May in India is a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations, religious observances, and natural phenomena. From the serene rituals of Buddha Purnima to the enchanting glow of fireflies in Purushwadi, these may month festivals give a completely unique blend of experiences in the country. Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, a religious lover or a nature lover, May 2025 gives an array of festivals in May in India to showcase its rich historical past and diversity. Here is the perfect guide to 21 Indian festivals in Mat occurring throughout 2025, complete with dates, places, and highlights that will help you plan your journey.
Best Indian Festivals to Experience in May
Here are some of the most captivating festivals in May in India you can witness in India this year—each presenting a completely unique window into the country's rich culture, spiritual depth, and happy traditions.
1. Moatsu Festival
The Moatsu festival is a vibrant celebration by the Ao Naga tribe of Nagaland, marking the finishing of the sowing season. The villagers come here for a 3 day event full of joyous festivities, traditional songs, warrior dances, indigenous games, and hearty feasting. It's time to relax and to express gratitude. The festival offers deep insights into the tribe’s customs, unity, and agricultural lifestyles.
- Date: May 1 – May 3, 2025
- Location: Mokokchung, Nagaland
2. International Flower Festival
Held all through, also in Gangtok, the International Flower Festival is a paradise for nature fanatics and horticulturists. The festival showcases hundreds of forms of orchids, rhododendrons, gladioli, and alpine flowers that you will witness in Sikkim. Travellers can also explore beautifully arranged floral displays and experience cultural performances and local delicacies. It no longer simply highlights Sikkim’s biodiversity; however, it additionally promotes ecotourism and various types of flower knowledge.
- Date: May 1 – May 31, 2025
- Location: Gangtok, Sikkim
3. Thrissur Pooram
One of Kerala's most well-known and vibrant temple festivals in May, Thrissur Pooram is observed with unparalleled fervour and fervour. The parade of elephants wearing elaborate golden headdresses is the primary event. While temple groups participate in a friendly umbrella display competition, the atmosphere is filled with the joyous sound of Panchavadyam, a traditional melody. The festival concludes with a breathtaking fireworks show that sparkles in the night sky.
- Date: May 7, 2025
- Location: Thrissur, Kerala
4. Rabindra Jayanti
Rabindra Jayanti marks the anniversary of the birth of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. In West Bengal and amongst Bengali groups worldwide, the day is widely known, with cultural programmes proposing Tagore’s poems, songs (Rabindra Sangeet), and performances. Educational institutions host art competitions, recitals, and exhibitions that honour Tagore’s contributions to literature, music, and philosophy. It’s a day of introspection, art, and reverence for certainly one of India’s best literary icons.
- Date: May 7, 2025
- Location: West Bengal
5. Mount Abu Summer Festival
The Mount Abu Summer Festival takes place in the serene hill station of Rajasthan, celebrating its natural beauty and local traditions. The event includes soulful folk music, energetic dances like Gair and Daph, and thrilling boat races on Nakki Lake. Local cuisine, handicraft exhibits, and a variety of cultural performances draw both locals and travellers, making it the best summer getaway that combines relaxation with tradition.
- Date: May 10 – May 12, 2025
- Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
6. Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is an important day for Buddhists, marking the birth anniversary and the nirvana of Lord Buddha. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers, meditate, and participate in sermons. Ceremonial rituals like bathing the Buddha statue, lighting lamps, and donating to the needy are common on this famous day. The atmosphere in Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya and Sarnath is serene and spiritual, drawing people from all across the world.
- Date: May 12, 2025
- Location: Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and across Buddhist regions
7. Igitun Chalne Festival
One of the most intense religious gatherings in Goa is the Igitun Chalne Festival, where worshippers demonstrate their devotion to Goddess Lairai by walking barefoot across flaming embers. This nighttime fire-walking ceremony is both spiritually intense and breathtaking. The festival, which is rich in tradition and faith, attracts both residents and visitors who come to see the bravery and religious zeal of the devotees.
- Date: May 12, 2025
- Location: Sirigao, Goaes
8. Chithirai Festival (concludes)
The Chithirai festival in Madurai is a grand birthday celebration that re-enacts the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Spanning weeks, the festival features colourful processions, temple rituals, and vibrant street performances. Though it begins in April, its very last segment falls in May also. It’s a cultural extravaganza that draws pilgrims and tourists alike to witness the spiritual romance unfold with devotion and joyful celebration.
- Date: Ends May 10, 2025
- Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
9. Lumbini Festival
The Lumbini festival is well known to honour the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Held in Nagarjunasagar, it showcases the impact of Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh via spiritual discourses, traditional dances, and exhibitions. The festival pursues to spread the teachings of peace and compassion. Travellers additionally get to explore Buddhist relics, monuments, and art that highlight the place’s historic Buddhist past.
- Date: May 9, 2025
- Location: Nagarjunasagar, Andhra Pradesh
10. Ooty Summer Festival
With a blend of culture and environment, the Ooty Summer Festival honours the splendour of the Nilgiris. Highlights include a fruit exhibition in adjacent Coonoor and the famous flower show at the government botanical grounds. Boat races, dog shows, and in a cultural programme additionally entertain site visitors. The festival draws vacationers in search of a cool retreat from the summertime warmth even as they enjoy the location’s floral splendour.
- Date: May 17 – May 22, 2025
- Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu
11. Fireflies Festival
The captivating dance of fireflies fills Purushwadi's woodlands every May. A pre-monsoon marvel, the Fireflies Festival is a natural display that draws photographers and environment enthusiasts. In addition to taking walks through the hamlet and camping in eco-friendly tents, visitors may see thousands of fireflies lighting up the night simultaneously. It's an enchanted ecotourism experience that sustainably honours the marvels of nature.
