13 Festivals in November 2023 in India with Day and Dates

India is a beautiful country with diverse cultures and packed within them the most colorful and beautiful festivals celebrated all over the country. And the chill hues of the winter season blended with festival spirits in November make the country more flamboyant. Diwali, Bhao Dooj, and Ganga Mahotsav are very few famous festivals in India celebrated in November, but there is more to celebrate.

In November, India takes on a different hue as the chill of winter begins to settle in, and the spirit of festivity warms the hearts of its people. Although it may not be the season for grand festivals, November in India offers a quieter, more introspective celebration of its diverse cultural heritage, including festivals in November in India.

The festivals in November in India are not grand spectacles, but they hold a special place in the hearts of the people. They represent the unity and diversity that is the essence of India. While you won’t find the extravagant celebrations of Diwali or the vibrant colors of Holi, November brings forth a different kind of beauty, showcasing festivals in November.

These festivals in November are a reflection of the deep-rooted traditions and cultural values that continue to bind communities together, especially during festivals in November in India. In a world marked by diversity and differences, India’s November festivals are a reminder that unity and harmony can thrive in the midst of various cultures and beliefs.

While you won’t see fireworks lighting up the night sky or grand processions through the streets, the festivals in November offer a more intimate and heartfelt experience, particularly the festivals in November in India. They are an opportunity to witness the authentic traditions and practices that have been passed down through generations.

In a world where grandeur often takes center stage, India’s November festivals, including festivals in November in India, are a testament to the enduring bonds that unite its people. These celebrations may not make international headlines, but they are an integral part of India’s cultural mosaic. As the temperatures drop and the air turns crisp, India comes together to celebrate the traditions and values that make it unique during festivals in November.

The festivals in November may not be widely known or celebrated, but they are a reminder that the heart of India beats with the rhythm of its culture and traditions, especially during festivals in November in India. They offer a glimpse into the soul of a nation that finds joy in the simple yet profound celebrations that define its identity, including festivals in November.

So, while November in India may not be a time of grand festivals, it is a season of quiet reflection and a celebration of unity in diversity, including festivals in November. It is a time when the nation’s cultural tapestry is on display, reminding the world that beauty can be found in the simplest of traditions and the warmth of human connection, particularly during festivals in November in India.

Here, the festivals are not just about the celebration but also signify the unconditional bond that people share with others irrespective of varied communities.

S. No	Festivals in November	Festivals Date/Duration
1	Bhai Dooj	15-Nov-23
2	Guru Nanak Jayanti	27-Nov-23
3	Ganga Mahotsav	18-Nov-23
4	Kartik Purnima	27-Nov-23
5	Tulsi Vivah Puja	23-Nov-23
6	Wangala Festival	10-Nov-23
7	Ka Pomblang Nongkrem	Yet to Be Announced
8	Bundi Festival	11-Nov-2023 – 13-Nov-2023
9	Sonepur Mela	20-Nov-2023 – 5-Dec-2023
10	Pushkar Camel Fair	20-Nov-2023 – 28-Nov-2023
11	Rann Utsav	26-10-2023 – 20-Feb-2024
12	Hamir Utsav	First week of November
13	Majuli Festival	21-Nov-2023 to 24-Nov-2023

1. Bhai Dooj(Wed, Nov 15, 2023):

One of the purest festivals, Bhai Dooj is celebrated among Hindus of all over India 2-days after Diwali Festival. Similar to the Raksha Bandhan Festival, sisters apply tilak and instead of tying a Rakhi sister put vermilion on brothers’ foreheads, and offer their brothers dry coconut and gifts with sweets and wishes good health and luck, and get presents in return as well.

Significance– According to Hindu mythology, one story revolves around when Lord Krishna returned home after defeating the demon Narakasura, his sister Subhadra gave him a warm welcome by applying tilak on his forehead with sweets and flowers. Another legend goes with the story of the unconditional love between Lord Yamraj and his sister Yamuna. It is believed that Yamraj met his sister after a very long time 2-day after Diwali and Yamuna welcomed him with loved and auspicious rituals.

Popular Sights– Markets stocked with colorful stalls selling gifts and products of Bhai Dooj and varieties of sweets.

2. Guru Nanak Jayanti(Mon, 27 Nov, 2023):

Guru Purab, or Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated with auspiciousness all over India, especially in Punjab with great fervor. This day marks the birthday of Guru Nanak and is the most important day in the history of Sikhism. The festivities begin at least two days before the reading of Guru Granth Sahib with Nagarkirtan on the final auspicious day. People doll up in traditional clothes and head to the nearest Gurdwara and sing hymns. The festivity on each day ends with a grand Langar, a community feast within the Gurdwara.

Significance– It is claimed that Guru Nanak, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and spiritual teacher of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Muslim influences, was born on the full moon day of the Lunar Kartik month that falls in November. 

Popular Sights- Gurdwaras decorated with lights and flowers and colorful drapes. The morning hymns and Kirtans are followed by a reading of Guru Granth Sahib on the day of Gurupurab and a community feast within the temple premises.

