July in India is filled with colorful celebrations, spiritual gatherings, traditional fairs, and monsoon festivities. From Rath Yatra in Odisha and Bonalu in Telangana to Guru Purnima and Hemis Festival in Ladakh, this month showcases the country’s rich culture and traditions most vibrantly. 

If you are planning to explore the most popular festivals in India in July 2026, this guide covers the best celebrations, travel tips, and experiences across different states. You can also plan your festive getaway with a trusted travel agency in India. 

List of Festivals in India in July 2026 

1. Rath Yatra Puri, Rath Yatra 

Date – 16 July 2026  

What makes it special – 

As one of the biggest and most important conglomerations of devotees, the Rath Yatra is celebrated with great pomp and zeal. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the nine days of festivals turns city into the ocean of devotion, music, and celebration. 

Things to Do During Rath Yatra – 

• Watch and take part in the giant chariot pageant  
• Visit Jagannath Temple in Puri 
• Taste traditional Odia sweets and prasad 
• Join evening aarti and devotional songs 
• Visit the local markets and shop near the temple, and get some devotional items 
• Experience the festive streets filled with music and celebrations 

Travel Tip – 

• Puri gets heavily crowded during Rath Yatra.   
• Book hotels and transport in advance for a more comfortable trip. 
• Start early in the morning to avoid crowds. 
• Carry an umbrella or raincoat, since rain can happen anytime during the monsoon season. 

2.  Bonalu Festival, Streets full of Drumbeats and Devotion 

Date – End of July- August 2026 

What makes it special – 

Bonalu is one of the most celebrated regional festivals in India this July. Visit Telangana to be a part of these festivals in India in July; the marking is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. You’ll get to see women carrying beautifully decorated pots to temples while traditional dancers and drummers perform across the streets. 

Things to Do during Bonalu Festival – 

• Witness colorful Bonam march during these festivals in July 
• Visit the Mahakali temples in Hyderabad 
• Watch traditional Pothuraju performances 
• Be a part of and enjoy Telangana folk music and dance 
• Don't miss trying festive food and sweets 
• Explore decorated streets and markets 

Travel Tip – 

• Hyderabad remains busy during Bonalu celebrations, especially around popular temples, so you need to take care of a few things. 
• Wear comfortable clothes and walkable footwear, since many fetes involve a lot of walking through crowded streets and temple areas. 
• Visit in the evening to enjoy the lights, music, drums, and traditional performances. 
• Keep some cash with you for temple offerings and shopping at local markets. 

3. Hemis Festival, Celebrations in the Mountains  

Date – 24–25 July 2026  

What makes it special – 

The Hemis Festival is one of the most famous Buddhist festivals in India, celebrated at Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. During this festival in July, you’ll observe some very amazing masked dances, traditional music, and holy rituals in the beautiful mountain surroundings. 

Things to Do during Hemis Festival– 

• Watch traditional Cham dance performed by monks 
• Go to the Hemis Monastery 
• Feel the calmness at Buddhist prayer ceremonies 
• Explore local Ladakhi culture 
• Shop the traditional Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs 
• Get lost in the beauty of Ladakh 

Travel Tip – 

•  Ladakh is cold during July too and for that you need to take note of a few things.  
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• Carry warm jackets and comfortable shoes.  
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• Be wise with your flights and stays, so book early because the festival attracts travellers from across the world. 

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4. Behdienkhlam Festival, Tribal Traditions in the Rainy Hills 

Date – 11–14 July 2026  

What makes it special – 

Behdienkhlam is one of the most unique tribal festivals in India, celebrated by the Pnar community in Meghalaya. The festival is connected with prayers for prosperity, protection, and a good harvest. 

Things to Do during Behdienkham Festival – 

• Watch, enjoy, and be a part of traditional tribal dances 
• Take part in cultural ceremonies and rituals 
• Go shopping in the local markets in Meghalaya 
• Try traditional Khasi and Pnar cuisine 
• Interact with local communities and know more about them 
• Experience monsoon beauty in Northeast India 

Travel Tip – 

• Before going to Meghalaya to celebrate the festival in July, you should know and take care of a few things 
• Shillong and Jowai receive frequent rainfall during July, so carry waterproof clothing and extra footwear.  
• Mountain roads get slippery during heavy monsoon season. We advise you to use local guides. 

