May in India is a vibrant month filled with cultural, religious, and seasonal celebrations that showcase the country’s diverse traditions. From grand temple festivals in the South to Buddhist celebrations in the North, each festival reflects the rich heritage and spiritual essence of India. As summer reaches its peak, many regions host colorful fairs, processions, and traditional rituals, offering a unique blend of devotion, folklore, and festive cheer. Whether it’s the Buddha Purnima celebrations in Bodh Gaya, the Thrissur Pooram in Kerala, or the energetic Moatsu Festival in Nagaland, May is a month of joy, community gatherings, and cultural extravaganzas.
Festivals in May: India
1. Fireflies Festival
The Fireflies Festival in Purushwadi is a magical event where thousands of fireflies create a breathtaking natural light show in the serene countryside of Maharashtra. Held during the pre-monsoon season, this festival offers visitors a chance to witness the mesmerizing bioluminescent display as fireflies gather for their mating ritual. Organized by Mischief Treks, the experience includes camping under the stars, village walks, and storytelling sessions, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The festival is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Dates:
Start Date: May 17, 2025
End Date: June 22, 2025
Venue:
Purushwadi, Maharashtra, India
2. International Flower Festival
The International Flower Festival is a month-long celebration of Sikkim’s breathtaking floral diversity, held in the capital city of Gangtok. Showcasing a spectacular array of orchids, rhododendrons, primulas, and other exotic blooms, the festival attracts nature lovers, botanists, and tourists from across the globe. Alongside the vibrant floral displays, visitors can enjoy horticulture exhibitions, nature walks, photography contests, and cultural performances that highlight Sikkim’s rich heritage. This festival is a paradise for plant enthusiasts and an ideal way to experience the beauty of the Himalayan flora.
Dates: 1st May to 31st May 2025
Venue: Gangtok, Sikkim, India
3. Buddha Poornima
Buddha Poornima is one of the most sacred festivals for Buddhists, marking the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Gautama Buddha. Celebrated with great reverence in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha gave his first sermon, the day is observed with prayers, meditation, sermons, and rituals at temples and monasteries. Devotees participate in processions, charity, and ceremonial offerings, while monks recite Buddhist scriptures and teachings. The peaceful atmosphere, illuminated with lamps and prayer flags, makes Sarnath a spiritually enriching destination on this auspicious day.
Date: Monday, 12 May 2025
Venue: Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India
4. Ooty Summer Festival
The Ooty Summer Festival is a vibrant annual celebration showcasing the natural beauty and floral diversity of the Nilgiris. The highlight of the festival is the Flower Show on 17th May 2025, held at the Ooty Botanical Gardens, featuring thousands of exotic flowers and artistic floral arrangements. Over six days, visitors can enjoy a variety of events, including fruit shows, vegetable carvings, cultural performances, and boat races. The festival attracts nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and tourists looking to experience Ooty’s scenic charm in full bloom.
Flower Show: 17th May 2025
Six-Day Festival: 17th May – 22nd May 2025
Entry Fee: Adults: INR 50; Kids: INR 30
Where: Botanical Gardens, Ooty, Tamil Nadu
5. Moatsu Festival
The Moatsu Festival is a vibrant post-harvest celebration observed by the Ao Naga tribe in Nagaland. Held in early May, this festival is marked by traditional dances, folk songs, bonfires, and community feasts, symbolizing unity and gratitude for a successful agricultural season. The festivities also include mock wars, indigenous games, and brewing of local rice beer, creating a lively and immersive cultural experience. The most famous celebrations take place in Chuchuyimlang village, making it a key destination for travelers seeking to witness Nagaland’s rich traditions.
When: 1 - 3 May, 2025
Where: Mokokchung district villages (Chuchuyimlang village), Nagaland
6. Igitun Chalne
Igitun Chalne, literally translated from Konkani, means walking through fire. It is celebrated every year in May, in the temple of Sirigao, which is around 30 kms away from the capital, Panjim. Both the visitors and locals, crowd around the temple to watch the rituals. This is followed by walks on the fire, undertaken by a few courageous people only, while other people encourage them. These are devotees of goddess Lairaya, who believe in going through the trial by fire and submitting their feet and faith. One hell of a festival, for sure.
When: TBA, 2025
Where: Sirigao, Goa
7. Thrissur Pooram
This is one of the greatest festivals in April held in Kerala. One of the largest celebrations hosted by Thrissur, this one is almost essential if you are anywhere in the state during that time. The celebrations, with elaborate lights, hues and decorations also tend to be amazing for all the photography lovers.
When: 7 May, 2025
Where: Thrissur, Kerala.
Website: www.thrissurpooramfestival.com
8. Mount Abu Summer Festival
Held in the scenic hill station of Mount Abu, this festival celebrates the onset of summer with cultural programs, folk dances, and music. The festival starts with a ceremonial procession and includes activities like boat races on Nakki Lake, firework displays, and live performances of Rajasthan’s traditional art forms.
When: 10-12 May, 2025
Where: Udaipur, Rajasthan
Festivals in May: Worldwide
9. Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
This traditional festival involves launching homemade rockets to encourage rainfall for the upcoming rice planting season. The event features elaborate rocket processions, traditional music, dance performances, and vibrant parades. It's a unique blend of cultural rituals and festive merriment.
When: May 9–11, 2025
Where: Yasothon Province, Thailand
10. Bali Arts Festival
This month-long festival showcases Balinese culture through traditional dance performances, music, art exhibitions, and culinary fairs. It's an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich artistic heritage of Bali.
When: May 15 – June 13, 2025
Where: Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
11. Tulip Season (Keukenhof Gardens)
Keukenhof Gardens, often called the "Garden of Europe," showcases millions of tulips in full bloom during spring. May is the tail end of the season, and visitors can witness vibrant tulip fields alongside daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers. Tickets to the garden cost approximately €19 for adults. Guided tours from Amsterdam are also available.
When: Late March to Mid-May
Where: Keukenhof, Netherlands
Plan early, stay informed about event timings, and embrace the festive spirit as you explore the wonders of festivals in May across India and nearby destinations!
You may also read about the Best Places to Visit in May in India.