May Festival 2024

India, in the May season, experiences high heat waves, and in most cities, however, festivals of May turn out to be one of the distractions in the scorching heat. The charm of the festivals is amazing and it boosts the interest of people so well that they eventually forget about the high heat waves. Right from the popular festival of Akshaya Tritiya, Buddha Purnima to the Mother’s Day festival and Yercaud Summer Festival, every festival holds some special significance among people. In this month, some festivals are celebrated within the community or region, and some by the entire country. Still, each of the festivals that fall in May comes with a big relief as people get the chance to have immense fun and get drenched in the cultural heritage of these festivals.
 
While celebrating these festivals, people learn a lot about diverse rituals, traditions, beliefs, and significance related to a particular festival. The best part is that the kids' involvement while celebrating these festivals helps them understand more about the festival and its rich culture and traditions. Their excitement to celebrate the festival or the event compels everyone to delve into the joy and have a good time with each other. Apart from some popular and regional festivals, some fantastic festivals in May 2024 can even be considered as events, like the Yercaud Summer Festival. Though it is not a festival celebrated by any particular community or religion, however, anyone can be part of this festival. So, if you are one of those who is looking for a break this summer, then find the best place according to your choice and indulge in enjoying the festival of the place that is being celebrated by the city and community. 

List of 10 Festivals in May 2024 in India

1 Moatsu Festival
Date: 01 May - to - 03 May 2024

The Moatsu festival is a summer season festival in India, and the AO people of Nagaland celebrate it. The festival is celebrated continuously for 3 days for the community bonding. The purpose of the Moatsu festival is to celebrate the communal bond and friendship by exchanging gifts, participating in diverse feasts, attending bonfires, and making new friends. Every year, this festival is celebrated in the first week of May Month, and several rituals are performed during this period. When the Aos people of Moatusu Mong are done with their sowing, then the festival acts as a time of recreation and entertainment after clearing the fields, burning the field to sow new crops, and cleaning the wells. During this time, families are also involved in the construction of houses by elders of the Putu Menden, stretching over a week. Locals celebrate this festival with high-spirited songs and dances It is one of the fantastic festivals that one must attend and experience the high festive spirit of the local ones.

Moatsu Festival
2 Shirgao Lairai Jatra or Igitun Chalne
Date: 06 May - to - 12 May 2024

The Fire Walk is one of the Hindu religious festivals that is celebrated in the northern district of Goa. This particular event is conducted in the temple of Sirgao, which is also located in Bicholim Taluka. The festival looks very scary as devotees walk on hot coals in commemoration of the goddess Lairaya. It is believed that the devotees in guilt, sorrow, or wrong repentance participate in this festival. While performing such an act, it is believed that the devotees have shown complete devotion in front of the goddess. As this festival has become quite popular, several people visit Goa to attend this festival in summer in India, witness the festival become part of the festivity, and spend their day in happiness. The festival of Igitun Chalne has become a hub of amazing culture, tradition, and education for the people of Goa. So, if you are also keen to witness this big event, visit Goa for the in-person experience.

Shirgao Lairai Jatra or Igitun Chalne
3 Rabindranath Tagore Jayanthi or Rabindra Jayanti
Date: 08 May 2024

Rabindra Jayanti is widely popular as the birth anniversary of the famous creative literary genius. The genius was born on May 7th, 1861, and played so many roles in his life as a poet, composer, novelist, playwright, painter, humanist, philosopher, scholar, and social reformer. Rabindranath was one of the versatile people who has been involved in several aspects of life. To honor Rabindranath Tagore’s birthday, special programs are being organized by schools, colleges, and local communities to celebrate the occasion by indulging in several songs, poetries, recitations, and dances. As the birth anniversary of Rabindra Jayanti is considered one of the big events in Bengal, therefore it is also considered the May month Festival, and several children participate in diverse activities, including singing, dancing, drawing, writing, etc, hosted by the local communities. So, if you are also a big fan of this genius of India, then take part in such competitions or programs to enjoy the day to the fullest.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanthi or Rabindra Jayanti
4 Akshaya Tritiya
Date: 10 May 2024

Akshaya Tritiya is one of the important and auspicious days according to the Hindu calendar. It is one of the important days which brings immense success and luck to people. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Kuber (the deity of wealth) is blessed by Lord Brahma & Shiva with a new kingdom known as Alkapuri. Hence, devotees also believe that if they buy gold on this auspicious day in the name of Lord Kuber, then it will lead to unlimited prosperity and wealth. It is also believed that buying gold on this day is a sacred ritual. As the entire day is auspicious, so people also look to buy gadgets, vehicles, and many more things. Some of the people also believe that on this bright day, they must chant mantras and indulge in worship and prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Kuber.

Akshaya Tritiya
5 Mount Abu Summer Festival
Date: 10 May - to - 12 May 2024

Mount Abu’s Summer Festival is celebrated in the month of Vaishakh on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. This festival of May is celebrated by the Garasia tribal community, Hindus, and Buddhists all over Rajasthan. The festival comprises traditional folk performances of Rajasthani folk artists, adventure activities like rappelling and mountaineering, a boat race in Nakki Lake, and a variety of sports activities. People indulge in several activities with high spirits and enjoy the festivities to the fullest. The festival is celebrated in May, but don’t worry about the weather, as Mount Abu is a year-round destination with moderate temperatures. Visitors can visit on their summer vacations along with their families and also indulge in celebrating the festival closely. While celebrating the festival, vacationers will also get the chance to taste the special festive food prepared during the celebrations. So, it will certainly add more fun to the journey.

