March: A month of cultural extravaganzas

Spectacle of colour, music & celebration

March in India is more than just a change of season, it is a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and tradition. The month is filled with grand processions, electrifying performances, and soulful gatherings that bring communities together.

As March approaches, India gears up for a vibrant lineup of cultural festivals that celebrate its diverse heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions. From the electrifying beats of Lollapalooza India to the age-old traditions of the Jaipur Elephant Festival and the spiritual essence of the International Yoga Festival, this month promises an experience for every kind of traveller.

Whether you seek artistic expression, spiritual awakening, or cultural immersion, this is the perfect time to experience India at its festive best.

Goa Carnival (February 28 – March 4)

Have you ever imagined a place in India that feels like Rio de Janeiro, with streets alive with vibrant parades, colourful costumes, music, and the aroma of delicious food? Welcome to Goa Carnival 2025! From February 28 to March 4, the coastal state has transform into a grand spectacle of dance, music, and revelry. The festivities kick off in Porvorim with a curtain-raiser float parade. Panaji hosts the main procession on March 1, led by King Momo, the jovial ruler of celebrations. This year, Cleeven Mathew Fernandes from Benaulim will reign as King Momo, proclaiming the festival’s iconic words: “Kha, piye aani majja kar” (Eat, drink, and make merry!). The carnival then moves to Margao (March 2), Vasco da Gama (March 3), and concludes in Mapusa and Morjim on March 4.

Expect samba beats, traditional Goan Khell tiatrs, masquerade balls, and street parties. Do not miss out on Goan delicacies like Prawn Balchão, Pork Vindaloo, and the famous Bebinca. The grand finale in Panaji on March 4 features the Red and Black Dance, a glamorous masquerade ball where revellers dress in red and black and dance the night away.

The Goa Carnival is not just a festival, it is an experience! Whether you are a foodie, a music lover, or simply looking to soak in Goa’s vibrant culture, this is an event you do not want to miss.

Lollapalooza India (March 8 –9)

Mumbai is set to come alive with the third edition of Lollapalooza India. This globally renowned music festival will feature four electrifying stages and over 30 international and Indian artists, covering genres from pop and rock to hip-hop, indie, and EDM.

The star-studded lineup includes Green Day, Shawn Mendes, Louis Tomlinson, Zedd, Glass Animals, Nothing But Thieves, and Hanuman kind, among others. Alongside world-class performances, attendees can indulge in diverse culinary experiences and immersive brand activations, making it much more than just a music festival.

After two successful editions, Lollapalooza India 2025 promises an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, and entertainment, cementing its place as one of India’s biggest and most anticipated music festivals. If you are a music lover, this is one event you simply can’t miss!

International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh (March 9 – 15)

If you are seeking peace, wellness and spiritual awakening, there is no better place to be than on the banks of the holy Ganges, in the lap of the Himalayas, where yoga was born. The International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, is a transformative experience, bringing together renowned yoga masters, revered saints, and seekers from around the world.

This week-long festival is a must-visit for those looking to deepen their practice and embrace holistic well-being. With yoga workshops, meditation sessions, and enlightening lectures on spirituality and health, the festival offers an opportunity to experience inner harmony like never before. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti and uplifting kirtans, all in a setting that radiates peace and devotion.

More than just a festival, this is a journey into the heart of yoga, where the body, mind, and soul unite in perfect harmony.

Paripally Gajmela (March 9)

Kerala’s deep cultural and spiritual connection with elephants comes alive in a spectacular fashion at the Paripally Gajamela, an annual temple festival held at the Kodimoottil Sree Bhadrakali Temple in Kollam. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, this grand event is a visual and spiritual spectacle, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors every year.

The highlight of the festival is the majestic parade of around 50 caparisoned elephants, adorned with vibrant decorations and accompanied by traditional temple orchestra music, Panchavadyam. The rhythmic beats of drums, cymbals, and wind instruments create an electrifying atmosphere as mahouts, holding silk parasols (muthukuda), white tufts (venchamaram), and peacock feather fans (aalavattam), lead the elephants in a mesmerising procession.

As part of the sacred rituals, devotees offer elephants to the temple as a form of Nercha (offering), believing it brings prosperity and divine blessings. The synchronised changing of parasols atop the elephants, known as Kudamattam, adds to the grandeur, making the event even more breathtaking.

