March is recognized as one of the most culturally rich months in the Indian calendar. As the winter chill dissipates, harvest cycles commence in various regions, and the religious calendars of Hindu, Islamic, and regional traditions converge, resulting in a busy schedule of observances. For those interested in cultural exploration, this period offers one of the most fulfilling opportunities for travel. The array of festivals in March showcases India’s complex history, vibrant culture, agricultural cycles, and spiritual traditions. The essence of a culture is most vividly illustrated through its festivals, thus it is recommended to plan your India tour to align with these festival dates. This guide highlights some of the key festivals in March that significantly influence travel, public life, and community engagement throughout the nation.
International Yoga Festival (IYF), Rishikesh
Recognized as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is set to host the much-anticipated International Yoga Festival from March 9th to March 15th, 2026. Organized by Parmarth Niketan Ashram, this event attracts over 400 yoga practitioners from more than 30 countries, solidifying its status as one of the largest yoga gatherings worldwide. The festival showcases a wide array of teachers and participants from across the globe, with an emphasis on deepening practice and enhancing well-being. Throughout this week-long festival, attendees will have the chance to engage in over 60 hours of yoga classes led by world-class instructors specializing in various styles, including Kundalini Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and Kriya Yoga. Additionally, participants will be graced by the presence, satsang, and divine teachings of esteemed saints and spiritual masters from India, as part of the Rishikesh tour packages.
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Holi
Commonly known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is one of the most cherished and exuberant festivals celebrated throughout India in March. Taking place on March 3rd -4th, this lively festival unites individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere filled with joy, laughter, and cultural richness. The festivities extend over two days: the first day honors the triumph of good over evil with the lighting of a bonfire called Holika Dahan, while the second day is characterized by the spirited throwing of colored powders and water, vibrant parties, and dancing beneath water sprinklers. Cities such as Mathura and Vrindavan are essential pilgrimage sites in India for notable Holi celebrations due to their connection with Lord Krishna, whereas Varanasi and Jaipur feature large-scale public festivities. Among all the festivals observed in March in India, Holi enjoys the broadest geographic participation.
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Elephant Festival, Jaipur
The Elephant Festival in Jaipur is typically celebrated on the day of Holi, which falls on March 4, 2026. Organized by Rajasthan Tourism to highlight the majestic heritage of Jaipur during Holi, this is one of the most celebrated events in Jaipur, among the must-include places in Golden Triangle Tour Packages. This festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, who is represented by the elephant, occurs on March 4th at the Polo Grounds of Jaipur. The event commences with a spectacular procession featuring royal elephants adorned in vibrant colors, lavish silver jewelry, and intricately embroidered garments. Key attractions of this magnificent festival include elephant polo, a tug-of-war competition, and an elephant race. Additionally, attendees can enjoy various music and dance performances as part of the Jaipur Tour Packages.
Also Read: Places to visit in Jaipur
Chapchar Kut, Mizoram
Chapchar Kut is the most important spring festival of Mizoram and usually falls in early March. In 2026, the festival will take place as a one-day event on March 6th across the state. However, in the state capital, Aizawl, it will be celebrated over two days, on March 6th and 7th, at AR Lammual. This festival is characterized by lively dance and merriment, symbolizing the local community’s desire to welcome spring, which they hope will bring blessings for agricultural prosperity. It also serves as an occasion for the residents to express gratitude to the divine for assisting the Mizos in successfully completing their jhum cultivation in the forests. This is one of the incredible cultural festivals in March in India, where the local people wear their traditional outfit, dance, and sing, play drums, gongs, and cymbals. A highlight of the celebration is the traditional bamboo dance, known as Cheraw, performed by women. Carnivals are also held along with stalls of local food, flower shows, and handicrafts.
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Shigmotsav, Goa
Shigmotsav, recognized as the largest Hindu festival in Goa, is celebrated to signify the transition of seasons. Goans say goodbye to winter and embrace the arrival of spring. Scheduled from March 5th to March 18th, 2026, Shigmo, or Shigmotsav, represents the state’s version of Holi, distinguished by lively decorations, parades, music, dance, and a spectrum of colors. The roots of Shigmo are thought to originate from a celebration that honors the return of Goan warriors from battle. The street parades begin in Ponda and travel to various towns, featuring floats that depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, accompanied by drums and traditional folk dances. The celebrations are especially genuine in the rural regions of Goa, where they are marked by folk songs and dance rituals such as Fugdi and Ghode Modni. In addition to the festivities, visitors have the opportunity to explore popular tourist attractions in Goa, including Colva Beach, Aguada Fort, Baga Beach, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Se Cathedral, as part of the Goa tour packages.
