September is one of the best months to explore India, as the monsoon rains slowly fade, leaving behind lush greenery, cool breezes, and clear skies. It is also the time when some of India’s most vibrant festivals light up towns, cities, and villages. From religious celebrations that bring communities together to cultural festivals that showcase music, dance, and art, September offers a mix of spiritual and cultural journeys.
For travelers, this month is an opportunity to experience India’s diversity in its truest form. Whether it’s witnessing the grand boat races of Kerala during Onam, enjoying the beats at Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, or taking part in the dazzling Ganesh Chaturthi immersions in Mumbai, September has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top festivals of September in India, along with travel tips, highlights, and cultural insights to help you plan an unforgettable journey.
Why Travel in September for Festivals?
September is an underrated month for travel in India, but it offers unique advantages:
Weather Advantage: The rains leave behind fresh, green landscapes, and the weather is pleasant in most regions. Hill stations are lush, and cultural hubs are cooler than peak summer.
Cultural Immersion: Festivals in September range from grand religious gatherings to vibrant art and music celebrations. It’s the perfect time to explore India’s traditions beyond sightseeing.
Fewer Crowds: Compared to October–December, September sees fewer domestic tourists, which means less rush at attractions and better availability of accommodations.
Budget-Friendly: With demand slightly lower, hotels and transport options can be more affordable, making it easier to enjoy long stays.
For culture lovers, September is not just a travel month, it’s a chance to experience India’s heritage and diversity at its most authentic. Want to see your perfect festival itinerary in seconds? Let our AI Trip Planner do it for you. Start planning now!
Top Festivals of September in India
Onam, Kerala
Onam is the grand harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated with unmatched energy and tradition. Known as the “festival of flowers,” it marks the homecoming of King Mahabali and showcases Kerala’s cultural pride. Streets come alive with floral rangolis (pookalams), vibrant boat races, traditional dances like Kathakali, and the grand feast called Onam Sadya, served on banana leaves. Travelers visiting Kerala in September will find this festival a perfect mix of culture, food, and joy.
Ready to experience Onam or the Soorya Festival up close? Check Kerala tour packages that fit your festival schedule.
When: 5th to 15th September 2025 (main day Thiruvonam on 8th September)
Where: Kerala – Thrissur, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram
What’s Special: Onam Sadya feast, Vallam Kali (snake boat races), Pulikali (tiger dance), flower carpets
Ganesh Chaturthi, Maharashtra & Goa
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of India’s most loved festivals, marking the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Streets in Maharashtra and Goa turn into vibrant hubs of devotion and celebration, with beautifully crafted Ganesha idols installed in homes and pandals. The air is filled with chants, traditional music, and community feasts. The grand finale comes with the visarjan, where idols are immersed in rivers and seas amid singing and dancing, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers.
When: 27th August – 6th September 2025
Where: Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune), Goa
What’s Special: Huge Ganesha idols, cultural performances, visarjan immersions with processions and music
Ziro Music Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Music Festival is India’s most famous indie music event, held in the scenic Ziro Valley. Set amid rice fields and rolling green hills, this open-air festival brings together artists from across India and the world. Travelers enjoy not just music but also camping, stargazing, and local tribal hospitality. The Apatani tribe hosts visitors with warmth, making Ziro a cultural and musical escape unlike any other. For music and nature lovers, it’s a September highlight.
Ziro Music Festival calling your name? Find Arunachal Pradesh tours.
When: 25th to 28th September 2025
Where: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
What’s Special: Indie music concerts, camping in rice fields, Apatani tribal culture, and food
Mysore Dasara (Navaratri), Karnataka
Mysore Dasara, also called Navaratri, is Karnataka’s most grand festival, celebrated with regal traditions and unmatched cultural richness. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, becoming the centerpiece of the celebration. Travelers witness vibrant processions, music, dance performances, and wrestling matches that keep the city alive for ten days. While Navaratri is celebrated across India, Mysore adds its royal flavor, making it one of the best September experiences. Want to witness Mysore Dasara’s grandeur? Explore Karnataka tour packages here.
When: 29th September to 8th October 2025
Where: Mysore, Karnataka
What’s Special: Palace illumination, royal processions, cultural dances, traditional wrestling competitions
Phool Walon Ki Sair, Delhi
Phool Walon Ki Sair, meaning “Procession of the Florists,” is a unique flower festival celebrated in Delhi. This centuries-old tradition symbolizes communal harmony, as both Hindus and Muslims participate together. The festival involves floral tributes, music, dance, and fairs in the Mehrauli area. For travelers, it’s a rare chance to experience Delhi’s syncretic traditions and enjoy vibrant cultural performances in a historic backdrop. It’s less crowded than other festivals, giving visitors a more intimate cultural view.
