Art and culture festivals that you must attend in 2025

Bright colours, festivities, and delicious food are some of the things that pop up in one’s mind at the mention of India—grabbing people's attention globally. 

While religious festivals serve as a window to many communities, they barely scratch the surface of what lies beneath. And, a slew of art and cultural immersions offer a sneak peek into the region's art and craft, music, dance, and cuisine. 

Wondering where to head in 2025? Bookmark these cultural festivals across India. From Gujarat’s Rann Utsav to Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival, and everything in between—a world awaits you! 

Rann Utsav 

Where: Dhordo village, The Great Rann of Kutch 

When: Until March 11, 2025 

There's no better introduction to Gujarat’s vibrant culture than Rann Utsav. The annual event in Dhordo village in the Great Rann of Kutch is a representation of the state’s richness in textile and craft, cuisine, dance, and music. 

Did you know? Dhordo has been recognised as one of the 54 Best Tourism Villages in 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism  Organisation (UNWTO). 

The hub of all the action is Rann Utsav—The Tent City by Evoke Experiences—in partnership with Gujarat Tourism. Here, guests can stay in tastefully decorated luxury tents, replete with modern amenities. The temporary township with 400 tents, built every year for three months, also hosts hands-on workshops for different crafts, besides music and dance shows spearheaded by local communities. 

While the event is a full house through the months, the demand soars during full moon nights when the soft light adds more sparkle to the glistening white sand. 

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Where: Mumbai, Maharashtra 

When: January 25 - February 2, 2025

This multidisciplinary festival, which began in 1999 by the Kala Ghoda Association, has become a popular open-air art gallery to spotlight street art, installations, theatre, and concerts. In its initial years, the festival was restricted to the Kala Ghoda area in south Mumbai, but today, it extends to various other venues. Besides Indian artists, international galleries and artists from Asia, Europe, the US, and South America also participate in the festival. 

From heritage walks in south Mumbai to literature events in the iconic David Sassoon Library, besides food walks and stalls, there’s much to explore at Kala Ghoda. 

In the last few years, music and dance performances have also become a regular feature. Come by and away to the tunes of culture. It will leave you mesmerised!

Jaisalmer Desert Festival 

Where: Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer 

When: February 10-12, 1025 

The desert state of Rajasthan is synonymous with royalty and grand settings. Jaisalmer is no different with its rolling sand dunes that create a nature spectacle. 

The theatrics get further amplified during the Maru Mahotsav, a three-day cultural festival held in February. Located in the Sam Sand Dunes, 42 km from Jaisalmer, the event is a primer to the state’s unique culture. 

From turban-tying competitions to camel beauty contests, fire dances to puppet shows—there’s much to look forward to. Visitors can also shop for local handicrafts and textiles or watch the many folk music and dances like the ghoomar and kalbeliya. 

Brace yourself for the camel race, where these native animals compete with each for the top spot! Trust us, it's one of the most entertaining sights you don't want to miss. 

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 

Where: Shillong, Meghalaya

When: November 2025 

If you thought basking under cherry blossoms was only possible in Japan, there's good news! You can experience it in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong while listening to some of the best local and international musicians. 

Started in 2016, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates art and music alongside its natural beauty. 

The recently concluded event in November included performers like Akon, Boney M, R3HAB, Queen Sensation, and Korn Sk, alongside Indian musicians Jasleen Royal and Kanika Kapoor. The festival also played host to local favourites like Great Society and Jessie Lyngdoh.

The two-day festival also had a Japanese village where visitors could get up, close, and personal with Japanese cuisine, culture, and craft. 

International Sand Festival 

Where: Konark, Odisha

When: December 1-5, 2025 

The Chandrabhaga beach, in close proximity to the ancient sun temple of Konark, transforms into a playground every December for artists across the world to showcase their creativity on the sand. That's what the International Sand Art Festival is all about. 

The last edition, held in early December, witnessed the participation of 129 artists, including some from the UK, Mexico, Germany, Japan, and Russia. Some of the highlights from the festival included sand sculptures of Lord Balaji and Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

That's not all. Some other creations were around the themes of women empowerment, Odia asmita (pride), and world heritage and monuments.

(The story was updated to add image source)