- Showcases India’s top cultural and spiritual festivals in November, from desert fairs to tribal harvests
- Highlights iconic events like Rann Utsav, Pushkar Camel Fair, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and Ganga Mahotsav
- Features regional celebrations including Wangala Festival, Hamir Utsav, Majuli Music Festival, and Matsya Festival
- Encourages travelers to explore India’s diversity, with music, rituals, food, and vibrant traditions across the country
November in India – A Month of Culture and Celebration
November in India is a month when winter’s cool breeze blends with the warmth of festivity. The season is marked by grand cultural events, religious gatherings, and local fairs that showcase India’s diversity. From moonlit deserts and tribal rhythms to spiritual rituals along the Ganges, every celebration captures the nation’s heart.
Here are the top festivals and experiences in India during November 2025, each offering a unique glimpse into India’s traditions and charm.
Rann Utsav 2025–26 (23 October 2025 – 4 March 2026)
The iconic Rann Utsav returns with months of non-stop cultural magic in Gujarat’s white desert. From October to March, visitors can experience the best of Gujarati traditions, food, and art under a moonlit sky.
Where to Go: Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
What to Experience:
- Shop for Kutchi handicrafts and embroidered textiles.
- Enjoy traditional folk performances and art workshops.
- Stay in luxury tents overlooking the salt desert.
- Go on camel safaris and thrilling ATV rides.
- Witness grand celebrations during New Year’s Eve and Republic Day.
Why Attend: Rann Utsav turns the white sands of Kutch into a living canvas of music, culture, and joy — a must-visit for every traveler.
Highlights: Cultural shows, desert adventures, handicraft shopping, and starlit nights.
Pushkar Camel Fair (30 October – 5 November 2025)
One of India’s most famous and colourful fairs, the Pushkar Camel Fair draws global visitors to Rajasthan’s desert. It’s both a livestock trading event and a grand cultural spectacle.
Where to Go: Pushkar, Rajasthan
What to Experience:
- Witness thousands of camels and horses adorned for trade and show.
- Enjoy camel races, folk performances, and desert camping.
- Taste Rajasthani cuisine at local stalls.
- Visit Pushkar Lake and temples for a spiritual retreat.
Why Attend: This fair combines vibrant desert culture, adventure, and spirituality — a rare blend that captures Rajasthan’s soul.
Highlights: Camel races, folk music, cultural markets, and desert sunsets.
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem (Early November 2025)
Held by the Khasi tribe, Ka Pomblang Nongkrem is a five-day harvest festival in Meghalaya. It’s a deeply spiritual celebration expressing gratitude for nature’s abundance.
Where to Go: Smit, Meghalaya
What to Experience:
- Witness traditional goat sacrifice ceremonies.
- See the graceful Nongkrem dance performed by unmarried Khasi girls.
- Attend rituals led by tribal priests and the Queen Mother.
Why Attend: This festival offers an intimate view of Meghalaya’s indigenous culture and ancient traditions.
Highlights: Folk dances, rituals, tribal attire, and local community spirit.
Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) (5 November 2025)
Guru Nanak Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It’s one of the most sacred festivals for Sikhs, celebrated with devotion and community service.
Where to Go: Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated across the globe, but is particularly famous in these places:
- Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Delhi
- Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
What to Experience:
- Join the Nagar Kirtan processions filled with hymns and devotion.
- Witness the Akhand Path — continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Enjoy free community meals (Langar) at Gurudwaras.
Why Attend: Gurpurab is a festival of equality, unity, and faith that beautifully reflects Sikh values of compassion and service.
Highlights: Processions, devotional music, and community feasts.
Kartik Poornima (5 November 2025)
Falling on the full moon day of Kartik month, Kartik Poornima holds immense religious significance. It coincides with the final day of the Pushkar Fair and Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Where to Go: There are several places where you can go for the Kartik Poornima celebration:
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi
- Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh | Prayagraj
- Haridwar, Uttarakhand | Haridwar
- Pushkar, Rajasthan | Pushkar
- Somnath Temple, Gujarat | Somnath Temple
- Amritsar, Punjab | Amritsar
What to Experience:
- Take a holy dip in sacred rivers (Punya Snan).
- Witness Ganga Aarti and lamp-lit riverbanks.
- Observe rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Why Attend: The entire country glows with devotion — thousands of diyas float across rivers creating an ethereal sight.
Highlights: Ritual bathing, devotional chants, and spiritual atmosphere.
Ganga Mahotsav (6 – 8 November 2025)
Celebrated along the ghats of Varanasi, Ganga Mahotsav pays tribute to the sacred River Ganga. The city transforms into a spiritual and cultural hub for three days.
Where To Go : Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
What to Experience:
- Witness mesmerizing Ganga Aarti and diya-lighting ceremonies.
- Enjoy traditional dance, music, and fireworks on the riverbank.
- Explore local bazaars featuring art and craft exhibitions.
Why Attend: Ganga Mahotsav blends devotion, art, and festivity, giving you a glimpse of India’s spiritual essence.
Highlights: Boat races, Aarti, artisan markets, and fireworks.
Wangala Festival (7 November 2025)
Known as the “100 Drums Festival,” Wangala celebrates the harvest and honours the Sun God. It’s a rhythmic and energetic tribal celebration.
Where To Go : Garo areas of Meghalaya, Assam, and Nagaland
What to Experience:
- Watch hundreds of men beat traditional drums in unison.
- See colourful tribal dances and feathered costumes.
