Festivals Across India in September 2025: Complete Calendar of Events, Dates & Celebrations

September in India is not just another month, it is a time when the country comes alive with festivals that bring people together in faith, food, music, and tradition. From Kerala’s grand Onam to Mysore’s royal Dasara, from Ganesh Visarjan to Vishwakarma Puja, the calendar is packed with events that showcase India’s diversity and unity. 

Here is a look at the festivals celebrated across India this September, in date order.

Onam (August 26 – September 5, 2025, Kerala)

Onam, the state festival of Kerala, is one of the biggest harvest celebrations in the country. It runs for ten days, starting with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam, the most important day. Kerala becomes vibrant with flower carpets called pookalams, spectacular boat races, grand elephant processions, fireworks, music, and folk arts like Kathakali and Pulikali, also known as the tiger dance. The highlight is the lavish Onam Sadhya, a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with more than 20 dishes. During this time, the Kerala government also organizes Tourism Week to showcase the state’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Teachers’ Day (September 5, 2025, Nationwide)

Every year on September 5, India celebrates Teachers’ Day to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a great scholar, teacher, and the country’s second president. Schools across India pay respect to teachers with cultural programs and special functions. On this day, children often play the role of teachers, managing classrooms and activities to understand the effort that goes into teaching. It is a day of gratitude, respect, and admiration for teachers who shape the future.

Eid-e-Milad (Milad-un-Nabi) (September 5, 2025, Nationwide)

On the same day, Muslims in India and around the world observe Eid-e-Milad, also known as Milad-un-Nabi. The festival commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is revered for his teachings of peace, compassion, and unity. The day is marked with prayers, sermons, community gatherings, and acts of charity. It is both a celebration and a reminder of the Prophet’s life and message, observed with devotion and reflection.

Ganesh Visarjan (September 6, 2025, Nationwide)

Ganesh Visarjan, also called Anant Chaturdashi, marks the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. On this day, idols of Lord Ganesha that were installed in homes and pandals are taken out in grand processions with music and dance before being immersed in rivers, lakes, or the sea. The immersion symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s return to his heavenly abode. For devotees, it is a spiritual moment as they bid farewell to the beloved deity while seeking his blessings for prosperity and wisdom.

Pang Lhabsol (September 6, 2025, Sikkim)

On the same day, Sikkim celebrates Pang Lhabsol, a unique festival that honors Mount Kanchenjunga, regarded as the guardian deity of the state. The festival also commemorates the historic treaty of brotherhood between the Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Colorful rituals, masked dances, and religious ceremonies mark the day, with representations of Dzonga, Gonpo, and Dragpo Deshi being created for worship. Pang Lhabsol reflects Sikkim’s deep cultural and spiritual traditions.

Grandparents’ Day (September 7, 2025, Nationwide)

Grandparents’ Day is a day of love and respect for the elderly in families. Celebrated on September 7 this year, it honors the guidance, affection, and wisdom that grandparents provide. Families spend time with their elders, and schools often organize programs where children express gratitude towards their grandparents. It is a reminder of the important role grandparents play in nurturing and shaping lives.

Vishwakarma Puja (September 17, 2025, Nationwide)

Vishwakarma Puja, also known as Vishwakarma Jayanti, is observed on Kanya Sankranti to honor Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and engineer in Hindu mythology. Factories, workshops, and offices perform rituals on this day, with people worshipping their tools, machinery, and instruments. Workers and professionals seek the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma for skill, safety, and success in their work.

Mysore Dasara (September 22–October 2, 2025, Karnataka)

Mysore Dasara is one of India’s most spectacular royal festivals, celebrated in Karnataka’s cultural capital, Mysuru. The ten-day event begins on September 22 and ends on Vijayadashami, October 2. The highlight is the illuminated Mysore Palace, decked with thousands of lights every evening, and the famous Jamboo Savari, a grand procession of decorated elephants. Cultural programs, folk performances, and the Torchlight Parade make the festival a mix of tradition and grandeur.

Navratri (September 22 – October 2, 2025, Nationwide)

Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals across India. It begins on September 22 and continues until October 2, with nine forms of Goddess Shakti being worshipped. Each region celebrates in its own way—Gujarat with Garba and Dandiya dances, West Bengal with Durga Puja, and northern India with Ramleela performances. The tenth day, Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marks the victory of good over evil.

Durga Puja (September 24–September 28, 2025, West Bengal & Beyond)

Durga Puja is the biggest festival in West Bengal and is also celebrated in many other parts of India. From September 24 to 28, pandals with beautiful idols of Goddess Durga are set up, and the air is filled with music, dhak beats, and festive energy. The festival celebrates Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Families reunite, and communities come together to celebrate with devotion, food, and cultural programs.

Maha Ashtami (September 30, 2025, Nationwide)

Maha Ashtami, one of the most important days of Durga Puja and Navratri, falls on September 30 this year. It is the day when devotees perform special rituals, fasting, and prayers to Goddess Durga. In many places, young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the goddess, a ritual known as Kanya Puja. Maha Ashtami is considered one of the most powerful days to seek blessings of strength and protection.

As families and communities celebrate, the month reminds us of India’s spirit of unity in diversity.