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India is known for its vibrant festivals, and festivals in November in India bring a mix of traditions, culture, and grand celebrations. This time of the year is packed with famous Indian festivals and their significance, making it a great time to explore the country’s traditions. From traditional festival celebrations in India like Diwali and Chhath Puja to unique events like the Pushkar Camel Fair, November is filled with joy. Here’s a list of the top ten festivals celebrated in November, along with their details to help you plan your travels with the festival calendar of India.
Top 10 Festivals In November In India
Experience the vibrant celebrations of the top 10 festivals in November in India, filled with lights, colours, and traditions.
1. Diwali
Photo: Udayaditya Barua / Pexels
Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most famous Indian festivals, and its significance lies in the victory of good over evil. It falls on Amavasya (new moon day) of the Hindu month Kartika, usually in October or November. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing 14 years of exile. People light diyas (earthen lamps) to welcome Lord Rama and celebrate the victory of light over darkness. On this day, families clean and decorate their homes, perform Lakshmi Puja for prosperity, exchange gifts, and enjoy sweets.
Celebrated In: Across India
Things To Do: Light diyas, burst crackers, exchange sweets, decorate homes, visit temples
Major Attractions: Fireworks, decorated markets, family gatherings, Lakshmi Puja, festive sweets
2. Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is an important traditional festival celebration in India, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God), celebrated six days after Diwali in October or November. The festival is a way to thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth and seeking blessings for good health and prosperity. Devotees observe a strict four-day fast, take a holy dip in rivers, and offer Arghya (water and prayers) to the rising and setting sun. Women, known as Vratis, sing devotional songs and prepare special sweets like Thekua for the rituals.
Celebrated In: Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi
Things To Do: Observe rituals by riverbanks, prepare prasad, attend prayer ceremonies, witness sunrise offerings
Major Attractions: Morning and evening rituals, devotional songs, fasting, large gatherings by rivers
3. Kali Puja
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kali Puja is an important Hindu festival celebrated on Amavasya (new moon night) of Kartika month, coinciding with Diwali. Unlike Diwali, which worships Goddess Lakshmi, this festival honours Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Durga. It is especially popular in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura. According to mythology, Kali was created to destroy demons and restore peace. Devotees worship Kali by offering meat, fish, and red hibiscus flowers. Temples are decorated with bright lights, and night-long prayers are conducted. People also visit pandals with large Kali idols, enjoying cultural performances and feasting on traditional Bengali sweets.
Celebrated In: West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura
Things To Do: Visit Kali temples, watch cultural performances, attend special prayers, enjoy community feasts
Major Attractions: Grand Kali idol decorations, night-long prayers, temple visits, festive atmosphere
4. Guru Nanak Jayanti
Photo: Giridhar Appaji Nag Y / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of the Kartik month, which falls in October or November. Guru Nanak spread the message of equality, kindness, and devotion to God. The celebrations start with Akhand Path, a continuous 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. A grand Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) is organised, where devotees sing hymns and distribute food. The day ends with Langar, a free community meal in Gurudwaras, serving people from all backgrounds.
Celebrated In: Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka
Things To Do: Attend kirtans, participate in langar, visit Gurudwaras, listen to religious discourses
Major Attractions: Nagar Kirtan processions, community feasts, illuminated Gurudwaras, devotional singing
5. Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the most unique traditional festival celebrations in India, held every year in November during Kartik Purnima. The festival lasts for around a week and is a grand event where thousands of camels, cattle, and horses are traded. It started as a livestock trading fair centuries ago but has become a major tourist attraction. Farmers bring their best camels for sale, often decorating them with colourful accessories. The fair also features folk performances, camel races, and adventure activities. On the last day, pilgrims take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake, believing it washes away sins.
