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The festivals in monsoon season in India bring people together to celebrate culture, traditions, and devotion. The country experiences heavy rains during this time, making it an important period for religious and seasonal celebrations. Many festivals in this season are linked to Hindu mythology, honouring gods and goddesses. People observe fasts, visit temples, and participate in rituals that have been followed for generations. Some festivals mark the victory of good over evil, while others celebrate the importance of nature.
Top 10 Festivals In Monsoon Season In India
Here are the top 10 festivals in monsoon season in India, that celebrate culture, nature, and tradition, offering a harmonious vibe:
1. Guru Purnima
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Guru Purnima is a traditional festival in India that honours teachers and spiritual guides. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June – July). The festival is dedicated to Guru Vyasa, who wrote the Mahabharata and is considered one of the greatest spiritual teachers in Indian history. On this day, people express gratitude to their gurus by offering prayers, attending spiritual gatherings, and listening to religious discourses. Many also observe fasting and meditate to seek inner growth. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, this festival is a time for self-reflection and learning.
Things To Do: Attend spiritual gatherings, visit temples, perform Guru Pujan, listen to discourses, meditate
Major Attractions: Religious ceremonies, recitation of scriptures, spiritual lectures, community gatherings
2. Kamika Ekadashi
Photo: ganapathi_brahm / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kamika Ekadashi is a sacred fasting day Hindus observe and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (eleventh day of the waning moon) in Shravan (July – August). The festival holds great importance in Hindu traditions. It is believed that observing a fast on this day washes away sins and grants spiritual progress. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, seeking forgiveness and blessings. Temples organise special pujas, and many people donate food and clothes to the needy as an act of kindness.
Things To Do: Observe a fast, visit temples, perform Vishnu Puja, recite mantras, donate food
Major Attractions: Special temple rituals, devotional singing, fasting traditions, sacred discourses
3. Raksha Bandhan
Photo: Suyash.dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
Raksha Bandhan is a unique Indian festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It falls on Shravan Purnima, in the Shravan (July – August). The main ritual involves sisters tying a Rakhi, on their brothers’ wrists, symbolising protection. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and offer them gifts. The festival has its roots in Hindu mythology, where Draupadi tied a piece of her saree on Lord Krishna’s wrist, and he vowed to protect her. Over time, this festival has evolved beyond blood relations, and many people tie “rakhis” to friends and even soldiers as a mark of respect.
Things To Do: Tie Rakhi, exchange gifts, prepare sweets, celebrate with family, offer prayers
Major Attractions: Rakhi tying ceremony, gift exchange, festive meals, family reunions
4. Krishna Janmashtami
Photo: Nvvchar / Wikimedia Commons
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August – September). According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva, when the evil king Kansa spread terror. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. The festival is an important part of the festival calendar of India and is widely celebrated.
Things To Do: Visit temples, observe fasts, participate in Dahi Handi, sing devotional songs, watch religious plays
Major Attractions: Midnight prayers, Dahi Handi competition, temple decorations, Krishna bhajans
5. Hariyali Teej
Photo: VJY / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Hariyali Teej is a traditional festival in India, celebrated mainly by married women in the monsoon season. It falls on the third day of Shukla Paksha in Shravan (July – August). This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolising their divine union. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati observed severe penance to marry Lord Shiva, and her devotion was finally rewarded on this day. Women dress in green attire, apply mehendi, and observe a fast for the well-being of their husbands. The festival is marked by joyful singing, swinging on decorated swings, and cultural performances.
Things To Do: Wear green, apply henna, swing on decorated jhulas, pray to Goddess Parvati, enjoy traditional songs
Major Attractions: Colourful processions, folk dances, festive feasts, women’s gatherings
6. Rath Yatra
Photo: Krupasindhu Muduli / Wikimedia Commons
Rath Yatra is an important Hindu festival celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June – July). It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to legend, Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, visits his aunt’s temple once a year in a grand procession. Thousands of devotees build and pull huge chariots, marking one of the most unique Indian festivals. The festival symbolises unity and devotion, as people from different backgrounds participate. Devotees believe that pulling the chariot brings blessings and helps them achieve salvation.