Mount Abu Summer Festival
6 Mother's Day
Date: 12 May 2024

Mother’s Day is one of the international events that is also celebrated in India. The event is celebrated on the second Sunday of May month. This festival of India in summer season is meant and dedicated to all the beautiful and enthusiastic mothers. On this special day, every family has different plans to celebrate it, however, in most cases cake cutting is the common thing that family enjoys. On this day, kids plan the entire day for their mothers. It can be baking cake, buying gifts for her, preparing greeting cards, cooking her favorite dish, or taking her out for lunch or dinner to make her feel special and happy throughout the day. This day is special for both mothers and babies, and it tightens the bond and love between them. In 2024, this day will be celebrated on the 12th of May. So, plan something special for your mom, and in this busy life, take out one day, especially for her, to enjoy it to the fullest. As the importance of this day has increased in recent years there are many things available in the market for this day, go for it.

Mother's Day
7 Dhungri Mela
Date: 14 May - to - 16 May 2024

Dhungri Mela is one of the popular festivals celebrated in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, at very popular at the Hadimba Temple. Dhungri Van Vihar in Manali is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi (wife of Bhima). According to the Hindu Mythology, it is believed that she was one of the vigorous deities and worshiped s “Shakti Avatara” (manifestation). It is said that the temple is an antique from almost 500 years ago. This festival of May is an annual fair that comprises diverse cultural activities and events that make the event a big hit for the local and people who visits nearby cities or villages. Several people get engaged in cultural performances and the famous Kullu Natti folk dance to impress the goddess, and this is also known as the highlight of the festival. The entire experience of this festival is quite impressive, and one must attend it in the summer season, so plan for it.

Dhungri Mela
8 Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanthi
Date: 23 May 2024

Buddha's Birthday, or 'Buddha Day," is widely famous as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, and Buddha Pournami. This festival is celebrated majorly in most places like South, Southeast, and East Asia. Buddha Purnima falls on a full moon day in Vaishakh month. On this special day, most people clean their homes, take early morning baths, take oaths to follow the teachings of Gautam Buddha, and recite the mantras and teachings of Gautam Buddha the entire day to get rid of all impurities and celebrate the day likewise. However, some people also indulge in feeding special food (puri, sabzi, and kheer) to poor ones, which is popularly known as “Bhandara.” On this day most Hindu families prepare satvik food rather than tamsik food by avoiding onion, garlic, and also non-veg and alcohol. As this day holds a special significance, therefore, in this way, people celebrate this big event along with their families and have a good time with each other. 

Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanthi
9 Ooty Flower Festival
Date: 20 May - to - 24 May 2024

Ooty Flower Festival or Ooty Summer Festival is annually celebrated in May month. This annual festival comprises of flower show, fruit show, vegetable show, rose show, and spice show, which attracts thousands of vacationers to Ooty. Vacationers can easily see a variety of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and diverse shapes of animals and birds decorated with flowers, which are displayed during the summer festival. It is eventually a treat to the eyes, so vacationers must plan to visit Ooty for this amazing festival in summer in India. Each of these shows has different timings and tickets, so before going there get the info before the visit. Apart from these shows, the Department of Tourism hosts a boat race for 1 day, which has become the key attraction of Ooty so that you can enjoy it to the fullest with your family. As this festival is organized annually in May month, visitors can take advantage of the summer vacations of kids to experience this lovely summer festival of Ooty. Ooty, being the pleasant city of Tamil Nadu, welcomes thousands of vacationers every year, so just plan for this festival well in advance and enjoy it to the fullest.

Ooty Flower Festival
10 Yercaud Summer Festival
Date: 21 May - to - 28 Feb 2024

Yercaud is a beautiful hill station located 22 Km away from the bustling city of Salem, Tamil Nadu. Yercaud Summer Festival’s major attraction is its flower show. During the celebration, there is a display of hundreds of best-blooming flowering plants, a dog show, and boat racing. Several people, including the residents and visitors, take part in the festival and enjoy it to the fullest. The arrangement of this summer season festivals in India is made in such a way that differently-abled people and elderly visitors can also enjoy it to the fullest. Every year, this festival is celebrated wholeheartedly by the locals and generally falls during the last week of May. If you are also excited to enjoy such a lovely festival, then you must plan a visit to enjoy this joyful summery festival with your loved ones. It certainly offers a wonderful experience and leaves you with a lasting impression.

Yercaud Summer Festival

Festivals by Months


Discover vibrant festivals celebrated around the world each month, from colorful local traditions to grand international events.

FAQs About Fastivals In May

The Ooty Summer Festival is celebrated every year in the last week of the month. In this festival, more than 16000 varieties of flowers eventually enhance the tapestry of blooms from diverse corners of the world. Right from beautiful roses to lovely orchids and ethereal ballerinas, the event captivates the eyes of vacationers and compels them to have a wonderful experience with loved ones. So, one must plan to visit this beautiful yet attractive festival of flowers and give a treat to the eyes.

May is the peak season of summer, and during this season, not many festivals are being celebrated all over the city. However, some of the summer season festivals in India that you must attend or experience are the Moatsu Festival, Fire Walk, Dhungri Mela, Yercaud Summer Festival, Ooty Flower Festival, Buddha Purnima, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanthi, and Mt. Abu Summer Festival. These are some of the best festivals that you must visit and experience according to your preference. 

In 2024, the Mother’s Day celebration falls on the 12th of May, i.e. 2nd Sunday of the month. On this day, Mother’s Day is being celebrated by the entire country. Kids can try to make their mothers feel special on this occasion; therefore they plan several special things for their mothers as per their preference and choice.