Good to know
Good to Know
- The best time to visit Rishikesh for festivals is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and drier. Major festivals like Diwali, Holi, and the International Yoga Festival often fall within these months.
- Rishikesh maintains a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free environment year-round, including during all festival periods.
- The 2026 International Yoga Festival runs in two separate phases with different organizers (Parmarth Niketan and Uttarakhand Government), with overlapping but distinct dates and venues—check official sources to clarify which phase aligns with your travel plans.
- International Yoga Festival registration opens months in advance and good accommodation books quickly—book early if planning to attend.
- Many Holi celebrations in Rishikesh combine traditional rituals (Holika Dahan bonfires, riverside color play) with modern adventure elements (rafting, camping, DJ events); choose venues that match your desired spiritual-to-party spectrum.
- Locals are protective of their religion and feel disrespected if anyone does anything to hurt their religious sentiments. Dress modestly and approach temple spaces with genuine respect during observances.
Events
International Yoga Festival
- Period
- March (two phases: March 9–15 and March 16–22, 2026)
- Participation Cost
- ₹25,000
- Cultural Significance
- The International Yoga Festival serves as a guiding light of yogic philosophy and is one of the most popular festivals in Rishikesh.
- Access Note
- Most sessions at both festivals are free or very low cost. Some specialist workshops and featured teacher sessions require advance registration through official portals. Walk-in access works for the majority of the programme.
- Description
- The International Yoga Festival runs in two phases: the Parmarth Niketan IYF (March 9–15) and the Uttarakhand Government Yoga Festival (March 16–22). Together they draw over 1,500 participants from 80+ countries for yoga sessions, meditation workshops, Ganga Aarti, and cultural programmes on the banks of the Ganges.
Maha Shivaratri
- Period
- February–March (lunar calendar; 2026: February 18)
- Rishikesh Experience
- The ghats of Rishikesh and Haridwar light up with Ganga Aarti, and devotees take holy dips in the river before performing puja. Spiritual talks, meditation sessions, and all-night satsangs are held to mark the occasion. At the Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, the Shivaratri festival is celebrated in the following manner. All spiritual aspirants fast the whole day, many of them without taking even a single drop of water. A grand havan is performed for the peace and welfare of all.
- Access Note
- Open to all; primarily observed through temple visits, fasting, and meditation—no entry fee required.
- Description
- Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually to worship the deity Shiva, between February and March. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on the chaturdashi (14th lunar day) of krishna paksha (waning moon) of the month of Magha or Phalguna.
Holi (Festival of Colors)
- Period
- March (typically March 3–4, 2026)
- Participation Cost
- ₹2,100
- Rishikesh Experience
- Rishikesh provides a true Holi experience with rituals as Holika Dahan, when a bonfire is lit to represent the triumph of good over evil. Local and foreigners come together and sing praises, and enjoy the spiritual nature of the colourful festival.
- Cost Note
- Camp-based celebrations and private Holi parties vary; budget estimates from ₹1299–₹7500+ depending on activities and accommodation.
- Description
- In Rishikesh, Holi is far from being a purely provincial phenomenon, it attracts people from around the world – and foreigners sometimes join in the celebration together with local people. The colourful festival of Holi takes place in the month of Phalguna, which is usually in March in the Hindu calendar. It is one of the most beautiful festivals of enjoyment, love, unity, and inclusivity in Rishikesh.
Ganga Dussehra
- Period
- May–June (10th day of the lunar month of Jaistha, typically May–June)
- Access Note
- Open to all; ritual bathing and prayers at ghats—no entry fee.
- Description
- Ganga Dussehra in Rishikesh is celebrated to worship the holy Ganga River. This event marks the arrival of the holy Kamandal on earth from Lord Brahma. During Ganga Dussehra, all kinds of pilgrims gravitate towards holy areas like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and even districts around it in search of spiritual salvation through holy ablutions and rites. On Ganga Dussehra, the devotees flood the riverside, believing that bathing in its sacred waters redeems them from sins.
Kanwar Mela (Kanwar Yatra)
- Period
- July–August (Shravan lunar month)
- Access Note
- Open to all as observer; no entry fee for witnessing processions and rituals.
- Description
- Kanwar Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in Rishikesh and occurs during the month of Shravan (July-August). During this time, millions of devotees, known as "Kanwariyas", set out to fetch holy water from the Ganges to offer to Lord Shiva. The atmosphere is filled with devotion and vibrant energy. Visitors can witness processions adorned with colors, music, and spirituality as the Kanwariyas make their way to the nearby temples.
Basant Panchami
- Period
- January–March (5th day of the lunar month of Magh)
- Access Note
- Open to all; temple-centered celebration—no entry fee.
- Description
- Usually a harvest festival celebrated in Punjab, Basant Panchmi is celebrated on a unique day in Rishikesh at the Bharat Mandir Temple because the main idol of the temple is given a holy wash in Maya Kund. Numerous residents attend the event in their hundreds.
Sawan Festival
- Period
- July–August (monsoon month of Sawan)
- Access Note
- Open to all; temple-centered—no entry fee.
- Description
- The Sawan Festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated during the monsoon month of Sawan (July-August). Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and participate in special rituals at temples. The lush greenery of Rishikesh during this season adds to the festival's beauty, making it a serene yet spiritually intense time.
Phool Dei (Flower Festival)
- Period
- Early March (spring season)
- Access Note
- Open to all; community-based celebration—no entry fee.
- Description
- A traditional festival of Uttarakhand, Phool Dei marks the arrival of spring. Local children go from house to house, scattering flowers and singing folk songs to bless homes with prosperity and happiness. The festival reflects the region's connection with nature, simplicity, and community spirit.
Rishikesh Kirtan Fest
- Period
- March (multi-week celebration; historically March 1–21)
- Access Note
- Primarily drop-in; individual event pricing varies; vegetarian meals included in many sessions.
- Description
- A vibrant expression of Bhakti Yoga. Enjoy 38 days of Kirtan, workshops, satsangs, arts, and connection, with talented musicians and teachers from around the world guiding you along the way.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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- 35.fred.stlouisfed.org
More About Rishikesh
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.