From Kolkata to Nagaland: 6 Indian celebrations worth travelling for

What if the festival you’ve been celebrating every year is actually the perfect excuse to take a trip? Across India, festivals are becoming experiences that travellers are willing to plan an entire journey around, rather than something to simply squeeze into a holiday once they arrive. The growing appetite for festival wanderlust among Indian travellers is clear, with 72% saying they would consider planning a trip specifically to attend a major cultural or religious festival, according to Skyscanner’s latest India Culture Travel Index.So, whether you’re chasing grand celebrations, centuries-old traditions or an unforgettable night of music, here are six Indian festivals worth travelling for.Durga Puja, Kolkata

Imagine a city where almost every street seems to have its own story, music spilling into the air, towering pandals drawing curious crowds, and the scent of Bhog and Bengali sweets leading you from one celebration to the next. During Durga Puja, Kolkata feels less like a city you’re visiting and more like one big celebration you’ve stepped into. The main celebration takes place from 16 to 21 October, making October the perfect time to experience Kolkata in full festive swing.It’s little wonder that Kolkata’s biggest celebration is also India’s biggest festival travel draw. The index reveals that 58% of Indian travellers consider travelling to attend Durga Puja, making it the top festival in the country for festival-led travel. Not sure where your next festival adventure should take you?Delhi (DEL) to Kolkata (CCU) starts at ₹ 6,131Mumbai (BOM) to Kolkata (CCU) starts at ₹ 7,227Bangalore (BLR) to Kolkata (CCU) starts at ₹9,330Navratri Garba, Gujarat

For nine nights, Gujarat turns into one giant dance floor. As the beats of Garba fill the air, streets and open grounds come alive with colourful chaniya cholis, swirling dandiya sticks and people dancing late into the night. With Navratri falling from 11 to 20 October in 2026, the festive spirit will be in full swing across the state this autumn.From fafda-jalebi to khichdi and other Gujarati favourites, food is very much part of the celebration. In fact, 43% of Indian travellers say they would plan a trip around regional food experiences, showing just how much local flavours can shape a cultural getaway. Planning your trip?Delhi (DEL) to Ahmedabad (AMD) starts at ₹5,548Mumbai (BOM) to Ahmedabad (AMD) starts at ₹4,108Bangalore (BLR) to Ahmedabad (AMD) starts at ₹8,564Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

Head to the hills of Nagaland, where the Hornbill Festival brings the state’s rich traditions to life through music, dance, food and craft. Held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, the festival brings together communities from across the state, with traditional performances, indigenous games, handicrafts, local food and live music taking centre stage. The Hornbill Festival in 2026 is set to take place from 1 to 10 December, making the start of winter a great time to experience Nagaland at its most vibrant.It’s also the kind of experience that takes you beyond India’s usual metro circuit. The report found that one in four Indian travellers (25%) are heading to Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns for cultural experiences. For travellers looking to discover a different side of India, the Hornbill Festival offers plenty of reasons to make the journey.Delhi (DEL) to Dimapur (DMU) starts at ₹8,890Mumbai (BOM) to Dimapur (DMU) starts at ₹14,850Bangalore (BLR) to Dimapur (DMU) starts at ₹12,750Ayodhya Deepotsav, Uttar PradeshFor a Diwali experience on a truly grand scale, head to Ayodhya, where the annual Deepotsav turns the city into a spectacular sea of light. Millions of diyas line the banks of the Saryu River, while laser and drone shows, fireworks and Ramayana-themed processions bring the celebrations to life. With Diwali falling on 8 November in 2026, it’s a chance to experience the festival amid the sights, sounds and traditions of one of India’s most culturally significant cities.Delhi (DEL) to Ayodhya (AYJ) starts at ₹4,641Mumbai (BOM) to Ayodhya (AYJ) starts at ₹8,114Bangalore (BLR) to Ayodhya (AYJ) starts at ₹9,500Ziro Festival of Music, Arunachal Pradesh

For anyone who thinks the best music experiences are the ones that come with a little adventure, Ziro is one festival worth putting on the travel calendar. Taking place from 24 to 27 September, the festival is just around the corner, bringing independent artists, curious travellers and music lovers to the dreamy landscapes of Ziro Valley. Trade crowded concert halls for open skies, green hills and live music while discovering new sounds in an unforgettable setting.Delhi (DEL) to Itanagar (HGI) starts at ₹8,249Mumbai (BOM) to Itanagar (HGI) starts at ₹13,953Bangalore (BLR) to Itanagar (HGI) starts at ₹14,940So, the next time a festival catches your eye, don’t just mark it on the calendar. Turn it into a trip, find a fare and let the celebration be the reason you go somewhere new.