Festivals in June in India 2024

In India, June is not the month all about the onset of monsoons. Still, it's a time when the country comes alive with vibrant festivals, each bearing a cultural significance and a spirit of joyous festivities in every corner of the country. From north to south, east to west, every region has its way of celebrating its traditions, heritage, and spirituality during this month. The festivals in June let you delve into the tapestry of cultural traditions of the country. In the northern part of the country, one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in June is Ganga Dusherra, which marks the descent of the holy river Ganga to earth.

During this festival, people travel to the banks of the River Ganga and take baths in the river, seeking blessings and offering prayers for spirituality and salvation. Now, let's move toward the western region of the country with the list of festivals in June 2024. The state of Maharashtra will observe the Ashadhi Ekadashi with great enthusiasm. This Hindu festival, celebrated in the month of Ashadha, signifies the beginning of the Chaturmas, a holy period that lasts for four months. Devotees worship the Lord Vithoba and Goddess Rukmini, seeking blessings for their prosperous and happy life.

Across India, another significant June festival is the Hemis Festival in Ladakh. This vibrant Hindu festival honors the Guru Padmasambhava, also known as the Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism in Ladakh. Travel to Hemis monastery in Ladakh and witness the monks performing the sacred mask dance, locally known as the Cham dances, depicting the various aspects of Buddhist mythologies and teachings. This festival in June also has colorful processions and traditional music, attracting many travelers from every corner of the world.

June months also witness one of the unique festivals in Assam, Guwahati, known as the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple. This festival in June celebrates the menstrual cycle of the Goddess Kamakhya, which symbolizes the fertility of the earth. Pilgrims from around the country come here, seek blessings, and participate in the rituals to experience the heightened spiritual energy and divine grace.

Festivals in June in India
offer a glimpse into a rich tapestry of its cultural and regional diversity. From the grandeur of the Ganga Dusherra to celebrating special days like Environment Day and Father’s Day in June, all these festivals reflect the deep-rooted traditions and the respective region's beliefs. As the country is all set to welcome the monsoons, it also embraces the cultural landscapes of the country through these joyous festivals.

List of 8 Festivals in June 2024 in India

1 Maharana Pratap Singh Jayanti
Date: 13 Jun 2024

Maharana Pratap Singh Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of one of the most revered and fearless warriors in Indian history, Maharana Pratap Singh. Born in the kingdom of Mewar, Maharana Pratap is celebrated for his indomitable spirit, unwavering courage, and fierce resistance against the Mughal Empire. On this auspicious day, tributes are paid to Maharana Pratap for his remarkable leadership during the tumultuous times of the 16th century. His legendary battles, particularly the Battle of Haldighati, where he confronted the mighty forces of Emperor Akbar, symbolize his relentless pursuit of freedom and sovereignty. Maharana Pratap Singh Jayanti reminds us of his enduring legacy, inspiring generations with his principles of bravery, integrity, and patriotism, making it one of the most widely celebrated festivals in June in Rajasthan. The nation honors his sacrifices and reaffirms its commitment to uphold the values he stood for, echoing the sentiments of bravery and heroism.

Maharana Pratap Singh Jayanti
2 Masik Durgashtami
Date: 14 Jun 2024

Masik Durgashtami, a significant Hindu festival in June, is observed with great reverence and devotion across India. Falling on the eighth day (Ashtami) of every month in the Hindu lunar calendar, it holds special significance as a day dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.
During Masik Durgashtami, devotees pray to seek Goddess Durga's blessings, symbolizing courage, strength, and protection. Special rituals and ceremonies are performed in temples and households, including reciting sacred mantras, offering flowers, and conducting elaborate aartis. The festival is particularly auspicious for those seeking relief from the malefic effects of planetary influences or overcoming life's obstacles and challenges. Observing fasts and performing dedicated worship on Masik Durgashtami is believed to bring devotees prosperity,happiness, and spiritual well-being. It also serves as a reminder of the divine feminine power and inspires devotees to embrace courage and resilience in the face of adversity. 

Masik Durgashtami
3 Ganga Dusherra
Date: 16 Jun 2024

Ganga Dusherra is the significant Hindu festival in June dedicated to Goddess Ganga. According to mythology, Gangavataran, or Ganga Dussehra, is said to be the day when Goddess Ganga came down to Earth from heaven. She decided to do so, to grant years-long prayers of Saint Bhagirath. The festival is celebrated for ten days, and the concluding day is called Shukla Dashami. Many people travel to the banks of the river Ganga in popular pilgrimage destinations like Haridwar and Rishikesh and bathe in the holy river water, chanting mantras dedicated to the goddess. As per the legends, worshipping Goddess Ganga during the festival allows one to eliminate ten sins. This is among the best festivals in June in India for spiritual people and those seeking a glimpse of true Hindu culture. In the evening, earthen lamps are floated in the river, and devotees sing devotional songs.