Celebrated In: Pushkar, Rajasthan
Things To Do: Watch camel trading, ride camels, enjoy folk performances, explore local markets
Major Attractions: Camel beauty contests, traditional Rajasthani music, hot air balloon rides, vibrant bazaars
6. Bhai Dooj
Photo: kabita Darlami / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Bhai Dooj is a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, observed two days after Diwali in October or November. The festival has roots in Hindu mythology, where Yamraj, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with sweets and a special ceremony. Pleased with her love, he declared that any brother who receives tilak and prayers from his sister on this day will be blessed with a long and happy life. Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, and pray for their well-being, while brothers give gifts and promise protection.
Celebrated In: Across India
Things To Do: Perform tilak ceremony, exchange gifts, share festive meals, visit family members
Major Attractions: Sibling bonding rituals, gift exchanges, traditional sweets, family gatherings
7. Govardhan Puja
Photo: Gyanendrasinghchauhan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut, is celebrated a day after Diwali to honour Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, when Indra, the God of Rain, flooded Vrindavan, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the people. This festival marks gratitude towards nature and its resources. Devotees prepare large food offerings made of sweets, rice, and vegetables, which are later distributed as prasad. People also make miniature Govardhan hills using cow dung and worship them. Special bhajans and kirtans are sung in temples, and Krishna idols are bathed with milk and decorated with flowers.
Celebrated In: Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan
Things To Do: Offer prayers, prepare food offerings, visit temples, participate in rituals
Major Attractions: Grand feasts, temple rituals, Govardhan Hill worship, community celebrations
8. Dhanteras
Photo: Sangram Keshari Senapati / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali celebrations, observed on Trayodashi (13th day of Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartik. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda. It is believed that on this day, Dhanvantari emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), holding a pot of nectar that grants good health and long life. Buying gold, silver, or utensils on this day is considered auspicious as it is believed to bring prosperity. Homes are cleaned, diyas are lit, and Lakshmi Puja is performed for wealth and happiness.
Celebrated In: Across India
Things To Do: Buy gold and silver, clean and decorate homes, light diyas, pray to Goddess Lakshmi
Major Attractions: Gold and silver shopping, special pujas, festive decorations, wealth-related rituals
9. Rann Utsav
Photo: Hari Nandakumar / Unsplash
Rann Utsav is a grand cultural festival held in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, from November until February. The Gujarat government started the festival to promote Kutch’s rich culture and craftsmanship. It is a time when the vast white salt desert comes alive with folk music, dance, and colourful handicrafts. Visitors can witness Kutchi embroidery, mirror work, and hand-painted textiles. The full moon nights of the festival offer a magical view of the desert. Adventure activities like paramotoring, camel rides, and ATV rides also make the festival a thrilling experience.
Celebrated In: Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Things To Do: Watch folk performances, shop for handicrafts, stay in desert tents, enjoy camel rides
Major Attractions: White desert views, traditional Gujarati dance and music, handcrafted souvenirs, adventure activities
10. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem
Photo: Debanutosh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem is a unique traditional festival celebration in India, observed by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya in November. This five-day festival is a thanksgiving ceremony to seek blessings for a good harvest. The festival’s highlight is the Shad Nongkrem dance, where men and women in traditional Khasi attire perform rituals and dances. The festival also involves the sacrifice of goats, as an offering to the deities. The Khasi chief, known as Syiem, leads the prayers and rituals. The festival is a vibrant display of Khasi traditions, cultural pride, and their deep connection with nature.
Celebrated In: Meghalaya
Things To Do: Watch traditional dance performances, participate in community feasts, learn about Khasi traditions, visit sacred sites
Major Attractions: Khasi tribal dances, ritual sacrifices, cultural music, traditional attire
Festivals in November in India unite people to celebrate culture, history, and traditions. From religious rituals to grand fairs, each festival has a special meaning. People participate in prayers, enjoy delicious food, and watch traditional performances. These celebrations reflect the rich heritage of different regions. Plan a trip with TripXL and experience the best places to experience Indian festivals with unforgettable memories.
Cover Photo: Pritiwary / Wikimedia Commons