- Date: May 17 – June 22, 2025
- Location: Purushwadi, Maharashtra
12. Yercaud Summer Festival
Yercaud Summer Festival is an annual celebration in the hill station of Tamil Nadu. The festival showcases a stunning flower show, dog show, cultural performances, and local exhibitions organized by the locals. Travellers can enjoy the scenic beauty, cool weather, and other local traditions. It's a perfect summer getaway that combines nature’s beauty with regional art, and crafts.
- Date: May 22 – May 26, 2025
- Location: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
13. Kottiyoor Vaisakha Mahotsavam
Kottiyoor Vaisakha Mahotsavam is a Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala that lasts for 28 days. It commemorates the Daksha Yagya from Hindu mythology and features elaborate Vedic rituals in a temporary shrine made of natural materials. Devotees trek through forests to reach the site, emphasising the journey’s spiritual benefits. The surroundings and solemn rituals make it a best experience to have in the month of may.
- Date: May 18 – June 15, 2025
- Location: Kottiyoor, Kerala
14. Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Sohala
The Warkari pilgrimage custom in Maharashtra began with this march. From Alandi to Pandharpur, devotees transport Saint Dnyaneshwar's symbolic sandals, or padukas. Singing Abhang (devotional songs), dancing, and spiritual conversation are the event's defining features. It is one of the most cherished spiritual excursions in Maharashtra and promotes devotion and unity.
- Date: May 27, 2025
- Location: Alandi, Maharashtra
15. Sital Sasthi
Sital Sasthi is a unique Odia festival that reenacts the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The marriage is celebrated with much pomp as local families play host to the divine couple. The city comes alive with musical processions, elaborate rituals, and folk performances. It is both a religious festivals in May and a grand community celebration that strengthens cultural identity.
- Date: May 31, 2025
- Location: Sambalpur, Odisha
16. Vaishakha Purnima
Vaishakha Purnima is a holy day in the Hindu and Buddhist calendars. Devotees take ritualistic dips in holy rivers and offer prayers and donations. It is also the day of Buddha’s birth and enlightenment. Many perform acts of charity and engage in meditation and fasting. The spiritual aura and community prayers make it a powerful day of reflection and purification.
- Date: May 12, 2025
- Location: Pan-India
17. Basava Jayanti
Basava Jayanti celebrates the birth of Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher and social reformer. Observed mainly in Karnataka and Maharashtra, the day includes processions, speeches, and cultural activities that highlight his teachings of equality, devotion, and social justice. It's an important occasion for the Lingayat community and inspires people to follow a path of righteousness and service.
- Date: April 30, 2025
- Location: Karnataka, Maharashtra
18. Ganga Dussehra
Although Ganga Dussehra is in early June, preparations start in late May. This festival celebrates the descent of the holy Ganges to earth. Pilgrims gather along the Ganga river to bathe and purify themselves. Devotional songs, Ganga Aarti, and community feasts are part of the celebrations. It is a time to revere the life-giving river and seek spiritual blessings.
- Date: June 5, 2025
- Location: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi
19. Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti honours the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism. The day is observed with prayers, charitable activities, and processions displaying images of Mahavir. Jain temples are decorated, and sermons are delivered highlighting his teachings of non-violence, truth, and asceticism. It is a day of spiritual renewal for Jain communities across India.
- Date: April 10, 2025
- Location: Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Jain communities
20. Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a major harvest festival and Punjabi New Year. It marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh. Farmers express gratitude for a good harvest through music, dance, and community feasting. Gurdwaras host special prayers, and processions are taken out with joy and reverence. It’s a celebration of prosperity, unity, and spiritual renewal.
- Date: April 14, 2025
- Location: Punjab and Northern India
21. May Day (Labour Day)
May Day, also known as Labour Day, is celebrated to honour the labour force and their contributions to the economy and society. It is a day to recognise workers' rights, labour movements, and the importance of fair working conditions. In India, this day is marked by rallies, processions, and speeches by labour unions, aiming to promote workers' welfare and social justice. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and achievements of workers in improving labour laws and securing better working environments.
- Date: May 1, 2025
- Location: Nationwide
May is a month brimming with cultural, spiritual, and social celebrations. From the grandeur of temple festivals to the serene reflections of Buddha Purnima and the colourful festivities of Labour Recognition on May Day, every occasion brings a unique glimpse into the country’s diversity. These festivals in May do not offer joyous moments, but they also provide an opportunity to understand the traditions, beliefs, and practices that form India's cultural landscape. Whether you are a traveller, cultural enthusiast, or just curious, Festivals in May 2025 offer a rich tapestry of experiences to be loved.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What special holiday is in May?
May Day or Labour Day on May 1st is a special holiday celebrated to honour workers and their contributions. It is observed in many countries with parades, speeches, and public gatherings.
2. Is May Day a festival?
Yes, May Day is celebrated as both a labour rights day and a traditional spring festival in some cultures. In India, it is mainly observed as International Workers' Day with respect for the working class.
3. What religious festival is in May?
Religious festivals in May vary each year but can include Buddha Purnima and Eid, depending on the lunar calendar. These festivals are celebrated with devotion, prayers, and community events.
4. Which Indian festival is in May?
Buddha Purnima is a major Indian festival celebrated in May, marking the birth of Lord Buddha. It is observed with prayers, processions, and visits to Buddhist shrines.