Beyond the elephant procession, the ten-day festival hosts a variety of cultural programmes, traditional dance performances, and devotional rituals, celebrating Kerala’s rich heritage. With its blend of spiritual devotion, cultural vibrancy, and magnificent elephants, Paripally Gajamela stands as one of Kerala’s most cherished and awe-inspiring festivals

Jaipur Elephant Festival (March 14)

The Jaipur Elephant Festival is a mesmerising celebration of grandeur, tradition, and cultural heritage, held annually on the eve of Holi. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Jaipur Polo Ground, this festival is a tribute to Rajasthan’s deep-rooted connection with elephants, which have long been symbols of royalty, strength, and divinity. The festival transforms the city into a spectacle of colours, music, and festivities, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into Rajasthan’s regal past.

One of the most breathtaking sights of the festival is the grand procession of elephants, elegantly adorned with intricate floral patterns, silk drapes, and traditional jewellery. The event also features thrilling competitions such as elephant polo and races, bringing an element of excitement and showcasing the coordination between the mahouts and their elephants. A light-hearted yet entertaining tug-of-war between an elephant and a group of enthusiastic participants adds to the festival’s charm.

Beyond the elephant-cantered events, the festival offers a rich cultural experience with traditional Rajasthani folk performances, including Ghoomar and Kalbelia dances, as well as the rhythmic beats of live music.

With Holi celebrations taking place the following day, attending the Jaipur Elephant Festival provides a perfect opportunity to experience two of Rajasthan’s most vibrant festivities in one visit. Whether for its grand processions, cultural performances, or the sheer spectacle of decorated elephants, this festival remains one of the most unique and immersive cultural experiences in India.

Shigmotsav (March 15 – 29)

Goa is beyond beaches and nightlife, it is a land of rich traditions, vibrant folklore, and deep-rooted cultural celebrations. One of its grandest and most colourful festivals, Shigmo, brings this lesser-seen side of Goa to life. Every spring, the state bursts into a spectacle of dazzling parades, energetic folk dances, and mythological storytelling, offering a mesmerising glimpse into its Hindu heritage. This year , the festival will take place with major processions lighting up cities like Panaji, Margao, Vasco, and Mapusa.

Shigmo is not just a single celebration but comes in two distinct forms. Dhakto Shigmo, observed in villages, focuses on temple rituals and intimate folk performances, while Vhadlo Shigmo takes over the streets with larger-than-life parades featuring elaborate floats, synchronised dance performances, and drummers setting the rhythm of the festivities. The highlight of these processions, known as Chitrarath, is the stunning display of handcrafted floats, narrating legendary tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Goan folklore.

Beyond the visual spectacle, Shigmo is an immersive experience. The air resonates with the beats of Rommatamel, a warrior dance featuring massive drums and spears, while Fugdi and Dhalo, performed in rhythmic circles, celebrate Goa’s deep cultural roots.

Rooted in spirituality, the festival also features ancient rituals like Naman, a traditional folk song performance seeking divine blessings, and Gade Padap, a mystical ceremony where certain performers are believed to be possessed by spiritual forces. As the celebrations unfold, local food stalls serve authentic Goan Hindu delicacies like Puran Poli, Neureos, and Sol Kadhi, adding a flavourful dimension to the experience.

For those visiting Goa in March, Shigmo offers an unforgettable dive into the state’s rich heritage. Whether witnessing the grandeur of Panaji’s parades or the intimate traditions in village temples, the festival is a vibrant reminder that Goa’s true essence lies far beyond its beaches.

Thirunakkara Arattu (March 23)

Kerala’s cultural heritage is best experienced through its grand temple festivals, and the Thirunakkara Arattu Utsavam in Kottayam is one of the finest. Held at the historic Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, this annual festival is a vibrant mix of devotion, tradition, and artistic expression, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists alike.

The highlight of the festival is the Arattu procession, where nine majestically adorned elephants lead the temple deity to a ritual bath at the temple tank. Accompanied by pulsating drumming, traditional dancers, and vibrant parasols, the procession is a visual spectacle that showcases Kerala’s deep-rooted traditions. The temple courtyard transforms into a cultural hub, featuring energetic folk performances like Mayilattom (peacock dance) and Velakali, while mesmerising Kathakali performances, a classical dance-drama of Kerala, continue through the night on the festival’s most significant days.

Steeped in history, the festival dates back to the reign of the Thekkumkoor kings, who built the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple on a sacred hill, now a landmark of Kottayam. The temple’s exquisite Kerala-style architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, adds to the festival’s grandeur. Located close to Kottayam Railway Station and well-connected by road, the festival is easily accessible for visitors looking to witness Kerala’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions.

Beyond its religious significance, Thirunakkara Arattu Utsavam is a celebration of Kerala’s artistic heritage, community spirit, and devotion. Whether it is the grandeur of the elephant procession, the rhythmic beats of temple drums, or the captivating performances, the festival offers an unforgettable glimpse into the essence of Kerala’s festive traditions.