Himalayan Festivals Calendar – Month-wise 2025–26

April 2025 Festivals in the Himalayas

1. Baisakhi (13 April 2025)

• Where: Mainly in Himachal Pradesh (Kangra, Una), Jammu, and parts of Punjab foothills.

• Why Celebrated: Marks the harvest festival and the Punjabi New Year. It also commemorates the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

• Significance in Himalayas: In Himachal, people wear traditional attire, perform Naati dance, and visit local deities’ temples.

• How to Experience: Visit Chamba, Hamirpur, or Kangra for a local village fair vibe.

• Travel Tip: Dharamshala and Kangra can be combined with this festive visit.

2. Sankhu Jatra – Nepal (Date: local lunar calendar, mid-April)

• Where: Sankhu, a small heritage town near Kathmandu.

• What Happens: This festival is rooted in the story of Goddess Bajrayogini, a tantric deity. Thousands join the yatra to her hilltop temple.

• Cultural Feel: Traditional Newari music, street feasts, and temple rituals.

• How to Reach: 17 km from Kathmandu. Local taxis or bus easily available.

• Travel Tip: Combine with Bhaktapur and Patan heritage walks.

May 2025 Festivals in the Himalayas

1. Buddha Purnima (12 May 2025)

• Where Celebrated: Widely celebrated in Ladakh, Spiti, Tawang, Sikkim, and Nepal.

• Significance: This sacred day marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.

• What Happens: Monasteries light butter lamps, chant mantras, read scriptures. People offer food and clothes to monks.

• Must-visit Spots:

  • Rumtek Monastery (Sikkim)

  • Thiksey Monastery (Ladakh)

  • Key Monastery (Spiti)

  • Tawang Monastery (Arunachal Pradesh)

• Best Way to See: Attend early morning rituals, sit with locals during prayer chants.

• Travel Tip: Try tongba in Sikkim and local thukpa after monastery visits.

• Related: (Coming Soon – article on Buddhist Monasteries of Himalayas)

2. Saga Dawa – Sikkim & Tibet (Same as Buddha Purnima)

• Celebrated Where: Tibet, Sikkim, and Bhutanese Himalayan regions.

• Why It’s Special: Considered the holiest month in Tibetan Buddhism.

• Customs:

  • People avoid meat for the month.

  • Participate in parikrama (holy circumambulations).

  • Attend masked dance and prayer events.

• Best Place to Witness:

  • Gangtok: Visit Lingdum and Enchey monasteries.

• Travel Tip: Mid-May weather is perfect in Sikkim. Carry a light jacket.

3. Mela Jhandi – Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

• Where: Jhandi, a village near Uttarkashi town.

• What Happens: This is a spiritual fair held every May. Devotees gather for bhajans, kirtans, and traditional jagars (local folk chants).

• Significance: Dedicated to local devtas like Mahasu Devta and Nagraj. Many visit seeking blessings for health and crops.

• Best Time: Second week of May. Confirm with local tourism.

• How to Reach: Nearest town is Uttarkashi, well connected by road from Dehradun.

• Related: (Coming Soon  – article on Lesser-Known Fairs of Garhwal)

June 2025 Festivals in the Himalayas

1. Yuru Kabgyat Festival – Lamayuru, Ladakh

Date: 10–11 June 2025 (Tentative)

• Where: Lamayuru Monastery, on the Leh–Kargil highway

• What is Celebrated: This Buddhist festival is all about prayers for world peace and protection from evil. Monks perform masked cham dances, and ancient stories are enacted with colourful robes and masks.

• Cultural Feel: The backdrop of the “Moonland” of Lamayuru makes it very magical. The main dance represents Yama (God of death) destroying evil spirits.

• How to Reach: Lamayuru is around 125 km from Leh. You can take shared cabs or rent a bike.

• Travel Tip: Stay in a homestay in Lamayuru village to experience authentic Ladakhi life.
  Related: (Coming soon: Full guide on Ladakhi Monasteries & Festivals)

2. Ghugutiya / Hiljatra Festival – Kumaon (Uttarakhand)

Date: Late June to early July (varies by region)

• Where: Mostly in Pithoragarh, Munsyari, and Bageshwar districts

• Why it’s Celebrated: Hiljatra means “Festival of Greenery.” It’s a harvest-related celebration thanking Barahi Devi and nature for a good monsoon and healthy crops.

