India is renowned for being the land of colorful festivals and rich cultural heritage. March is the perfect month to enjoy these beautiful festivals and their grand celebrations. The temperature is awesome in the spring season. It is characterized by a mild breeze and blooming flowers.
This month is beautiful due to the beauty that nature beholds. It also has several festivals that amplify the celebration of the season. If you are planning to visit India in March, then don’t miss experiencing the following festivals.
Explore 10 Best Festivals in India to Attend in March:
1. International Yoga Festival
Rishikesh is considered to be one of the most serene places on earth. The International Yoga Festival is organized in Rishikesh in March. This is the place that provided the world with the power of Yoga. During this festival, everyone rejoices while engaging in yoga practices.
The sacred Ganga river that flows in the city, numerous shrines, Ganga Arti, saints, speakers, and yogic activities make it a peaceful and rejuvenating experience for everyone. The different yoga activities that take place at the International Yoga Festival help in uniting the soul, mind, and body. The event goes for one week.
Date of Festival: March 9 To March 15, 2025
Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
What to Expect: A week-long event that brings together yoga enthusiasts from around the world. Attend sessions led by world-renowned yoga instructors, participate in discussions, and enjoy a variety of yoga styles.
Tips: Book accommodations early as Rishikesh gets crowded, and check the event schedule to plan your sessions in advance.
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2. Parippally Gajamela
Parippally Gajamela is another festival that is celebrated with great pomp and show in March. The festival is organized in the Kollam district in Kerala. Gajamela is a pair of elephants. This festival is organized to worship elephants that have been very significant in wars. The activities were performed to give a sight of ancient traditions.
Gajamela is a parade where the wealthy families of Kerala exhibit their magnificence by decorating elephants and praying for the happiness and prosperity of the nation. In addition to the procession of the regal creature, you can even experience the accord of five conventional musical instruments followed by a wide range of cultural activities that are held at night. The celebration takes you to a time when people used to care about and worship nature.
Date of Festival: 10 March 2025
Location: Parippally, Kerala
What to Expect: Part of the annual temple festival, this event showcases a grand elephant procession with decorated elephants, traditional music, and dance performances.
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, and be prepared for large crowds.
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3. Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan, also popularly called Holi, is one of the most important festivals celebrated all over the world in March. The festival is celebrated for two days. On the first day, people celebrate the victory of good over bad by illuminating a bonfire. This day is called the “Holika Dahan”.
On the next day, people play with others using a dry and wet form of colorful powder. Though the festival is celebrated with immense zeal and zest throughout the country, Udaipur City Place is one of the places known for its grand celebration. So, if you happen to be in India in March, make sure to visit Udaipur city to witness the royal celebration of Holi.
Date of Festival: Thursday, 13th March 2025
Location: Nationwide
What to Expect: Bonfires are lit in various communities to symbolize the victory of good over evil. People sing and dance around the fire.
Tips: Participate respectfully, and it’s a good chance to photograph the festivities.
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4. Lathmar Holi
The festival Lathmar Holi is another distinctive way to celebrate the festival of colors ‘Holi’. It is organized in Mathura. There is a different tradition at this place to play Holi. The ritual of putting colors on the face of loved ones is the same but has a twist in it. Here, the women use bamboo sticks on men when they come to apply color to them.
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The entire ground becomes a playful field where women, men, and children with each other participate in the celebration of colors. It shows off their dexterity with the bamboo sticks. This can be a fun sight if you are a spectator of this event. One more reason why you should visit Mathura to be a part of the event is to enjoy an assortment of sweet and savory food. You are assured to return with some fabulous memories and several great photographs.
Date of Festival: 8 March 2025 Saturday
Location: Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
What to Expect: Lathmar Holi involves women playfully hitting men with sticks as part of the Holi celebrations. It’s lively, colorful, and unique.
Tips: Wear old clothes as you will get covered in colors, and keep your gadgets protected.
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5. Basanta Utsav
Shantiniketan is a calm region in West Bengal. It is devoted to the study of the fine arts. The place is recognized for “Vishwa Bharati University” that begun by the reputed Rabindranath Tagore. If you love music and colors, then you must watch Basanta Utsav once. This festival is celebrated in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. Here, colors and music are celebrated in a small district in the Eastern region of the country. The festival signifies the burning of evil and a celebration of goodness with colors. Read also: Why November is the Best Month for Festivals in India
On this day, the Holi festival is celebrated by performing various cultural programs. These programs showcase the ancient artistic heritage of the Bengal state. The festival is characterized by several fabulous singing and dancing performances by artists to blend the past with the creativity of the present.
One thing that you will notice here is the liveliness in the whole ambiance of the town. Even the trees that surround the area start to blossom with beautiful and colorful flowers. Basanta Utsav is the ultimate way for people to rejoice in the merger of song and the spring season. To be a part of the occasion is simply a terrifying experience. You will get in touch with the inner being.
Date of Festival: Fri, 14 Mar, 2025
Location: Shantiniketan, West Bengal
What to Expect: Celebrated at Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. Enjoy cultural performances, traditional Tagore music, and dance, all while being covered in colors.
Tips: Book travel and stay in advance as the area attracts many visitors during this time.
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6. Jaipur Elephant Festival
There is another festival organized in March to honor the significance of Elephants. Jaipur Elephant Festival takes place in the pink city of ‘Jaipur’ in Rajasthan. The celebration performed during the festival displays gratitude towards all living beings.