5. International Mango Festival, A Paradise for Mango Lovers, 

Date – Early june, 2026 

What makes it special – 

The International Mango Festival is one of the tastiest and most exciting food festivals in India during July. Celebrated mainly in Delhi, the festival brings together hundreds of mango varieties from across the country. From juicy Alphonso and Dasheri to Langra and Chausa, visitors get a chance to taste, shop, and learn about India’s favorite summer fruit. 

Things to Do during Mango Festival – 

• Taste different varieties of mangoes  
• Enjoy mango-eating competitions  
• Try mango-based desserts and drinks  
• Shop for organic mango products  
• Watch cultural performances and live music  
• Explore local food and handicraft stalls  
• Click colorful photos at themed festival setups 
• Visit decorated temples and markets 

Travel Tip – 

• Visit the festival during afternoon or evening hours to enjoy cultural performances and food stalls comfortably.  
• Carry cash for local shopping and try reaching early because popular mango-tasting counters can become crowded quickly. 

6. Minjar Festival, A Celebration of Harvest and Hills 

Date – 26 July – 2 August 2026 

What makes it special – 

The Minjar Festival is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most loved cultural festivals. It celebrates agriculture, harvest, and local traditions with fairs, music, dance, and colorful gatherings. This festival of India in July is mostly celebrated in Chamba, Dalhousie and the towns of Himachal Pradesh 

Things to Do Minijar Festival – 

• When talking about fairs and Festivals in July, you can experience both here as Attend local fairs and processions 
• Watch Himachali folk dance performances 
• Try to taste some traditional Himachali dishes 
• Visit temples and riverside areas 
• Enjoy scenic mountain views during the monsoon 

Travel Tip – 

• Before heading to celebrate Minjar in Himachal. Please know these things.  
• Carry light woollens because evenings in Himachal Pradesh can feel cool during the monsoon season.  
• Roads in hilly areas may experience delays during heavy rain. 

7. Ashadhi Ekadashi (July 25, 2026) 

Date – 25 July 2026 (Saturday) 

What makes it special – 

Ashadhi Ekadashi is one of Maharashtra’s biggest spiritual festivals in July. You’ll see so many devotees walk for days to reach Pandharpur while singing devotional songs and prayers dedicated to Lord Vitthal in pure joy. This one of the popular festivals in Maharashtra, mostly in places like Mumbai, Nasik, and Pune. When visiting Mumbai to celebrate, spare some time and get to know more things to do in Mumbai 

Things to Do Ashadhi Ekadashi– 

• Witness the famous Wari pilgrimage 
• Visit Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur 
• Attend devotional music gatherings 
• Explore local markets and food stalls and many other places for street shopping in Mumbai 
• Experience Maharashtra’s spiritual culture 
• Participate in temple prayers and aarti 

Travel Tip – 

• Pandharpur becomes extremely crowded during the festival, so plan accordingly.  
• Book your transportation and stay in advance.  
• Pack comfortable footwear because many areas involve long walks. 

8. Guru Purnima, A Day to Honor Teachers and Wisdom 

Date – 29 July 2026 (Wednesday) 

What makes it special – 

Guru Purnima is one of the most important Indian festivals celebrated in July every year. The festival is dedicated to teachers, mentors, saints, and gurus who guide people with wisdom and knowledge. Celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, the day starts with prayers, meditation, spiritual gatherings, and devotional ceremonies across India. 

Things to Do during Guru Purnima– 

• Be part of the special prayers and spiritual gatherings 
• People visit temples, monasteries, and ashrams 
• You can also take part in meditation and yoga sessions 
• Offer flowers and sweets to gurus and teachers 
• Explore spiritual markets and riverside ghats 
• Evening aarti ceremonies in holy cities are something very powerful; you should experience these vibes 

Travel Tip – 

• Popular spiritual destinations like Varanasi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Nashik attract large crowds during Guru Purnima celebrations. Keep these things in mind before visiting.  
• Visit temples and ashrams early in the morning for a peaceful experience  
• Carry comfortable footwear if you plan to attend long prayer sessions or spiritual events. 