When: Mid-September 2025 (exact dates announced locally)
Where: Mehrauli, Delhi
What’s Special: Floral processions, qawwalis, dances, community harmony celebrations
Srivari Brahmotsavam, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Srivari Brahmotsavam is one of the biggest religious festivals in South India, held at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Millions of devotees gather to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara during this nine-day celebration. Each day features special rituals and processions of the deity on different vahanas (chariots). The energy of the temple town is unmatched, offering spiritual seekers and cultural travelers an unforgettable experience. Witnessing Brahmotsavam is considered deeply auspicious.
When: 26th September to 5th October 2025
Where: Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
What’s Special: Daily deity processions, temple rituals, grand spiritual atmosphere
Chhapar Mela, Punjab
Chhapar Mela is a traditional fair celebrated in Punjab with great enthusiasm. Held in memory of Gugga Pir, worshipped as a snake god, it attracts thousands of people from across the state. The mela is marked by folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda, music performances, and rural games. Visitors also get to taste authentic Punjabi food and experience the warmth of village life. It’s a vibrant blend of devotion, culture, and fun, ideal for curious travelers.
When: 12th September 2025
Where: Chhapar village, Ludhiana district, Punjab
What’s Special: Folk dances, snake worship rituals, rural fair atmosphere
Soorya Festival, Kerala
The Soorya Festival is one of India’s longest cultural festivals, starting in September and continuing for over 100 days. Based in Thiruvananthapuram, it showcases classical dance, music concerts, theatre, and cinema from across the country. The festival is dedicated to promoting art and culture, offering a deep dive into India’s artistic heritage. Travelers in Kerala during September can catch the opening events and enjoy world-class performances in a vibrant yet traditional setting.
When: Starts 21st September 2025 (runs for 100+ days)
Where: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
What’s Special: Classical dance, music concerts, theatre, international film screenings
Travel Tips for Enjoying September Festivals in India
Plan Ahead: Some festivals, like Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam, attract huge crowds. Book flights, trains, and hotels in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.
Respect Local Customs: Festivals are deeply cultural. Dress modestly, especially at temples and processions. Always ask before taking photos of rituals.
Pack Smart: September can still see rain in some regions. Carry an umbrella, a light raincoat, and comfortable footwear for long walks.
Stay Hydrated: Processions and fairs can last hours. Carry a water bottle and light snacks.
Immerse Yourself: Don’t just watch from a distance, ry local foods, join community dances, or volunteer at events for a richer experience.
September is a month where India shines in all its colors, religion, music, food, dance, and community spirit come together in unforgettable celebrations. From Kerala’s Onam to the music-filled Ziro Festival, every festival tells a unique story of tradition and togetherness.
If you’re planning to travel this September, don’t just witness these festivals, be a part of them. Book your cultural getaway with Travelfika, and experience India’s September celebrations in the most authentic way possible.
FAQs on September Festivals in India
1. Which is the most famous festival in India in September?
Onam in Kerala and Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra are the most famous September festivals. Onam is a harvest celebration marked with feasts and boat races, while Ganesh Chaturthi features grand idol processions. Both attract thousands of visitors and showcase India’s cultural richness.
2. When is Onam celebrated in 2025?
In 2025, Onam will be celebrated from 5th to 15th September, with the main day, Thiruvonam, falling on 8th September. The festival is celebrated across Kerala, with highlights including floral designs, the Onam Sadya feast, snake boat races, and Pulikali tiger dances.
3. Where is the Ziro Music Festival held?
The Ziro Music Festival is held in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, surrounded by rice fields and green hills. It is India’s leading indie music event, featuring local and international artists. The Apatani tribe hosts visitors, making it a blend of culture, music, and nature.
4. Which cultural festivals are best for tourists in September?
Apart from Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi, tourists should explore the Soorya Festival in Kerala, Phool Walon Ki Sair in Delhi, and Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh. These festivals combine cultural performances, local traditions, and interactive experiences, offering something unique for both domestic and international travelers.
5. Are September festivals good for family travel?
Yes, September festivals are excellent for families. Festivals like Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi are family-friendly, offering cultural immersion, food, and traditional performances. Some, like Ziro Music Festival, are better for young adults. Families can enjoy community celebrations while exploring India’s destinations in pleasant post-monsoon weather.
