15 Festivals in December 2023 in India with Dates and Places

India, known for its rich cultural tapestry, transforms into a vibrant tapestry of celebrations during December. The festivals in December mark a time of joy, unity, and spiritual significance, with each region contributing its unique flavor to the festive fervor.

In December, the air is filled with melodies of celebration as people across the country come together to partake in the diverse festivals of December that adorn the calendar. Whether it’s the rhythmic beats of traditional dances or the sweet aromas of festive delicacies, the December events in India create an enchanting atmosphere that captivates locals and visitors alike.

One of the prominent festivals during this time is Christmas, celebrated with great enthusiasm across the nation. The streets are adorned with colorful lights, and churches resonate with hymns, spreading love and goodwill. In addition to Christmas, several other festivals in December India add to the festive cheer.

One notable festival in December is Hanukkah, celebrated by the Jewish community. This festival of lights symbolizes hope and freedom and is observed with candle lighting, prayers, and traditional delicacies. The celebration of diversity is one of the remarkable aspects of Indian festivals December as communities from various religious and cultural backgrounds come together to share the joy of the season.

Among the regional festivals, Hornbill Festival in Nagaland stands out as a vibrant cultural extravaganza. This festival showcases the rich heritage of Nagaland through traditional music, dance, and indigenous crafts. The festival’s significance lies in promoting cultural awareness and preserving the unique traditions of the Naga tribes.

Moving to the southern part of India, the Margazhi Festival in Tamil Nadu is a celebration of classical arts. This month-long cultural extravaganza features classical music concerts, dance performances, and spiritual discourses, attracting artists and enthusiasts nationwide.

December is also a time for the Sikhs to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, commemorating the birth of their tenth Guru. Devotees visit gurudwaras, participate in prayer sessions, and engage in community service during the Dec festivals festivities.

As the year draws to a close, India welcomes the New Year with grand celebrations. Cities light up with fireworks, and people gather to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with hope and joy.

In conclusion, the Indian festivals in December showcase the country’s cultural diversity and spirit of unity. Whether it’s the joyous Christmas celebrations, traditional Hanukkah observances, or regional festivals like Hornbill and Margazhi, each festival contributes to the kaleidoscope of India’s cultural heritage. The festivities unite people and reflect India’s harmonious coexistence of various traditions and beliefs.

List Of 15 Famous Festivals in December in India:

S.No.	Festivals Name	Date/Duration	Where
1	Kumbhalgarh Festival	01-Dec-2023 to 03-Dec-2023	Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
2	Jashn-e-Rekhta, Delhi	2nd, 3rd, and 4th, December 2023	New Delhi, India
3	Hornbill Festival	1-Dec-2023 to 10-Dec-2023	Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, India
4	International Sand Art Festival, Odisha	1-Dec to 5-Dec-2023	Odisha’s puri and chandrabhaga
5	Konark Festival, Odhisa	1-Dec-2023 to 5-Dec-2023	Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, India
6	Galdan Namchot, Ladakh	07-Dec-23	Majorly in Leh and other Ladakhi towns and villages
7	Mahindra Kabira Festival, Varanasi	15th to17th December 2023	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
8	Kurukshetra Festival, Haryana	Dec 22, 2023	Haryana
9	Mamallapuram Dance Festival	25-Dec-2023 to 15-Dec-2024	Shore Temple
10	The Cochin Carnival, Kerala	25 Dec 2022 to 1 Jan 2023	Cochin, India
11	Pachmarhi Utsav	25th – 31st December 2023	Panchmarhi region
12	Christmas Festival	25th December 2023	Many parts in India and Across the world
13	Rann Utsav	26th October to 20th February	Rann of Kutch, Gujrat.
14	Sunburn Goa Festival	28 Dec 2023 – 31 Dec 2023	Goa India
15	Rajasthan Winter Festival	29-Dec-2023 to 31-Dec-2023	Mount Abu, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

1- Kumbhalgarh Festival(01-Dec-2023 to 03-Dec-2023):

The Kumbhalgarh Festival is an annual cultural festival celebrated at Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India. In this festival, artists from different background and skills come up to showcase their talent and skills. This December festival in India offers a wide range of cultural performances, including traditional Rajasthani folk dances, music, and puppet shows. Here, visitors can also witness the skill of turban tying and mehndi (henna) application. The highlight of the festival is the illuminated Kumbhalgarh Fort at night, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the cultural festivities and adding to the overall grandeur of the event. This festival falls in the month of December and people from diverse corners must visit this festival for a remarkable experience.

Date– 1st to 3rd December
Place– Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India.
Festive Highlights – Cultural performances of music, folk dance, light and sound show, turban tying, tud-of-war, etc.

