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The autumn season festivals in India from September to November bring a wave of celebrations, with many festivals falling within this time period. As the monsoon retreats and the weather cools, the landscape transforms with blooming flowers and ripe harvests, and the festive spirit comes alive. Each state has its own traditions, while some festivals are celebrated nationwide. October marks the peak of the season, beginning with Navratri and Durga Puja and leading into Diwali. In this blog, we will explore the most exciting festivals celebrated in the autumn season in India to experience in the autumn season.
Top 10 Autumn Season Festivals In India
Here are some of the autumn season festivals in India, showcasing the country’s festive spirit, traditions, and cultural significance.
1. Durga Puja
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Durga Puja is celebrated ro mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Predominantly observed in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura, the festival features the worship of intricately crafted idols of Goddess Durga, cultural performances, and communal feasts. Communities come together to set up decorative pandals (temporary structures) where devotees offer prayers and engage in festivities.
Month: Typically falls in the month of Ashwin (September/October) during the last five days of Navratri.
Celebrated In: Primarily in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura
Must-have Experience: Participate in the traditional Dhunuchi dance, a devotional dance performed with incense burners, accompanied by rhythmic drum beats.
2. Dussehra
Photo: Dilip Poddar / Unsplash
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the conclusion of Navratri and celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival is observed with dramatic folk re-enactments of Lord Rama’s life (Ramlila) and the burning of Ravana’s effigies, signifying the destruction of evil. Festivities vary across the country, with unique regional customs and performances.
Month: Occurs on the tenth day of the bright half of Ashwin (September/October)
Celebrated In: Nationwide, with notable celebrations in North India and Karnataka
Must-have Experience: Witness the grand procession in Mysore, Karnataka, where the Mysore Palace is illuminated, and a grand parade showcases traditional music and dance
3. Diwali
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Diwali, the Festival of Lights symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Celebrated by lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, and sharing sweets, Diwali brings Indian families and communities together in joyous festivities. Homes are cleaned and decorated to bring forth new energy and happiness and deities like Ganesha and Laxmi are worshipped to welcome prosperity.
Month: Falls on the new moon day of the month of Kartika (October/November)
Celebrated In: Celebrated across India and by the Indian diaspora worldwide
Must-have Experience: Experience the mesmerising sight of millions of lamps illuminating the ghats of Varanasi, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances
4. Tawang Festival
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Tawang Festival is one of the autumn season festivals that showcases the heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. Organised in the town of Tawang, the festival features traditional Monpa dance performances, music, and local crafts. The event also includes adventure activities, highlighting the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Religious ceremonies are held at the Tawang Monastery, where monks offer prayers for peace and well-being. The festival also features an ethnic food fair, allowing visitors to taste traditional Monpa cuisine.
Month: Typically held in late October
Celebrated In: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Must-have Experience: Enjoy the breathtaking masked dances performed by Buddhist monks at the Tawang Monastery, an integral part of the festival
5. Paryushana Purva
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Paryushana Purva is a significant Jain festival focused on forgiveness and self-purification. Devotees observe fasting, engage in prayers, and reflect on their actions to seek forgiveness from others and themselves. The festival emphasises the principles of non-violence, humility, and introspection, core to Jain philosophy. Many Jains follow the practise of Atthai, an eight-day fast, as a means of spiritual discipline. The festival concludes with Michhami Dukkadam, where people seek and grant forgiveness, fostering harmony and inner peace.
Month: Occurs during the eight-day period of Paryushana, typically in August or September
Celebrated In: Celebrated by Jain communities across India
Must-have Experience: Participate in the Samvatsari Pratikraman, a ritual of confession and repentance, to understand the essence of Jain teachings on forgiveness
6. Gurpurab
Photo: Sachinghai09 / Wikimedia Commons
Guru Purab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated especially by the Sikh community as it marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The festival is observed with processions, hymn singing, and community service, including Langar (a free community meal) that reflects the values of equality and selfless service. Gurdwaras are decorated, and devotees gather to listen to teachings from Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
Month: Observed on the full moon day of Kartik (October/November).
Celebrated In: Predominantly in Punjab, but also observed by Sikh communities worldwide
Must-have Experience: Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar during Guru Purab to witness the beautifully lit temple and partake in the community festivities
7. Bathukamma
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Bathukamma is a floral festival celebrated by the women of Telangana, where they arrange seasonal flowers into a stack called Bathukamma. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Gauri and represents gratitude for nature and the strength of womanhood. Each day of the nine-day festival has a specific name and significance, culminating in Saddula Bathukamma, the grand finale. Women later immerse the Bathukamma in nearby water bodies as a mark of respect to nature.
Month: Begins on Mahalaya Amavasya and continues for nine days, typically falling in September or October
Celebrated In: Telangana, especially in Hyderabad and Warangal
Must-have Experience: Join the Bathukamma festivities at L.B. Stadium in Hyderabad, where thousands gather to celebrate with synchronised dances and songs
8. Marwar Festival
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Marwar Festival is a cultural celebration honouring the bravery and legacy of Rajput warriors in Rajasthan. Held in Jodhpur during Sharad Purnima, the festival brings together traditional Rajasthani music, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history through storytelling, songs, and artistic expressions. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, polo matches, and puppet shows, making it a lively and engaging experience. The festival provides an opportunity to witness Rajasthan’s heritage and the enduring spirit of its people.
Month: Held annually during Sharad Purnima in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October)
Celebrated In: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Must-have Experience: Witness the mesmerising folk dance performances against the backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort, illuminated in the evening
9. Samsara Himalaya Yoga Festival
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The Samsara Himalaya Yoga Festival is a serene celebration of yoga, music, and holistic wellness, set in the foothills of the Himalayas. Held annually in Bir Village, about 60 km from Dharamshala, this festival attracts yoga enthusiasts and spiritual seekers from around the world. It offers workshops on yoga, Ayurveda, acupuncture, and sound healing therapies, providing a transformative experience. Guided by experts, participants explore mindfulness, meditation, and natural healing.
Month: Typically held in mid-October each year
Celebrated In: Bir Village, Himachal Pradesh
Must-have Experience: Meditate at sunrise with seasoned yoga gurus and discover ancient healing practices in a peaceful mountain setting
10. Mannarasala Ayilyam
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Mannarasala Ayilyam is a unique temple festival dedicated to the serpent god, Nagaraja, at the Mannarasala Temple in Kerala. Devotees from across the region gather to offer prayers and conduct special rituals, seeking blessings for fertility, prosperity, and protection from serpent-related doshas. The temple’s priestess, who plays a central role in the rituals, offers sacred turmeric paste to devotees as a divine blessing.
Month: Ayilyam star day in the Malayalam months of Kanni and Thulam (October/November)
Celebrated In: Mannarasala Temple, Kerala
Must-have Experience: Experience the grand procession of serpent idols and partake in the sacred turmeric offering ritual unique to this temple
The autumn season festivals in India bring joy, devotion, and cultural traditions to life. From the grandeur of Durga Puja to the spiritual essence of the Samsara Himalaya Yoga Festival, these celebrations showcase India’s rich heritage. They preserve ancient customs while fostering unity and festivity. Plan a trip with TripXL and experience the magic of autumn season festivals.
Cover Photo: Yogesh Narkhede / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
