North India Fair and Festivals 2024 and 2025: North India is a land steeped in history, culture, and tradition, and one of the most vibrant expressions of its rich heritage can be found in the various fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the region. These fairs and festivals of India are not just about fun and festivities; they are a profound way to experience the diverse cultures and traditions of Northern India. Below, we will explore some of the iconic fairs and festival tour in India that draw visitors from all around the world, offering a glimpse into the soul of this enchanting part of the world.
- North Indian Festivals and Events in 2024
- 1. The Allure of Kumbh Mela
- 2. Basant Panchami – North India Fair and Festivals 2024 and 2025
- 3. Nagaur Fair
- 4. Surajkund International Crafts Mela
- 5. Desert Festival
- 6. Taj Mahotsav – Fairs and Festival Tour in India
- 7. International Yoga Festival
- 8. Holi – North India Fair and Festivals
- 9. Braj Festival
- 10. Baisakhi
- 11. Ganga Dussehra
- 12. Hemis Festival
- 13. Phool Walon Ki Sair
- 14. Dussehra
- 15. Diwali – North India Fair and Festivals 2024 and 2025
- 16. Pushkar Camel Fair: A Desert Spectacle
- 17. Sonepur Cattle Fair: Where Tradition Meets Livestock Trade
- In Conclusion of Fairs and Festival Tour in India
- FAQs : Events in North India
North Indian Festivals and Events in 2024
1. The Allure of Kumbh Mela
No discussion about the fair festival tour of North India is complete without mentioning the majestic Kumbh Mela. Held every 12 years in four alternating locations—Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Nashik, and Ujjain—this religious North India fair and festival is one of the largest peaceful gatherings on earth. It’s a time when millions of pilgrims come to take a dip or bathe in sacred rivers, seeking spiritual cleansing of soul and salvation.
| Place | Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh |
| Date | 14 January 2025- 26 February 2025 (every 12 years; next in 2025) |
| Length | Approximately 1-2 months |
| Significance | The largest religious gathering in the world, where thousands and millions of pilgrims take a holy dip or bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. |
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2. Basant Panchami – North India Fair and Festivals 2024 and 2025
Vasant Kunj, Delhi, and parts of Punjab and Haryana celebrate the onset of spring with Basant Panchami. Dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, it’s marked by kite flying and wearing yellow attire, symbolizing the vibrancy and renewal of nature.
| Place | Vasant Kunj, Delhi; also widely celebrated in Punjab and Haryana |
| Date | January/February (specific date varies)02 February 2025 |
| Length | 1 day |
| Significance | Marks the onset of spring, dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, celebrated with kite flying and yellow attire. |
3. Nagaur Fair
One of Rajasthan’s largest cattle fairs, the Nagaur Fair is a colorful spectacle of animal trading, folk music, and dance. The air during this Indian festival is filled with the sounds of bargaining and the aroma of traditional Rajasthani delicacies as traders and tourists alike converge for this unique experience. Therefore, if you are on fairs and festival tour in India, then attending the Nagaur Fair is a must.
| Place | Nagaur, Rajasthan |
| Date | January/February (dates vary) |
| Length | 8 days |
| Significance | A significant cattle fair featuring the trading of animals, along with folk music, dances, and cultural events. |
4. Surajkund International Crafts Mela
Just on the outskirts of Delhi, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela showcases an incredible range of craftsmanship from all over India and abroad. Held annually during the first fortnight of February, artisans display their skills and sell handicrafts that include pottery, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, and much more. With cultural performances adding to its charm, this one of the best events in North India is not only a shopper’s haven but also a fantastic place to witness folk dances and music.
| Place | Faridabad, Haryana |
| Date | February 1-15 |
| Length | 15 Days |
| Significance | International crafts fair showcasing handlooms, handicrafts, and cuisines from across India and other countries. |
5. Desert Festival
The Desert Festival, one of the most promising fairs and festival tour in India, is a mesmerizing showcase of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage, featuring folk performances, camel races, and traditional crafts. Against the backdrop of the golden sands of Jaisalmer, visitors immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Rajasthani traditions, including puppet shows, turban tying competitions, and delicious local cuisine.
| Place | Jaisalmer, Rajasthan |
| Date | 22 February 2025 – 24 February 2025 |
| Length | 3 days |
| Significance | Celebrates the rich culture of Rajasthan with folk music, dance, camel races, and competitions in the Thar Desert |
6. Taj Mahotsav – Fairs and Festival Tour in India
The Taj Mahotsav is an important north India fair and festival. Held against the backdrop of Taj Mahal, it is a cultural extravaganza showcasing the arts, crafts, and cuisines of India. Visitors can experience a kaleidoscope of performances, exhibitions, and folk music, making this Indian festival a must-visit for both- the art enthusiasts and the history buffs alike.
| Place | Agra, Uttar Pradesh |
| Date | February 17-27 |
| Length | 10 days |
| Significance | A cultural festival celebrating Indian art, craft, music, and dance, set against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal. |
7. International Yoga Festival
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, hosts a week-long celebration of yoga and spirituality, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. International Yoga Festival is one of the most important and spectacular events in North India as participants engage in various yoga practices, meditation, and spiritual discourses, fostering holistic well-being and inner peace in the serene surroundings of the Himalayas.
| Place | Rishikesh, Uttarakhand |
| Date | March 8-14 |
| Length | 7 days |
| Significance | Attracts yoga enthusiasts from around the world to practice and learn about yoga and spirituality. |
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8. Holi – North India Fair and Festivals
The riot of colors known as Holi is a hallmark of North India’s festive spirit. This Indian festival is not just a celebration; it’s an experience that brings together people from all walks of life to play, dance, and splash color on each other while relishing traditional sweets like gujiya.
