changeable, February/March) – A dramatic parade features the beloved creatures in Jaipur. The elephants are bathed and dressed grandly, and festivities include games, music, and dance. This occurs the day before Holi (see below).
• Holi (variable, February/March) – Lively commemoration of the onset of spring. Nearly everyone – including unsuspecting foreigners – has colored water and/or powder thrown on them. Public holiday in most states.
• Thygaraja Festival (end-February to early-March) – Significant cultural happening in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with traditional music and other activities over numerous days.

Indian Events in March

• Chaitra Navaratri/Rama Navaratri (variable, March/April) – The beginning of the new year according to 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 (variable, March/April) – Celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavir, the most revered teacher of Jainism. Temples hold colorful festivities and offerings are made to those in need. It`s a public holiday in most states when some government facilities and tourist attractions may close.
• Bengaluru Karaga (changeable, March/April) – Spanning 11 days, this event highlights traditional music and dance performances as well as parades with men dressed as women carrying large earthen pots atop their heads in Bengaluru. Held to venerate the goddess Draupadi and womanhood.
• Easter (variable, 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 beginning of the Hindu New Year, mostly in Western India. Family visits, flying of a special banner, and spring-cleaning. Regional public holiday in some Western states.
• Gangaur Festival (changeable, March/April) – Devotedly celebrated across Rajasthan with parades, especially of women, to honor marital happiness. Also connected to the onset of spring and hopefully copious harvests.

Indian Events in April

• Jodhpur Festival of Flamenco and Gypsy (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 spring festival that also marks the start of the New Year according to the Sikh calendar. It involves abundant music, dance, wrestling, and wearing traditional costumes.
• Ambedkar Jayanti/Bhim Jayanti (14th) – Honors the birthday of late Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, an important historical figure. Major political leaders and followers pay tribute to his statues. National holiday.
• Festivals at Buddhist holy sites (changeable, April/May) – Significant ceremonies conducted at temples to commemorate the birth and passing of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Public holiday in some states, when certain government agencies and tourist spots may temporarily close for observing the occasion.

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 famous Mehrangarh fort.
• Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti (changeable, May/June) – Birthday of the renowned 15th-century poet and saint. Public holiday in several 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 celebration reflecting the importance of families, specifically siblings. Commonly known as Brother and Sister Day, where sisters bind vividly colored strings (Rakhis) on their brothers’ hands, and brothers give gifts in return.
• Nariyal Poornima/Nariel Purnima (variable, July/August) – Traditional ‘Coconut Festival’ in Mumbai and surrounding areas when fishermen embellish 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. A patriotic time, with government buildings suitably adorned, and ceremonies held, particularly in the state capitals. Moreover, a time for families to congregate. National holiday when all government offices and many tourist attractions close.
• The Parsi New Year/Navroz, celebrated in mid-August, is an important event for members of the Zoroastrian religious community. It marks the start of the Iranian calendar year.
• Chennai Establishment Anniversary (22nd) – Part of a week-long commemoration of the city’s 1639 founding, marked with performances, food markets, and other events.
• Janmashtami (changeable, August/September) – Commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna with offerings, fasting, festivities, and beautifying constructions. It`s a public holiday in most states, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close their doors.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (changeable, August/September) – Up to 10 days of celebrations for the birth of the highly-revered elephant-headed God, Ganesha. Idol submersion at public beaches is a must-see.
• (Haryali/Hartalika) Teej (changeable, August/September) – A two-day celebration linked to the arrival of the monsoon and marriage of Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva. Parades occur, mostly including dancing and praying by women and girls.

Indian Events in September

• Ram Barat (date varies, September/October) – For three days preceding Dussehra (see below), celebrations and reenactments of the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita occur with parades of elephants and horses accompanied by loud music, especially in Agra.
• Navaratri (variable, October/November) – Nine days devoted to enthusiastically commemorating the battle of Goddess Durga over a demon, or Lord Rama over Ravana. Some participate through traditional dancing, others via fasting. In Kolkata, with fireworks, colorful processions, 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 (variable, September/October) – A two-day event in Jodhpur showcasing local culture, art, dancing, and singing. Also includes a game of polo played with camels.

Indian Events in October

• Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (2nd) – Solemn remembrance of the founding father`s birthday, which is a public holiday resulting in the closure of many government offices and attractions across the nation.
• A prestigious annual film festival that celebrates Mumbai’s prominent film industry through screenings and awards, the Mumbai Film Festival occurs in late October over one week.
• The Pushkar Fair – One of the largest livestock markets globally, it attracts over 200k people across a 5 day span. Well over 100k animals, like camels, cows, and horses are traded there, alongside entertainment that includes amusement rides, folk music and dancing, 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 wishing for long and healthy lives for their husbands.
• 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 (timing varies) – Celebrates the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, marked by prayers and processions. A public holiday in most states.
• Jazzfest Calcutta (changeable, November/December) – Three days of toe-tapping music performed and enjoyed by aficionados. Other styles featured include blues and more contemporary forms.

Indian Events in December

• Feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (8-10th) – Held at the iconic whitewashed church in Panaji (Goa) with dances, music, vendors, 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.
OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN STROMBOLI
• New Year’s Eve (31st) – Celebrated by most Indians and all visitors, especially in major cities – but perhaps not as exuberantly as in Western nations.

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