November represents the commencement of cool weather conditions throughout India. The atmosphere is filled with festive excitement, establishing November as an exceptional period for international tourists to explore India. The nation has demonstrated consistent appeal to visitors from diverse geographical regions, functioning as a repository of numerous spiritual traditions and cultural practices. A principal contributor to this widespread attraction is the extensive array of celebrations in the form of cultural programs and religious ceremonies that transpire throughout the year. Additionally, the forthcoming November encompasses several distinguished occasions and celebrations in India that are likely to capture everyone’s interest, as these fairs and festivals exemplify the rich cultural traditions and heritage of India. To obtain comprehensive information regarding the various occasions and witness the grand celebrations as part of the India tour packages, please go through the curated compilation of the top festivals to celebrate in India in November 2026 presented herein.
Diwali
Diwali is one of the most important and biggest festivals in India. Commonly referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali is celebrated to honor the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, after he triumphed over Ravana in North India. In South India, it marks the celebration of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. This year, it is observed on the 8th November and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by individuals of all faiths. The Diwali period includes multiple related observances: Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja (November 9), and Bhai Dooj (November 11). During Diwali, people adorn their homes with colourful flowers, candles, earthen lamps, or electric lights. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is honored, and everyone prays for a prosperous year ahead. The sky is illuminated with vibrant firecrackers on this day. Renowned across India, cities such as Varanasi, Amritsar, Goa, Jaipur, Delhi, Pune, and Mumbai are among the popular locations to celebrate Diwali.
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Rann Utsav, Kutch
A tribute to the culture and traditions of Gujarat, Rann Utsav stands as one of the iconic festivals celebrated in India during the month of November. This desert carnival is held in the Great Rann salt desert of Kutch, which is among the most picturesque places to visit near Ahmedabad. Organized by the local residents of Kutch in partnership with Gujarat Tourism, this festival spans three months, commencing on 1st November 2026 and concluding on 7th March 2027. The event is a true delight, featuring warm hospitality, folk performances, adventure sports, and ethnic displays. Numerous luxury tents are erected on the outskirts of the white salt desert to host visitors. Throughout this festival, the region transforms into a vibrant carnival showcasing local artisans who present traditional textiles, handicrafts, and jewelry. Various government and private entities come together during this event to provide exquisite local cuisine and artifacts to tourists from around the world as part of Gujarat tour packages. It is advisable to plan your visit during the full moon nights to witness the breathtaking sight of the white salt desert shimmering in silver under the moonlight.
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Wangala Festival
Another highly celebrated festival in India during November is Wangala Festival, the largest harvest festival observed by the Garo tribes of Meghalaya and Assam, serving as a thanksgiving ceremony to Misi Saljong, the agricultural deity. Commonly referred to as the 100 Drums Festival, this event symbolizes the onset of winter and signifies the conclusion of the agricultural season. The 2026 gathering marks the festival’s 50th occasion which takes place from November 11 to November 14, 2026 at Wangala A·dam in Chibragre (near Tura) in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya.Music and dance play a crucial role in the Wangala festivities. The festival’s main highlight is the music and orchestration of drums, gongs, and flutes, including an ancient traditional flute crafted from buffalo horn. The village chief, known as the Nokma, conducts a ritual the day prior to the festival’s commencement, during which freshly brewed rice beer, cooked rice, and vegetables are presented to Misi Saljong as a gesture of gratitude for a bountiful harvest. This four unforgettable days bringing together 1,000 drummers and 3,000 dancers at Wangala A’dam. Key features of the festival encompass a traditional dance competition among Wangala troupes from the Garo Hills, a slow-cooking contest, indigenous games, and an exhibition of handloom and handicrafts.
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Dev Deepavali & Ganga Mahotsav
Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Deepawali, is a Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Indian city of Varanasi, among the must-include places in Uttar Pradesh tour packages. This festival, referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights of the Gods,’ occurs on Kartik Purnima, fifteen days after Diwali. This year, it will be celebrated on the 24th of November in honor of Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasur. The festivities involve devotees releasing floating earthen lamps into the Ganga River to guide the Gods towards the water. The ghats of Varanasi are lit with countless diyas and resonate with divine chants and processions. On the night of the celebration, thousands of devotees from all over the country gather along the ghats of the Ganges to witness the magnificent Ganga aarti as part of the Varanasi tour packages. In honor of the most sacred river in the country, the Ganga, devotees also celebrate the Ganga Mahotsav Festival in Varanasi from November 20 to November 23, 2026, culminating immediately with Dev Deepawali on November 24. This festival is filled with the shimmering light of earthen lamps, diyas, and the sweet aroma of Dhoop and flowers, creating an atmosphere rich in tranquility and spirituality.
