Discover some of the region’s most celebrated events
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2024 – 2025
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Your South Asia festival guide
The South Asia region throbs with a vibrant calendar of festivals, each a unique kaleidoscope of dance, tradition and joy. From the electrifying energy of music festivals to the soul-stirring solemnity of religious celebrations, these sacred events offer a window into the heart of some of South Asia’s most revered cultures.
Browse a few of our favourite celebrations in South Asia
Bhutan
Here are some of the most cherished festivals happening throughout Bhutan this year. Please note all festival dates are provisional and subject to change.
Thimphu Drubchen
Preceding Thimphu Tshechu, Thimphu Drubchen is a one-day Bhutanese festival in the capital city of Thimphu. Hosted at the magnificent Tashichho Dzong, celebrations comprise masked dances in honour of Palden Lhamo, a guardian deity. Local communities from across Bhutan attend in finery, believing the dances bring good luck and ward off evil.
Thimphu Tshechu
Celebrated in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, Thimphu Tshechu is a three-day Buddhist festival. Held in the beautiful Tashichho Dzong courtyard, the festival features masked dances, vibrant costumes, and reenactments of Buddhist myths. Local communities gather to gain merit, receive blessings, and enjoy the colourful cultural performances.
Black-necked Crane Festival
Bhutan’s Black-necked Crane Festival celebrates these rare and endangered birds in Phobjikha Valley. Local communities from across the country rejoice their return to their wintering grounds with mask dances, traditional songs, and insightful plays. The festival promotes conservation, cultural heritage, and offers a chance to see the majestic cranes in their winter habitat.
Punakha Drubchen
Bhutan’s Punakha Drubchen commemorates a 17th-century victory over Tibetan invaders. Staged at the Punakha Dzong, the local people from surrounding villages reenact the battle, honouring leader Zhabdrung. Cham dances, colourful attire, and religious ceremonies mark this unique festival celebrating Bhutanese heritage.
Punakha Tshechu
Typically held over three days, the Punakha Tshechu is a vibrant Buddhist festival within the Punakha Dzong. Masked monks perform dramatic cham dances depicting myths and deities while local communities gather for blessings, picnics, and the spectacular closing procession, the Serda, reenacting a historic war victory.
India
Here are some of the most cherished festivals happening throughout India this year. Please note all festival dates are provisional and subject to change.
Durga Puja
Bengal’s grandest festival, Durga Puja, honours Durga, the warrior goddess. Recognised as one of the biggest festivals for Bengalis, this week-long celebration marks her victory over evil with vibrant pandals, intricate idol displays, and delicious feasts. It’s a time for family reunions, cultural immersion, and joyous festivities. The festival is most notably celebrated in Kolkata, in West Bengal, as well as other parts of India amongst the Bengali speaking regions.
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
Diwali, the vibrant Festival of Lights, boasts a rich and multifaceted history, interwoven with various mythological narratives and historical events. Its origins stretch back centuries, making it one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated festivals. Typically, a five-day festival, with each day having its significance and celebrations, festivities begin with Dhanteras and conclude with Bhai Dooj. This year, the main celebrations coincide with the Amavasya (new moon).
Kumbh Mela
Held in Allahabad (Prayagraj), the Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Millions of Hindu pilgrims and spiritual seekers from across northern India and beyond unite to bathe in the sacred water of the Ganges river, pursuing divine purification and liberation. This blessed festival explodes with elaborate processions, traditional rituals and religious discourses.
Holi
Also known as the Festival of Colours, Holi is a vibrant Hindu celebration in India, more specifically in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. During the celebrations, festivalgoers throw coloured powder and water at each other, symbolising spring’s arrival, the triumph of good, and the community’s joyous spirit. The legendary love story of Radha and Krishna is also celebrated during this happy occasion.
Nepal
Here are some of the most cherished festivals happening throughout Nepal this year. Please note all festival dates are provisional and subject to change.
Dashain
Dashain, Nepal’s grandest festival, honours Durga, the goddess of victory. Taking place over a couple weeks, the festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Families reunite during this time, dressing in their finest, flying kites and offering one another blessings. Offerings are made to the Goddess Durga, street processions take place, and elders bless younger generations with a tika (red paste) symbolising respect and good fortune.
Tihar
Celebrated in Nepal as one of the region’s most colourful affairs, Tihar, also celebrated as Diwali in India, is a dazzling Festival of Lights typically spanning three days. Each day honours something unique: crows, dogs, cows, and finally, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth on the last day. Homes are adorned with lights, families gather, and feasts are enjoyed, marking a joyous time of thanksgiving and renewal.
Shiva Ratri
Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is a major Hindu festival observed on the new moon in the Nepali month of Falgun (typically between February and March). Believers of the Hindu faith across Nepal celebrate, but the grandest gathering occurs at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Thousands of pilgrims and holy men (sadhus) converge on the temple grounds for prayers, offerings, and vibrant displays of devotion to Lord Shiva.
Lhosar
Lhosar, the Tibetan New Year, is a joyous festival in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu (Boudhanath and Swayambhunath). Celebrated by Sherpas, Tamangs, Gurungs, and others of Tibetan descent, it marks a fresh start. Rich cultural traditions, like masked dances and special foods, come alive as communities gather to honour their heritage and usher in a prosperous year.
Rato Machchendranath
Rato Machhendranath, Nepal’s longest-running festival, sees a massive multi-storey chariot carrying the rain deity Rato Machhendranath paraded through Patan in the Kathmandu Valley. Believers, especially the Newari people, pull the chariot, seeking blessings for good harvests and timely rains. It’s a vibrant celebration of culture, faith, and hope for a prosperous season.
Sri Lanka
While all Full Moon days (Poya) are public holidays in Sri Lanka, some hold greater significance than others – the below are all celebrated as major festivals. Please note all dates are provisional. Due to animal welfare concerns, &Beyond does not offer tours that involve Peraheras. These festivals raise ethical considerations regarding elephant treatment.
Vesak Full Moon
The Vesak Full Moon, also called Buddha Purnima, is the most sacred day for Buddhists worldwide. Celebrated on the full moon in May, it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Homes and streets are adorned with lanterns, and people hold processions. Believers visit temples, meditate, and perform good deeds, reflecting on the Buddha’s teachings and inner peace.
Poson Full Moon
Sri Lanka’s Poson Full Moon marks the arrival of Buddhism in the 3rd century BC. Mainly celebrated in the city of Anuradhapura, believers visit temples, offer flowers and participate in processions all in honour of Gautama Buddha. The festival highlights religious commitment, with pandols (decorated structures) and dansals (free food stalls) adding to the festive spirit.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
A major anniversary celebrated by not only the Sinhalese and Tamil people but by most Sri Lankans, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a vibrant blend of cultures. Marking the sun’s astrological shift, families gather for feasts, prepare sweet treats, and light firecrackers. Traditional games and rituals usher in a fresh start, with hope for prosperity and blessings for the coming year.
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