November is one of the most exciting months to experience India. The monsoon has finished across most regions, temperatures become more comfortable, and the country’s winter travel season begins. More importantly, the month is filled with religious celebrations, tribal gatherings, cultural fairs, spiritual ceremonies and traditional festivals.

In 2026, the November festival calendar is particularly interesting. Diwali falls in early November, while Chhath Puja follows a week later. Meanwhile, Rajasthan hosts its famous Pushkar Camel Fair, and Varanasi lights up for Dev Deepawali toward the end of the month.

Therefore, travellers visiting India in November can combine sightseeing with experiences that would be difficult to see at other times of the year.

If you are planning your journey around the celebrations, also explore our India tours in November and India tour packages. Both are useful starting points for combining festivals with Delhi, Rajasthan, Varanasi, Gujarat, Punjab and other regions.

November Festivals in India 2026 at a Glance

Festival schedules based on lunar calendars can occasionally vary by location. Therefore, travellers should reconfirm local programmes before arranging flights or hotels around a single event.

Top Festivals Celebrated in India in November:

1. Diwali

Date in 2026: 8 November
Best places: Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi, Udaipur, Amritsar

Diwali is easily one of the most famous Indian festivals in November 2026. Known as the Festival of Lights, it transforms homes, temples, markets and streets with lamps, flowers and decorations.

Families clean their homes, prepare sweets, exchange gifts and worship Goddess Lakshmi. Meanwhile, shops and bazaars stay busy in the days leading up to the festival.

For travellers, Jaipur is particularly attractive because its historic markets and buildings are illuminated beautifully. Varanasi also offers an unforgettable atmosphere along the Ganges.

However, Diwali is primarily a family and religious celebration rather than a tourist performance. Visitors should therefore experience it respectfully and avoid intrusive photography during private ceremonies.

If you are travelling through North India, Diwali can fit naturally into a Golden Triangle tour covering Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

2. Govardhan Puja and Annakut

Date in 2026: Around 9–10 November
Best places: Mathura, Vrindavan and Nathdwara

Govardhan Puja takes place shortly after Diwali and celebrates the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Braj.

The festival is especially meaningful in Mathura and Vrindavan. Temples prepare elaborate displays of food known as Annakut, which literally means a “mountain of food.”

Moreover, pilgrims often visit Govardhan Hill and participate in the traditional parikrama around the sacred site.

Travellers interested in Hindu traditions can combine the celebration with Delhi and Agra because Mathura and Vrindavan sit conveniently between the two cities.

3. Bhai Dooj

Date in 2026: 11 November
Celebrated: Across India

Bhai Dooj celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. Although it is more family-oriented than festivals such as Diwali or Pushkar Fair, it remains an important part of India’s November festival calendar.

Sisters traditionally perform a tilak ceremony for their brothers and pray for their well-being. In return, brothers usually offer gifts.

Because most celebrations take place inside homes, visitors may not encounter large public events. Nevertheless, markets remain lively, and the festival offers another glimpse into India’s family traditions.

4. Chhath Puja

Main celebration in 2026: 15 November
Best places: Bihar, Patna, Varanasi and eastern Uttar Pradesh

Chhath Puja is one of the most important festivals in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Devotees worship the Sun God and offer prayers beside rivers, ponds and other bodies of water. Women often observe strict fasting, while families prepare fruit, sweets and traditional offerings.

The most striking ceremonies happen around sunrise and sunset. Thousands of worshippers may stand together in the water while offering prayers to the sun.

Varanasi is one of the easier places for international travellers to observe Chhath Puja. Therefore, visitors already planning a spiritual journey through North India can include it alongside the city’s temples, ghats and evening Ganga Aarti.

Read more about the best places to visit in Varanasi and why you should visit Varanasi at least once before planning your stay.

5. Pushkar Camel Fair

Dates in 2026: 17–24 November
Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan

The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the most internationally recognised November festivals in India.

Every year, the desert town of Pushkar attracts livestock traders, pilgrims, photographers and travellers from around the world. Although camel and livestock trading remains part of the tradition, the event has developed into a much broader cultural celebration.

Visitors can expect folk performances, decorated animals, rural competitions, handicraft stalls and busy fairgrounds. Meanwhile, pilgrims gather around sacred Pushkar Lake, especially as Kartik Purnima approaches.

