
The month of May in India is characterized by intense heat, yet it transforms into a vibrant and joyous period filled with remarkable festivals. These celebrations, which range from cultural to religious, captivate participants and provide a welcome distraction from the sweltering temperatures. They foster a sense of community and joy, showcasing the rich diversity of the nation through music, dance, and cultural expressions. Many of these events are held in the cooler hills, making them ideal for both sightseeing and trekking. To fully experience these festivities, consider planning your visit to align with one of these delightful celebrations as part of your India Tour Packages.
Here is the list
of some spectacular Indian festivals celebrated in May.Â
Ooty Summer Festival
The Ooty Summer Festival celebrated for 127 years, is one of India’s most esteemed summer festivals. This annual event, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture of India along with the Tourism Department of Tamil Nadu, takes place in May in the picturesque hill station of Ooty, making it a highlight in Tamil Nadu tour packages. This year, the festival is scheduled from May 17th to 22nd and is renowned as one of India’s prominent seasonal celebrations, especially in the Nilgiris region, where no other festival offers such breathtaking scenery and relaxation. Key attractions include the Flower Show at Ooty Botanical Garden, the Vegetable Show at Nehru Park in Kotagiri, the Rose Show at the Government Rose Garden in Ooty, and the Fruit Show at Sim’s Park in Coonoor. As summer is the peak season in Ooty, this festival enhances the area’s allure, making it an ideal time to visit as part of Ooty Tour Packages, showcasing its widespread appeal among tourists globally. Since the festival dates may vary, it is advisable to verify them if you intend to attend.
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Thrissur Pooram
Recognized as the most vibrant of all temple festivals in Kerala, Thrissur Pooram was initiated by the former rulers of Kochi. It is celebrated annually on the Pooram day in the month of Medom (April/May) within the grounds of the Vadakkunnathan Temple, which is among the premier places to visit in Thrissur. This year, the event took place on May 6th, featuring a remarkable 36-hour celebration characterized by dazzling fireworks, rhythmic percussion, and the procession of elaborately adorned elephants. This spectacle draws hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists from around the globe as part of Thrissur tour packages. The festival’s highlight is the magnificent parade of 30 exquisitely decorated elephants carrying deities, accompanied by over 250 musicians performing traditional folk melodies. Attendees can also partake in various cultural activities, including ornamental parasol displays, drum performances, and dance and music concerts during the festivities.
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Moatsu Festival
The festivals of Nagaland serve as enlightening experiences for travelers, as this small mountainous state in northeast India is rich in tribal culture and traditions, offering a unique perspective of India. One notable event is the Moatsu Festival, celebrated annually by the Ao tribe in May, following the sowing of seeds in their fields. This year, the festival is scheduled from May 1st to May 3rd in Mokokchung, a town located approximately 150 kilometers from Kohima. The festival aims to foster joy, fun, and excitement within the tribal community after the demanding tasks of clearing fields, burning jungles, sowing seeds, cleaning wells, and repairing homes. A highlight of Moatsu is the Sangpangtu, where a large bonfire is ignited, and locals, adorned in their finest traditional attire, gather around to relish special food and wine. Attendees can anticipate an abundance of singing, dancing, and festivities during this celebration.
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International Flower Festival, Gangtok
The International Flower Festival, organized by the Government of Sikkim, is a month-long celebration taking place in Gangtok from May 1st to May 31st this year. The festival aims to enhance tourism and raise awareness about the region’s floral diversity and plantation. Attendees can explore approximately 600 species of orchids, over 40 varieties of rhododendrons, around 240 types of ferns and trees, 140 gladiolas, and a multitude of other plants and flowers, including Sikkim’s state flower, the Dendrobium Nobile orchid. This is an opportune moment to visit Sikkim and appreciate the stunning array of native flora as part of the Gangtok Tour Packages. Additionally, the festival includes engaging cultural performances, local culinary events, white water rafting on the Teesta River, Yak Safaris, traditional folk dances, film presentations on Sikkim tourism, and exhibitions of local handicrafts.
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Mount Abu Summer Festival
Prior to the onset of the monsoon season, Mount Abu, the sole hill station in Rajasthan, undergoes a festive transformation with the Mount Abu Summer Festival, which commences on Buddha Purnima each year. Scheduled for May 10th to May 12th, 2025, this festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department and is among the most prominent cultural celebrations in India during May. The festival aims to highlight the rich cultural activities of the region. This three-day event begins with traditional ballad performances, followed by a ceremonial procession originating from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar, and features cultural displays at Nakki Lakes, among the most prominent places to visit in Mount Abu. Additionally, it includes a skating race, boat race, horse race, tug of war, a performance by the CRPF band, and a fireworks display. Each evening during the festival, attendees can enjoy Shaam-E-Qawwali, featuring renowned Qawwali artists from across India, as part of the Mount Abu Tour Packages.
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Dhungri Mela
Festivals have played a crucial role in human civilization, and their celebration has been a longstanding tradition. One notable festival in Manali is the Dhungri Mela, which takes place annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Goddess Hidimba, the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. In 2025, this three-day festival will occur from May 14th to 16th at the Hidimba Temple, one of the prominent places to visit in Manali. During the mela, deities from surrounding villages are paraded in a procession to partake in the festivities. A grand fair will be organized featuring carnival rides, shopping stalls, singing, dancing, and performances of the Kullu Natti folk dance. Therefore, consider planning your summer visit to this enchanting hill station in May to experience the local culture and lifestyle as part of the Manali Tour Packages.
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Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, is a significant festival for adherents of Buddhism. This year, it is celebrated on May 12th, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. In India, the festival is predominantly observed in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Darjeeling, and Maharashtra. The celebrations feature prayer gatherings, sermons, religious discussions, recitation of Buddhist texts, group meditation, processions, and the veneration of Buddha’s statue. Additionally, Indian Railways operates a special Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Tourist Train for those wishing to explore various Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
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Villianur Temple Car Festival, Pondicherry
The Villianur Car Festival is a prestigious annual celebration held at the Thirukameswarar Kukilambal Temple in Pondicherry. This temple is recognized as one of the most significant in South India and is among the top tourist places in Pondicherry. Commonly referred to as Brahmotsavam, the festival occurs on the Full Moon day in May (specifically on the 12th of May) and is part of a ten-day Brahmotsavam celebration. On this occasion, the deity is paraded in a 15-meter tall, intricately adorned chariot. People from various backgrounds gather in large numbers to pull the chariot, as it is considered to bring great blessings. Many devotees offer buttermilk, curd, and rice to the attendees, believing that their desires will be granted. This procession is a remarkable spectacle, making your Pondicherry tour truly unforgettable.
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Chithirai Festival
One of the most popular Indian festivals celebrated in April, Chithirai Festival is the annual festival of the most renowned Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, among the prime places to visit in Madurai. Held from 29 April – 10th May, this festival commemorates the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and Goddess Meenakshi Amman. Starting with the flag hoisting ceremony, there are plenty of processions carried out during this 2 week-long festival. Post the wedding of the divine couple, the celebration moves to Azhagar / Alagar Temple in Alagar Hills close to Madurai, where Lord Vishnu presides as Meenakshi’s older brother Azhagar. Coronation and precession of goddess Meenakshi, the procession of temple chariots, celestial wedding of Shiva and Meenakshi, entry of Lord Kallazhagar in the River Vaigai are the biggest spectacles of the Chithirai Festival that can be witnessed as part of Madurai Tour Packages.
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This article first appeared on Trawell
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