In addition to its rich culture, ancient traditions, and varied religions, India is renowned for its vibrant festivals that are celebrated year-round, showcasing the diversity and richness of of traditions worldwide. The month of August features a multitude of delightful festivals and events, ranging from religious celebrations to stunning boat races, as well as serene music and yoga events. These August festivals are filled with spirit, enjoyment, and vibrancy. While many tourist places in India experience the monsoon during August, these festivals enhance the enjoyment of the rain. If you wish to partake in these celebrations, consider planning your visit to coincide with one of these remarkable festivals, allowing you to immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences and create lasting memories as part of India Tour Packages.
Here is the list of some magnificent festivals to enjoy in the month of August in India.
Krishna Janmashtami
Known by various names such as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, and Srikrishna Jayanti, Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, who is recognized as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, which typically occurs in August or September. This year, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the 16th of August, with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India. During this enchanting festival, temples are adorned with beautiful rangolis and flowers. Additionally, young children dress up as Krishna and Radha, reenacting episodes from Krishna’s childhood. A significant feature of Janmashtami is the Dahi Handi, where an earthen pot filled with butter, curd, and money is suspended high above the ground, prompting young Govindas to form a human pyramid in an attempt to break it. The excitement of the Dahi Handi, along with street performances of singing and dancing, and the nighttime celebrations in temples, are among the most thrilling experiences to enjoy during the festival. While Janmashtami is celebrated all over India, it is especially lively in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka, among the most essential destinations in Gujarat tour packages. Furthermore, the city of Mumbai offers an excellent opportunity to partake in the festivities, making it a prime choice for a Maharashtra tour.
Book Here: Uttar Pradesh Pilgrimage Tours
Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
Undoubtedly, Nehru Trophy Boat Race is one of the most spectacular events celebrated in August in India. Observed since 1952 in order to commemorate Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit, this spectacular boat race held on the second Saturday of August every year on the placid waters of Punnamda Lake in Alappuzha, among the top places to visit near Kochi. Commenced on 30th August this year, several snake boats from different villages of Kuttanad region participate in this 1.5 km long race. Around 200,000 visitors including tourists from abroad participate in these breathtaking celebrations as part of their Kerala Tour as this is the most competitive and popular boat races in Kerala and also one of the top things to do in Kerala during monsoons.
Book Here : Alleppey Tour Packages from Kochi
Independence Day
Celebrated on 15th August every year, India celebrates its 79th Independence Day this year. It is one of the biggest and most important annual celebrations for the Indian citizens as it marks the nation’s independence from British rule on 15th August 1947. Celebrated as a national holiday, the day brings the spirit of freedom and patriotism along with it. Although it is observed in various Government offices, schools and colleges throughout India, the Red Fort in Delhi is the place where the real action takes place and the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag and addresses the nation. The Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces put up a march past show as a tribute to the national heroes who sacrifices their lives for the nation. Besides, Kite flying is one activity which has turned into a ritual that is performed every year this day by hundreds of people. Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is the best place to catch the sky filled with colorful kites during your Delhi Tour.
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Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, observed nationwide. Typically, it takes place on the full moon day of the Shravan month. Scheduled for 9th August 2025, this festival is dedicated to honoring the love and connection shared between brothers and sisters. The term ‘Raksha Bandhan’ translates to ‘a bond of protection’. During this occasion, the sister ties a rakhi (a sacred thread) around her brother’s wrist and prays to the divine for his well-being and health. In return, the brother presents a Rakhi gift to his sister and vows to care for her. This festival enhances the affectionate bond between siblings. The celebration is further enjoyed with sweets and delectable dishes. Another festival closely related to Rakhi is Bhaidooj, which occurs shortly after Diwali.
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Covelong Point Surf, Music & Yoga Festival
Covelong Point Surf Music & Yoga Festival is one of the popular cultural events organized in the month of August in India. Celebrated this year from 23rd to 25th August, the festival takes place at the Covelong Point Social Surf School in Kovalam village near Chennai, India’s first surfing village. This annual event attracts thousands of attendees every year from across India and around the world as part of Tamilnadu Tour Packages as it features an international level surf competition, a global music lineup spread across three stages, yoga and meditation classes and alternative healing workshops. It also features a vibrant flea market, food stalls, art installations, and beachside activities.
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Varalakshmi Vrat
Varamahalakshmi Vrat or Varalakshmi Puja is an auspicious festival celebrated to propitiate the Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. This puja is primarily observed by the married women in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. It is observed by the women to seek goddess blessings for the entire family especially their husbands and children. Usually, it is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before the day of the full moon in the month of Sravan, which corresponds to the Gregorian months of July–August. This year it will be held on 8th August 2025. It is also believed that worshipping the Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmis – the eight goddesses related to Wealth (Sri), Earth (Bhu), Learning (Saraswati), Love (Priti), Fame (Kirti), Peace (Shanti), Pleasure (Tushti) and Strength (Pushti).
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Bonderam Festival
Goa is all set to organize the Bonderam Festival that takes place every year at Divar Island. The word “Bonderam” is derived from the Portuguese word ‘Bandeira’ meaning ‘flag’. Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August every year, this traditional flag festival originates from disputes over the property in parts of the village. Held this year on 23rd August, this is a very popular monsoon festival in Goa that witnesses huge crowds from across Goa and world over as part of Goa Tour Packages. This festival kicks off with a flag parade from the main junction of Divar Island followed by floats, dances, and music in the late afternoon. Later, there is a fancy dress competition followed by the traditional float parade and a live musical performance featuring the famous music bands of Goa, among the most visited tourist places near Mumbai.
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Velankanni Church Feast
The annual festival at Velankanni Church, which is also referred to as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is scheduled to take place from August 29th to September 8th in 2025. The primary celebrations will begin with the flag hoisting ceremony on August 29th. This ten-day festival is a significant event that draws millions of pilgrims to the town of Velankanni, which is among the essential destinations in Tamil Nadu Pilgrimage packages. The festival features daily Holy Masses conducted in various languages, a car procession honoring Our Lady of Health, and numerous other religious ceremonies. September 8 is deemed auspicious as it marks the day when Portuguese sailors first arrived in this region and established the first actual Church. Pilgrims from across India and abroad travel to Velankanni to seek blessings and express gratitude for favors received from Our Lady of Good Health.
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Ganesh Chaturthi
Celebrated on the fourth day of the Hindu month Bhadrapada, Ganesh Chaturthi, also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, is among the most widely observed Hindu festivals dedicated to the elephant-headed deity Ganesh. This year, the festival will take place on September 27th and is marked by immense devotion across India. Families celebrate at home, individuals at their workplaces, and public gatherings also partake in the festivities. Public celebrations typically include the installation of clay idols of Ganesh in community pandals, accompanied by collective worship. The festival lasts from seven to ten days and culminates in the ‘Ganesh Visarjan,’ during which the idols are submerged in water. This event is characterized by a procession featuring millions of participants, along with music and dance. While the festival is celebrated nationwide, the most spectacular celebrations occur in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune. Consider planning your Mumbai Tour this September to witness the magnificent celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Book Here: Mumbai Pilgrimage Packages
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