Due to the diverse array of religions in India, various festivals are celebrated throughout the year. As winter transitions into spring, March emerges as an ideal time to visit India, characterized by pleasant weather and a multitude of vibrant festivals, each more joyous than the last. This month is affectionately referred to as the month of colors, as it marks the celebration of Holi, one of India’s most exuberant festivals. To fully immerse yourself in these cultural festivities, consider planning your trip as part of India tour packages around the festival dates. Below is a list of some remarkable Indian festivals that take place in March.
International Yoga Festival (IYF), Rishikesh
Recognized as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is poised to host the highly anticipated International Yoga Festival from 9th March to 15th March 2025. This event, organized by Parmarth Niketan Ashram, among the most popular places to visit in Rishikesh, along the banks of the River Ganges, draws over 400 yoga practitioners from more than 30 countries, establishing itself as one of the largest yoga gatherings globally. Throughout this week-long festival, attendees will have the chance to engage in over 60 hours of yoga sessions led by esteemed instructors such as Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerth, Swami M.M. Asanganandji, Swami Avdheshanand Giri, and Pranav Pandya, all included in Rishikesh Tour Packages. Additionally, participants can enjoy holistic healing workshops, evening discussions, vegetarian cooking classes, and a variety of other activities.
Must Read: Popular Yoga Retreats in India for a Spiritual Escape
Goa Carnival
Goa, the beach capital of India, is all set to celebrate the annual Goa Carnival from 28th February to 4th March 2025. Introduced by the Portuguese, the Carnival is exclusive and unique to Goa, among the most prominent places to visit near Mumbai. Goa will come alive to celebrate this week long carnival with spectacular float parades, music, dance, and an array of events. The parade starts from Panaji and moves on to cities like Margao, Vasco, and Mapusa. The carnival concludes with the famous red-and-black dance held by the Club National in Panjim on the final day. Goa forgets to sleep during the carnival as these parades continue throughout the night. Apart from Goa Beaches, the carnival lures millions of visitors from all corners of the globe in order to partake in the festivities.
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Holi
Often referred to as the Festival of Colors, Holi ranks as the second most celebrated festival in India, following Diwali. In 2025, it was observed on March 13th -14th, and it is recognized by various names throughout the country. This vibrant festival infuses immense joy into the lives of the Indian populace. The celebration spans two days: the first day commemorates the victory of good over evil with the lighting of a bonfire known as Holika Dahan, while the second day is marked by the enthusiastic throwing of colored powders and water, lively parties, and dancing under water sprinklers. Udaipur, among the must-include places in Rajasthan tour packages, is considered one of the premier locations in India to experience the grand Holika Dahan. Additionally, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh are among the top places to visit near Delhi for Holi celebrations, drawing tourists and pilgrims from around the globe to partake in this significant festival. In Shantiniketan, West Bengal, it is celebrated as Basanta Utsav.
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Elephant Festival, Jaipur
Organized by Rajasthan Tourism to highlight the majestic heritage of Jaipur during Holi, the Elephant Festival is one of the most celebrated events in Jaipur, taking place annually in March. This festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, who is represented by the elephant, occurs on March 14th at the Polo Grounds of Jaipur, one of the prominent tourist places in Rajasthan. The event commences with a spectacular procession featuring royal elephants adorned in vibrant colors, lavish silver jewelry, and intricately embroidered garments. Key attractions of this magnificent festival include elephant polo, a tug-of-war competition, and an elephant race. Additionally, attendees can enjoy various music and dance performances as part of the Jaipur Tour Packages.
Also Read: Places to visit in Jaipur
Chapchar Kut, Mizoram
Chapchar Kut is a vibrant annual harvest festival celebrated in Mizoram every March. In 2025, the festival will take place as a one-day event on March 7th across the state. However, in the state capital, Aizawl, it will be celebrated over two days, on March 6th and 7th, at AR Lammual. This festival is characterized by lively dance and merriment, symbolizing the local community’s desire to welcome spring, which they hope will bring blessings for agricultural prosperity. It also serves as an occasion for the residents to express gratitude to the divine for assisting the Mizos in successfully completing their jhum cultivation in the forests. Chapchar Kut stands out as one of India’s remarkable cultural festivals in March, where locals don traditional attire, engage in singing and dancing, and play various musical instruments such as drums, gongs, and cymbals. A highlight of the celebration is the traditional bamboo dance, known as Cheraw, performed by women.
Shigmotsav, Goa
Recognized as the largest Hindu festival in Goa, Shigmotsav is celebrated to signify the transition of seasons. Taking place from March 15th to March 29th, Shigmo, or Shigmotsav, serves as the state’s interpretation of Holi, characterized by vibrant decorations, parades, music, dance, and an array of colors. The origins of Shigmo are believed to stem from a celebration honoring the return of Goan warriors from combat. The street parades commence in Ponda and extend to various towns, showcasing floats that illustrate scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, accompanied by drums and traditional folk dances. The festivities are particularly authentic in the rural areas of Goa, where they are celebrated with folk songs and dance rituals such as Fugdi and Ghode Modni. In addition to the celebrations, visitors can explore popular tourist places in Goa, including Colva Beach, Aguada Fort, Baga Beach, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Se Cathedral.