2- Jashn-e-Rekhta, Delhi (2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th, December 2023):

Jashn-e-Rekhta is an annual Urdu language and cultural festival which takes place in the capital city of the country, Delhi, India. This festival is more about celebrating the rich poetic heritage of urdu language, which features an array of events, including mushairas (poetry recitals), ghazal renditions, qawwali performances, and literary discussions. The aim of this festival “Jashn-e-Rekhta” is to promote and preserve the beauty and diversity of Urdu literature, poetry, and culture, attracting poets, artists, and enthusiasts from around the world. Jashn-e-Rekhta is one of the platforms that showcase the timeless charm of Urdu, a language known for its fluency and deep poetic traditions.

Date– 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, December
Place– New Delhi, India
Festive Highlights – A number of urdu poeters, ghazal, scholars, qawwali performers visit the event to perform several amazing sessions and make this event a big hit among urdu and literature lovers.

3- Hornbill Festival(1-Dec-2023 to 10-Dec-2023):

Celebrated in Nagaland, India, Hornbill is one of the vibrant cultural festivals of the country and it is celebrated by Kohima town. This Indian festivals in December holds a significant importance in Naga traditions, showcasing diverse indigenous cultures of the Naga tribes through traditional dances, music, crafts, and cuisine. People from diverse corners of the world, must visit here to witness the colorful performances, explore tribal village life, and engage in various adventure activities, making it a unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Nagaland. This festival is named after the bird – Hornbill.

Date– 1st to 10th December 2023
Place– Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, India
Festive Highlights – Vacationers can witness Naga culture showcasing a variety of dance, music, crafts and cuisines.

4- International Sand Art Festival, Odisha(1-Dec to 5-Dec-2023):

When it comes to Sand Festival in India, then the only name that strikes to mind is International Sand Art Festival , afterall people from diverse corners of the world visits India to participate and compete with the skillful sand artists.The pristine beaches are the canvas of the artists and they create incredible and breathtaking sculptures which represents their creative skills and imagination. These sculptures are designed on several themes, from mythology and nature to contemporary issues and cultural patterns. This is one of the amazing platforms which enable participants to showcase their talents and for visitors to admire the creations made entirely of sand. It is a brilliant experience that one must experience.

Date– 1st to 5th December 2023
Place– Various beaches of India including Odisha’s Puri and chandrabhaga
Festive Highlights – Sand artists from diverse corners of the world visits and create their sculptures on several social theme, mythology, etc.

5- Konark Festival, Odhisa(1-Dec-2023 to 5-Dec-2023):

Konark Dance Festival is one of the annual cultural festivals, which is quite famous among the regional people. It is celebrated in the month of December with a great enthusiasm. As this is one of the classical Indian dance performances, therefore it is being celebrated by the renowned dancers from across the country. All you need to visit at the backdrop of Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it offers a great experience. The stage of this program remains open and this cultural program welcomes thousands of vacationers from diverse corners of the country. The performance of the stars offers a mesmerizing experience of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Date– 1st to 5th December 2023
Place– Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, India
Festive Highlights – Lighting lamps, offers prayers, and performing traditional dance

6- Galdan Namchot, Ladakh(7 Dec 2023):

Galdan Namchot is widely known as the end of the Tibetan year and the beginning of the New Year. Galdan Namchot, also known as “Radiant Winter Lights,” is a Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated in Tibet and other Tibetan-influenced regions. It typically falls on the 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, which usually corresponds to December in the Gregorian calendar. During this time, many Buddhists visit sacred sites and monasteries. So, vacationers can plan their visit to this temple with their loved ones.

Date– 7th December 2023
Place-Majorly in Leh and other Ladakhi towns and villages
Festive Highlights – Lighting lamps, offers prayers, and performing traditional dance

7- Mahindra Kabira Festival, Varanasi(15th to17th December 2023):

The Mahindra Kabira Festival is an annual cultural event which is celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This event is named after the renowned 15th-century mystic poet-saint Kabir. In this festival, people from diverse regions come and participate in the celebration by cherishing his teachings and the rich heritage of Indian classical and folk music. Right from the performances by acclaimed musicians and poets, Sufi Qawwali, and discussions on spirituality and literature. Everything wins the heart of the visitors. However, this December festival in India offers a great platform to all the artists and enthusiasts to connect with the spiritual essence of Varanasi and the profound philosophies of Kabir, making it a unique cultural and spiritual experience.

Date– 15th to17th December 2023
Place– Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Festive Highlights – Sufi artists and musicians, gather together to celebrate the teachings and poetries of the Kabir.

8- Kurukshetra Festival, Haryana(22-Dec-2023):

Kurukshetra Festival (Geeta Jayanti) is celebrated every year in the state of Haryana. The festival is based on the epic battle of Mahabharat. In this festival, artists from diverse background come up together and prepare the important episodes to reenactment and elaborate the scene with their knowledge and skill. And people from diverse corners visits to witness the amazing blend of mythology, spirituality, and heritage of India. This festival held every year in the month of December in last week.

Date– 22nd December 2023
Place– Haryana
Festive Highlights – In this festival the locals re-enact the important episodes of Mahabharat.

