The predictability of the significant dates for religious and cultural observance in our social calendars provides an anchor to community wellbeing. It also plays a pivotal role in the preservation of centuries-bound practices, customs and rites and rituals associated with these events for generations to come. They are the critical components which shape our everyday lives. They provide a wireframe which helps us find that deep rooted connection between culture and faith and our understanding of it and how we use that in our lives.
INDIA
Onam:Dig deep into Kerala’s exuberant spirit in the, the 10-day harvest festival marked by extravagant pujas, stunning floral decorations, adrenaline-pumping boat races, traditional song and dance recitals and lavish all-veg feasts.
Where: Kerala |
When: August/September 2025
Durga Puja: From all over the world Bengalis return home to welcome Ma Durga, their tutelary deity who descends on earth once a year to her family home and accepts the devotions of her faithful. This rocking cultural fiesta is all about prayers and worship, culinary devotions and shopping delights—with family and friends.
Where: Whest Bengal | When: September/October 2025
Diwali: Resonating with the sounds of firecrackers and lighted lamps and fairy lights illuminating the dark night of Amavasya India marks its own New Year with untrammelled jollity and family gatherings in the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.
Where: Pan-India |
When: 21st October, 2025
Navratri: Celebrating this pan-India festival in Gujarat is an unforgettable experience. Unmissable are the gorgeously attired men and women going through the ritualist paces of the Garba, the cultural dance performed in large groups.
Where: Gujarat, Pan-India |
When: September/October 2025
NEPAL
Lhosar: The Tibetan New Year is celebrated with great verve and spontaneity by Nepal’s Tibetan community; for visitors it is a marvellous extravaganza of cultural delights as they join the crowds, to witness the mask dances and musical performances, centuries-old rituals of hanging new prayer flags in temples/monasteries — and the spirited bonhomie in public places.
Where: Pan-Nepal |
When: February 25
Buddha Jayanti: The celebrations of Lord Buddha’s birth and death anniversary are of even greater significance when they are held at Lumbini, his birthplace. Join thousands of devotees as they go through centuries -old rituals marking their deep veneration of the Enlightened One.
Where: Lumbini |
When: April 2025
Tihar: Join in the fun and frolic of the ever-swelling crowds as they exuberantly plunge into the thrills of the five-day festivities of the festival of lights; also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak this form of Diwali in Nepal is also unique in that it apart from Goddess Lakshmi, it also honours Yama, the God of Death— and their animals.
Where: Pan-Nepal |
When: October/November 2025
Teej: Come witness this powerful all-women celebration dedicated to the Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and their spouses. Marvel at the deep-rooted cultural significance of Hindu women putting out on public display their marital bliss as they seek the blessings of the goddess.
Where: Pan-Nepal |
When: August 2025
Bisket/Biska Jaatra: Plunge into the joyful farewell to the old year and welcome of the new year as thousands of merrymakers hit the streets of Bhaktapur to celebrate Nepali New Year's Day.
Where: Bhaktapur |
When: 14 April, 2025
BHUTAN
Thimphu Tsechu: The centuries old festival held at the large Tendrel Thang grounds is unmissable for its fantastical mask dances that are layered with symbolic moves and gestures.
Where: Thimphu |
When: 2nd to 4th October, 2025
Jambay Lhakhang Drup: Held in the great courtyard it commemorates the Jambay Lhakhang Monastery, raised by the Bhutanese king Srongtsen Gampo in Bhumthang, in honour of Guru Rinpoche.
Where: Bhumthang |
When: 5th to 8th November, 2025
National Day Celebrations: The festivities, led by the Bhutanese royals, are held at the Changlimithang ground to commemorate the coronation of the first king Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, held in 1907.
Where: Thimphu |
When: 17th December 2025
SRI LANKA
Sinhala and Tamil New Year: Lose yourself in the magical line-up of traditional games, rituals, and feasts that mark the new year celebrations of the island-nation’s Sinhalese and Tamil communities.
Where: Pan-Sri Lanka |
When: 13th-14th April, 2025
Vesak Festival: Dive deep into the great significance of this holiest of festivals for Buddhist’s marking the date of his birth, enlightenment and passing away. Abandon yourself to the mighty embrace of its rich nuances of its cultural and spiritual splendour as the day’s festivities unfold.
Where: Pan-Sri Lanka |
When: 5th May, 2025
Poson Full Moon Festival: Peel back the veils on the storied heritage of Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted connection with Buddhism since it first came to the island. This vibrant festival is hosted by devotees with Bodhi Poojas, devotional songs, Poson pandols (thoran), and lanterns.
Where: Anuradhapura and Mihintale, pan-Sri Lanka |
When: 10th June, 2025
Kataragama Festival:Marvel at the courage of the firewalkers as they wow the crowds with their unique ability to walk through fire unharmed at the celebrations of the Kataragama Festival, is a vibrant religious celebration dedicated to Lord Skanda, the Hindu God of War. Slip into the gathering of devotees witnessing the unfolding of ancient rituals at the Kataragama temple complex.
Where: Kataragama |
When: When July 2025