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Paripally Gajamela, Kerala
Paripally Gajamela is a grand and unique elephant procession conducted on the tenth day of the annual festival of Kodimoottil Bhadrakali Temple in Paripally, Kollam, among the most scenic places to visit near Trivandrum. Held on 4th March, the event witnesses a parade of more than 50 caparisoned elephants. It is part of an offering that is made to the Goddess Bhadrakali temple as it is believed that the offerings made to the elephants satisfies the deity and grants all the wishes of the devotees. Besides, a ritualistic shadow puppet show, Kerala orchestra, and countless local art and cultural practices come together to create the perfect festival environment. If you want to experience this wonderful festival, plan your trip during March as part of Kollam Tour Packages.
Also Read: Tourist Places in Kerala
Myoko, Arunachal Pradesh
The Myoko festival stands out as one of the most renowned and celebrated events among the tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. This ten-day festival, observed by the Apatani tribe from March 21st to 30th, is steeped in tradition. It is believed to encompass rituals aimed at promoting prosperity, fertility, purification, and sacrifice, which are conducted by the village shaman or priest. The festival also features a variety of captivating cultural activities, including folk performances and processions. During this time, locals don their traditional attire, engaging in joyful singing and dancing while preparing delectable local cuisine.
Chettikulangara Bharani
Chettikulangara Bharani, a stunning temple festival in Kerala, takes place at the Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, which is among the must-visit tourist places in Alleppey. Scheduled for March 4th, 2025, this annual event honors Goddess Bhagavathy. A highlight of the festivities is the Kettukazcha, which are large structures adorned with fabric, flowers, and jewelry. This occasion holds significant importance for the 13 ‘karas’ or localities that make up the region, as they are paraded to the temple in a grand procession. Additionally, various art and folk performances are showcased during the festival, ensuring that your Alleppey tour is truly unforgettable.
Must Read : Places to Visit near Kochi
Ugadi
Gudi Padwa, also known as Ugadi, is a spring festival that signifies the traditional New Year in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. This celebration occurs on the first day of the Chaitra month, specifically on March 30, 2025. It is believed that on this day, Lord Brahma created the universe, and thus, he is particularly honored during this festival. Additionally, it is said that Lord Vishnu took the form of Matsya, the fish, on this day. On Gudi Padwa, individuals adorn their homes with mango leaves, rangolis, and a special Gudi flag, which is decorated with flowers, mango and neem leaves, and topped with an inverted silver or copper vessel. People pray for a prosperous year ahead and visit temples to witness the annual Panchangasravanam, where priests offer predictions for the coming year. In Maharashtra, the festival evokes memories of the valiant Marathas returning home from victorious battles. A customary practice on this day is to serve neem leaves with jaggery as Prasad. During this celebration, large parades can be observed throughout Mumbai, featuring women dressed in saris riding motorbikes and over 50 floats that showcase the rich culture of the state, as part of Mumbai Tour Packages.
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Eid-ul-Fitr / Ramadan
A significant festival for the followers of Islam, Ramadan or Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a month of fasting prior to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. In 2025, it begins on 1st March and concludes on 31st March. During this month, Muslims traditionally fast daily from sunrise to sunset and turn their attention to God, with a focus on prayer and ritual purification. In the evenings, the streets of India are decked up and you get to taste some of the most delicious meat dishes and biryanis. The first day of Ramadan is traditionally marked by the sighting of the crescent moon with the naked eye, and the festival concludes with the grand celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on 31st March. Though Ramzan is celebrated all over the country, Hyderabad has no parallel in India when it comes to Ramzan celebrations. Don’t forget to visit the night market at Charminar and taste sumptuous Haleem during Ramzan as part of Hyderabad Tour Packages.
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Mewar Festival
Among the countless festivals that herald the arrival of spring, the Mewar Festival stands out as one of the most vibrant festivals of Udaipur, among the most famous places to visit near Jaipur. Taking place from March 31 to April 2, this festival is recognized as the second world living heritage festival in India and is particularly celebrated by the women of Rajasthan to honor successful marriages. The annual Mewar Festival features a variety of cultural programs, rituals, and traditions. During the festivities, women carry the images of Gangaur and Isar on their heads in a procession that traverses the Gangaur Ghat to Lake Pichola, one of the premier tourist places in Udaipur. Following the procession, the images are ceremoniously immersed in the waters of Lake Pichola. This year, the festival will be held from April 6 to April 8, and over its three-day duration, it attracts both locals and international tourists eager to experience the rich traditions of Rajputana.
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