Events in Rishikesh | Best time to Visit

Rishikesh, often called the “Yoga Capital of the World,” is a vibrant place with numerous festivals and events that reflect its spiritual and cultural richness, as well as its adventurous side. Here’s a detailed overview:

Major Festival Events in Rishikesh

International Yoga Festival:
Typically held in the first week of March (e.g., March 1-7), this is a globally renowned event in Rishikesh attracting yoga enthusiasts from all over the world. It features a wide array of yoga workshops, meditation sessions, spiritual lectures by revered teachers, and cultural performances. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is a common venue. This festival provides a deep dive into mindfulness, health, and inner peace against the serene backdrop of the Ganges.

In 2025, the Rishikesh Kirtan Fest, a 21-day festival focused on Kirtan (devotional singing and dancing), workshops, and satsangs, ran from February 20th to March 25th. This highlights the ongoing spiritual vibrancy of the area.

Holi:
The festival of colors is celebrated with a spiritual touch in Rishikesh. Unlike the often boisterous celebrations elsewhere, Rishikesh observes Holi with more serenity. People gather at ashrams and along the riverbanks, applying colors, singing devotional songs, and dancing to traditional music.

Ganga Dussehra:
Celebrates the descent of the holy Ganges to Earth, usually in May or June. Devotees gather at the ghats for ritual dips, believing it cleanses sins. The riverbanks are beautifully lit with lamps, and Vedic chants resonate in the air. In 2025, Ganga Dussehra was on June 5th.

Maha Shivaratri:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, usually in February or March. Devotees fast, chant mantras, and offer prayers at temples like Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The city is decorated, and night-long vigils with devotional singing create a powerful spiritual atmosphere. In 2025, Maha Shivaratri was on February 26th.

Kanwar Yatra:
Typically in July-August during the Sawan month, thousands of devotees (Kanwariyas) carry holy water from the Ganges to offer at Shiva temples. Rishikesh becomes a bustling hub of saffron-clad pilgrims.

Rishikesh Music Festival:
Features performances by classical artists, folk musicians, and contemporary bands. The “Rhythm of Life-Rishikesh Music Festival” was held on May 14-15, 2022, showcasing a blend of sub-continental and global artists.

Beatles Festival:
Celebrates the connection of the iconic band with Rishikesh, where they once stayed. The festival includes music, art workshops, yoga, and cultural performances, often held at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram (Beatles Ashram). A Beatles Festival was held from February 15-17, 2025.

Phool Dei:
A traditional festival of Uttarakhand marking the arrival of spring, usually in March. Local children scatter flowers at doorsteps and sing folk songs to bring prosperity. In 2025, Phool Dei was on March 14th.

Sawan Festival:
Celebrated during the monsoon month of Sawan (July-August), dedicated to Lord Shiva with fasting and special rituals at temples.

Basant Panchami:
Usually in February, this festival welcomes the spring season and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (goddess of knowledge, music, and learning). People wear yellow clothes and eat yellow rice.

Other Events

International Kayak Festival: Attracts water sports enthusiasts for kayaking competitions on the Ganges rapids, adding an adventurous element to Rishikesh’s events.

Ganga Kayak Festival: Similar to the International Kayak Festival, it’s a gathering for the kayaking community with competitions on the river. A past event was held from February 17-19, 2023.

Various yoga retreats, workshops, and teacher training courses are ongoing events in Rishikesh, given its status as a yoga hub. Many ashrams and centers organize these regularly.