When you come to India or travel across the nation, you meet a lot of people. Well, that’s diversity, which opens doors to a new range of festivities and celebrations. That is why India is one of the countries where it is possible to spend each month celebrating and enjoying. And to your luck, festivals in February in India offer the same level of excitement, cheerful ambience, & lively spirits. 

Aren’t you excited to travel to these destinations where you can be a part of such amazing festivals. Well, if you want this travel to be smooth, make Next Holidays, the best travel agency in India, your travel partner. 

Now, let’s check the festivals in February 2026 you can celebrate. 

List of Vibrant February Festivals to Celebrate in India 

It is said that when you travel through a nation, you’ll find stories, tales, and lots of incidents that are too many for a lifetime. In 2026, these February festivals are the ones to look for: 

By the time you read the table, you’d notice something interesting. If you haven’t, here’s a hint: look at the venue/places. These are some prominent locations in India where you have multiple activities to do. So, February is now more exciting than before, travel + celebration, quite a combo. 

 8 February Festivals to Celebrate in India 

In all the February festivals in India, Rann Utsav stand out as the most prominent. This is the reason why it runs for a longer period. However, some other festivities and events are short and a-must visit:

Religious Festivals & Celebration 

Want to celebrate and tour this February? Yes, it’s possible and these February festivals in India will pave the way: 

1. Guru Ravidas Jayanti – Celebrations in Varanasi 

Date: February 1, 2026, 
Location: Seer Goverdhanpur, Varanasi, UP 

This day marked the celebration of a 15th century saint, poet, and social reformer who highlighted the idea of equality, eliminating any discrimination and division. On this day, Varanasi celebrates with some key activities that you must attend and be a part of. 

 Celebration Highlights of Guru Ravidas Jayanti 

• The focus venue is the birthplace temple known as “Janam Asthan Mandir", where people gather to perform aartis (prayers), and recite Amritbani (hymns). 
• Watch out for large-decorated palanquins carrying the Guru’s image roll across the city, called “Nagar Kirtan”, with music and chanting. 
• Take a dip in the sacred river Ganga to purify their soul. 
• Participate in the “Community Service (Seva)”, where Langars (free community kitchen) is organised. A reflection of his teachings about selfless service & unity. 

Things to Do in Varanasi – Post Celebration 

• Visit a major Hindu temple or pilgrimage, “Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple”, dedicated to Lord Shiv a.k.a. Mahadev. 
• For amazing ghats and river experience, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, or can enjoy Ganga River boat ride. 
• Want to dig into history? Visit the Ramnagar Fort, an architectural marvel compiling a lot many stories to tell. 
• Visit fort’s museum to see artefacts, vintage cars, swords & a lot more.  
  
  

2. Magha Purnima – Spiritual Cleansing & Salvation 

Date: February 1, 2026, 
Location: Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, UP 

As per the Hindu traditions and beliefs, Prayagraj is where drops of Amrit (Immortality Nectar) fell during the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning). So, taking a dip in the Sangam is considered holy and grants salvation (moksha). 

Celebration Highlights of Magha Purnima 

• Celebration starts with a Morning Dip or Sacred Snan in the holy river at the Sangam. 
• Witness the majestic Ganga Aarti rituals performed on a grand scale with lamps and devotional chanting's. 
• Want a lesson on mental strength? Visit the Kalpavas Camps to know what it takes to develop self-discipline & mental strength. 
• Turn it into an Interactive Event by exploring the tent city (temporary), talk to saints, and learn their life experiences. 

 Things to Do in Prayagraj – Post Celebration 

• Spiritually, Prayagraj is quite gifted with places like Bade Hanuman Ji temple, Alopi Devi Mandir, Nag Vasuki temple and more places. 
• Drive back into the history page with the Allahabad fort, a monumental architecture constructed by Akbar as a crucial military base. 
• Visit the Chandrashekhar Azad park, a historical place where Chandrashekhar Azad’s spent his last moments fighting the Britishers before shooting himself. 
• Also, if you want to check some of the historical artifacts, visit the Allahabad Museum. 
  
  

 3. Maha Shivaratri – Commemorates Oneness with Divine 

Date: February 15, 2026, 
Location: Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi 

In Hindu culture, Maha Shivaratri is one of the prominent Hindu festivals in February 2026. It’s a symbol of strength, allowing power over darkness, attaining spiritual intellect and forming oneness with the divine. It is the day when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. In this festival, this is what you can do: 

Celebration Highlights of Maha Shivaratri 

• The focal point of the festival is Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir in Varanasi. A place for continuous worship, abhishekams, and powerful chanting entire night. 
• Want to see the power in worship? Stay awake all night with the devotees and chant “Om Namah Shivay” along with bhajans and other mantras. 
• Perform ritualistic Abhishekams consisting of milk, honey, ghee, and sacred water. Offer bel leaves and flowers to the deity. 

