Synonymous with the start of summer and completely soaking in the afterglow of spring April is all about new beginnings. With the various regional calendars being lined up with some of the most exciting festivals and celebrations, the numerous communities in the country have their share of festivals that are absolutely worth witnessing during this time of the year.
As the most spectacular celebrations bring together people from across regions, April is when India truly transforms into a vibrant canvas portraying the most enthralling colours, sounds and sights. With the enormous amount of energy and enthusiasm that the festivals in India are celebrated with, here are some of the major festivals in April that you should definitely look out for if you intend to witness a grand cultural experience through and through or just want to have a good time.
Mark your calendars to soak in the celebrations with these major festivals in April 2025
Baisakhi
A festival in India that is celebrated majorly in the regions of Punjab and Haryana in the month of April, Baisakhi marks the beginning of the harvest season. A day that is filled with the most vibrant celebrations and rituals, this festival is among the most popular festivals in the country and is celebrated differently in the different states of India. However, for the Sikh community, Baisakhi is especially auspicious because it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh. A festival that symbolises prosperity and abundance, a popular way of celebrating Baisakhi in Punjab and Haryana is by including traditional dances such as Bhangra and Gidda, conducting prayers and taking out processions.
Date: April 13, 2025
Ram Navami
Among the most important Hindu festivals, Ram Navami is a festival in India that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. With special prayers, bhajans and readings of Ramayana that are conducted as a part of the proceedings of this festival, various devotees from across the country gather at the different temples with a view of indulging in the festivities of this special occasion.
Date: April 9, 2025
Poila Boishakh
A day of celebration that marks the beginning of the Bengali New Year, Poila Boishakh is synonymous with new beginnings. Majorly celebrated in the regions of West Bengal and Assam, this festival is celebrated by wearing new clothes and preparing traditional delicacies. People also exchange gifts and decorate their homes during this time of the year, while also indulging in hearty meals together. A festival that marks the coming together of families, Poila Boishakh indicates a fresh start and hopes for prosperity in the coming year.
Date: April 14, 2025
Bihu
Majorly celebrated in the state of Assam, Bihu is also a festival that celebrates the harvest season. Among the most important festivals of the state, Bihu is characterised by a number of events and traditional performances which in turn upholds the folk culture of Assam as well.
Date: April 14th to April 20th, 2025
Aoling Festival
A popular festival in India celebrated during the month of April, the Aoling Festival is celebrated in the Mon district of Nagaland. An integral part of the culture for the Konyak tribes, this particular festival marks the beginning of the spring festival every year. This is also the time of the year which attracts visitors and tourists to the state. Aoling is a colourful and vibrant celebration of the local culture which also features regional dance performances and activities performed by the men and women of the Konyak tribe.
Date: April 1st to April 6th, 2025
Chithirai Festival
A religious festival native to the south of India, especially in Tamil Nadu, the Chithirai Festival takes place during a span of two weeks. A festival that commemorates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, this particular festival is marked by a number of events in the form of processions and flag hoisting ceremony.
Date: April 29th to 10th May, 2025
Easter Sunday
A festival that is celebrated across India, Easter Sunday marks a joyous occasion for the Christian community in the country. A special occasion that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the churches are filled with worshippers during this time of the year. With a number of festive services held, families celebrate this special occasion with festive meals and heart feasts.
Date: April 20, 2025
Apart from these religious festivals in April, there is another that you can enjoy
Sankat Mochan Music Festival
Celebrated in the state of Varanasi, the Sankat Mochan Music Festival is among the most reputed classical music festivals in India that takes place in the month of April. Featuring an exclusive line up of the most eminent classical music artists from across the country, this festival takes place in the ghats of Varanasi.
Date: April 16th to April 21st, 2025