Things To Do: Participate in the chariot pulling, visit the Jagannath Temple, chant devotional songs, witness the grand procession
Major Attractions: Chariot procession, temple rituals, spiritual gatherings, massive public participation
7. Sraboner Gajan
Photo: Dip Loho / Wikimedia Commons
Sraboner Gajan is a religious festival celebrated by followers of Lord Shiva. It falls during the Shravan (July – August) and involves devotees observing strict fasts and performing rituals. The festival is believed to bring prosperity and remove obstacles from one’s life. Devotees wear saffron clothes, walk barefoot to Shiva temples, and offer Ganga Jal (holy water) to the deity. Mythologically, it is said that Lord Shiva consumed poison during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan),. To ease his suffering, devotees offer water to Shiva lingams. It is one of the famous festivals in monsoon season in India, deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs.
Things To Do: Visit Shiva temples, participate in processions, observe fasts, offer prayers
Major Attractions: Traditional folk performances, temple processions, religious songs, night-long vigils
8. Nag Panchami
Photo: Pankajkatware / Wikimedia Commons
Nag Panchami is a monsoon festival that honours snakes, especially Sheshnag, the king of serpents. It falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of Shukla Paksha in Shravan (July – August). Hindu scriptures mention that worshipping serpents on this day brings protection from evil forces and misfortunes. The festival deeply connects with Hindu mythology, as Lord Krishna is believed to have subdued the serpent Kaliya. Devotees visit temples, offer milk to snake idols, and pray for prosperity and safety. As part of the festival calendar of India, it highlights the cultural significance of respecting nature and its creatures.
Things To Do: Offer milk to snake idols, visit temples, perform puja, listen to mythological stories
Major Attractions: Snake worship, temple ceremonies, cultural performances, family rituals
9. Ganesh Chaturthi
Photo: Thejas Panarkandy / Wikimedia Commons
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the famous festivals in monsoon season in India. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada (August – September). According to legend, Goddess Parvati created Ganesha from clay, and Lord Shiva later blessed him as the god of wisdom and prosperity. Huge Ganesha idols are installed in homes and public places, and devotees offer modaks, flowers, and prayers. The celebrations last 10 days, ending with the visarjan (immersion) of idols in water. Many believe worshipping Ganesha during this festival removes obstacles and brings good fortune.
Things To Do: Install Ganesh idols, perform aarti, prepare modaks, participate in visarjan processions
Major Attractions: Idol immersion, community feasts, Ganesh aarti, vibrant street processions
10. Ambubachi
Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons
Ambubachi Festival is a unique celebration held at the Kamakhya Temple in Assam. This marks the annual menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. It takes place in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June – July) and is associated with the earth’s fertility. According to belief, the goddess undergoes a three-day menstrual period, during which the temple remains closed. Devotees wait outside, and when the temple reopens, they receive Angodak (sacred water) and Angabastra (cloth soaked in the goddess’s blessings). The festival symbolises feminine power and fertility and is attended by thousands of devotees, including Tantric practitioners.
Things To Do: Visit Kamakhya Temple, participate in post-festival rituals, receive prasad, witness unique ceremonies
Major Attractions: Temple closure and reopening, tantric rituals, massive pilgrim gatherings, sacred offerings
The festivals in monsoon season in India reflect the country’s rich traditions and beliefs. Each festival has a special meaning, from devotion and family bonding to celebrating nature’s cycles. These events bring joy and unity, keeping old customs alive. They show India’s cultural diversity, whether small local rituals or grand public celebrations. Plan your trip with TripXL and experience the charm of these amazing celebrations.
Cover Photo: Sushant1993 / Wikimedia Commons
