The Most Vibrant Festivals of India Held during The Month of July

July is the month when the monsoon is in its prime in India! Being primarily an agriculture-based civilisation, the monsoon has always been celebrated with fervour in the country. Well, if you are looking for a fun way to spend your holidays, then road trips in India in July to witness the monsoon festivities should be in your wish-list.

Certain essential things to remember when traveling in India to enjoy the prominent festivals!

Best time to travel in India — India has moderate and pleasant weather all throughout the year in most places. But the best time to travel across the nation depends on your travel goals – trekking in summer, ice-skating in winter, so on. And when you plan to witness the festivals in July in India, naturally the only time to plan such a trip is the month of July.

Other things to do — If you are looking for things to do at the festival, then you’ll get amazing options to enjoy:

• Sightseeing 
• Heritage tours 
• Religious tours 
• Trekking and other adventurous activities 

The most popular festivals of India held in the month of July!

• International Mango Festival
• Karsha Gustor Festival
• Behdienkhlam Festival
• Nishagandhi Monsoon Music Festival
• Puri Rath Yatra
• Drupka Teshi Festival
• Dree Festival
• Palkhi Festival
• Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey
• Phyang Tsedup Festival
• Teej Festival
• Bonalu Festival
• Minjar Festival
• Hemis Festival

India prides itself on being a perfect blend of different cultures. And you can get a glimpse of each one if you are travelling to different States. And if you want the details of when and where they celebrate these vibrant July galas (date and location of the festival), then below is the list of the popular festivals: –

1. International Mango Festival

You just can’t imagine summers in India without mangoes. And if you want to indulge in a fantastic spree of enjoying the top-class mangoes, then you should definitely attend the International Mango Festival. You get to shop for various types of mangoes found in India like Dassehri, Alphonso, Neelam, etc. You even get to taste different types of dishes made with mangoes and there’s also various fun competitions held to enhance the festive fervour.

• When — During the mango season in India – In 2021, the date is July 9th.
• Where — Delhi 

2. Karsha Gustor Festival

Ladakh is one of the popular tourist attractions of India. And the Karsha Gustor Festival is held in the Zanskar Valley of Ladakh each year in July. It’s a famous Buddhist festival especially held to celebrate the victory of good over evil. You’ll love the happy ambience of the festival and the masked monk dance along with the fabulous tunes playing in the background. The classical fusion of great dance, music, and wonderful colours makes it such a pleasant festival to attend.

• When — 30th July 2021 
• Where — Zanskar Valley. 

3. Behdienkhlam Festival

You should definitely visit Meghalaya during this month to enjoy the Behdienkhlam Festival held by the Pnar Tribe. You’ll get to see the locals dancing near the fields and driving away the plague with the help of sticks. It’s a happy festival and quite an intriguing site to see such a large crowd gathered together to shoo away the negativity and celebrate a new crop season.

• When — 8th  July 2021 
• Where — Jowai, Jaintia Hills 

4. Nishagandhi Monsoon Music Festival

The Nishagandhi Monsoon Music Festival is a culturally rich and wonderful festival held in Kerala especially during the monsoons. You’ll get to witness the finest of dancers performing mind-blowing classical dance and music that will certainly mesmerise you. 

• When — July 
• Where — Nishagandhi Auditorium, Trivandrum 

5. Puri Rath Yatra

The Puri Rath Yatra, a 12-days long festival held in Odisha, has socio cultural significance too apart from religious relevance. You’ll get to see a massive rush of devotees attending the festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra – where the devotees ride in the chariot. 

• When — July, In 2021, July 12th.
• Where — Jagannath Temple, Puri

6. Drupka Teshi Festival

The Drupka Teshi Festival is quite famous in the north-eastern part of India. Here you’ll find the celebration of the Noble truths of the Buddhist religion held at the Deer Park in Gangtok. A Yak Race is organised for entertainment.

• When — July 
• Where — Gangtok, Sikkim.

7. Dree Festival

The Apatani Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh especially celebrates the Dree Festival during the month of July each year. It is a festival celebrated specially for the agricultural abundance. They seek blessings from Gods for the success of farming and even for better crops. You’ll see the tribals dancing and praying and even performing sacrifices happily during this festival.

• When —5th July 2021 
• Where — Ziro

8. Palkhi Festival

The most unique festival held in Maharashtra, the Palkhi Festival, is a 1000-year-old event. The Palkhi commences during the start of this month and ends on the 22nd of it. The rush of people singing, chanting prayers, and dressing in Dnynba- Tukaram style and the Wari costumes will definitely impress you. 

• When —1st July 2021 
• Where — Pandharpur 

9. Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey

For adventure aficionados, the Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey festival is certainly a treat. You can participate in the 18-day-long journey on a bike and enjoy the challenges and fun lying ahead.

• When — July 
• Where — New Delhi to Ladakh

10. Phyang Tsedup Festival

The PhyangTsedup Festival is a happy-go-lucky festival held either in August or July in Ladakh. The Buddhist monks (attired in different costumes as per the acts they perform) teach you different principles. The beautiful attires, great vibes in the air, and celebrations are almost contagious.

• When — 18th July 2021 
• Where — Phyang Monastery 

11. Teej Festival

The Teej Festival is celebrated during the monsoon months across the entire country. It’s known by different names in the various parts of the country though. This festival is especially celebrated by married women where they dress up in vibrant clothes and pray for their spouses and family’s happiness.

• When — 23rd July 2021 
• Where — Jaipur and other cities of India 

12. Bonalu Festival

Dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, the Bonalu Festival is held to thank the Goddess for the blessings and especially for the prosperity of everyone. It’s celebrated with dance performances and massive feasts and lots of religious ceremonies.

• When — Each Sunday of July 
• Where — Hyderabad 

13. Minjar Festival

The famous harvest festival of Himachal Pradesh – Minjar Festival – is celebrated with the incarnation of Lord Rama. The processions, folk dance, flea markets, and eateries are the major highlights of the festival.

• When — 26th July 
• Where — Himachal Pradesh 

14. Hemis Festival

The Hemis Festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the Tse Chu month. It’s a 2-day festival celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. There are various performances organised by the Buddhist monastery that are surely worth viewing here.

• When — 1st July 2021 
• Where — Hemis Gompa

Now when you’re looking for the places to visit in India during the month of July, do plan your journey according to these astounding festivals of the country. And to ensure everything goes well, get a self-drive car rental from Revv for a seamless experience.