• What Happens: Locals dress in white costumes, wear animal-like masks, and take part in street performances. Fairs and local games are also organised.

• Significance: The festival is connected with agriculture, rain, and local goddess worship.

• Travel Tip: Munsyari and Thal areas see the most colourful celebrations. Avoid heavy monsoon travel delays.
  Related: (Coming soon: Kumaoni Traditional Fairs blog)

3. Sindhu Darshan Festival – Leh, Ladakh

Date: 14–16 June 2025

• Where: Banks of Indus (Sindhu) River near Shey village, Leh

• Why it’s Special: This is a national integration festival started in 1997 to honour the ancient Sindhu river, which is a symbol of India’s unity.

• What Happens: People from all religions and states bring water from their rivers to immerse in the Sindhu. Music, dance, spiritual talks and army-parade-style ceremonies are held.

• Spiritual Note: Many locals link the river to Rigvedic times.

• How to Reach: Leh is well connected by flight from Delhi. Sindhu Ghat is 8 km from main Leh market.

• Tip: Combine this festival with a trip to Hemis or Pangong Lake.
  Related: (Coming soon: How to plan a cultural trip to Leh)

July 2025 Festivals in the Himalayas

1. Hemis Tsechu – Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Date: 5–6 July 2025

• Where: Hemis Monastery, 40 km from Leh

• Why it’s Celebrated: In honour of Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric master who brought Buddhism to Tibet and Ladakh.

• Highlights: Monks perform the Cham dance wearing rich silk clothes and masks. The highlight is the unveiling of the giant Thangka (religious painting), which happens once in 12 years (last one was 2022).

• Crowd: Thousands gather from Ladakh and beyond.

• Travel Tip: Book your hotel in Leh in advance. Visit early morning to catch the opening prayers.
  Related: (Coming soon: 10 Festivals of Ladakh You Must Witness)

2. Guru Purnima (12 July 2025)

• Where: Celebrated across the Himalayan belt, especially in ashrams, temples, and gurukuls in Himachal, Garhwal, and Sikkim.

• Why It’s Celebrated: Honours one’s spiritual or academic guru (teacher).

• Himalayan Connection: Places like Rishikesh, Joshimath, and Dharamshala see beautiful events. In some areas, it is also linked with Ved Vyasa’s birth.

• Best Experience: Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Sivananda Ashram, or Tushita Meditation Centre during this time.
  Related: Explore Spiritual Ashrams in Himalayas – Blog

3. Dree Festival – Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Date: 5 July 2025

• Where: Celebrated by Apatani tribe in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

• What is It About: It is an agricultural festival that prays for a good paddy crop and protection from insects and diseases.

• Cultural Feel: Locals wear traditional clothes and perform folk dances, drink apong (rice beer), and enjoy tribal sports.

• Why Unique: It’s one of the few Himalayan festivals where you see pure tribal traditions still alive.

• How to Reach: Fly to Lilabari Airport, then 4–5 hours by road to Ziro.

• Tip: Book early. Ziro Valley is a paradise in monsoon – green, misty, and magical.
  Related: (Coming soon: Full travel guide to Ziro Valley and Apatani culture)

August 2025 Himalayan Festivals

1. Teej Festival – Kumaon & Himachal Hills

Date: 27 August 2025 (Hariyali Teej)

• Where: Celebrated mostly in Kumaon region (Uttarakhand) and parts of Sirmaur & Chamba (Himachal)

• What Happens: Women dress in bright green clothes, apply mehndi, swing on decorated jhulas, and pray for their husbands’ long life. Folk songs and dance fill the air.

• Why Celebrated: Dedicated to Goddess Parvati’s reunion with Lord Shiva, marking the power of devotion.

• Best Place to See: Almora and Pithoragarh towns in Kumaon, and Rajgarh in Himachal see festive processions.