Because accommodation becomes scarce during the main festival days, booking well in advance is strongly recommended.

For more planning information, see our complete Pushkar Camel Fair guide.

Pushkar also fits easily into a Rajasthan itinerary. For example, travellers can combine Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur on a Rajasthan tour.

6. Tulsi Vivah

Date in 2026: 21 November

Tulsi Vivah is a symbolic wedding ceremony between the sacred Tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu, commonly represented as Shaligram.

The celebration traditionally marks the beginning of the Hindu wedding season after the monsoon period. Therefore, November is not only festival season in India but also one of the busiest months for weddings.

Temples and households decorate Tulsi plants like brides, while family members conduct wedding-style rituals around them.

Although the festival is relatively intimate, visitors may encounter celebrations in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and several other states.

7. Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

Date in 2026: 24 November
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

If there is one November festival worth building an entire trip around, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi deserves serious consideration.

The celebration takes place on Kartik Purnima, several weeks after Diwali. On this evening, the ghats along the Ganges are illuminated with enormous numbers of oil lamps.

As darkness falls, stairways, temples and riverside buildings begin glowing. Meanwhile, religious ceremonies take place along the river, and boats fill the Ganges with visitors watching the illuminated ghats.

The atmosphere is beautiful but extremely busy. Therefore, travellers should reserve hotels, guides and boat arrangements well ahead of time.

A Rajasthan and Varanasi tour works particularly well in November because it combines Rajasthan’s comfortable winter weather with Varanasi’s spiritual celebrations.

8. Guru Nanak Jayanti

Date in 2026: 24 November
Best place: Amritsar, Punjab

Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Although Sikh communities celebrate the occasion across India and around the world, Amritsar offers one of the most memorable experiences.

The Golden Temple is beautifully illuminated, while devotees gather for prayers, processions and community meals. Moreover, the tradition of langar means free food is served to visitors regardless of religion or background.

Visitors should cover their heads, remove their shoes and follow temple etiquette while entering the complex.

If Punjab forms part of your itinerary, allow at least two nights in Amritsar rather than attempting a rushed day visit.

9. Kartik Purnima

Date in 2026: 24 November
Best places: Pushkar, Varanasi, Odisha and Rajasthan

Kartik Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik.

Several important November celebrations coincide with this date. For instance, Dev Deepawali takes place in Varanasi, Pushkar Fair reaches an important religious stage, and many communities across India organise sacred bathing ceremonies.

Consequently, November 24 will be one of the most significant cultural dates for travellers visiting India in 2026.

10. Chandrabhaga Fair

Dates in 2026: 23–25 November
Location: Jhalawar, Rajasthan

Chandrabhaga Fair takes place near the Chandrabhaga River in Jhalawar.

The event combines religious traditions with a traditional livestock fair. Pilgrims arrive to take a holy dip in the river around Kartik Purnima, while traders bring cattle and other animals to the fairgrounds.

Unlike Pushkar, Chandrabhaga receives far fewer international visitors. Therefore, it may appeal to travellers looking for a more regional festival experience.

However, Jhalawar is not on the standard Rajasthan tourist circuit, so additional travel planning is necessary.

11. Matsya Festival

Dates in 2026: 25–26 November
Location: Alwar, Rajasthan

Matsya Festival showcases the culture and traditions of Rajasthan’s Alwar region.

Cultural performances, folk music, competitions and local activities form the main part of the programme. In addition, travellers can combine the festival with Alwar’s forts, palaces and nearby natural attractions.

Alwar lies between Delhi and Jaipur. As a result, it can be included without dramatically changing a Golden Triangle itinerary.

12. Bundi Utsav

Dates in 2026: 27–29 November
Location: Bundi, Rajasthan

Bundi is already one of Rajasthan’s most atmospheric heritage towns. During Bundi Utsav, however, it becomes even more colourful.

The festival highlights Rajasthan’s traditional arts, handicrafts, music and dance. Processions and cultural activities take place around the historic town, while visitors can also explore Bundi Palace, Taragarh Fort and its famous stepwells.

Compared with Jaipur and Udaipur, Bundi attracts fewer international tourists. Therefore, it is particularly appealing to travellers who want to add a less-commercial stop to a Rajasthan itinerary.

13. Tokhü Emong Festival

Dates: 6–7 November
Location: Wokha, Nagaland

Tokhü Emong is a post-harvest festival of the Lotha Naga community.

