Plan your trip · Dharamshala
What's on in Dharamshala
Upcoming festivals, fairs and events in Dharamshala — plan your visit around them, then check the best time to visit.
Nothing dated is confirmed for Dharamshala 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 Dharamshala
Dharamshala's calendar runs through most of the year, with the busiest weeks in the clear, comfortable months and a quieter stretch in the heaviest rain. Broadly, Oct – Mar and Apr – Jun 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–NovemberThe biggest holiday of the year — lamps, sweets, fireworks and a week of visiting family. Cities are lit up and markets stay open late.
Holi
🗓️ MarchColoured powder and water, thrown at anyone within reach, mostly through the morning.
Navratri and Dussehra
🗓️ September–OctoberNine 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 yearThe 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-JanuaryThe harvest turn, marked with kites in the west and north and four days of Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
Most of Dharamshala's big occasions follow the Tibetan calendar and happen in and around the Tsuglagkhang complex in McLeod Ganj. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, usually falls in February or March, and 6 July is the Dalai Lama's birthday. On 10 March, Tibetan Uprising Day is marked with a march through town. The Dalai Lama's public teachings, when he is in residence, also draw large crowds.
The town has a growing cultural calendar too. The Dharamshala International Film Festival is usually held in late October or early November, and Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated in lower Dharamshala. Tibetan dates follow a lunar calendar and move each year, so check the dates before you plan your trip.
Tips for Attending Events & Festivals in Dharamshala
- Check the Dalai Lama's official schedule for teaching dates, as they can change.
- Register in advance for teachings when required, and expect security checks.
- Book rooms early for Losar, teachings and the film festival.
- Dress modestly and follow monastery rules during religious events.
- Ask before photographing people during ceremonies.
- Carry warm layers, as Losar falls in the cold season.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as most events in McLeod Ganj are reached on foot.
Questions
Dharamshala — FAQ
What are the main festivals in Dharamshala?
The main ones are Losar (Tibetan New Year), the Dalai Lama's birthday on 6 July, Saga Dawa, and the Dharamshala International Film Festival. Diwali and Holi are also celebrated across the town.
When is Losar celebrated in McLeod Ganj?
Losar usually falls in February or March, depending on the Tibetan lunar calendar. Monasteries hold prayers and ceremonies, and families gather to celebrate. Check the dates for the year before you go.
When is the Dharamshala International Film Festival?
The festival is usually held over four days in late October or early November in McLeod Ganj, with independent films from India and abroad. Check the festival website for the year's dates.
Can visitors attend the Dalai Lama's teachings?
Yes, public teachings are open to visitors, but you usually need to register in advance and bring your passport or ID. Phones and cameras are often not allowed inside. Check his official website for the schedule.