11 Best Festivals in April in India 2026

11 Best Festivals in April in India 2026

Looking for colorful traditions and joyful celebrations? Explore these amazing festivals happening across India in April 2026.

Calendar06 Mar 2026Clock5 min readWriterAuthor: Kajal Sharma

11 Best Festivals in April in India 2026

Colours, Culture & Celebrations You Can’t Miss This Spring 

The weather is the best; it starts with a little warming up, flowers bloom, and suddenly every street, temple, and town feels more lively than usual. Drums start beating, prayers fill the air, colorful clothes come out, and food stalls get busier than ever. From big temple festivals to joyful harvest celebrations, April is surely one of the most exciting months to experience India’s traditions. 

If you want to get to know more about Indian love culture, music, festive food, and lively crowds, this is the right time to travel. Every corner of the country has something happening. 

And with the best travel agency in India, everything becomes easier, turning these festival moments into memorable trips. 

So grab your camera, keep your calendar ready, and get set to experience the 11 Best Festivals in April in India 2026. 

1. Morning of faith and flowers, Sita Navami  


Date-– 26 April 2026 (Thursday) 

What makes it special- 

It’s not just about celebration; it's about faith, storytelling, and tradition passed down for generations. 

Travel Tip- 

Expect heavy crowds in Sitamarhi (Bihar), Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), and Janakpur (near the India–Nepal border). Book your stays in advance. Visit temples early in the morning for a peaceful experience and carry light cotton clothing; April heat can be intense. 

Things to Do- 

  • Worship at temples for the Goddess Sita 
  • Take part in the recitals for the Ramayana 
  • Join in the special aarti 
  • Lay offerings of flowers and prasad at in the temples 
  • Visit and shop in the area for the devotional items 
  • Visit the temples and sites of the epic Ramayana 

2. Dhol Beats and Harvest Smiles, Baisakhi  


Date-– 14 April 2026 (Tuesday) 

Baisakhi is one of the biggest festivals in Punjab. It marks the harvest season and also holds deep importance in Sikh history. Fields turn golden; dhol beats fill the air, and villages host fairs and dance performances. 

What makes it special- 

It’s joyful, welcoming, and full of community spirit. 

Travel Tip- 

Go to Amritsar to experience its best, or else you can visit any gurudwaras near your location. Cover your head inside Gurudwaras and remove your shoes before entering. Try attending a village celebration outside city centers for a more authentic harvest experience. 

Things to Do- 

  • Go to the Golden Temple to pray 
  •  Join in vs. & enjoy the langar 
  •  See the bhangra & gidda performances 
  •  Check out the fairs & food stalls for Baisakhi 
  •  Buy Punjabi juttis & phulkari dupattas 

3. Ugadi – The New Beginning 

Date-– 14 April 2026 (Saturday) 

Ugadi in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana is the New Year. Families go to the temple for blessings and pray. The homes get decorated with rice, rangoli, and mango leaves. 

What makes it special- New Year in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana. Especially visit Bengaluru or Hyderabad. Temples hold special prayers, and markets look festive. 

Travel Tip- 

Visit local temples in the morning. If you’re staying in the city, look for community cultural programs that showcase traditional music and dance. 

Things to Do- 

  • Pray for Ugadi in the temple 
  • Witness the olden days' music & dance performances 
  • Eat Ugadi Pachadi (A dish made for that festival) 
  • Shop in the festive decorated markets 

4. Vishu – 14 April 2026



Date-–
14 April 2026 (Saturday) 

In Kerala, the New Year of the Malayalam calendar is also celebrated. Part of the celebration is the Vishukkani, where a priest or elder of the family wakes everyone in the house to see the arrangement of fruits, a portion of rice, several coins, a few flowers, and a deity. 

What makes it special- 

The traditional Vishu Sadya meal is served on banana leaves. It’s peaceful, golden, and deeply symbolic. 

Travel Tip- 

Visit Kochi or Thrissur. and choose a homestay to witness authentic family traditions. Wake up early; Vishu truly begins before sunrise. 

Things to Do- 

  • See the Vishukkani ceremony at dawn 
  • Eat the Vishu Sadya feast 
  • Go to the temple for the special prayers 
  • Visit the festival's appreciation market 

5. Dance Music and Spring Energy, Bohag Bihu 


Date-– 14 April 2026 (Saturday) 

Bohag Bihu is the first celebration at the beginning of the Assamese New Year. It also marks the beginning of the spring season. Throughout the state, there are celebrations of spring and traditional music and dance. 

What makes it special- It feels youthful and celebratory, blending culture with fun. 

Travel Tip- Attend organized Bihu dance performances, not just city events. Try Assamese sweets like pitha and til laddoos. 

