The mercury is soaring and so are our spirits at the thought of the most vibrant summer festivals that are coming up in the next couple of months. We’re sure many vacationers are seeking out the cultural splendor of the land. So, here are our suggestions of vibrant venues hosting such festivals over the next few weeks. Take your pick.
Yercaud Summer Festival
May 23-29
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
The 48th Yercaud Summer festival is set to take place in the hill station town of Yercaud, Tamil Nadu. Annually celebrated in the last week of May, this summer festival is one of the major events of this town.
The festival will showcase a whopping 1,50,000 flowers along with floral replicas of animals, dams and other structures. Various other activities such as cultural events, cookery events, and pet shows are also planned as part of the festival.
Sporting activities such as football, kabaddi, and handball will also take place every day of the fest.
Shimla Summer Festival
June 1-5
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The International Shimla Summer Festival 2025, set against the scenic Ridge Maidan is a must-visit this season. With the theme ‘Drive Against Drugs,’ this year’s event promotes youth awareness alongside vibrant cultural celebrations.
Expect lively celebrity concerts as well as traditional folk acts. The festival also focuses on reviving Shimla’s historic markets, bringing back their lost charm and promoting local crafts.
Lucknow Mango Festival
June 22
Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh
The 13th UP Mango Festival will be held on June 22 at Sitapur, near Lucknow. Organised to promote eco and agricultural tourism, the event is sure to be a delight for mango lovers.
Visitors can enjoy mango-based products created by local entrepreneurs and home chefs, along with opportunities to purchase fresh mangoes directly from the orchards. The festival will also feature various activities such as a farmer’s market, mango-eating contests, dance and art competitions, open mic sessions, and cultural performances, making it suitable for all age groups.
Yuru Kabgyat
June 22-23
Lamayuru Monastery, Leh
Yuru Kabgyat is a prominent Buddhist festival celebrated at the historic Lamayuru monastery in Ladakh. This two-day religious event draws devotees and monks from across India, as well as from countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Bhutan.
The festival is dedicated to Yama, the god of death, and Guru Padmasambhava, revered as the second Buddha and protector of beings. Among the key highlights of the festival is the Cham dance performed by monks adorned in vibrant masks, to the sound of traditional instruments like cymbals, longhorns and drums.
Jagannath Rath Yatra
Puri, Odisha
June 27 – July 5
Puri’s renowned Jagannath Rath Yatra is among the grandest festivals of the state of Odisha. Also called the Chariot festival, it marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, and draws millions of devotees and tourists from around the world.
The festival is a mesmerising visual spectacle, featuring massive, artistically decorated chariots that are pulled through the streets by devotees, reflecting the exuberant spirit of Puri’s most cherished celebration.
The lead image on top shows the Yuru Kabgyat festival, a prominent Buddhist celebration at the historic Lamayuru monastery in Ladakh. (Photo courtesy Shutterstock)
