March is a month of colors, festivals, and celebrations in India. There are many events happening across the country that showcase the rich and diverse culture of India. Whether you are looking for spiritual, artistic, or adventurous experiences, there is something for everyone in March 2024. Here are some of the events that you should not miss if you are planning to travel to India in March 2024.

International Yoga Festival
Date: 8th – 14th March Location: Rishikesh

If you are looking for a holistic and rejuvenating experience, then the International Yoga Festival is the perfect event for you. The festival is held in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, and attracts thousands of yoga enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival offers a variety of yoga sessions, workshops, lectures, and cultural programs by renowned yoga teachers and experts. You can learn and practice different styles of yoga, such as Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, and more. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, the holy Ganges river, and the ancient temples of Rishikesh. The International Yoga Festival is a great opportunity to connect with yourself, nature, and other like-minded people.

Lathmar Holi
Date: 18th March Location: Barsana and Nandgaon, Mathura

Holi is one of the most popular and colorful festivals in India, celebrated by throwing colored powder and water on each other. However, in some parts of India, Holi is celebrated in a unique and playful way. One such place is Barsana and Nandgaon, two villages near Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Here, Holi is celebrated as Lathmar Holi, which means “Holi of sticks”. According to the legend, Lord Krishna visited Barsana, the village of his beloved Radha, and teased her and her friends. The women of Barsana chased him away with sticks, while he defended himself with a shield. This tradition is still followed today, where men from Nandgaon visit Barsana and try to smear color on the women, who beat them with sticks. The next day, the roles are reversed, and the women of Barsana visit Nandgaon and play Holi with the men. Lathmar Holi is a fun and festive event that showcases the love and mischief of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Brij Festival
Date : 17th March, 2024 Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan

Another event that celebrates the life and legends of Lord Krishna is the Brij Festival, held in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The festival is a tribute to the Brij region, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and performed many miracles. The festival is marked by colorful processions, folk dances, music, and drama. The highlight of the festival is the Raslila, a dance drama that depicts the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. The festival also coincides with the spring season, when the flowers are in full bloom and the birds are chirping. The festival is a feast for the eyes and ears, and a great way to experience the culture and spirituality of Rajasthan.

Eternal Mewar Holika Dahan
Date: 24th Mar, 2024 Location: City Palace, Udaipur

If you want to witness a royal and grand celebration of Holi, then you should head to Udaipur, the city of lakes and palaces. Here, you can attend the Eternal Mewar Holika Dahan, a ceremony that is organized by the Mewar royal family every year. The ceremony involves the burning of a huge bonfire, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The ceremony is attended by the king and his family, along with dignitaries, guests, and tourists. The ceremony is followed by a cultural program, featuring folk dances, music, and fireworks. The ceremony is a spectacle of tradition, history, and elegance, and a rare chance to see the royal splendor of Udaipur.

Basanta Utsav
Date: 25th Mar, 2024 Location: Shantiniketan, West Bengal

If you are a lover of art, literature, and music, then you should not miss the Basanta Utsav, or the Spring Festival, held in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. The festival was started by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who wanted to celebrate the arrival of spring and the spirit of Holi in a creative and artistic way. The festival is a showcase of the talent and culture of Shantiniketan, the abode of peace and learning founded by Tagore. The festival features students and teachers of Shantiniketan, dressed in yellow, performing songs, dances, and poetry written by Tagore. The festival also involves playing Holi with natural colors, made from flowers and herbs. The festival is a tribute to the genius and vision of Tagore, and a celebration of the beauty and joy of spring.

Gangaur Festival
Date: 26th Mar – 11th Apr, 2024 Location: Rajasthan

Gangaur is one of the most important and auspicious festivals for the women of Rajasthan. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva, and symbolizes marital bliss, fertility, and love. The festival lasts for 18 days, during which women observe fasts, worship idols of Gauri and Shiva, and adorn themselves with colorful clothes and jewelry. The festival culminates with a grand procession, where women carry the idols of Gauri and Shiva on their heads, accompanied by music and dance. The procession ends at a water body, where the idols are immersed. The festival is a display of the devotion, faith, and culture of the women of Rajasthan.

Jaipur Elephant Festival
Date: 25th Mar, 2024 Location: Jaipur

The Jaipur Elephant Festival is a unique and majestic event that honors the elephants, the royal and sacred animals of India. The festival is held on the eve of Holi, and involves a parade of decorated elephants, along with camels, horses, and folk dancers. The elephants are adorned with colorful paints, fabrics, jewelry, and flowers, and compete for the best-dressed prize. The festival also features elephant races, polo, and tug-of-war, as well as cultural performances and Holi celebrations. The festival is a treat for animal lovers, and a glimpse into the royal and festive heritage of Jaipur.