Top Festivals in India You Can Attend on a Tourist e-Visa

India feels like a big, friendly party all year round. If you love colors, lights, music, food, and meeting warm local people, the Top Festivals in India are a great reason to visit. This guide will help you pick the best festivals to attend on a tourist e-Visa, show what to expect, and share simple, practical tips so your trip is safe and fun.
When we talk about Top Festivals in India, we mean the events that are most exciting for visitors: big public celebrations with music, food, and local life on display. These festivals let you see real community traditions and join in the joy. Before you travel, always check the India Visa Online portal and read the India Visa Requirements for your country so you know your visa type and how long you can stay.
Why choose festivals as your reason to visit
Festivals are where people welcome guests, share special foods, and show their culture. The Top Festivals in India let you meet families, watch parades, and sometimes join in dances and rituals. These events are not just for show — they are part of daily life for many people. If you plan your trip around a festival, you will come home with strong memories and many photos.
Holi — color, music and the most fun start
Holi is one of the Top Festivals in India that almost everyone wants to see. People throw colored powder and water, dance, and sing. It is loud, joyful, and often messy — in the best way. If you want the best holi celebration in india, many travelers choose Mathura and Vrindavan. These towns celebrate Holi in special traditional ways linked to old stories about Krishna. You can also find big, organized Holi events in cities like Jaipur and Delhi if you prefer a cleaner, more tourist-friendly experience.
Tips for Holi: wear old clothes, keep your phone in a plastic bag, and use natural colors when possible. If you feel uncomfortable in a crowd, look for smaller community Holi events or day-time cultural shows.
Diwali — lights, sweets and warm family time
Diwali is another top choice in the list of Top Festivals in India. It is the “Festival of Lights.” People decorate homes with small oil lamps, make rangoli (floor art), and share sweets. Diwali feels calm and beautiful at night because all the lights glow together. Cities have big displays and temples often hold special prayers. If you travel during Diwali, book your train or flight early because many people travel to meet family.
Durga Puja and Navratri — art, dance and strong community energy
Durga Puja (mainly in Kolkata) and Navratri (in western India) are two more of the Top Festivals in India. Durga Puja looks like a city-wide art fair with large temporary temples, music shows, and street food. Navratri is a nine-night dance festival where everyone joins the circle of Garba or Dandiya. Both festivals are great for visitors who want to dance, try local food, and see lively street scenes.
Kumbh Mela and Pushkar — huge gatherings and colorful markets
If you want a different kind of festival, add Kumbh Mela or the Pushkar Camel Fair to your list of Top Festivals in India. Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world when it happens. Millions of people come to bathe in holy rivers and pray. Pushkar combines pilgrimage with a huge livestock fair, camel shows, and folk performances. These events are very busy and need more planning, but they are unforgettable.
Practical tips for visiting festivals on a tourist e-Visa
- Check your visa carefully — Use the official India Visa Online site to apply and to check the India Visa Requirements for your nationality. The e-Tourist visa allows sightseeing and short visits, but rules can change.
- Book early — Hotels and trains fill fast during festivals.
- Respect local customs — Cover your shoulders at temples, ask before you take close photos, and follow local rules during rituals.
- Stay safe in crowds — Keep your valuables close, carry a copy of your passport and visa, and pick a meeting point with friends.
- Pack smart — For Holi bring a scarf and a small plastic bag for electronics. For big fairs, bring water, comfortable shoes, and a small first-aid kit.
- Use local guides — A trusted local guide or a small tour group can help you enter events safely and explain what you are seeing.
A short checklist before you go
- Visit India Visa Online and confirm your e-Visa details.
- Check festival dates — many festivals follow the lunar calendar, so dates change each year.
- Reserve accommodation and transport early.
- Learn two simple phrases in the local language — a warm “hello” and “thank you” go a long way.
Final words
The Top Festivals in India are full of life, color and warmth. Whether you choose Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja, Navratri, Kumbh Mela, or the Pushkar Camel Fair, you will meet friendly people and see traditions that have lasted for generations. If finding the best holi celebration in india is your dream, aim for Mathura or Vrindavan for a very traditional experience. If you want help turning this into a travel plan — with festival dates, city suggestions, and a step-by-step e-Visa checklist — I can make that for you. Just tell me which festival you want to visit first.