 Maha Shivaratri: Key Date & Timings 

1. February 15, 2026 – Maha Shivaratri (Main Festival) 

• Timing: Evening Onwards  

2. February 15-16, 2026 – Maha Shivaratri Puja (Evening Ceremony) 

Night is Divided in Four Parts (Prahar) to Conduct Shiv Puja

• Ratri First Prahar Time: 05:52 PM – 09:02 PM (Feb 15) 
• Ratri Second Prahar Time: 09-02 PM – 12:12 AM (Feb 16) 
• Ratri Third Prahar Time: 12:12 AM – 03:22 AM (Feb 16) 
• Ratri Fourth Prahar Time: 03:22 AM – 06:32 AM (Feb 16)                       

Cultural Fairs & Festivities

This February, feel the magic of culture, colour, and heritage blending in together to make the festival & your travel both a unique experience: 

4. Jaisalmer Desert Festival – Rich Rajasthan Heritage 

Date: January 29, 2026 – February 1, 2026 
Location: Thar Desert, Rajasthan 

When it comes to heritage, it is quite difficult to match Rajasthan. And the testimony of this fact is Jaisalmer Desert Festival (Maru Mahotsav). Celebrate Rajasthan’s preserved heritage, cultural richness, and architectural marvel. What’s more, the festival itself offers a lot in terms of engagement and activities. 

 Desert Festival – Important Festival Dates 

• Friday, January 30: Inauguration of Desert Festival along with various events and activities, covering different competitions, events to enjoy. 
• Saturday, January 31: Folk performances, music, followed by Camel competitions and cultural sports. Also, evening performances are a must to attend. 
• Sunday, February 1: Explore the art exhibition with live musical performances. A day full of horse, camel races coupled with a musical night. 

 Things to Do in Jaisalmer – Post Celebration 

• Time to enjoy Jaisalmer Sand dunes. Choose your style, Camel (Indian) & SUV (Dubai). 
• Visit the villages and experience the vibrant lifestyle of people living a colourful, joyful life, even in a desert. 
• Into adventure sports? Try Parasailing in Jaisalmer. Though, only for 15 minutes but the thrill is what you need to experience. 
• Explore architectural marvel in Jaisalmer with Golden Fort, the Haveli Collection, Mandir Palace, Bada Bagh & Vyas Chatri. 
• If in Jaisalmer, do visit Kuldhara Village, the most haunted village in India. Do read or ask locals about the village’s history. 
• Ever think what actual heroes look like? Visit the Jaisalmer War Museum to witness the heroics of Brave Indian Army soldiers. 

Longewala War Memorial, a place where a troop of 120 Indian Army Soldiers set a new definition of courage, stopping 4000 Pakistan army soldiers for the entire night on December 4, 1971. 

5. Goencho (Goa) Carnival – Vibrant Parades, Dance, & Music 

Date: February 13-17, 2026, 
Location: Panaji (Panjim), Margao & Vasco Da Gama 

The Goa carnival was a Portuguese tradition that evolved overtime, blending Indian and Portuguese culture. The carnival became a consistent celebration, taking in modern form and becoming a festival for joy and relaxation. 

 Key Celebration Aspects 

• The celebration is not constrained to a single city; it’s a Multi-City Celebration. 
• Do you know who leads the carnival? King Momo is a mythical figure often depicted as a jolly and flamboyant character. 
• Listen & enjoy the Traditional Goan Music and Dance Performances. 

 Important Dates Related to Goa Carnival 

• Friday, February 13 – Curtain Raiser at Porvorim, North Goa 
• Route Details: IHM to ACDIL School  
• Saturday, February 14 – Main Parade begins in Panjim (Panaji), North Goa 
• Route Details: New Patto Bridge to Campal Ground
• Sunday, February 15 – Parade in Maragao, South Goa 
• Route Details: Near Holy Spirit Church to Margao Municipal Council Sq. 
• Monday, February 16 – Parade in Vasco Da Gama, South Goa 
• Route Details: Swatantra Path (St. Andrew’s Junction) - Joshi Chowk
• Tuesday, February 17 – Closing Parades in Mapusa & Marjim, North Goa 

• Route Details- 
• Mapusa: Comunidade Building – Comunidade Ground 
• Morjim: Morjim Khind – Morjim Junction 

Also Read: Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Goa 

6. Taj Mahotsav – Celebrates Diversity & Culture 

Date: February 18-27, 2026, 
Location: Shilpgram, Near the Eastern Gate of Taj Mahal 

Finding festivals in February 2026 in India celebrating the diversity in culture, traditions, art and talent? Well, here comes Taj Mahotsav, a combination of India’s rich cultural legacy, offering a nation-wide platform to local artisans. 

