7 Unmissable Winter Festivals in India Picked for You

Winter is undoubtedly the best time to go on a tour as the weather is pleasant and there is no stress about the scorching heat or the heavy showers. Just stay well-clad and embark on fascinating journeys with memorable experiences. And if we talk about making memories, what can be better than going to cultural festivals? We have curated a list of winter festivals in India that you can attend to mark the end of 2024 with festivities and give the perfect start to 2025! Have a look at the amazing festivals lined up for the upcoming months and what they have in store for you.

List of Exciting Winter Fests 2025

Winter is synonymous with holidays and merry-making. If you, too, are craving a getaway from your hectic work schedule and are looking for entertaining activities to enjoy in the winter months, we have some suggestions for you. Listed below are some of the most popular fests in the country that are approaching soon. Go through their details, and book your tour soon for a fun-filled holiday this winter season.

• Rann Utsav

Event Dates: 11 November 2024–15 March 2025

Taking place in Gujarat’s Kutch, the Rann Utsav is a celebration of Gujarat’s vibrant culture and the beauty of its white salt desert that looks absolutely spectacular under the moonlight in the winter season. A whole Tent City is created with lavish temporary accommodations where people from all over the world come and stay. From divine cultural performances to delicious local food, the Utsav has it all!

Now that you know the Rann Utsav 2025 dates, you know that the event has already started. So, do not waste any time, and book your tour to Gujarat to attend the Rann Utsav before it gets too late.

• Hornbill Festival

Event Dates: 1-10 December 2025

Want to see unique celebrations of the tribal warriors of Nagaland? Then the Hornbill Festival is just where you need to be! The festival is named after the hornbill bird as it holds great importance in the Naga culture. The festivities include folk songs and dances, traditional art, and tribal games. It also showcases local food and handicraft stalls to introduce you to the authentic side of the Naga culture and customs.

• Nagaur Cattle Fair

Event Dates: 3-6 February 2025

The Nagaur Cattle Fair is the second-largest cattle fair in India next only to the Sonepur Cattle Fair. The 3-day event is attended by lacs of people who participate in the buying and selling of cattle. In addition to decorating and exhibiting cattle, the event is also popular for interesting competitions like camel race, bullock race, and tug-of-war. You can also witness storytelling performances, puppet shows, and an open theatre-like vibe. The Mirchi Bazaar is filled with ethnic attires, handicrafts, and a lot more, so you can also enjoy a shopping spree to make the most of the festivities.

• International Kite Festival

Event Dates: 11-14 January 2025

The festival of Uttarayan which marks the change of winter into summer is celebrated officially by Ahmedabad by hosting the International Kite Festival. The tradition has been going on since 1989 and is a much-awaited celebration in all of Gujarat. People participate in the kite flying competition and master kite makers and flyers from around the world like Malaysia, Indonesia, USA, Japan, and China come to the festival to showcase their creations and talent. Join the festivities to revel in the celebratory spirit of the event and taste lip-smacking local dishes like surati jamun, laddoo, and undhiyu.

• Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Event Dates: 10-12 February 2025

Yet another colorful cultural fest hosted by the state of Rajasthan is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. Taking place three days before the full moon in February, the event goes on for three days and makes the place come alive with cultural performances, turban-tying, longest mustache, and Mr. Jaisalmer competitions, camel races, and a lot more. The highlight for the traveler is the Jaisalmer desert safari along with the fire dance and Gair—a traditional dance form where dancers wear colorful costumes and swing sticks while moving in circles.

• Bikaner Camel Festival

Event Dates: 11-12 January 2025

This festival is dedicated to camels—a loyal animal that has contributed immensely to the livelihood of the people of Rajasthan. Camels are decorated with vibrant colors and costumes and paraded in the Bikaner Camel Festival. A lot of fascinating experiences await you in this celebration of the Ship of the Desert like camel races, acrobatics, camel milking competitions, best breed competitions, and unique camel beauty pageants. You will also see fire dancers, fireworks, and a plethora of folk performances to mark the event. And while you are at it, do not forget to try the special tea made with camel milk to relish the local flavor.

• Goa Carnival

Event Dates: 1-4 March 2025

The tradition of this carnival was brought to Goa by the Portuguese in the year 1510 and since then the event has been celebrated with great zest and fervor every year for 4 days. Stemming out of the Christian tradition followed worldwide, the carnival in Goa combines religious festivities with vibrant celebrations. The colorful parade on the street includes music and dance, floats, and huge tableaus. Nights are reserved for heavy partying and merry-making and the festivities end in the popular red-and-black dance in Panjim.

After reading the Goa Carnival dates, you must have heaved a sigh of relief as the event takes place rather late than all the other winter fests in the country, giving you enough time to plan and prepare. But, please know that since it is a very famous festival, bookings start early, so it’s better to plan your tour in advance and secure it.

With so many options to explore for the winter fests 2025, you can’t just sit at home and let this amazing opportunity pass. Come on, pick up your phones or laptops, and book a tour of one of these amazing locations today. You can browse our website for top-rated package deals and the cheapest flight tickets. Start now and get ready for an enjoyable winter break!