Monsoon season in India brings lush landscapes, dramatic skies—and some exceptional, less-crowded festivals bursting with local flavour. Each of these festivals reflects India’s cultural depth, community warmth and the monsoon’s symbolic power of renewal. They offer travellers the rare joy of immersing in authentic local experiences—from flower rituals and vibrant processions to boat races, folk music, and culinary traditions. These monsoon-time celebrations might be off the beaten path, but they deliver memorable experiences all the same.
Lesser-Known Monsoon Festivals Of India
Read on to know about some must-visit monsoon festivals in India, as suggested by Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd & S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Ltd:
Neermahal Water Festival – Tripura
When: August (usually in the second week; dates vary yearly)
Where: Rudrasagar Lake, near Neermahal Palace
Held on the serene Rudrasagar Lake near Tripura’s enchanting Neermahal Palace, this water festival blends royal history with spirited community celebration. Expect lively boat races with vibrantly painted canoes, water sports, cultural evenings featuring folk dance and music, and an open invitation to sample Tripura’s traditional cuisine like Mui Borok. As the sun sets, the palace reflects magically on the monsoon-fed lake, offering travellers a truly offbeat yet memorable monsoon experience.
Athachamayam – Kerala
When: Approx. Tuesday–Wednesday, 26–27 August 2025
Where: Thripunithura, near Kochi
Athachamayam heralds the grand start of Kerala’s Onam festivities, combining royal pageantry with vibrant folk traditions. Thripunithura comes alive with colourful processions featuring elephants, dancers, musicians, and elaborately decorated floats. Visitors can witness Kerala’s rich performing arts like Kathakali, Theyyam, and Pulikali (tiger dance) in action. Markets brim with handicrafts, homes are adorned with Pookalams (floral rangolis), and locals extend warm invitations to share in the festive spirit over traditional Onam sadyas—lavish vegetarian feasts served on banana leaves.
Tarnetar Fair — Gujarat
When: 12 to 15 September
Where: Trinetreshwar Temple, Gujarat
Gujarat is one of India's popular monsoon spots. And if you're planning to hit the state during monsoon, like in September, you must check out the Tarnetar Fair. This festival offers a combination of music and culture.
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Ghewar (Hariyali Teej) – Rajasthan
When: Sunday, 27 July 2025
Where: Jaipur, Udaipur, across Rajasthan
Hariyali Teej celebrates the arrival of the monsoon with colour, joy, and indulgence, especially in Rajasthan. Women dress in green, swing joyfully on decorated swings tied to trees, apply mehendi, and sing traditional songs. The sweet shops overflow with Ghewar, a honeycomb-textured dessert symbolic of this season. In cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, the streets come alive with fairs, folk performances, and vibrant displays of Rajasthani craft and fashion—making it a delightfully immersive experience for visitors.
The Saputara Monsoon Festival (Megh Malhar Parv),
When: 26th July to 17th August 2025
Where: Saputara Lake, Saputara, Gujrat
This festival, organised by Gujarat Tourism, showcases the scenic beauty and rich culture of Gujarat’s only hill station with folk dances, live music, cultural shows, and thrilling activities like the Rain Run Marathon and Dahi Handi Competition. Visitors can enjoy traditional performances, themed selfie spots, and monsoon-themed decorations, making it a perfect blend of nature, tradition, and entertainment. With free entry, the festival attracts tourists to experience Saputara’s lush greenery and lively monsoon charm.
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Credits: Tripadvisor
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