9. Aadi Perukku, Festival of South India 

Date – 28 July 2026 (Tuesday) 

What makes it special – 

Aadi Perukku is a traditional Tamil festival celebrated in the month of July, dedicated to rivers and water bodies. During these fetes, families gather near riverbanks to offer prayers and celebrate nature during the monsoon season. 

Things to Do during Aadi Perukka – 

• Visit riverbanks and temples 
• Take part in traditional rituals 
• Enjoy your very own Tamil festive foods 
• Attend local cultural celebrations 
• Explore temples and heritage sites to know more about the place 
• Wear traditional Tamil attire and experience the authentic local tradition. 

Travel Tip – 

• Before heading to this destination, know what to do 
• Popular riverbank areas in Tamil Nadu can become crowded during the festival.  
• Wear easy-to-walk footwear for crowded streets and temple visits. 

10. Dree Festival, A Northeastern Festival 

Date – 5 July 2026 (Sunday) 

What makes it special – 

Dree Festival is celebrated by the Apatani tribe in Arunachal Pradesh and is known for its rich tribal traditions, dances, music, and community feasts. The festival is celebrated for peace, prosperity, and a good harvest season. 

Things to Do during Dree Festival– 

• Watch traditional tribal dances 
• Enjoy local music and cultural programs 
• Taste authentic tribal cuisine 
• Explore Ziro Valley and nearby villages 
• Attend community celebrations and feasts 
• Learn about Apatani traditions and culture 

Travel Tip – 

• Ziro Valley experiences pleasant weather during July, but rain showers are frequent so 
• Carry waterproof bags and comfortable trekking shoes while exploring the region. 

11. Kharchi Puja, A Sacred Festival in Tripura 

Date – 21 July 2026 

What makes it special – 

Kharchi Puja is one of Tripura’s most important festivals, celebrated at the Chaturdasha Devata Temple in Old Agartala. The festival is marked by a ceremonial bath of the fourteen deities, followed by prayers, traditional rituals, a local fair, folk dances, and cultural performances.  

Things to Do during Kharchi Puja – 

• Visit the Chaturdasha Devata Temple. 
• Watch the ceremonial rituals and deity procession. 
• Explore the festival fair and local markets. 
• Try traditional Tripura food. 
• Enjoy folk music and cultural performances. 

Travel Tip – 

• Agartala can get crowded during Kharchi Puja, so  
• Book your stay early,  
• carry cash for local shopping and offerings 
• wear comfortable footwear for temple visits and walking through festival grounds 

Why Visit India During Festivals in July? 

July combines monsoon beauty with cultural celebrations across the country. Green landscapes, cooler weather in hill stations, festive food, music, and traditional celebrations make this one of the best months to explore India differently. 

From temple festivals in Odisha to folk celebrations in Rajasthan and tribal festivals in Northeast India, every region offers a completely different experience. 

Travel Tips for July Festivals in India 

• Book hotels and transport early, especially for large festivals. 
• Carry an umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof footwear for monsoon weather. 
• Wear light, comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. 
• Keep some cash for temple offerings, local shopping, and small food stalls. 
• Start early to avoid crowds at popular festival venues. 
• Check weather and road conditions before traveling, especially in rainy regions. 
• Respect local customs, dress codes, and temple rules. 
• Try local festival food, but choose clean and busy stalls. 
• Keep your phone charged and save important travel details offline. 
• Be flexible with your plans, since monsoon showers can change timings quickly. 

So, where are you going to celebrate the festival in July 

If you enjoy music, culture, street celebrations, traditional food, and memorable travel experiences, India in July will never disappoint you. Whether it’s the giant chariots of Puri, the peaceful monasteries of Ladakh, or the colorful streets of Hyderabad, these festivals make monsoon travel in India truly special. 

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore some of the best July festivals across India in 2026.