By Expedia Team, on September 27, 2016

India Festival Calendar: Fun Upcoming Events in Early 2016

There’s always something going on in India, whether it be a cricket tournament or buzzing music festival. So to make sure you don’t miss out on all of the great events and times, we’ve compiled a quick list of some of the best events taking place in early 2016.

Music Events in India 2016

There are a number of music festivals going on in India in 2016; you have the celebration of classical music at the Dover Lane Music Festival or the truly immersive, desert festival experience at Ragasthan Festival. You might have your tickets already, but if not we recommend you find some or put a music festival in your diary for 2017.

Event Date Location
Ragasthan Music Festival  11th – 14th February Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Mahindra Blues Festival  13th – 14th February Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Kasauli R&B Festival  25th – 27th March Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Dover Lane Music Festival  22nd – 25th January South Kolkata, West Bengal

Cultural Events in India 2016

Goa-carnival-IndiaSource: Joel’s Goa Pics

As a country brimming with a rich history and flowing culture, there are guaranteed to be regular celebrations of this beautiful side of India. There are a few of these lined up for early 2016, in fact some of them have already started! We recommend heading out to the desert and exploring the Great Rann of Kutch in all its glory, or Goa Carnival where you’ll spend all day partying in the streets!

Event Date Location
Kochi Cultural Festival 8th – 10th Jan Kochi, Kerala
Festa Diu 1st Dec – 13th Feb Diu
Rann Ustav Festival 9th Dec – 23rd Feb Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Goa Carnival 6th – 9th Feb Goa
World Sufi Spirit Festival 22nd – 24th  / 26th-27th Feb Jodhpur / Nagaur, Rajasthan
Goa Project 26th – 28th February Goa

Sports Events in India 2016

dad-son-cricket-match-indiaSource: Tourism Victoria

You are in for a treat in early 2016, when it comes to sporting events; not only does the year kick off with the thrilling Mumbai Marathon, but India are also hosting this year’s Cricket World Cup. Matches are being held in multiple locations, including Kolkata and Mumbai, so grab your tickets fast and head to a stadium three times!

Event Date Location
Mumbai Marathon 17th Jan Mumbai, Maharashtra
Kila Raipur Rural Olympics 4th – 7th Feb Kila Raipur, Punjab
International Yoga Festival 1st – 7th March Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 8th March – 3rd April Nagpur, Dharamshala, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Mohali, New Delhi

Religious Events / National Days in India 2016

Indian-flag-in-wind

Source: Arian Zwegers

There are also a number of Religious Events and National Days coming up, including Republic Day, so here is just a brief reminder of what is coming up.

Event Date Location
Pongal 15th Jan Everywhere
Republic Day 26th Jan Everywhere
Chinese New Year 8th Feb Everywhere
Vassant Panchami 12th Feb Everywhere
Shivaji Jayanti 19th Feb Everywhere
Maha Shivrati 7th March Everywhere
Holi 23rd March Everywhere