From KLF To IFFI: Festivals To WATCH Out For In 2025 (image: Pixabay)

As 2025 unraveled, with all hopes and aspirations, what all cultural experiences awaiting in the festival calendar of India. Lets check out.

1. Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) 
    Dates: 23-26 January
Touted as the ‘Asia’s largest literature festival’ will held its eighth edition on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kerala’s Kozhikode, UNESCO City of Literature. A confluence of literature, art, culture, ideas and diversity, KLF features impressive line-up of speakers from various fields. Some of the notable speakers include International Booker Prize winner Jenny Erpenbeck (Kairos), and 2023 Booker Prize-winning author Paul Lynch, Nobel Prize winner Venki Ramakrishnan, violin maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam, journalist Sunitha Krishnan, and author Manu S. Pillai. KLF welcomes France as its guest country this time.

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2. Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF)
    Dates: 30 January – 3 February 
The 18th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) will be held at Jaipur’s Hotel Clarks Amer. Termed as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, the festival offers significant platform for debate, discussion and stories. More than 300 eminent speakers from diverse fields  will participate in the celebration for freedom of expression, thoughtful debates, and meaningful exchanges.

3. India Art Fair
     Dates: 6 – 9 February
Considered as one of the biggest event, India Art Fair aims to discover modern and contemporary art in South Asia. The fair will held at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, New Delhi, across a 20,000-sq-m. Aside from showcasing region’s most pioneering artists, it also offers, talks, performances, workshops, and projects.

4. Lollapalooza 
     Dates: 8 – 9 March 
Lollapalooza, a multi-genre musical festival is entering its third edition this year. Held in Mumbai, the two-day musical event is known for its diversity. The organisers have released the star-studded lineup, featuring artists from pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM, and techno. Notable names include Shawn Mendes, Louis Tomlinson, Glass Animals, Zedd, John Summit, Hanumankind, and Big Boi.

5. Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Music Festival (KRBF)
     Dates: 18 – 20 April
Held annually, Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Music Festival is conceptualised by Genesis Foundation. It is conducted at the Baikunth Resort in Kasauli, Himachal. The festival uses the funds they collected for helping critically ill, and underprivileged children suffering from Congenital Heart Disorder (CHD).

6. Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR)
    Dates: Second Saturday of August
The 71st edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha district. Named after former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru the boat race is conducted on the second Saturday of August annually. The fierce contest where Chundan vallams (snake boats) race through the waters, is an enthralling experience to witness.

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7. ZIRO Festival
    Dates: September (dates yet to be announced)
Considered as one of the most-anticipated music festival, Ziro Music Festival attracts music lovers from across the country and beyond. The four-day musical extravaganza celebrates cultural diversity, community spirit, and sustainability. The event takes place in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro, a town is known for breathtaking beauty and lively local culture.

8. International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
    Dates yet to be announced
An annual International Film Festival of India held in Goa is entering its 56 edition this year. The festival showcases phenomenon films from across the world and its goal is to provide a single platform for filmmakers and industry professionals.