Delhi’s event calendar follows both the Gregorian calendar (for national holidays and modern festivals) and the Hindu lunar calendar (for religious festivals that shift dates each year). This guide covers the major annual events with their typical timing, locations, and what to expect as a visitor.
New Delhi Festival Calendar by Season
Republic Day (January 26)
Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s constitution in 1950. The centerpiece is a 90-minute military parade on Rajpath from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate starting at 9:30 AM. It features marching contingents, tanks, missile displays, camel-mounted border security forces, and a flypast by Indian Air Force jets. Tickets (100-500 INR) go on sale January 10-15 at India Tourism offices and Sena Bhawan. Book very early. If you cannot get tickets, watch the rehearsals on January 23-24 which are nearly identical and less crowded. The Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 at Vijay Chowk (6:00 PM) features military bands and is easier to access (tickets 50-200 INR).
Surajkund International Crafts Mela (February 1-15)
The Surajkund Crafts Fair takes place in Faridabad, 30km south of central Delhi. It brings together 1,000+ artisans from across India and 20+ partner countries. You can buy textiles, pottery, jewelry, and handicrafts directly from craftspeople. Entry: 150 INR weekdays, 200 INR weekends. Hours: 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. Reach via Tughlakabad metro station (Violet Line) then auto-rickshaw (200 INR, 20 minutes). The food court serves regional Indian cuisines from 20+ states. Go on a weekday to avoid crushing weekend crowds.
Holi (February/March, full moon day of Phalgun)
Holi, the festival of colors, is Delhi’s most exuberant celebration. People throw colored powder (gulal) and water at each other in the streets. The tourist-friendly Holi Moo Festival and Holi Cow Festival are organized events with DJs, organic colors, and food stalls (tickets 1,500-3,000 INR on BookMyShow). For free street Holi, the Paharganj area near New Delhi Railway Station is popular with backpackers. Wear clothes you will throw away. Apply coconut oil to your skin and hair before going out; it makes the color easier to wash off. The actual Holi date varies each year. Most businesses close for the day.
Diwali (October/November, new moon of Kartik)
Diwali, the festival of lights, is India’s biggest holiday. Delhi glows with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and electric lights on every building. Fireworks begin at sunset and continue past midnight. The best neighborhood for walking is the Chandi Chowk and Daryaganj area in Old Delhi where narrow lanes are draped in lights. The Akshardham Temple puts on a special light display. Diwali night is deafeningly loud; bring earplugs if sensitive to noise. Air quality plummets to hazardous levels after Diwali due to fireworks combined with crop burning. Many restaurants close for the main Diwali evening. The next day (Govardhan Puja) features massive vegetarian feasts at temples and community halls.
Qutub Festival (November/December)
The Qutub Festival is a 3-day classical music and dance festival held at the Qutub Minar complex, usually in late November or early December. Performances by leading Hindustani classical musicians, Kathak dancers, and Sufi qawwali groups take place against the illuminated backdrop of the 73-meter minaret. Tickets: 300-1,000 INR through BookMyShow or at the venue. The dates are announced only 2-3 weeks ahead by Delhi Tourism. Evening performances start at 6:30 PM. December nights are cool (lows of 10°C/50°F) so bring a jacket.
Delhi International Arts Festival (December)
The Delhi International Arts Festival runs for 10-14 days in December at multiple venues including the Kamani Auditorium (1 Copernicus Marg), Siri Fort Auditorium (August Kranti Marg), and outdoor stages at Connaught Place. It features theatre, dance, music, and visual arts from Indian and international companies. Many events are free; ticketed performances cost 200-800 INR. The full schedule is published on the DIAF website in late November. The December weather in Delhi is ideal for outdoor events: highs of 23°C (73°F) with almost no rain.
