7 Unmissable Festivals & Events in South India – 2026

If you’re planning a trip to South India in 2026, you are in for a real treat! This part of India is famous for its bright colors, amazing music, and very old traditions that are still alive today. Visiting during a festival is the best way to see the "real" South India and make memories that last a lifetime.

Here are seven amazing festivals you shouldn't miss in 2026.

1. Pongal: The Happy Harvest

Image credit: Sikkim Express

Pongal is a way for people to say "thank you" to nature and the sun for a good harvest. People decorate their homes with beautiful floor art called Kolams and cook delicious rice in little clay pots.

• Date: January 14 – 17, 2026

• Location: All over Tamil Nadu (Madurai is a great spot to visit)

• Don't Miss: Mattu Pongal on Jan 16—this is when people decorate their cows with bells and paint their horns!

• Must-Try Food: Sakkarai Pongal (sweet rice with jaggery) and Venn Pongal (savory rice with pepper).

• Nearby Places: The beautiful Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai.

• Stay Option: Local heritage hotels or cozy homestays in the countryside.

2. Kochi-Muziris Biennale (Art Festival)

Image credit: Artforum

This is a massive art show where artists from all over the world display their work in old, beautiful buildings by the sea. It’s perfect if you love walking around, taking photos, and seeing cool, modern art.

• Date: Open until March 31, 2026

• Location: Fort Kochi, Kerala

• Don't Miss: The giant art pieces at Aspinwall House right next to the ocean.

• Must-Try Food: The famous chocolate cake at Kashi Art Cafe.

• Nearby Places: Jew Town for cool old souvenirs and spices.

• Stay Option: A friendly boutique hotel or a "Zostel" if you’re on a budget.

3. Chithirai Thiruvizha

Image credit: Travel2Tamilnadu

This is a huge 10-day celebration that tells the story of a goddess getting married! The whole city feels like one big party with huge parades and music.

• Date: April 19 – 30, 2026

• Location: Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

• Don't Miss: The Golden Horse Parade, where a god "enters" the river on a beautiful horse statue.

• Must-Try Food: Jigarthanda—it’s a cold, sweet milky drink that is perfect for the heat.

• Nearby Places: The Gandhi Museum to learn a bit of history.

• Stay Option: Hotel Royal Court or any hotel near the temple.

4. Thrissur Pooram (The Elephant Festival)

Image credit: thrissurpooramfestival.com

This is one of the most famous festivals in India. You’ll see 30 elephants standing in a line, decorated in gold, while hundreds of drummers play together. It’s loud, exciting, and very grand!

• Date: April 27, 2026

• Location: Thrissur, Kerala

• Don't Miss: The Kudamattam—where people on top of the elephants quickly swap bright, colorful umbrellas.

• Must-Try Food: Local Thrissur Halwa (a sweet, jelly-like treat).

• Nearby Places: The stunning Athirappilly Waterfalls (about 2 hours away).

• Stay Option: Hyatt Regency Thrissur or smaller local lodges.

5. Onam: The Big Feast

Onam is a 10-day festival to welcome back a legendary king. People make huge flower patterns on the ground and participate in exciting boat races.

• Date: August 26, 2026 (Main day)

• Location: All over Kerala

• Don't Miss: The Snake Boat Races in Alappuzha. These boats are huge and have over 100 rowers!

• Must-Try Food: The Onam Sadya—a giant lunch with over 20 different items served on a banana leaf.

• Nearby Places: A relaxing Houseboat cruise on the Kerala backwaters.

• Stay Option: A backwater resort or a traditional family homestay.

6. Mysore Dasara

In Mysore, they celebrate the victory of good over evil with royal style. The famous Mysore Palace is lit up with 100,000 light bulbs every night—it looks like a fairy tale!

• Date: October 11 – 20, 2026

• Location: Mysuru, Karnataka

• Don't Miss: The Jumbo Savari on the last day—a parade with a golden carriage carried by an elephant.

• Must-Try Food: Mysore Pak (a melt-in-your-mouth sweet made of ghee).

• Nearby Places: Chamundi Hill for a great view of the whole city.

• Stay Option: The Lalitha Mahal Palace if you want to feel like royalty.

7. Hampi Utsav

Hampi is an ancient city of stone ruins. During this festival, the old temples are lit up at night, and there are music and dance performances everywhere.

• Date: Early November 2026 (Dates to be confirmed)

• Location: Hampi, Karnataka

• Don't Miss: The Light and Sound show that tells the story of the ancient empire.

• Must-Try Food: Jolada Roti (a healthy flatbread) with spicy curry.

• Nearby Places: Sanapur Lake for a fun ride in a round bamboo boat called a coracle.

• Stay Option: Evolve Back for luxury, or a cozy guest house in Hampi Bazaar.

Final Words

South India is a very friendly place, and visiting during these festivals is the best way to see its heart. Whether you like the giant elephants of Kerala or the bright lights of Mysore, 2026 is a great year to visit. Just remember to book your hotels early, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the delicious food.