Arts

Theatre, dance, and visual spectacle

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43 festivals

Bharatanatyam dancers performing in traditional costumes

International dance festival

ABU International Dance Festival

India, with an Asia-Pacific focus · Dates vary by edition

A broadcast-linked dance festival bringing traditional and contemporary performances from the Asia-Pacific region.

Literary & cultural

Ahmedabad International Literature Festival

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India · Late October (annual)

A literary gathering in Ahmedabad bringing together writers, readers, ideas, dialogue and cultural performances.

Techno-cultural & student festival

Anwesha

IIT Patna, Bihar, India · Jan–Feb

IIT Patna’s annual techno-cultural-management festival brings together competitions, performances and student creativity

Cultural & maritime heritage

Bali Jatra

Odisha, India · Oct–Nov (Kartika Purnima)

A Cuttack festival remembering Odisha’s maritime heritage through boats, crafts, food and a vast fair.

Seasonal

Bathukamma

Telangana, India & diaspora · Sep–Oct (lunar)

A nine-day Telangana floral festival of seasonal flowers, songs, community and devotion.

Pride & civic cultural event

Bhubaneswar Pride Parade

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India · Dates vary; often June–July

A city Pride gathering celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility, community, equality, and inclusion in Odisha.

Cultural & arts

Bihar Utsav

Bihar, India · March (typically around Bihar Day)

A cultural celebration showcasing Bihar’s heritage, arts, crafts, food, music, and traditions.

Religious & cultural

Brihadeeswarar Temple Car Festival

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India · Apr–May (Chithirai)

A Chithirai temple procession in Thanjavur featuring a richly decorated wooden chariot.

Cultural & folk

Bundi Utsav

Bundi, Rajasthan, India · Oct–Nov (Kartik; after Kartik Purnima)

A three-day celebration of Bundi’s folk culture, crafts, music, dance and heritage.

Italian nativity scene with traditional figures

Seasonal

Buon Natale

Italy & Italian diaspora · December–early January

Italian Christmas celebrations bring together worship, family gatherings, nativity scenes, music and regional foods.

Seasonal

Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India · December (Margazhi)

An annual Chennai festival bringing Carnatic music, classical arts and the spirit of Thiruvaiyaru to the city.

Hindu temple & folk festival

Chinakkathoor Pooram

Palappuram, Palakkad, Kerala, India · Feb–Mar (Malayalam Kumbham; Makam)

A temple pooram in Palappuram known for elephant processions, percussion and traditional folk arts.