• How to Reach: Reach Kathgodam or Dehradun by train or flight, then take roadways to hill towns.
  Related: (Coming soon – “Traditional Women’s Festivals of Uttarakhand”)

2. Raksha Bandhan in the Hills

Date: 9 August 2025

• Where: Celebrated everywhere in the Himalayas — from villages in Uttarakhand and Himachal to towns of Sikkim and Arunachal.

• Unique Local Traditions: In Garhwal hills, Raksha Bandhan is also linked with Janopunyu (changing of sacred threads by Brahmins) and family gatherings in ancestral villages.

• Rituals: Along with tying rakhi, brothers gift clothes, sweets, and local items like ghee and woollen shawls.

3. Sikkim Pang Lhabsol Festival

Date: 24 August 2025

• Where: Celebrated with full devotion in Tashiding Monastery, Ravangla, and Gangtok

• Why Special: It’s a Sikkimese Buddhist festival that honours the Mount Khangchendzonga deity and celebrates peace among different communities.

• What to See: Sword dance by monks, tribal costumes, offerings to the guardian mountain gods, and traditional music.

• How to Reach: Gangtok is well connected by road from Pakyong Airport or Siliguri (NJP) railway station.

• Best Time to Visit: Combine Pang Lhabsol with a monsoon trip to Ravangla, Namchi, or Pelling.
  Related: Gangtok Travel Guide & Tips

September 2025 Himalayan Festivals

1. Kullu Kajri Festival – Himachal Pradesh

Date: 2 September 2025

• Where: Kullu valley and surrounding villages

• Why Celebrated: Kajri is celebrated by local women who sing songs of separation, monsoon, and Lord Krishna.

• Rituals: Girls sow barley in small pots (called kajri), sing folk songs, and worship Goddess Kajal Devi.

• Vibe: It is a mixture of sorrow and hope – full of poetic expression.

• Travel Tip: Attend local village fairs in Bajaura or Bhuntar to experience authentic celebrations.
  Related: (Coming soon – “Himachal Folk Festivals”)

2. Bhagwati Mela – Doti Region, West Nepal

Date: Mid-September (exact dates vary)

• Where: Dipayal and Doti regions in far-western Nepal, close to the Uttarakhand border

• Significance: Devotees worship Devi Bhagwati, also called Ugratara Bhagwati, for blessings, healing, and fertility.

• What Happens: Large fairs, animal sacrifices (in traditional style), and late-night rituals.

• Why Visit: This area shares a common culture with Kumaoni communities of Pithoragarh.

• How to Reach: From Dharchula, one can cross over to Doti via Nepal border.

3. Minjar Mela – Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Date: 21–28 September 2025

• Where: Chamba town, Himachal Pradesh

• What it Celebrates: A historic festival of harvest, prosperity, and royal devotion to Lord Raghuvira.

• Highlights: Week-long fair, cultural performances, and a grand Minjar procession where locals offer maize tassels (minjar) in the river Ravi.

• Royal Link: Started during Chamba’s Rajput rule, the king used to lead the parade.

• How to Reach: Nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra), 185 km. Chamba is also well connected by road.
  Related: (Coming soon – “Minjar Mela Travel Guide”)

4. Indra Jatra – Kathmandu Valley & Nearby Himalayan Areas

Date: 7–14 September 2025

• Where: Kathmandu, but also celebrated in border areas of Eastern Nepal and Darjeeling hills

• What Happens: Kumari (the living goddess) is taken out in a rath yatra. Mask dances, Lakhe (demon) performances, and flute tunes fill the streets.

• Why Special: Celebrates Lord Indra’s visit to earth and also remembers the dead.

• Travel Idea: You can plan a visit from Darjeeling or Siliguri to experience the Nepali blend of culture.
  Related: (Coming soon – “Festivals in Eastern Himalayas”)

October 2025 Himalayan Festivals

1. Kullu Dussehra – Himachal Pradesh

Date: 2 to 8 October 2025
Where: Dhalpur Ground, Kullu Town, Himachal Pradesh

• Why Unique: Unlike other parts of India where Dussehra ends on Vijayadashami, Kullu Dussehra starts that day and goes on for a full week.

• Highlights: More than 200 local deities (devtas) from nearby valleys come in palanquins. They join Lord Raghunath’s grand procession. The festival ends with the Lanka Dahan by the Beas river.