3. Ganga Mahotsav(Sat, 18 Nov, 2023 – Wed, 22 Nov, 2023):

To pay tribute to the most sacred river of the country, Ganga, devotees celebrate Ganga Mahotsav Festival in November everywhere in India, mainly in Varanasi. The festival goes on for 5-days soaked in the shimmering light of earthen lamps, diyas, and the sweet fragrance of Dhoop and flowers enrich the atmosphere with deep calm and spirituality. The grand Ganga Aarti by the banks of the river is the most auspicious sight to behold.

Significance– it is believed that gods descend from heaven on the Earth on this auspicious day to defeat the demon Tripurasura and bathe in the Holy River Ganga. Hence, a dip in the holy river is of great significance during the festival to cleanse one’s soul and find salvation.

Popular Sights- Ganga Aarti during the event on the banks of the river, capture the floating oil diyas, cultural performances, fun and adventure activities like Kite Flying, rangoli making competition, etc. 

4. Kartik Purnima(Mon, 27 Nov, 2023):

Celebrated on the day of the full moon during the month of Kartik, Kartik Purnima Festival is one of the most religious festivals celebrated in November in India. Also known as Tripuri Purnima, devotees take a holy dip in Ganga and its tributaries and pay respect to the gods and goddesses by lighting earthen diyas with flowers on the banks of the Ganges River. 

Significance– Celebrated as Gurupuran, as per Hindu mythological beliefs, Lord Shiva rescued the devas from the demon Tripurasura who conquered the entire world and created three cities in the universe and named them Tripura. The day also marks the birth anniversary of lord Matsya, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva.

Popular Sights- The Sunrise dip in the holy river, recite of Satyanarayana Vrat Katha, chants of ancient Vedic mantras, and Rudrabhishek.

5. Tulsi Vivah Puja(Friday, 24 November, 2023):

Marking the beginning of the winter season, Tulsi Vivah Puja is a beautiful traditional festival celebrated in November in India on the 12th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik. On this day, a marriage ceremony of the Tulsi plant with Shaligram, a black stone personalization of Lord Vishnu, is arranged and performed with complete Hindu customs and tradition. The Tulsi Vivah day also marks the end of the monsoon and commences the wedding season in Hinduism in India.

Significance– As per in the ancient Vedic Purana, the legend behind Tulsi Vivah recites the devotion of ‘Vrinda’, the woman now recognized as the Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu but she got married to Asura King Jalandhar who demise Vishnu and declared war bu defeated by Lord Vishnu and Shiva. 

Popular Sights- Traditional customs of Hindu marriage ceremonies in temples and at homes

6. Wangala Festival(Fri, 10 Nov-2023):

A festival of 100 drums, Wangala Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated in November in India marking the harvest season in Meghalaya. People dress in colorful traditional garments and feathered headdresses to honor Saljong, the Sun god of fertility, seek blessings for a rich harvest, and perform folk dances like Katta Doka, Ajia, Dani Doka, and Pomelo Dance with folk music. The festivities go on for 2-days beginning with the Ragula ceremony on the first day and the Kakkat ceremony on the second day followed by the Dama Gogota dance form 

Significance– The biggest festival of Garo tribes in Meghalaya and Assam, Wangala Festival is dedicated to the sun god- Misi-Saaljong marks the rich harvest season followed by thanksgiving ceremonies and cultural performances. The festival was first celebrated on 6 and 7 December 1976 at Asanang with the first official Hundred Drums.

Popular Sights- The festivities start on the first day with the Ragula ceremony inside the house of the chief followed by the Kakkat ceremony on the final day. People dress in traditional outfits and feathered headgear and play folk tunes on long oval-shaped drums.

7. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem(24 November 2022 to 25 November 2022):

Another major festival of Northeast India is Ka Pomblang Nongkrem or Shad Nongkrem Festival celebrated with great vigor and fervor in November. This festival is celebrated mainly by the Khasi tribes of Meghalaya which marks the harvest season in the state. The festivities include several rituals and rites and the offering of goats to the administrative head, which is called the Pomblang ceremony. The religious significance of the festival can be seen in the energetic folk performances by the locals to pay homage to Goddess Ka Blei Synshar and seek blessings for rich harvest, wealth, and health.

Significance– To please their prime deity Goddess Ka Blei Synshar, this festival is celebrated with great fervor and people seek blessings from the goddess from bumper harvesting and prosperity to all.

Popular Sights- Witness the popular Nongkrem dance, the Pomblang ceremony performed by a high priest- a sacrifice of goats to the goddess, cultural dance, and several other vigor performances.

8. Bundi Festival(11-Nov-2023 – 13-Nov-2023):

There can never be a better time to visit Rajasthan than during the winter season when the state is drenched in colors of cultural festivals. And one among those is the Bundi Festival celebrated for 3-days in November with great zeal. During the festival, Rajasthan Tourism and Development Center organizes a grand Mela (fair) with a royal Shobha Yatra, folk music, dance, and act performances, and a lot of cultural events and fun competitions. 