Ganga Dusherra
4 Father’s Day
Date: 16 Jun 2024

Father’s Day is a time for people to celebrate the men in their lives. It is a day for children to show appreciation for their fathers and father figures. For adults, it is a day to show how much they love and appreciate the hard work of the fathers and husbands in their lives. It is one of the prominent festivals in June that people celebrate enthusiastically. One can celebrate this special day for fathers in various ways. For example, one can purchase their special gifts, take them to see their favorite team matches, give them a day to spend on the golf course, or simply buy a card that tells them how awesome they are. Another way to celebrate Father’s Day is to host a cookout for all the fathers in the family (e.g., brothers, uncles, and grandfathers) to make them feel special.

 Father’s Day
5 Hemis Festival
Date: 16 Jun - to - 17 Jun 2024

The Hemis Festival is a grand event held on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar, usually in June or July. During this festival in June, you can enjoy the festivities and explore the beautiful landscapes and the monastery, surrounded by natural beauty. The Hemis Festival is one of the most important celebrations in Ladakh, held at the Hemis Gompa monastery. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated not only by local Buddhists but also by Buddhists from all over India and abroad, including tourists. The Hemis Ladakh festival starts early in the morning with the rhythmic sounds of cymbals, drums, and trumpets, creating a festive atmosphere. One can also witness the mystical mask dance known as Chams that takes center stage at the Hemis festival. Masked performers showcase lively dances, depicting stories of Buddhist mythologies and teachings.

Hemis Festival
6 Bakra Eid
Date: 16 Jun - to - 17 Jun 2024

Bakra Eid or Eid-Al-Adha, which translates to the ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’ in English, is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated throughout the world, the other being Eid-al-Fitr. On this day, the festivities symbolize devotion to Allah and his desires, making it one of the prominent festivals in June. It also marks the completion of Hajj for Muslims. According to the Islamic Lunar calendar, the festival is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. People from the Muslim community wear new clothes and visit a mosque to offer their prayers and wish for peace and prosperity. After the namaz, a goat or sheep is sacrificed and divided into three parts to distribute among family, friends, relatives, and the poor. Muslim families visit their near and dear ones, wish them Eid Mubarak, and distribute special dishes and sweets that symbolize joy, love, generosity, and gratitude.

Bakra Eid
7 International Day of Yoga
Date: 21 Jun 2024

The month of June comes with the celebration of yoga. International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 every year to spread awareness about the Vedic practice, yoga, and meditation, making it one of the best festivals in June in India. The word yoga means to unite or to join. This symbolizes the union of body and consciousness, and the philosophy originated in India about 5,000 years ago. One of the original goals of yoga was spiritual growth. Another goal was mastery over the physical and mental body. Today, two billion people around the world do yoga, some as a form of exercise and others to relieve stress. They have discovered all of yoga's health benefits, which are attributed to its growing popularity. The celebration encourages yoga practitioners and studios around the world to hold family-friendly yoga classes. They host them in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations.

 International Day of Yoga
8 Ambubachi Mela
Date: 22 Jun - to - 26 Jun 2024

One of the unique festivals in June month is the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, Guwahati. This festival lasts for 3 days every year in June, and the Kamakhya Temple remains shut as the presiding Goddess, Devi Kamakhya, undergoes menstruation. The word “Ambu” means water, and “Vasi” or “Bachi” means flowing. The Ambubachi Mela is observed during the monsoon season in the month of ‘Ashara’ as per the Assamese/ Bengali calendar, beginning with the seventh day, which falls around the 21st or 22nd of June of the Gregorian Calendar. During these days, devotees are barred from cooking, undertaking agricultural activities, performing puja, and reading holy books. Post the 3 days, the Goddess is bathed, and various rituals are performed for her to regain her purity supposedly. People also purify their households on the fourth day by sprinkling sacred water over home items, utensils, and clothes.

Ambubachi Mela

Festivals by Months


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

FAQs About Fastivals In June

The festival of Ganga Dusherra starts on the Amavasya night (waxing moon) of the Hindu calendar and ends on Dashami tithi (10th Day). An Aarti takes place on Ganga Dusshera, which is held on the bank of the river in the popular pilgrimage destinations of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and many more. The Ganga Dussehra festival in June is about cleansing the soul by bathing in the sacred River of Ganga. After taking a bath, people meditate on the River Ganges banks. Many devotees worship the prosperous and seek energy to deal with challenges in life.

To make the most of your festival experience in India during June, it's essential to plan. Research the specific festival you wish to attend, including its dates, customs, and preferred attire. Be prepared for large crowds, especially at popular festivals like the Hemis Festival,  Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple, and Ganga Dussehra. Additionally, ensure you have accommodation booked well in advance, as hotels tend to fill up quickly during festive seasons. Lastly, keep an open mind and immerse yourself fully in the cultural extravaganza for an unforgettable experience.

Hemis festival is one of the prominent festivals in June and is popularly famous among travelers and Buddhism followers. It is a celebration of the history of good over bad. It is believed that Vajrayana Buddhism assisted Lord Padamsambhav in conquering the negative forces. Thus, the locals of Ladakh celebrate this day by chanting sounds of beats and sacred mask dances known as Cham Dance, depicting Buddhist mythologies and tales.