Festivals & Events in India in July 2024

You haven’t known India if you haven’t been a part of its vibrant festivals. They might seem dime a dozen but each of them stands testament to the country’s cultural diversity. Right from North to down South these celebrations are observed with intense zeal. Be a part of them only to wonder how such a level of cyclic merriment can drive similar passion and vigour each year.

The country’s history won’t make you wait, as there are city parades, divine processions, and colourful fairs happening somewhere almost every month of the year. Choose a festival that matches your vibe and soak up a bit in Indian festivals. Here’s our run-down of some of the stunning Indian festivals in July. 

Hemis Festival, Hemis, Ladakh

Go in for an iconic celebration that takes place in the fantastical Buddhist ex-kingdom. One of the most gripping festivals in 2024 held in Ladakh, Hemis Gompa Fair or Hemis Festiva lretrospects the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibet’s Tantric Buddhism. Watch the locals enact mythological stories wearing traditional attires and entrancing masks dancing to the hypnotic tunes. This one Indian festival 2024 will leave you enchanted completely. Lose yourself to the fluttering prayer flags, picture-perfect Buddhist Monasteries, and the stark beauty of the surrounding jagged peaks. If you happen to be a bystander at the Hemis Gompa Fair, you would never wish to leave.

Date – 28^th June to June 29, 2024

 Also Read: Top 10 Festivals in March in India You Must Attend

Minjar Festival, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Join in this legendary festival observed in Chamba, a picturesque and quaint destination in Himachal Pradesh. The fact that Minjar Fair is as old as 935 AD will hit you with amazement. Hosted at Chowgoa, a de facto center of Chamba, this festival rejoices the incarnation of Lord Rama and the annual harvest. Spectators from far and wide gather to attend the rhythmic folk dance, gripping processions, and distinct rituals. Feel captivated with the flamboyant traditional attires and the bric-à-brac showcased at the flea market. Pocket some betel leaves as a welcome gift. Before bidding a farewell to this week-long fair, don’t miss to perform the local ceremony of tying some coconut, seasonal fruit, and a rupee in a Minjar (silk tassel) and offer it to the river. Take pleasure in upcoming festivals in India 2024. 

Date – July 31, 2024

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Alappuzha, Kerala

One of the oldest vallam kali (snake boat race), Champakulam Moolam will make you hoot wildly. Be a part of a jaw-dropping experience when a flotilla of chundanvallam (slim boats) around 100 –foot-long, piloted by 130 rowers hit the shimmering river Pamba at Champakkulam in Alappuzha. The center of attraction of these mind-boggling annual races, the boats actually appear like serpents. Mix in the local crowd standing by the banks of the canal in deep anticipation. Experience the sudden frenzy as you watch the rowers in ultimate sync chanting rowing songs making way through the waters seamlessly. The sight will make you rub your eyes in disbelief. 

Date: June 23, 2024

 Also Read: These Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh Offer a Glimpse of its Rich Culture

Bonalu (Ashada Jatra Utsavalu) Secunderabad & Hyderabad, Telangana

Take part in Bonalu festival observed for over 200 years in the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, Telangana in South India. Experience rare energy as you witness the crowd worship the divine Shakti (power) of Goddess Kali. This festival taking place during the Hindu month of Ashadha includes performing rituals dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. Bonalu which means feast in Telugu signifies the offerings made to the goddess in return for the fulfillment of vows. Do present a staple offering to the supreme deity comprising of rice cooked in milk and jaggery sugar. Observe women carrying decorative clay pots on their heads to the Mahakali Temple in Golconda Fort, the core of all the festivities. Be a part of an extended celebration at Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad, with Rangam (envisaging the future for the coming year) and Ghatam (a procession of the goddess) the following day. Simhavahini Sri Mahakali Temple of Lal Darwaza in the Old City of Hyderabad is the place that stands testimony to the final event followed by Rangam & Ghatam happening on the next day.

Date- June 22, 2024

Dree Festival, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Indulge in gaiety and fanfare at Dree Festival celebrated each year in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh.  Eyewitness Apatani Tribe dressed in eye-catchy traditional attires celebrate this agricultural festival with utmost enthusiasm. Dree is celebrated to praise the Gods so that they bless the region with bountiful harvest. Sacrificial offerings, prayers, folk dances, and singing make up the grand celebration. Be a part of the unique ritual of distributing cucumber to the guests symbolizing the purity of vegetables and fructose agriculture. You might feel a little tipsy as millet Beer and rice are served amidst color, feasting, and incessant fervor.

Date- 5^th July, 2024

Eid al-Adha, Celebrated Across India

Have a share in dynamic feasting; Eid al-Adha is a Muslim festival celebrated vivaciously across the country. Commonly known as Bakra Eid, Eid al-Adha honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s divine sacrifice of his son. Mosques offer room to countless devotees for performing sajda and namaz. Allah hu Akbar resounds in the gully mohallas. Sacrificing a Bakra (goat) and sharing the meat with family, friends, and the unprivileged is a ritual given much heed. The feast of sacrifice or Iftari is then laid out elaborately for one and all to relish. If you wish to engage yourself in the celebrations, don’t forget to savor the traditional meal of Kejur &  fruits platters, nihari, biryani, and toothsome Sheer Khurma. Eid al-Adha will turn out to be one of the most unforgettable Indian festivals 2024. 

Date – 29 & 30 June, 2024

Why wait? Head out to participate in enigmatic Indian festivals 2024. Inundate in the joys of the all-around festivities and take part whole-heartedly!

Also Read: Firefly Festival 2023: Everything You Need to Know About Magical Night Event