A festival of turtles, prophecies, puppets, yoga, quirky versions of Holi, and one too many elephant festivals, together, welcome spring to the Indian subcontinent, this March. As various parts of the country, welcome the new season in their way, hue, language, version, parades, and traditions, March has enough excuses for you to step out as the sceneries bid farewell to monochrome landscapes and enter the season of many tints.
Festivals in March: India
1. Goa Carnival
The Goa Carnival is a four-day celebration of music, dance, food, and cultural heritage rooted in Goa’s Portuguese legacy. Marked by vibrant parades led by King Momo, colorful floats, live music, traditional Goan dances, and street performances, it showcases the state’s festive spirit. Highlights include culinary delights like pork vindaloo and Feni, cultural competitions, and the grand masquerade ball. Celebrated across Panaji, Margao, and other cities, the carnival invites locals and tourists to revel in its motto: "Eat, drink, and make merry!"
When: 1st to 4th March 2025
Where: Panaji, Goa
2. Lollapalooza India
Lollapalooza, the renowned multi-genre music festival, is set to make a significant return in 2025 with events scheduled across various global locations including in India. This marks the third edition of Lollapalooza in India, featuring a diverse mix of international and local artists. The festival aims to provide a vibrant cultural experience with multiple stages and a variety of performances.
When: March 8–9, 2025
Where: Mumbai, India
3. International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh
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By the Ganges, the birthplace of Yoga hosts one of its most global and awaited celebrations. Spread over a week, IYF sees trainers and experts from over the world, Ganga Arti, speakers, saints and more. Also, the way Rishikesh effortlessly turns from a religious hub to a cluster of cafes outlined by hushed hippie culture will let you open another layer to this one by landing here this Holi. Registrations for IYF remain strictly online.
When: March 9 - 15, 2025
Where:Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Website: www.internationalyogafestival.com
4. Holi
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Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It starts with lighting a bonfire 'Holika Dahan' to celebrate the victory of good over evil. On the next day, the celebrations involve applying colours to each other. To experience grand Holika Dahan, visit City Palace in Udaipur where the royal family of Udaipur celebrates it with full zest and zeal.
When: March 14, 2025
Where: All over India
5. Jaipur Elephant Festival
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For a March, which has elephant festivals marked all over its calendars here is another colourful, grand and glittering one, a day before Holi. This one, however, managed to stumble over multiple animal rights groups and has also been cancelled due to the same in the past. At the same time, while a festival may take place, the elephants may be missing. There isn't much news at the moment, but make sure you check with the proper authorities before planning your trip around this one.
6. Shigmotsav
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Essentially a festival of masses, Shigmotsav marks the coming of the spring season in Goa. Dressed in flashy and colourful traditional costumes, the local folk groups give splendid dance performances. The float parade is the highlight of the festival. If you want to enjoy the true spirit of Goan culture, then join Goa during this festival.
When: Febraury 26 - March 8, 2025
Where: Goa
7. Thirunakkara Arattu
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Thirunakkara Arattu is a significant festival in Kerala, celebrated in Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam. A 10 - day long celebration where elephant rallies are organised and people dance to the beats of the dummers. Local people perform Folk Arts like Mayilattom (peacock dance), Velakali etc during the celebration.
When: March 23rd, 2025
Where: Kottayam, Kerala
8. Paripally Gajmela
When: March 10th, 2025
Where: Paripally Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple, Kollam district, Kerala
9. Ugadi
Ugadi is the time of the year when people of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana usher New Year in festive spirits. Ugadi - a celebration of the oncoming New Year, falls in the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, that loosely corresponds to the months of March-April according to the Gregorian calendar. The term Ugadi is said to originate from the Sanskrit word Yugadi, that is a confluence of the term Yuga (era; period) and Adi (the beginning). Yugadi, or Ugadi then literally means the beginning of a new (year) period.When: March 30th, 2025
Where: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Events and Festivals in March: Worldwide
10. Cherry Blossom, Japan
The blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura) is celebrated with picnics under the trees, traditional music, and dance. Indian travelers often visit Japan during this period to witness the breathtaking floral displays.
When: Late March to Early April 2025
Where: Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities
11. Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a monthly event that transforms the ancient town of Hoi An into a magical, glowing wonderland. Held on the full moon night, this festival is a cultural and spiritual event where locals and visitors honor their ancestors and pray for good fortune. The highlight of the festival is the release of colorful lanterns into the Thu Bon River, symbolizing hope, love, and prosperity.
When: March 13, 2025 (14th day of the lunar calendar, recurring monthly)
Where: Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
12. Venice Carnival, Italy
Famous for its elaborate masks, costumes, and parades, the Venice Carnival is one of Europe’s most iconic festivals. The carnival’s grandeur and Venice’s romantic charm make it a popular international destination for Indian travelers.
When: February 14–March 4, 2025
Where: Venice, Italy
Know of more fests that should be on the list? Let us know in the comments section below.