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Pushkar Camel Fair
Locally referred to as Kartik Mela or Pushkar ka Mela, the Pushkar Camel Fair is an annual multi-day livestock event that takes place in the town of Pushkar, among the top places to visit near Jaipur. The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 will showcase its vibrant activities from the 17th November to 24th of November. Drawing in over 200,000 attendees, the Pushkar Camel Festival is recognized as one of the largest camel fairs globally and is among the most prominent Indian festivals celebrated in November. Traders from various regions of the state gather to buy and sell camels and horses. Key attractions include competitions such as the camel race, matka phod, longest moustache, and bridal contest. Rajasthani folk music, Kalbelia dance performances, hot air balloon rides, camel safaris, and handicraft bazaars are the other highlights of the festival. Additionally, pilgrims gather at Pushkar Lake for the holy full-moon dip on Kartik Purnima, and seek blessings at the Brahma Temple as part of the Pushkar tour packages.
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Guru Nanak Jayanthi
Also referred to as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav, Guru Nanak Jayanthi commemorates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. This festival is among the most revered in Sikhism and is celebrated with immense enthusiasm in the state of Punjab, particularly in Amritsar, among the most famous places to visit near Chandigarh. The birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib typically occurs on Kartik Poornima, which falls on 24th November 2026. During this occasion, the Golden Temple, among the most popular places to visit in Amritsar, will be adorned with countless lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The celebration generally spans three days, beginning with the first day when pilgrims engage in an Akhand Path, a continuous 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib. The second day features a procession led by the Panj Pyaras, during which the Sikh flag and a palanquin carrying the Guru Granth Sahib are paraded, accompanied by a group of singers. The third day is dedicated to Guru Nanak Jayanthi, when devotees rise early to sing Asa-Di-Var and partake in langar in the afternoon. Additionally, individuals perform ‘Gatka’, a form of martial arts involving the sword.
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Majuli Festival
Majuli Festival is celebrated on the bank of the River Luit in Majuli Island of Assam. It is one of the most colorful festivals celebrated in the month of November in India that includes several cultural programs and exhibitions showcasing Assam handicrafts, tradition, folk culture, and cultural heritage. The 6th edition of the Majuli Music Festival will take place from 27 to 29 November 2026 at Jengraimukh on Majuli Island, Assam. Artists from across the country flock to Assam to participate in the cultural events of this festival. The Food Festival is also a part of the grand Majuli festival where one can tastes the delicacies of the state as well as the tribes of Majuli. The Majuli festival is also attended by artists and artisans who come to exhibit their handmade products. Some of these products include garments and traditional handicrafts, bamboo products and locally made cane.
Bundi Utsav
Bundi Utsav is a 3-day-long cultural affair held in the historic town of Bundi, among the popular places to visit near Udaipur. Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, the Bundi Utsav brings it alive with the culture, folklore, traditions, and craft of the region. The festival commences with a procession on 27th November and concludes on 29th November 2026. It features crafts fair, traditional rural sports, cultural exhibition, folk/classical music and dance program, and even a turban competition. The sparkling fireworks exhibited in the evening are the most alluring attraction of the Utsav. One can also enjoy souvenir shopping in the stalls around the festival region as part of Rajasthan heritage packages.
Matsya Festival
The Matsya Festival stands out as one of our preferred festivals in India during November 2026. Held annually in the city of Alwar, this event provides an excellent opportunity to delve into Rajasthan’s rich culture and history. Ultimately, the festival commemorates the Matsya Kingdom of Alwar, which is among the most renowned tourist places near Delhi. This two-day celebration commences on the 25th of November and concludes on the 26th of November 2026. The festival features a variety of competitions, folk performances such as ghoomar and kalbeliya, exhibitions of local handicrafts, traditional sports, and much more. This event beautifully encapsulates the splendor of Rajasthan and the joy of its community — a genuine royal experience that should be included in Alwar tour packages.
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Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a significant festival honoring the Sun God (Surya Dev) and his consort Usha. Devotees express gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life on earth and seek blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity. The festival spans four days and involves strict rituals, fasting, and sacred immersions in rivers or other water bodies. Scheduled from November 13th to 16th, it is one of the most spiritually important festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Key rituals consist of offering arghya (water offerings) to both the setting and rising sun, singing traditional songs, and preparing special prasad such as thekua. Notable locations to experience Chhath Puja include Patna, smaller towns along the Ganges, and Varanasi, which are among the renowned pilgrimage sites near Delhi.
REFERENCE
Mumbai Tour Packages
Puri Tour Packages
Uttarakhand Tour Packages
Amritsar Tour Packages