- Experience the vibrant thanksgiving rituals of the Garo tribe.
Why Attend: It’s one of Northeast India’s most powerful cultural experiences, showcasing deep tribal pride.
Highlights: Drumming performances, tribal dances, and festive parades.
Hamir Utsav (13 November 2025)
The Hamir Utsav celebrates the rich culture and history of Hamirpur. This local festival brings together music, art, and traditional sports.
Where To Go : Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
What to Experience:
- Folk arts like jeras, jhatras, and gidhas.
- Punjabi dance and music performances.
- Local artisans displaying their crafts.
Why Attend: It’s a vibrant mountain celebration that captures Himachal’s cultural heart.
Highlights: Folk art, mountain music, and traditional games.
Children’s Day (Jawaharlal Nehru Jayanti) (14 November 2025)
Celebrated in honour of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Children’s Day is a joyful occasion dedicated to childhood and education.
Where To Go : Across the country
What to Experience:
- School celebrations, cultural programs, and public events.
- Activities promoting child welfare and rights.
- Distribution of sweets and gifts to children.
Why Attend: It’s a heartwarming celebration that highlights the importance of nurturing India’s future generation.
Highlights: School programs, joyrides, and child-centric events.
Majuli Music Festival (21 – 23 November 2025)
Held on the world’s largest river island, the Majuli Music Festival celebrates art, music, and nature. It’s a fusion of modern beats and traditional rhythms.
Where To Go : Majuli, Assam
What to Experience:
- Performances by indie, electronic, and folk artists.
- Workshops, art displays, and traditional Assamese food.
- Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Majuli Island.
Why Attend: Perfect for music lovers and culture seekers — this eco-friendly festival connects art with community.
Highlights: Music concerts, island camping, and local crafts.
Matsya Festival (25 – 26 November 2025)
Ending November on a high note, the Matsya Festival celebrates Alwar’s royal heritage and vibrant Rajasthani traditions.
Where To Go : Alwar, Rajasthan
What to Experience:
- Grand processions with camels and elephants.
- Folk performances like ghoomar and kalbeliya.
- Local handicraft exhibitions and traditional sports.
Why Attend: This festival perfectly captures Rajasthan’s grandeur and community joy — a true royal experience.
Highlights: Folk dances, cultural parades, crafts, and Rajasthani cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The major festivals in November 2025 in India include Rann Utsav, Pushkar Camel Fair, Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Kartik Poornima, Ganga Mahotsav, Wangala Festival, Hamir Utsav, Children’s Day, Majuli Music Festival, and Matsya Festival. Each celebration highlights India’s cultural, spiritual, and artistic diversity.
Rann Utsav is celebrated in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. It begins on 23 October 2025 and continues until 4 March 2026. The festival offers desert camping, cultural performances, handicraft shopping, and full-moon desert views.
The Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan is world-famous for its unique mix of camel trading, cultural performances, desert camping, and religious rituals by Pushkar Lake. Visitors from across the globe attend to experience Rajasthan’s desert culture and vibrant traditions.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It’s a day of devotion, equality, and service, celebrated through prayers, community feasts (Langar), and Nagar Kirtan processions.
Kartik Poornima will be celebrated on 5 November 2025. It is observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month and is considered highly auspicious for taking holy dips and lighting diyas in temples and rivers across India.
During Ganga Mahotsav (6–8 November 2025), Varanasi’s ghats come alive with music, dance, and devotion. Pilgrims and tourists gather to watch grand Ganga Aartis, fireworks, and cultural performances that celebrate the sacred River Ganga.
The Garo tribe of Meghalaya celebrates the Wangala Festival, also known as the “Hundred Drums Festival.” It is a harvest celebration dedicated to the Sun God, featuring rhythmic drumming, tribal dances, and colorful traditional attire.
The Garo tribe of Meghalaya celebrates the Wangala Festival, also known as the “Hundred Drums Festival.” It is a harvest celebration dedicated to the Sun God, featuring rhythmic drumming, tribal dances, and colorful traditional attire.
Hamir Utsav, celebrated in Hamirpur, showcases Himachal’s local traditions, folk music, and art. It highlights the region’s cultural identity through performances, traditional sports, and community gatherings.
Children’s Day on 14 November 2025 honors the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Schools and organizations hold cultural programs, games, and awareness activities promoting child welfare, joy, and education.
The Majuli Music Festival in Assam is unique because it takes place on the world’s largest river island. It blends indie, folk, and electronic music with eco-friendly themes, local art, and the serene beauty of the Brahmaputra River.
The Matsya Festival in Alwar celebrates the region’s royal heritage and Rajasthani culture. It features traditional dance forms like ghoomar and kalbeliya, colorful parades, handicrafts, and local cuisine, attracting visitors from all over India.
Yes, November is one of the best months to visit India. The weather is pleasant across most regions, and numerous festivals take place, offering travelers a perfect mix of culture, spirituality, and entertainment.
For first-time visitors, the Pushkar Camel Fair and Rann Utsav are highly recommended. They showcase India’s colorful traditions, desert charm, and cultural diversity, making them ideal introductions to Indian festivals.
Final Note
November in India is truly a celebration of unity, music, faith, and diversity. From the deserts of Kutch to the ghats of Varanasi, every festival tells a story — of devotion, community, and joy. It’s the perfect month to explore India’s cultural richness and create memories that last a lifetime.
Stay tuned for upcoming festival updates, ticket releases, Sports, Music travel tips and More.
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