• Cultural Vibes: Daily folk dance, international music shows, Himachali stalls, food courts, and crafts fair.

• How to Reach: Nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu). You can also take a scenic drive from Manali (40 km).
  Read full article: Kullu Dussehra 2024

2. Durga Puja & Dashain – Sikkim, Darjeeling & Nepal Border Areas

Date: 1 to 5 October 2025

• Where Celebrated: In Sikkim (Gangtok, Namchi), Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and all Nepali-speaking belts including parts of Uttarakhand like Dharchula and Jauljibi.

• What Happens: Temples and homes are decorated. Goddess Durga is worshipped in her many forms. In Dashain, families wear new clothes, sacrifice animals (traditionally), and elders apply tika and jamara (barley grass) to bless youngsters.

• Why Visit: A great time to enjoy cultural music, local feasts, and traditional dances in hill towns.

• Best Places: Visit Gangtok’s Durga Pandals or Dashain celebrations in Eastern Nepal villages.
  Related: Gangtok – A Detailed Travel Guide & Tips

3. Sharad Navratri – Garhwal & Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand

Date: 29 September to 7 October 2025

• Where: Celebrated in almost every household in Garhwal and Kumaon hills.

• Significance: Worship of Goddess Durga’s 9 forms, local Devi temples like Kunjapuri (Tehri), Kasar Devi (Almora), Nanda Devi (Pithoragarh) are flooded with devotees.

• Unique Traditions: In villages, people conduct Jagars (spiritual songs and rituals) and decorate the kuldevi temples.

• How to Reach: Well connected by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Haldwani.

4. Phulpati – Nepal and Bordering Indian Hills

Date: 6 October 2025

• Where Celebrated: Especially in Western Nepal, and nearby Indian border towns like Banbasa, Dharchula, and Nepalgunj.

• What’s Done: People offer flowers, banana stalks, sugarcane to Goddess Durga. A royal-style Phulpati procession is held in Kathmandu.

• Why It’s Special: It’s the seventh day of Dashain and an important cultural celebration among Nepali-origin hill communities.

November 2025 Himalayan Festivals

1. Tihar (Deepawali) – Sikkim, Darjeeling, Nepal Hills

Date: 18 to 22 November 2025

• Where: Celebrated in full glory in Nepal, Sikkim, Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Nepali regions of Uttarakhand.

• Why Special: It’s a 5-day festival, also known as Yamapanchak.

• Unique Celebrations:

  • Day 1 – Kaag Tihar: Crows are fed.

  • Day 2 – Kukur Tihar: Dogs are honoured with garlands.

  • Day 3 – Gai Tihar & Laxmi Puja: Cows and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped.

  • Day 4 – Govardhan Puja: Cow dung art is made.

  • Day 5 – Bhai Tika: Sisters apply tika to brothers and bless them.

• Travel Tip: Visit Gangtok or Pokhara to witness lights, music, and local home rituals.
  Related: (Coming soon – “How Tihar Differs From Diwali”)

2. Guru Nanak Jayanti – Hemkund Sahib & Manikaran Gurudwara

Date: 12 November 2025

• Where: Celebrated in Hemkund Sahib (if still open), Manikaran Sahib (Himachal), Dehradun, and Anandpur Sahib in Punjab hills.

• Why Special: Marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Kirtans, langars, and holy processions are held.

• Scenic Bonus: Autumn colours in Valley of Flowers – Hemkund Sahib route make it a visual treat.

• How to Reach:

  • Manikaran: Via Kullu/Manali.

  • Hemkund Sahib: Usually closes mid-October, but early November remains open in some years.
    Related: Char Dham Helicopter Booking Guide 2024-25
    Related: (Coming soon – “Hemkund Sahib Yatra Guide”)

3. Ukhali Festival – Jaunsar Bawar, Uttarakhand

Date: Late November (after harvest)

• Where: Chakrata, Kanasar, Tyuni, and Mori region in Jaunsar-Bawar hills

• What Happens: Celebration of harvest, villagers sing, dance and prepare local drinks. Women and men perform Harul folk dance, wear traditional dress and enjoy community feasts.