It centres on thanksgiving, reconciliation, community bonds and traditional customs. During the festival period, villages may organise feasts, performances and social gatherings.

Nagaland Tourism lists Tokhü Emong among the state’s important November celebrations.

However, travelling in Nagaland requires more preparation than visiting Delhi, Jaipur or Agra. Therefore, visitors should check current travel requirements, transport and accommodation before planning around the event.

14. Rann Utsav

Period: Begins during the winter season
Location: Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Rann Utsav celebrates the landscape, crafts, food and folk traditions of Gujarat’s Kutch region.

The enormous white salt desert provides the setting, while cultural performances, handicraft shopping and regional food add to the experience.

Furthermore, clear winter evenings make November onward an attractive time to explore the region.

A full-moon night is particularly beautiful because moonlight reflects across the white salt flats.

Travellers interested in western India can combine the Rann of Kutch with Ahmedabad, Bhuj and other places to visit in Gujarat.

15. Majuli Raas Mahotsav

Period: November
Location: Majuli, Assam

Majuli’s Raas Mahotsav tells stories from the life of Lord Krishna through traditional theatre, music and dance.

The performances are closely associated with Assam’s Vaishnavite satra tradition. Therefore, the festival is more than entertainment. It provides an opportunity to experience a centuries-old religious and artistic culture.

Majuli itself is also worth visiting for its monasteries, villages, mask-making traditions and river-island scenery.

Because ferry schedules and local transport can affect travel times, visitors should allow enough flexibility rather than planning an extremely tight itinerary.

16. Wangala Festival

Period: November
Region: Meghalaya and Garo communities of Northeast India

Wangala is commonly known as the Festival of 100 Drums.

It is a harvest celebration of the Garo community and includes traditional drumming, dancing and ceremonial performances.

The festival offers a very different experience from India’s temple-based November celebrations. Instead, it highlights the tribal heritage and agricultural traditions of Northeast India.

Therefore, travellers interested in culture, photography and lesser-known destinations may find Wangala particularly rewarding.

It can also be combined with Shillong and other places to visit in Meghalaya.

17. Jagaddhatri Puja

Date in 2026: 18 November
Best places: Chandannagar and West Bengal

Jagaddhatri Puja is celebrated particularly enthusiastically in Chandannagar, West Bengal.

Large decorated idols, illuminated streets and processions create an atmosphere similar in some ways to Durga Puja, although Jagaddhatri Puja has its own traditions and religious significance.

Chandannagar can be reached from Kolkata, making the festival relatively easy to include for travellers already visiting West Bengal.

18. Karthigai Deepam

Date in 2026: 24 November
Best place: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Karthigai Deepam is one of the important festivals of Tamil Nadu and is closely associated with Lord Shiva.

The celebration is especially impressive at Tiruvannamalai, where a huge ceremonial flame is lit on Arunachala Hill.

Meanwhile, homes and temples throughout Tamil Nadu are decorated with rows of oil lamps.

Because the event attracts enormous numbers of pilgrims, accommodation in Tiruvannamalai should be arranged early.

Travellers planning a longer southern journey can combine the festival with our Tamil Nadu tour packages.

19. Sonepur Mela

Period: Around Kartik Purnima
Location: Sonepur, Bihar

Sonepur Mela is a traditional fair held near the confluence of the Ganges and Gandak rivers.

Historically, the fair became famous for livestock trading. Today, it also features stalls, entertainment, local food and cultural activities.

The religious element remains important because pilgrims gather around Kartik Purnima for sacred bathing.

Although Sonepur receives fewer foreign visitors than Pushkar, the fair offers a fascinating introduction to rural Bihar.

20. Kolayat Fair and Kapil Muni Mela

Period: Around Kartik Purnima
Location: Kolayat near Bikaner, Rajasthan

Kolayat Fair, also known as Kapil Muni Fair, is an important religious gathering in western Rajasthan.

Pilgrims gather beside Kolayat Lake and take a sacred dip around Kartik Purnima. At the same time, the surrounding area becomes busy with local stalls and fair activities.

Because Kolayat lies near Bikaner, travellers exploring northern Rajasthan can include the event without making a major detour.

Bikaner can then be combined with Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Jaipur on a longer Rajasthan tour itinerary.