This festival is devoted to the Indian Lord Ganesha who is a figurative representation of the elephant. Jaipur Elephant festival takes place on the Holi occasion. There are several cultural programs held during this day. Elephants are ornated with various ornaments and participate in a ceremonial parade. The city becomes lively with colors, dance, and music that cause a loss of happiness.
Date of Festival: Friday 14 March 2025
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
What to Expect: Elephants beautifully adorned with vibrant colors and textiles, elephant polo and tug-of-war, and a parade.
Tips: The festival has faced scrutiny and changes due to animal rights concerns, so check the current status and details of the event beforehand.
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7. Deccan Festival
The Deccan festival is organized in Hyderabad between February and March of every year. People in the city are very excited about the celebration of this festival.
It is marked with several interesting cultural activities such as mushairas, Qawwalis, a pair of bangles, and pearls. People in huge numbers come to the festival to attend.
Date of Festival: Sunday, 30th of March
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
What to Expect: Celebrate the culture and crafts of the Deccan region with ghazal nights, poetry readings, and delicious local cuisine.
Tips: Explore the handicrafts stalls for unique souvenirs and try the Hyderabadi cuisine at the food stalls.
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8. Velas Turtle Festival
Velas Turtle is a beautiful festival that happens in Velas Beach, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The date of the organization of the festival depends on the time of hatching. You need to watch out for it from the beginning of March month. Typically, the festival starts in the first week of March and goes on till the end of March month.
This festival is run as a part of a conservation program. It is the distinctive and cutest thing to watch small, highly endangered, and rare species of turtle babies, as they hatch and move toward the sea. It is hard to forecast the exact time of hatching, so you need to keep an eye on the website to learn the exact date of the organization of the event.
Dates: March to April
Location: Velas, Maharashtra
What to Expect: A conservation-focused festival where you can witness the hatching of Olive Ridley turtles and their journey to the sea.
Tips: Stay at local homestays for a complete experience, and follow guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance to the turtles.
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9. Arattu Festival
Arattu festival happens in Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala. It is a five-day festival that is considered to be one of the most important celebrations in Kerala.
The festivities are held in the Janardhan Swamy temple. Some of the important highlights of the festival are elephant processions, ornamental silk umbrellas kathakali dances that go throughout the night.
Date of Festival: March 25 -2025
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
What to Expect: The festival marks the conclusion of the ten-day celebration at Padmanabhaswamy Temple, featuring processions of caparisoned elephants, music, and the royal guard.
Tips: Respect the religious aspects of the festival and enjoy the cultural procession.
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10. Shigmotsav
Shigmotsav is a festival of masses. It marks the onset of the spring season in Goa City. People get dressed in colorful and flashy clothes. The splendid dance performances by the local folk group amaze people.
The “float parade” is considered to be a major highlight of this festival. If you wish to enjoy the spirit of “Goan culture”, then make plans to visit Goa in March.
Date of Festival: February 26 to March 8, 2025.
Location: Goa
What to Expect: Goa’s answer to Holi, filled with vibrant parades, traditional folk dances, and elaborate floats that celebrate Goan culture and mythology.
Tips: Join in the festivities with local Goans, and don’t miss the traditional Goan meals served during the festival.
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Conclusion
India is one such country where you will get to experience a plethora of festivals. Being a part of these festivals, it gives several opportunities for people to dance, sing, and rejoice in festivals. Plan a vacation in India in March, to immerse in the celebration and create unforgettable memories.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the most popular festivals celebrated in India in March?
March is a festive month in India, with major celebrations including:
- Holi – The festival of colors, celebrated across India.
- Maha Shivratri – A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Gangaur – A traditional festival in Rajasthan honoring Goddess Gauri.
- Chapchar Kut – A harvest festival in Mizoram.
- Yaoshang – Manipur’s version of Holi with cultural performances and sports.
2. When is Holi celebrated in 2025?
Holi will be celebrated on March 14, 2025, with Holika Dahan (bonfire night) on March 13, 2025.
3. Where is the best place to celebrate Holi in India?
- Mathura & Vrindavan – Traditional celebrations with temple rituals.
- Barsana & Nandgaon (Lathmar Holi) – Famous for women playfully hitting men with sticks.
- Jaipur – Cultural performances and community celebrations.
- Shantiniketan (West Bengal) – Known as Basanta Utsav, with a cultural touch.
- Delhi – Big Holi parties with music and colors.
4. How is Maha Shivratri celebrated in India?
Maha Shivratri is observed with:
- Night-long prayers at Shiva temples.
- Fasting by devotees.
- Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Shiva Lingam with milk, honey, and water.
- Major celebrations happen in Varanasi, Ujjain, Haridwar, and Rameswaram.
5. What is Gangaur, and where is it celebrated?
Gangaur is a Rajasthani festival dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati), celebrating love and marriage. Women dress in traditional attire, worship clay idols, and join processions. It is best experienced in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.
6. What are some unique regional festivals in March?
- Chapchar Kut (Mizoram) – A vibrant harvest festival with bamboo dance and music.
- Yaoshang (Manipur) – Similar to Holi, with Thabal Chongba (folk dance) and sports.
- Shigmotsav (Goa) – Goa’s version of Holi with parades and folk dances.
7. Are these festivals safe for tourists?
Yes, but follow these tips for a great experience:
- Holi – Wear old clothes, use organic colors, and protect your skin with oil.
- Crowded events – Be mindful of pickpockets and avoid unsafe areas.
- Respect traditions – Follow local customs, especially in temples.
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