| Place | Nationwide, with famous celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Date | March (dates vary based on the lunar calendar) |
| Length | 2 days |
| Significance | The Festival of Colors, celebrating the arrival of spring with vibrant colors, music, and dance. |
9. Braj Festival
Bharatpur, Rajasthan, comes alive with vibrant dances, music, and festivities celebrating the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. The Braj Festival, one of the most popular North Indian festivals and events held before Holi, immerses participants in the rich cultural heritage of the Braj region, rekindling the divine romance of Hindu mythology.
| Place | Bharatpur, Rajasthan |
| Date | March (before Holi) |
| Length | 2 days |
| Significance | Celebrates the legend of Radha-Krishna with vibrant dances, music, and festivities. |
10. Baisakhi
Celebrated with great fervor in Punjab, Baisakhi, a popular festival in India, marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest festival. It’s a time of joyous festivities, including processions, music, and traditional dance performances like the energetic Bhangra and graceful Gidda.
| Place | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Date | April 13-14 |
| Length | 2 days |
| Significance | Marks the Punjabi New Year and the harvest festival also commemorate the formation of the Khalsa in Sikhism. |
11. Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is a famous north India fair and festival. It celebrates the descent of the Ganges from heaven to earth, observed with rituals and holy dips in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Devotees seek blessings and cleanse their sins in the sacred river, marking this auspicious occasion with reverence and spiritual fervor.
| Place | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Date | 16 June 2024 (10th day of Jyeshtha month)05 June 2025 |
| Length | 1 day |
| Significance | Celebrates the descent of the Ganges from heaven to earth, with rituals and holy dips in the river. |
12. Hemis Festival
A vibrant celebration of Tibetan Buddhism, the Hemis Festival features masked dances, colorful rituals, and spiritual ceremonies at the historic Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. This North Indian festival offers a glimpse into the mystical world of Tibetan culture and tradition amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.
| Place | Hemis Monastery, Ladakh |
| Date | June/July (10th day of the Tibetan lunar month) |
| Length | 2 days |
| Significance | A Buddhist festival honoring Guru Padmasambhava, featuring vibrant mask dances and traditional music. |
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13. Phool Walon Ki Sair
Phool Walon ki Sair is a unique secular Indian festival in Delhi promoting communal harmony. Flowers are offered at both a Hindu temple and a Muslim dargah, symbolizing unity and peaceful coexistence. This three-day event fosters goodwill and understanding among people of different faiths.
| Place | Delhi |
| Date | September/October |
| Length | 3 days |
| Significance | A unique secular festival where flowers are offered at both a Hindu temple and a Muslim dargah, promoting communal harmony. |
14. Dussehra
Commemorating the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravana, Dussehra is celebrated with grand processions, effigy burning, and theatrical performances depicting the Ramayana. It’s a time of cultural reenactments, fairs, and community gatherings. Dussehra is the festival in India that marks the victory of good over evil.
| Place | Kullu, Himachal Pradesh |
| Date | 12-18 October 202402 October 2024 (Anticipated) |
| Length | 7 days |
| Significance | Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, featuring processions, cultural performances, and fairs. |
15. Diwali – North India Fair and Festivals 2024 and 2025
One cannot talk about North Indian festivals without mentioning Diwali. This pan-Indian festival, which signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, sees every home illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), and the skies adorned with fireworks. Diwali or the festival of Diya lights up each and every home of North India.
| Place | Nationwide, especially significant in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Date | 29 Oct, 2024 – 3 Nov, 2024 |
| Length | 5 days |
| Significance | The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks, lamps, sweets, and prayers, marking the victory of light over darkness. |
16. Pushkar Camel Fair: A Desert Spectacle
Another gem among North India fair and festival is the Pushkar Camel Fair held in the quaint town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. Taking place each November during Kartik Purnima (the full moon night), it initially began as a livestock trade fair but has evolved into an iconic cultural event attended by thousands. Visitors can marvel at camel races, livestock parades, folk performances, and sand dune escapades. The spirituality intertwined with vibrant festivities creates an atmosphere that is both otherworldly and grounded.
| Place | Pushkar, Rajasthan |
| Date | 9 November 2024 – 15 November 202430 5 November 2025 |
| Length | 7-10 days |
| Significance | One of the world’s largest livestock fairs, it features camel races, cultural performances, and a vibrant market. |
17. Sonepur Cattle Fair: Where Tradition Meets Livestock Trade
Situated near Patna in Bihar, Sonepur Cattle Fair holds claim to being one of Asia’s largest cattle fairs. Occurring in November on Kartik Poornima as well, it began centuries ago when Chandragupta Maurya would purchase elephants and horses across the river Ganges. Today’s visitors can still buy varied species here – from elephants to birds – but they also come for rural commerce’s traditional gameplays: like Kabaddi matches and Bihari folk music concerts, making it one of the most significant events in North India in 2024.
| Place | Sonepur, Bihar |
| Date | 20 November 2024 – 05 December 2024 |
| Length | Approximately 30 days |
| Significance | Known as one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia, the Sonepur Cattle Fair is a major event for trading livestock, including elephants, horses, and cattle. It combines commerce with cultural performances, folk music, and traditional dances, reflecting the rich rural heritage of Bihar. |
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In Conclusion of Fairs and Festival Tour in India
North India is a vibrant canvas painted with the colors of numerous festivals and fairs that each tell a different story of heritage, gods, and seasons. Exploring these events in North India offers a remarkable glimpse into the region’s rich cultural fabric, as well as an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions. Therefore, if you are planning to visit the country, we highly recommend you attend at least one or two of these north India fair and festivals of 2024.