Significance– The cultural extravaganza festival, the Bundi Festival is celebrated in Rajasthan with much fun and frolic. The festival is mainly celebrated to glorify the craftsmanship and rich heritage culture of Rajasthan since ancient times.

Popular Sights- A long procession- Shobha Yatra, traditional handicraft and pottery artifacts and decorative product-selling stalls, camel races, magic shows, cattle trade, and much more.

9. Sonepur Mela(Mon, 20 Nov, 2023 – Tue, 5 Dec, 2023):

Annually held on the full moon day during November or December, Sonepur Mela or Sonepur Cattle Fair is one of the vibrant festivals celebrated in the Bihar state of India. Also called Kshetra Mela, this festival is one of the biggest cattle fairs in Asia, which is held on the banks of the River Ganga. The festival dates back to 300 BC and has been celebrated with many cultural and fun activities like circus performances, martial arts, camel rides, magic acts, and folk dances and music. The major pilgrimage activity to do here is the sunrise bathing and animal shows.

Significance– There are many legends connected to the festival. One is believed to dance around Emperor Chandragupta Maurya and how he used to buy elephants and horses from across the Ganga river for his army and hence became the largest cattle trading marketplace.

Popular Sights- A holy sunrise bathes at the confluence of river Ganga and Gandak, carnivals of traditional handicraft and pottery artifacts and decorative product-selling stalls, cattle trade, and much more.

10. Pushkar Camel Fair(Mon, 20 Nov, 2023 – Tue, 28 Nov, 2023):

Typically observed in January, Camel Festival in Pushkar is the most fun-loving festival in India, which is held near the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner in Rajasthan. The festival involves a lot of entertaining activities and folk performances including camel race, best breed competition, camel safari, tug-of-war, and acrobatics at the fares. Traditional music and dance shows are followed by the locals wearing traditional clothes that add colors and charms beyond imagination.

Significance– It was first celebrated to attract local camels and cattle traders to do business on this day.

Popular Sights- There are many adventure and fun activities to do at the festival like a hot air balloon ride, witnessing unique competitions like turban-tying, cattle trading, and colorful stalls with fascinating decorative items and delicious food.

11. Rann Utsav(October 26th, 2023 to February 20th, 2024):

Rann Utsav is one of the most important and the longest cultural festivals celebrated from November to February in Kutch, Gujarat. The cold weather of these winter months becomes more fascinating when the festivities bring this place to life. You will witness the unique culture and tradition of Gujarat blended with folk music and dance, storytelling, adventure sports, cattle trading, desert-walk, showcasing of handicrafts, and without question delicious cuisines of Rann of Kutch. The magical landscape of dunes on a full-moon night becomes more attractive during the Rann Utsav, giving enchanting moments to cherish forever.

Significance– The festival was first founded and organized by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi in 2006 to promote tourism in Gujarat.

Popular Sights-Stay a night in a tent city, hot air balloon ride, camel rides, desert safari, village tour, cultural dance, music, and act performances, and star-gazing on a full-moon night.

12. Hamir Utsav(First week of November):

Every mountain lover needs just an ask and a celebratory reason to visit Himachal Pradesh and Hamir Utsav bring about the same, it is one of the major fair festivals celebrated in November in Northern India in honor of the existence of the Hamirpur region amid the Himalayas. Full of cultural events, dance, and music of Himachal, Hamir Utsav brings out the core culture and tradition of the place reflected through various traditional shows like Jatras and Jheras. Apart from the perfect scenery and tranquil weather, the festival attracts thousands of visitors every year to enjoy the festivities surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests.

Significance– The festival was first celebrated in September 1972 and has not looked back since then. The festival coincides with the day of Hamirpur district formation and showcases the rich cultural heritage and history associated with them.

Popular Sights- Live performances of famous singers, Shobha Yatra (Jaleb), music, dance, food, and home-brewed liquor.

13. Majuli Festival(21-Nov-2023 to 24-Nov-2023):

Another major and most colorful festival of Northeastern India is the Majuli Festival. The festival is celebrated every year in November on the banks of the biggest river island in the world, River Luit in Assam. The festival is grandly celebrated with several cultural performances of folk music, depicting the rich culture and bountiful natural beauty of the island. And of course, no festival is complete without mouth-watering food and homemade rice beer. Many artists also attend the festival to showcase and sell their handmade objects made out of bamboo and cane.

Significance– Majuli has been a Vaishnavite culture since the 16th century depicted in the monasteries here. Like every other cultural festival, Majuli Festival also is celebrated to showcase and promote the tradition and customs of the island in the form of local delicacies and handmade bamboo and cane products.

Popular sights- Shop for hand-stitched garments, jewelry, bamboo, and cane decorative items, attend cultural dance and music programs, and sip on a homemade rice beer with delicious food.