• Why Unique: This region has its own tribal customs, very different from Garhwal.

• How to Reach: From Dehradun, take a cab or bus towards Chakrata (90 km).

December 2025 Himalayan Festivals

1. Losoong (Namsoong) Festival – Sikkim

Date: 10 to 15 December 2025 (tentative)
Celebrated In: Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla, and remote monasteries of North Sikkim

• About: Losoong is the Tibetan New Year as per the Bhutia calendar. It is a harvest celebration marking the end of the farming season. It’s also called Namsoong by the Lepcha community.

• Major Attractions:

  • Chaam Dance (masked monks) at monasteries like Rumtek, Phodong, and Tashiding

  • Folk sports like archery competitions

  • Bhutia and Lepcha households prepare special food like sel roti and tongba (millet drink)

• Why Visit: This is the most authentic way to see Sikkim’s winter culture. Local people welcome tourists warmly.

• How to Reach: Fly to Bagdogra Airport, then take a 5-hour drive to Gangtok. From there, you can plan monastery visits.

2. Galdan Namchot – Ladakh

Date: 15 December 2025
Where: Leh, Nubra Valley, and Buddhist monasteries across Ladakh

• Significance: Celebrated to mark the birth and enlightenment of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

• Celebration Style:

  • Homes and monasteries are decorated with butter lamps and lights

  • Offerings made to monks, and traditional food like thukpa is prepared

  • It marks the beginning of Ladakhi New Year celebrations, which continue till Losar

• Best Places to Experience: Thiksey, Spituk, Alchi, and Diskit monasteries

• Travel Tip: December is off-season, so it’s cold but less crowded. Dress in layers and prepare for sub-zero weather.

3. Christmas in the Hills – Himachal & North-East

Date: 25 December 2025
Best Locations:

• Shillong and Tura in Meghalaya

• Kohima and Mokokchung in Nagaland

• Aizawl in Mizoram

• Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh

• What Happens: Churches hold midnight masses, streets are decorated with lights, stars, and carols, and people wear their best.

• Christian Majority Areas: Entire North East lights up for Christmas, especially Meghalaya and Nagaland.

• Bonus Tip: Manali and Shimla become popular white Christmas destinations.

January 2026 Himalayan Festivals

1. Losoar / Losar – Ladakh, Himachal, Arunachal

Date: 1 to 3 January 2026
Where Celebrated:

• Ladakh: Leh, Zanskar, Nubra

• Spiti Valley: Kaza, Key Monastery

• Tawang region in Arunachal

• About the Festival: It marks the Tibetan New Year (though in some areas it’s celebrated earlier in December).

• What Happens:

  • Cham dances, rituals in monasteries

  • Families clean homes, wear new clothes, make offerings to deities

  • Traditional drinks like chang and dishes like momos and thukpa

• Spiritual Energy: Monasteries like Hemis, Diskit, and Key are vibrant with prayers and music

• Travel Advisory: January is extremely cold, roads may get blocked due to snow. Carry proper gear if travelling to high altitude zones.

2. Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu) – Assam Foothills

Date: 14 to 16 January 2026
Best Areas: Tezpur, Guwahati, and villages near Arunachal border

• Festival of Feasting: Marks end of harvesting season. People celebrate with community feasts and bonfires.

• Traditions:

  • Building temporary huts (mejis and bhelaghars)

  • Enjoying dishes made from rice, sesame, jaggery

• Where to Go: Villages near the Arunachal-Assam border for the real local vibe

• Why Visit: This is a perfect example of Assamese tribal harmony, great for food lovers.

3. Makar Sankranti – Uttarakhand and Himachal

Date: 14 January 2026
Where: Entire Himalayan belt, especially Garhwal, Kumaon, and parts of Himachal Pradesh

• In Uttarakhand:

  • Known as Ghughutiya in Kumaon

  • Kids sing traditional songs, wear garlands made of jaggery sweets (called ghughut) and call for crows, which are believed to bring good luck

• In Himachal:

  • People take holy dips in rivers like Sutlej, Parvati, and Beas

  • Local fairs and pooja at temples like Baijnath and Hatkoti

• How to Experience: Visit Almora, Bageshwar, or Rohru around this time

February 2026 Himalayan Festivals

1. Losar Festival – Spiti, Arunachal, Ladakh

Date: 1–3 February 2026 (varies by region)
Celebrated In:

• Spiti Valley (Key Monastery, Tabo, Dhankar)

• Tawang and Monpa villages of Arunachal Pradesh

• Leh & Zanskar in Ladakh (in some areas it is celebrated in December)

• Significance: Losar is the Tibetan New Year, celebrated by Buddhist communities in the high Himalayan belt.

