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Plan your trip · Delhi

What's on in Delhi

Upcoming festivals, fairs and events in Delhi — plan your visit around them, then check the best time to visit.

Nothing dated is confirmed for Delhi right now, so here is the year instead — the fixtures that come round annually, and what each one means for a visit.

The year in Delhi

Delhi packs most of its outdoor calendar into the cooler months; the pre-monsoon peak is hot enough that daytime processions are genuinely hard going. Broadly, Oct – Mar is when visiting is most comfortable here, and that is when the calendar is busiest — which also means accommodation is most expensive and books furthest ahead.

Most of these follow lunar calendars and move by weeks from year to year, so treat the windows below as the season rather than the date, and confirm the year’s dates before you book around one.

Nationwide

Diwali

🗓️ October–November

The biggest holiday of the year — lamps, sweets, fireworks and a week of visiting family. Cities are lit up and markets stay open late.

Holi

🗓️ March

Coloured powder and water, thrown at anyone within reach, mostly through the morning.

Navratri and Dussehra

🗓️ September–October

Nine nights of fasting, music and dance, ending with Dussehra. What it looks like changes completely by region — garba in Gujarat, pandals in Bengal, processions in the south.

Eid al-Fitr

🗓️ shifts ~11 days earlier each year

The end of Ramadan. The old quarters of Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Bhopal are at their best in the evenings through the preceding month, when food streets run past midnight.

Makar Sankranti and Pongal

🗓️ mid-January

The harvest turn, marked with kites in the west and north and four days of Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Tips for Attending Events & Festivals in Delhi

  • Check the latest event dates before planning your visit.
  • Book tickets early for popular events.
  • Arrive early for large public celebrations.
  • Use the Metro or trusted transport when possible.
  • Expect larger crowds during major festivals.
  • Keep your belongings secure in busy areas.
  • Dress appropriately for religious and cultural events.
  • Check security restrictions before attending major public celebrations.
  • Carry water when attending outdoor events.
  • Follow instructions from event organisers and local authorities.

Questions

Delhi — FAQ

What are the biggest festivals celebrated in Delhi?

Major festivals celebrated in Delhi include Diwali, Holi, Eid, Navratri, Dussehra and Christmas.

What is the best time to experience festivals in Delhi?

The period from October to March is popular for festivals, cultural events and outdoor activities because of the cooler weather.

Does Delhi have cultural festivals?

Yes. Delhi hosts a wide variety of cultural events, including music, art, literature, theatre and heritage festivals throughout the year.

What should I wear for festivals in Delhi?

Choose comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and event. Modest or traditional clothing may be appropriate for religious and cultural celebrations.