In the month of June, India is a colourful picture of cultural, religious and seasonal festivities. From the religious zeal of Rath Yatra in Odisha to the joyous celebration of Eid al-Adha in various regions, the festivals in June in India have a diverse array of traditions, hues and heritage to offer. Travellers and those interested in deep diving into the country's culture can get involved in such events to gain a deeper appreciation of India’s diverse cultural landscape. Read on to explore and learn more about the various festivals celebrated by people all across India in the month of June to help you plan the best trip to India!
June marks the onset of vibrant cultural celebrations all across India. The festivals in June blend tradition with regional flavours. From the mountains to the coasts, each festival offers a very unique experience that leaves you with the best memories ever.
Festival of the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Ganga Dussehra is the day the sacred River Ganges descended onto earth. The faithful gather on the river banks to take ritual dips that purify them of sin. The river banks in urban towns like Haridwar and Varanasi are alive with diyas, devotional singing and aarti ceremonies. It is a day of devotion as much as it is a day of celebration and thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to experience the Ganges' electric energy at this holy moment.
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Feted in Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, this two-day festival honours Guru Padmasambhava, the Tibetan founder of Tantric Buddhism. Monks perform colourful masked dances (Cham), enacting spiritual stories against the rhythm of drums and horns. Vibrant costumes, folk music and giant thangkas (Buddhist paintings) make the festival renowned. Backed by the white Himalayas, Hemis Festival provides a stunning glimpse of Ladakh's religious and cultural life and is among the finest festivals to observe in June.
Saga Dawa is one of the most revered festivals of Sikkim and the Himalayan Buddhist region. It is is one of the festivals in June that commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha. Monks and the faithful carry holy books in procession and recite prayers while turning prayer wheels. Buddhists tend to observe this month by giving alms and avoiding meat. The serene, spiritually charged atmosphere of the places like Gangtok and Rumtek draw pilgrims and inquisitive travellers alike during June month celebrations.
One of India's most majestic chariot festivals, Rath Yatra is something that's being observed in Odisha, particularly in Puri. Massive wooden chariots bear deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra from the temple to Gundicha Temple, being pulled by thousands of pilgrims. Pilgrims throng the roads, singing, dancing and seeking blessings. The festival is spiritually charged and invites tourists from all over the globe. If you're looking for rich cultural experiences, one of the best festivals in June in India is this one.
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A cultural celebration of Himachal, Shimla Summer Festival is one of the best festivals in June and is a vibrant event with music, dance and food. Taking place on the Ridge in Shimla, the festival is attended with local handicrafts, flower shows, folk performances and celebrity concerts. It is the optimal mix of contemporary entertainment and Himachali culture. With pleasant weather and scenic beauty, Shimla turns into a hub of activity and festivities during June, which makes it a tourist hotspot to visit hill stations and experience local culture.
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The Sao Joao Festival of Goa is a colorful Catholic festival that is celebrated in the memory of St. John the Baptist. Young men dive into wells and streams to replicate John's baptism of Jesus, while villages organize traditional Konkani music, dance and boat processions. Locals adorn floral headpieces known as kopel and enjoy festive food. The monsoon setting gives the festival a lush green glow. It's one of the most specialised festivals in June, where religion gets mixed with local merriment.
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This traditional Kerala monsoon festival is the season's opening event. The Champakulam Boat Race, which is held along the Pamba River, is a sight of tall, snake-like boats called chundan vallams slicing through the water. Locals and tourists gather to cheer competing teams to the sound of rhythmic chanting and traditional drumming. The race is closely tied to the Krishna temple at Ambalappuzha and serves as an introduction to Kerala's internationally renowned boat racing season.
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Held at the holy Kamakhya Temple in Assam, Ambubachi Mela celebrates the cycle of menstruation of the goddess annually. The temple remains closed for three days and then thousands of sadhus, Tantrics and pilgrims perform rituals and ceremonies. The festival wipes off the social taboo and is all about fertility and women's power. With spirituality and mysticism in the environment, it is one of the most spiritually charged festivals in June in India.
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A Bengali celebration of the sons-in-law, Jamai Shasthi is a celebratory family ritual. In-laws give their sons-in-law good food, new clothes and presents. Homes are decorated and rituals are done to seek blessings for the health of the "jamai." Though widely celebrated in family homes, bazaars and sweets shops all over Bengal mark the festive occasion. It's one of the best festivals in June based on family affection.
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Hindus all over India celebrate Yogini Ekadashi in June, which is a festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The devout fast and pray to remove sin and for spiritual purification. Many others believe that fasting on this day purifies an individual of evil karma and disease. Although a smaller festival compared to others, it is very religiously significant and is celebrated with fervour. For those who seek spirituality, it's an essential day of contemplation and worship in the month of June.
June in India is far from being even a rather quiet monsoon month – this is the time when India explodes into colourful celebrations. From religious congregations, such as Ambubachi Mela to vibrant cultural fiestas such as Hemis and Sao Joao, each festival has a story of tradition and cheer to tell. These June month festivals provide an ideal blend of adventure, spirituality, music and food and the month is thus an undervalued jewel in the month for a cultural tourist. Therefore, if you are planning a trip this June, pack light, be a smart traveller and have fun with the best of the Indian festivals that dance to the beat of their tales.
Some of the best festivals in June include Hemis Festival in Ladakh, Ganga Dussehra in North India and Sao Joao in Goa. Each offers a unique cultural experience.
Yes, despite the onset of monsoon, June hosts several regional and religious festivals. This makes it a culturally rich month for travelers.
Absolutely! Most festivals in June in India are open to tourists and often welcome international participation, especially in Ladakh and Goa.
Pack for warm and rainy weather, carry comfortable footwear and check local calendars for festival dates and locations ahead of time.
✈️ I'm Rinki Sharma — a passionate traveler and storyteller. Through my travel blogs, I capture the essence of every destination, from hidden gems to well-trodden paths. I believe every journey has a story, and I love sharing mine to inspire others to explore, connect, and discover the world with...View Author Profile