• Celebration Style:

  • Gustor cham dances (mask dances) in monasteries

  • People clean homes, light butter lamps, and pray for prosperity

  • Traditional food like Khapse, Thukpa, and Chhaang

• Must Visit Monasteries: Key, Tawang, Diskit, Hemis

• Travel Note: February is very cold. Visit if you’re prepared for snow and want offbeat, crowd-free experiences.

You may like to read Swargarohini-Satopanth Trek Itinerary if you plan spring trekking in similar regions.

2. Dong Festival – Arunachal Pradesh

Date: 5–6 February 2026
Location: Dong Valley, near Walong, in Anjaw district

• Why Special: This is India’s first sunrise point. Dong Festival celebrates tribal unity, culture, and environmental awareness.

• Highlights:

  • Early morning trek to catch the first sunrise of India

  • Folk music, dances, local food stalls

  • Interaction with Mishmi and Digaru tribes

• How to Reach: Nearest airport is Dibrugarh, from there drive to Tezu or Walong

• Why Visit: It’s one of the most offbeat and untouched places in the entire Himalayan region

3. Phuni Losar – Sikkim

Date: 8 February 2026
Celebrated In: Lachung, Lachen, and North Sikkim

• Who Celebrates: The Tamang community of Sikkim and Nepalese Buddhists

• Why It’s Special:

  • Considered the second New Year celebration in Sikkim after Losoong

  • Includes rituals for good harvest, peace, and well-being

  • Beautiful traditional clothes, masks, and local feasts

• Travel Tip: Combine with a trip to Yumthang Valley for snow-covered beauty

March 2026 Himalayan Festivals

1. Holi – Kumaon & Himachal Style

Date: 3–6 March 2026 (Main day: 4 March)
Where: Entire Himalayan belt, especially Almora, Nainital, and Shimla, Kangra

• Uttarakhand’s Kumaoni Holi:

  • Celebrated as Baithki, Khari, and Mahila Holi

  • Involves classical ragas, harmonium, dholak, and traditional songs

  • No color till the last day – it’s a celebration of music, food, and gathering

• In Himachal:

  • Bright colors, bonfire rituals, and local fairs

  • Best spots are Palampur, Kangra, and Sundernagar

For more on Himalayan culture, check out my article on Kullu Dussehra 2024

2. Chapchar Kut – Mizoram Foothills

Date: 7–8 March 2026
Where: Aizawl, Lunglei, and nearby hills

• Meaning: Chapchar Kut is a spring festival celebrated after the jhum (slash-and-burn) fields are cleared.

• Why It’s Celebrated: It’s a thanks-giving to nature for a good harvest and praying for future crops

• What Happens:

  • Bamboo dance known as Cheraw

  • Traditional games, drinking local rice beer, and wearing colorful costumes

• How to Reach: Fly to Lengpui Airport (Aizawl) and join local celebrations

3. Mewar Festival of Women – Uttarakhand (Folk-style)

Date: Late March 2026 (coincides with Holi and Chaitra Navratri)
Where: Villages of Pauri Garhwal, Chamoli, and Almora region

• Who Celebrates: Mostly by women of Garhwali and Kumaoni communities

• Why:

  • Worship of Goddess Gauri, return of spring, and wish for prosperity in family

• Tradition:

  • Women dress in local Pichora dupatta, carry dolis of deities, sing folk songs

  • Fairs are held near local temples like Naithna Devi, Kandoliya, Syahi Devi

• Why Visit: It’s a real rural Himalayan experience, without commercial touch

 By – Mohit Bangari

If you want explore cultural aspect of Uttarakhand, you can read my article on famous festival of Uttarakhand.