9- Mamallapuram Dance Festival(25-Dec-2023 to 15-Dec-2024):

The Mamallapuram Dance Festival, also renowned as the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is an annual cultural festival that takes place in the town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, India. It is held against the backdrop of magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance. The festival features great performances of classical Indian dance forms, majorly Bharatanatyam, by renowned dancers from across the country. The festival offers a unique opportunity to witness the rich heritage of Indian dance and culture in a mesmerizing historical setting. Among several December festivals, this also falls in the month of December to January, so one must plan to visit and experience its charm.

Date– 25th December2023 to 15th January 2024
Place: Shore Temple
Festive Highlights – The artists from diverse corners of the world visits and perform various dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, etc.

10- The Cochin Carnival, Kerala(25 Dec 2022 to 1 Jan 2023):

The Cochin Carnival is one of the festivals of Kerala which is celebrated for the transition of old year to new year arrival, therefore it is celebrated in the last week of December. The entire state turns more stunning and picturesque. The carnival comprises of vibrant processions, cultural performances, traditional music, dance, and fireworks. All these highlights of the festival wins the heart of vacationers and it attracts both locals and tourists, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere along the city’s waterfront. The Cochin Carnival is a delightful way to welcome the New Year with a blend of Kerala’s rich culture and modern celebrations.

Date– 25 Dec 2022 to 1 Jan 2023
Place– Cochin, India
Festive Highlights – several cultural events, procession, dance, music, art exhibition, etc.

11- Pachmarhi Utsav(25th – 31st December 2023)

Pachmarhi Utsav, is an annual cultural event which held in Pachmarhi, a hill station in Madhya Pradesh. This festival falls in the month of December and January. And in this festival vacationers will come to know more about an array of cultural performances, including folk dances, music, and art exhibitions, celebrating the rich heritage of Madhya Pradesh. As there are several adventure activities are also performed, so visitors can also participate in the same. Apart from the festival, Pachmarhi region offers a remarkable natural beauty that one cannot ignore it.

Date– 25th – 31st December 2023
Place– Panchmarhi region
Festive Highlights – Local cultural, art, tradition, music, dance, adventure activities and exhibition.

12- Christmas Festival(25th December 2023):

Christmas is one of the renowned festivals, which is celebrated every year on 25th December. It is believed that on 25th of December Jesus Christ was born and since then it is marked by various traditions, including Christmas tree decoration, exchanging gifts, pay visits to churches, and sharing diverse festive meals with family and friends. Apart from Christmas celebration, it is also believed that there is a beloved figure and we all know them as Santa Claus, who fulfills the wishes of children wished on Christmas day and against which he brings gifts to children.

Date– 25th December 2023
Place– Many parts in India and Across the world
Festive Highlights – Decorating Christmas tree, preparing festive foods, exchanging gifts, and visit to churches.

13- Rann Utsav, Kutch (26th Oct to 20th Feb):

The Rann Utsav is a vibrant and culturally rich festival celebrated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. This festival enables the local artists to showcase their talent, skills, and performances. Right from the stunning folk dance performances, to the music performances, the festival comes up with a great enthusiasm among the artists. Here in this festival, visitors will also get the chance to explore the traditional crafts, and exquisite cuisine. This festival is one of the best ways to understand the rich culture and heritage of Gujrat state and offers a truly immersive experience for visitors.

Date– 26th October to 20th February
Place– Rann of Kutch, Gujrat.  
Festive Highlights – Cultural performance by folk musicians and dancers. Unique experience of camping, enjoying delicious cuisines, etc.

14- Sunburn Festival, Goa(28 Dec 2023 – 31 Dec 2023):

Sunburn Goa is a popular festival of Goa. This festival is more about the modern music, its blend and fusions. And people of young generation, love such festivals. Therefore, this festival receives a great footfall from entire country. In this festival, music artists, musical instrument players, singer, dance performers, and DJ’s across the world also visits, afterall this one of the best festivals in December remains quite high-energetic in music. And moreover, the stage is designed beautifully, and the atmosphere turns amazing with high energy among the crowd. Therefore, it becomes a must-visit events for music enthusiasts.

Date- 28th to 31st December 2023
Place- Goa India
Festive Highlights –Beach side stages, dance, music, competition between artists and world’s DJ’s, laser show, fireworks, etc.

15- Rajasthan Winter Festival(29-Dec-2023 to 31-Dec-2023):

Rajasthan winter festival is one of the cultural events of the state Rajasthan, which is celebrated in the Mount Abu city in the month of December. In this festival, the citizens are involved in several activities including traditional folk music and dance performances, art and craft exhibitions, camel races, and hot air ballooning. Each of these activities enables visitors to get indulged in experiencing these activities and know more about the rich heritage of Rajasthan while enjoying the pleasant winter climate in this desert state. As the weather remains quite pleasant, therefore people love celebrating it to the fullest.

Date– 29th to 31st December 2023
Place– Mount Abu, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Festive Highlights – This festival enables vacationer to know more about Rajasthan’s rich culture, heritage, tradition, folk dance, camel race, and vibrant events.