Things to Do- 

  • Watch the Assamese traditional dance of Bihu 
  • Eat the Assamese special sweet 'pitha.' 
  • Go to a local festival 
  • Go to the market where you can buy traditional crafts 

6. Mahavir Jayanti – 15 April 2026



Date-–
15 April 2026  (Sunday) 

This festival is to celebrate the birthday of Lord Mahavir, who is the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. People go to the Jain temples to pray and take part in peaceful processions. 

What makes it special- The calm and respectful atmosphere. It focuses on non-violence, compassion, and simplicity. 

Travel Tip- Ahmedabad or Jaipur, Jain temples are decorated beautifully, and peaceful processions take place. Dress modestly. Avoid bringing leather items inside Jain temples as a mark of respect. 

Things to Do- 

  • Pray at Jain temples 
  • Join in on the peaceful marches 
  • Attend the spiritual talks 
  • Help out in the charity and food distributions 

7. Gangaur – March–April 2026 


Gangaur is celebrated in most parts of India, but especially in Rajasthan. In Gangaur, the processions of Goddess Gouri are honored. Women put on their most traditional and colorful sarees and carry the most beautifully decorated idols in the processions. 

What Makes It Special - The lively culture and traditions of Rajasthan are best displayed in this festival. 

Travel Tip- The processions in Jaipur and Udaipur are the largest and most popular. 

Things to Do- 

  • Attend the Gangaur procession 
  • Visit the ethnic market of Rajasthan 
  • Capture the Idols 
  • Enjoy and clap in support of the dance and music from the folk class of Rajasthan. 

8. Chithirai, Grand Temple Celebrations 



Date-–
5 April 2026 (Sunday) 

One of the largest and grandest temple celebrations in the state of Tamil Nadu is the Chithirai Festival in Madurai, which is celebrated for the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. 

What Makes It Special - The temple chariot procession is one of the most crowded with worshippers. 

Travel Tip - Since Madurai is overly crowded, travel plans should be made in advance. 

Things to Do- 

  • Watch the chariot procession 
  • Go to the Meenakshi Temple 
  • Shop at the temple’s local market 
  • Eat at a South Indian Restaurant 
  • Take Pictures of Street Festivities 

9. Powerful Chants and Positive Vibes, Hanuman Jayanti  



Date-–
2 April 2026 (Thursday) 

Hanuman Jayanti is the celebration of Lord Hanuman’s birthday. There are special prayers and chants in temples all over India. 

What makes it special- Temples in Mumbai and Delhi fill with chanting and devotion. The energy feels strong, uplifting, and emotional. 

Travel Tip- Visit early in the morning to avoid long queues. Smaller neighborhood temples feel more peaceful. 

Things to Do- 

  • Go to the morning prayers at the temple 
  • Take part in the chants 
  • Pray and give an offering to Lord Hanuman 
  • Visit the food stalls 

10. Candles, Choirs & Quiet Joy, Easter 


Date-– 5 April 2026 (Sunday) 

Easter is the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection and is one of the most important holidays for Christians. The churches prepare lovely services with prayers, songs, and candles. 

What makes it special-  In Goa, Easter feels warm and beautiful. Midnight mass, glowing candles, church bells, and family meals, it's calm but joyful. 

Travel Tip- Arrive early for church service. After mass, explore local bakeries for Easter treats. 

Things to Do- 

  • Go to a mass, either midnight or bright and early in the morning. 
  • Check out some of the older churches around Old Goa. 
  • Participate in Easter meals and enjoy Easter desserts. 
  • Take a walk along the beach. 

11. Rama Navami 



Date -
17 April 2026 (friday) 

Rama Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama. He is one of the most honored individuals in Hindu religion. People worship by going to the temple and singing songs of praise, and they read the Ramayana.   

What Makes It Special- The vibe is very spiritual, and the temples are filled with patrons.   

Travel Tip- Get there early to avoid congestion at the larger temples like Ayodhya. 

Things to Do  

  •  Join in on the prayers and the aarti at the temple.  
  • Listen to someone recite the Ramayana.  
  • Join in on the praise singing 
  • Visit the temples to see the decor for the festival. 

 Why April Is One of the Best Months for Festivals in India 

In the month of April, there is a combination of the end of harvest season, the start of summer, and the beginning of several religious new year festivities. This is a very good time for traveling around India, as every state celebrates differently. 

These festivals show off the beauty of cultural festivals in India. There are famous celebrations in April in India, and they are a big part of the cultural festivals of India. The festivals range all over the country, from the colorful dances in the state of Assam to the peaceful temple rituals in the states of Kerala and Rajasthan. Each festival is amazing. 

If you enjoy yourself in various cultures, traditions, and regional customs, India in April 2026 will be one of the best options for you.  

More to Explore:
Srinagar Tulip Festival 2026
Celebrating Shigmo Festival in Goa 2026

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