From flag hoisting and firecrackers to dahi handi and dancing around idols, August 2025 has it all. With at least five major festivals packed into 31 days, this month turns into a cultural carnival across India. Whether you’re planning a trip, looking forward to family reunions, or just here for the modaks and rakhis, there’s something to look forward to every week.
Triple Holiday Bonanza: Friday, 15 August
Mid-month, Friday, 15 August turns into a rare trifecta of festivals. First, the country observes Independence Day, marking the 78th anniversary of freedom from British rule. The national flag will be hoisted across government buildings and homes, patriotic songs will echo through schools and streets, and citizens will honour the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who made it all possible.
The same day also marks Parsi New Year, or Nauraj, a time of prayers, family gatherings, and feasting for the Parsi community. Dressed in traditional attire, Parsis visit fire temples and greet each other with joy and hope for the year ahead.
Adding to the mix is Janmashtami (Smarta), the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth. Devotees fast, chant bhajans, and decorate their homes and temples with flowers and images of baby Krishna. The midnight birth of the deity is marked with much devotion, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna is believed to have spent his early years.
Janmashtami 2025: Saturday, 16 August
For other sects and regions, Janmashtami (General) is celebrated on Saturday, 16 August. Temples across the country host dramatic performances of Ras Leela, depicting Krishna’s life stories. Children dress up as Krishna and Radha, and in some cities, the Dahi Handi ritual adds excitement as groups form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high above the ground.
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Wednesday, 27 August
Towards the end of the month, Ganesh Chaturthi arrives on Wednesday, 27 August, bringing with it the sound of drums, chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," and the unmistakable aroma of modaks. Celebrated with grandeur in Maharashtra and across India, devotees install clay idols of Lord Ganesha at home and in public pandals, offering prayers, sweets, and songs over ten days. It’s a time of devotion, community celebration, and environmental awareness as more people adopt eco-friendly idols and sustainable practices.
From siblings tying rakhis to communities welcoming Lord Ganesha, August 2025 is a reminder of India’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s fasting, feasting, praying or parading, each festival brings people together, adding colour and meaning to our everyday lives.
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Saturday, 9 August
August kicks off with the heart-warming festival of Raksha Bandhan on Saturday, 9 August. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi, a sacred thread, on their brothers’ wrists, symbolising love, protection, and lifelong support. In return, brothers offer gifts and promises to safeguard their sisters. Over the years, Raksha Bandhan has evolved beyond the brother-sister bond and is now celebrated among cousins, close friends, and even across communities. It’s a day where sweets are exchanged, childhood memories are relived, and family ties grow stronger.Triple Holiday Bonanza: Friday, 15 August
Mid-month, Friday, 15 August turns into a rare trifecta of festivals. First, the country observes Independence Day, marking the 78th anniversary of freedom from British rule. The national flag will be hoisted across government buildings and homes, patriotic songs will echo through schools and streets, and citizens will honour the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who made it all possible.The same day also marks Parsi New Year, or Nauraj, a time of prayers, family gatherings, and feasting for the Parsi community. Dressed in traditional attire, Parsis visit fire temples and greet each other with joy and hope for the year ahead.
Adding to the mix is Janmashtami (Smarta), the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth. Devotees fast, chant bhajans, and decorate their homes and temples with flowers and images of baby Krishna. The midnight birth of the deity is marked with much devotion, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna is believed to have spent his early years.
Janmashtami 2025: Saturday, 16 August
For other sects and regions, Janmashtami (General) is celebrated on Saturday, 16 August. Temples across the country host dramatic performances of Ras Leela, depicting Krishna’s life stories. Children dress up as Krishna and Radha, and in some cities, the Dahi Handi ritual adds excitement as groups form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high above the ground.Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Wednesday, 27 August
Towards the end of the month, Ganesh Chaturthi arrives on Wednesday, 27 August, bringing with it the sound of drums, chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," and the unmistakable aroma of modaks. Celebrated with grandeur in Maharashtra and across India, devotees install clay idols of Lord Ganesha at home and in public pandals, offering prayers, sweets, and songs over ten days. It’s a time of devotion, community celebration, and environmental awareness as more people adopt eco-friendly idols and sustainable practices.From siblings tying rakhis to communities welcoming Lord Ganesha, August 2025 is a reminder of India’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s fasting, feasting, praying or parading, each festival brings people together, adding colour and meaning to our everyday lives.