Which November Festival in India Should You Choose?

The right festival depends on the experience you want.

Best for first-time visitors to India: Diwali, Pushkar Fair or Dev Deepawali

Ideal for photography: Pushkar Camel Fair, Dev Deepawali and Rann Utsav

Perfect for spiritual experiences: Dev Deepawali, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Chhath Puja and Karthigai Deepam

Great for Rajasthan culture: Pushkar Fair, Bundi Utsav, Chandrabhaga Fair and Matsya Festival

Recommended for Northeast Indian traditions: Wangala, Tokhü Emong and Majuli Raas Mahotsav

Suitable for a family celebration atmosphere: Diwali and Bhai Dooj

Better for a less-touristy experience: Chandrabhaga Fair, Kolayat Fair or Majuli Raas Mahotsav

Is November a Good Time to Visit India?

Yes. In fact, November is one of the best months for travelling across much of India.

The monsoon has generally ended, while the intense heat of summer has disappeared from many northern and central regions. Consequently, sightseeing in Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra and Varanasi becomes far more comfortable.

Rajasthan is particularly pleasant at this time. Likewise, November marks an excellent period for wildlife parks, cultural journeys and North India itineraries.

However, November is also part of India’s high travel season. Popular hotels, guides and transport can therefore book up quickly, especially around Diwali, Pushkar Fair and Dev Deepawali.

For more ideas, read our guide to the best places to visit in India in November.

Planning an India Trip Around November Festivals

Building a holiday around a festival can make an India journey much more memorable. Nevertheless, it is better not to design the entire itinerary around too many celebrations.

Choose one or two major events and then build a comfortable route around them.

For example:

Diwali + Golden Triangle: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur

Pushkar Fair + Rajasthan: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Pushkar → Jodhpur → Udaipur

Dev Deepawali: Delhi → Jaipur → Agra → Khajuraho → Varanasi

Guru Nanak Jayanti: Delhi → Amritsar → Agra → Jaipur

Rann Utsav: Ahmedabad → Bhuj → Rann of Kutch

Northeast festivals: Guwahati → Shillong → Meghalaya or Majuli

A private itinerary is especially useful during festival periods because road traffic, hotel availability and local celebrations can alter normal sightseeing schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Festivals in India in November

What are the major festivals in India in November 2026?

Some of the biggest festivals include Diwali, Chhath Puja, Pushkar Camel Fair, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Dev Deepawali, Kartik Purnima, Bundi Utsav and several regional harvest festivals.

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

When is Pushkar Camel Fair in 2026?

The official Rajasthan Tourism schedule lists Pushkar Fair from 17 to 24 November 2026.

Which festival is celebrated in Varanasi in November?

Dev Deepawali is the most spectacular November celebration in Varanasi. In 2026, it falls on 24 November.

Which festival is best for foreign tourists?

Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the easiest cultural festivals for international visitors to experience. However, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi and Diwali in Jaipur are equally memorable when planned properly.

What festivals are celebrated in Rajasthan in November?

Major Rajasthan festivals include Pushkar Fair, Chandrabhaga Fair, Matsya Festival, Bundi Utsav and Kolayat Fair.

Is November crowded in India?

Popular destinations can be busy because November begins India’s main tourist season. Moreover, hotels in festival destinations may sell out well in advance.

How many days should I spend in India in November?

For a first journey, around 10 to 15 days works well. However, travellers combining Rajasthan with Varanasi or multiple festival destinations may benefit from 14 to 18 days.

Final Thoughts

India in November is much more than pleasant weather and sightseeing. It is a month when religious traditions, village fairs, tribal celebrations, pilgrimage gatherings and colourful cultural events take place across the country.

Diwali starts the month with millions of lights. Soon afterward, Chhath Puja brings worshippers to riverbanks at sunrise and sunset. Meanwhile, Pushkar fills with pilgrims, traders and travellers. Finally, Kartik Purnima brings major celebrations such as Dev Deepawali and Guru Nanak Jayanti toward the end of November.

Therefore, if you are flexible with your travel dates, planning around one of these November festivals can transform an ordinary India itinerary into a much richer cultural experience.

For a broader journey, explore India tours in November, private India tour packages, Rajasthan tours, and Varanasi itineraries to build the festival into a comfortable route rather than visiting it as a rushed standalone event.