 Key Celebration Aspects 

• Fond of Arts & Crafts? Explore 400 Legendary Artisans from across the country exhibiting their exquisite art collection and work. 
• Watch the majestic and breathtaking performances by artists from distinct backgrounds, presenting Folk, Classical Music, & Dances including Brij Bhumi. 
• A festival without amazing delicacies? Not possible here. Keep your taste buds active as here you’ll find Endless Varieties of Food from across India. 
• Bringing children with you? Don’t worry, Funfair, big attraction in the festival, will keep the kids entertained in Taj Mahotsav. A Complete Family Outing coming up. 

Things to Do in Agra – Post Celebration 

•  Agra offers a lot of tourist spots to visit. For starters, the Taj Mahal, seventh wonder of the world. 
• Watch the amazing Agra Fort, also called the Red Fort of Agra, constructed before the Red Fort in Delhi. 
• Walk around in the beautiful Ram Bagh, formerly known as “Aram Bagh”, built by Mughal King Babur. 
• Visit other famous tourist spots like Mehtab Bagh, Mariyam’s Tomb, and more. 

Special February Festivals 

 
Want to make your city strolls a part of celebrations and festivities? These festivals offer this special vibe: 

7. Valentine’s Day - Love-Centric Celebrations 

Date: February 14, 2026, 
Location: Celebrated Across India 

One of the prominent & popular festivals in February is Valentine’s Day. It’s the time of the week that you spend with your loved one and make them feel special. Unlike other festivals, the choice of destination is yours. 

 Celebration Highlights of Valetine’s Day 

• Join in the wide celebration in prime cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, and more. 
• Plan a themed celebration based on the valentine’s week leading up to February 14. 
• Look for popular trends like road trips, dining culture, gifting ideas, and more to make it a unique experience. 
• Want to plan a candlelight experience? Look for premium restaurants offering packages for valentine. 
• Need exotic locations for valentine celebration? Explore Valentine Day Tour Packages. 
  

Need exotic locations for valentine celebration? Explore Valentine Day Tour Packages. 

8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti – Birth of Maratha Lion 

Date: February 19, 2026, 
Location: Shivneri Fort & Rajgad Fort, Pune, Maharashtra 

Festivals in February 2026 don’t just celebrate the saints or Hindu gods, but also a prominent figure in India’s history. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a warrior, a leader figure in the entire Maratha history, was born on this day in the Shivneri Fort. 

 Key Celebration Aspects 

• The official venue for the massive celebrations is the Shivneri Fort in Junnar, Pune, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 
• If you are visiting the fort, you can expect celebration events: 
  
  
• Saffron Flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj) hoisted on the Shivneri Fort, a royal standard of the Maratha and Hindu community. 
• Celebration continues with Cultural Rituals and Floral Tributes. 
• Enjoy the cultural programs that includes Traditional Martial Arts (Mardani Khel) performances, Folk Music & Plays. 
• Attendees include Key Maharashtra Government Officials, with the Chief Minister being one of them. 
• Thinking of attending? Just be there on time and it’s a free access for public. 

Want to Do Shopping in Mumbai? Here are the Places for Street Shopping in Mumbai. 

Things to Do in Pune – Post Celebration 

• After the celebrations, you can tour around and explore the Shivneri Fort. The view of the hills from the fort is breathtaking. 
• See and explore the range of other Maratha forts, like Rajgad, Pratapgard, or Sinhagad, some significant forts in Maratha and Hindavi Swaraj. 
• Want to know about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj? Attend plays, local performances, or discussions, focusing on the life he spent. 
• See and observe the important artefacts related to the Maratha empire, including Shivaji Maharaj’s era. 

Celebrate February Month with Next Holidays 

From religious festivals to celebrating historical icons, February offers a continuous festivity throughout the month. 

You can enjoy cultural diversity, spiritual wealth, carnival and so much more. Seeing such an opportunity, it’s near impossible to let it pass. So, with Next Holidays, plan a month full of celebration a.k.a “Fantastic February”. They offer a range of packages and if you want to customize or personalize your trip, you get that too. 

So, be quick and make the most of it.