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Paripally Gajamela, Kerala
Paripally Gajamela is a magnificent and distinctive elephant procession that takes place on the tenth day of the annual festival at the Kodimoottil Bhadrakali Temple in Paripally, Kollam, one of the most picturesque places to visit near Trivandrum. Scheduled for 8th March 2026, this event features a breathtaking parade of over 50 beautifully adorned elephants, showcasing traditional, cultural, and ritualistic festivities, which typically draw large crowds as part of the Kollam tour packages. This event is an offering to the Goddess Bhadrakali, as it is believed that the offerings made to the elephants please the deity and fulfill the wishes of the devotees. Additionally, a ritualistic shadow puppet show, a Kerala orchestra, and numerous local art and cultural practices converge to create an ideal festival atmosphere.
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Myoko, Arunachal Pradesh
The Myoko festival stands out as one of the most renowned and celebrated events among the tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. This 5-day long festival, observed by the Apatani tribe from March 21st to 25th 2026, is steeped in tradition. It is believed to encompass rituals aimed at promoting prosperity, fertility, purification, and sacrifice, which are conducted by the village shaman or priest. The festival also features a variety of captivating cultural activities, including folk performances and processions. During this time, locals don their traditional attire, engaging in joyful singing and dancing while preparing delectable local cuisine. Arguably the biggest festival for the Apatani people, the Myoko Festival is a fantastic opportunity to learn and experience the way of life of the tribes of the Ziro Valley as part of the North – East India tour packages.
Ugadi
Ugadi (celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka) and Gudi Padwa (observed in Goa and Maharashtra) mark the Hindu traditional New Year and typically fall in March or early April. Held in 19th March this year, Ugadi signifies the beginning of the Chaitra month, the start of a new agricultural and administrative cycle in several regional calendars. As per the mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe on this day, and thus, he is particularly honored during this festival. It is also said that Lord Vishnu took the form of Matsya, the fish, on this day. Celebrations are rooted in household ritual rather than mass public spectacle. Homes are cleaned and decorated with mango leaves and rangoli. In Maharashtra, families hoist a “Gudi” — a decorated flag-like arrangement of cloth, neem leaves, and a copper pot — outside their homes as a symbol of victory and prosperity. In the southern states, a special dish called Ugadi Pachadi is prepared, combining six flavors to represent different emotions of life. Besides, the day is considered astrologically significant, with many families consulting the annual Panchangam to understand predictions for the coming year.
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Eid-ul-Fitr / Ramadan
Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is a major festival for the followers of Islam, occurring in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, as per Islamic belief. In 2026, Ramadan will commence on 18th February and will end on 19th March. Throughout this month, Muslims typically fast from dawn until dusk, dedicating their time to God with an emphasis on prayer and ritual purification. In the evenings, the streets of India are adorned, offering a chance to savor some of the most exquisite meat dishes and biryanis. The commencement of Ramadan is traditionally signified by the sighting of the crescent moon with the naked eye, and the festival culminates in the grand celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on 20th March. While Ramzan is celebrated nationwide, Hyderabad stands out in India for its unique Ramzan festivities. Be sure to explore the night market at Charminar and indulge in the delectable Haleem during Ramzan as part of the Hyderabad Tour Packages.
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Mewar Festival
Among the numerous festivals that signal the onset of spring, the Mewar Festival is distinguished as one of the most colorful celebrations in Rajasthan, particularly in the city of Udaipur. Scheduled to take place from March 21st to 23rd, 2026, this festival is acknowledged as the second world living heritage festival in India and is especially commemorated by the women of Rajasthan to celebrate successful marriages. The annual Mewar Festival showcases a range of cultural programs, rituals, and traditions. During the celebrations, women carry the images of Gangaur and Isar on their heads in a procession that moves from Gangaur Ghat to Lake Pichola. After the procession, the images are ceremonially submerged in the waters of Lake Pichola, which is among the most frequented tourist attractions in Udaipur. This cultural celebration from the royal era draws both local residents and international visitors who are eager to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Rajputana as part of their Rajasthan tour packages.
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Ram Navami
Ram Navami is a significant Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya. Scheduled for the 26th and 27th of March 2026, Ram Navami is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and fervor throughout India. The festival features prayers, fasting, devotional songs, and various temple ceremonies. Processions known as ‘shobha yatra’ showcase the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman, accompanied by Hanuman, parading through the streets of Ayodhya, which is a key destination in Uttar Pradesh tour packages. In South India, this festival is observed as the wedding anniversary of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Ujjain, Ayodhya, Rameshwaram, Varanasi, and Bhadrachalam are among the most significant locations where one can experience the grand celebrations of Ram Navami as part of the India pilgrimage packages.
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Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is an important festival in Jainism that commemorates the birth of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. This event is observed on the 13th day of the waxing phase of the Chaitra month in the Hindu calendar, usually occurring between March and April in the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, the celebration will take place on March 31st. Girnar and Palitana are the prime pilgrimage sites in Gujarat to witness grand celebrations. Jain temples organize special prayers, peaceful processions, and charitable activities.
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