15 Famous Festivals of Delhi in 2025 You’ll Kick Yourself for Missing

My 20 years in Delhi give me the confidence to say that 2025 will be an extraordinary year for the city’s famous festivals. So here is the list of 15 Famous Festivals of Delhi The electrifying Sunburn Festival starts January with top DJs, while the massive Indian Sneaker Festival brings global sensation 21 Savage. The city’s event calendar brims with excitement.

Delhi’s 2025 festivals offer something special for everyone—music lovers, foodies, and art enthusiasts alike. Ammy Virk headlines the biggest Punjabi music celebration at The Burrah Project 3.0. The city’s finest local delicacies take centre stage at the Delhi Street Food Festival from January 15 to 18.

Delhi’s cultural scene buzzes with activity. The Delhi International Art Festival showcases talented Indian and international artists. Classical music and dance come alive at the prestigious Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Nritya Mahotsav. The spectacular Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path remains free for all visitors.

This curated list of 15 must-visit festivals will reshape Delhi’s cultural scene in 2025. These events promise unforgettable experiences.

Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Festival

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My two decades of regular attendance at the Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Festival have convinced me that it remains Delhi’s most prestigious classical music celebration. This year’s festival runs from January 10-12, 2025, at the iconic Sir Shankarlal Hall, Modern School, Barakhamba Road.

Classical Music Performances

The festival features an exceptional lineup of classical maestros. On the opening evening, Ustad F. Wasifuddin Dagar’s vocal recital excites me the most, along with Ustad Shujaat Khan’s mesmerizing sitar performance and Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia’s soul-stirring flute renditions. The second day promises an extraordinary jugalbandi between Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt’s Mohan Veena and Pt. Salil Bhatt’s Satvik Veena.

Dance Performances

Dr Uma Sharma’s Kathak performance creates an artistic pinnacle on the final day. Her disciples join her in presenting traditional compositions that breathe life into ancient stories through graceful movements and expressive gestures.

Festival History

The festival’s origins date back to 1971 in Vrindavan, at Swami Haridas’s samadhi. The festival found its permanent home in Delhi in 2000 and has since grown into a cultural phenomenon that draws crowds of over 3,000 people. This celebration honours the guru-shishya tradition and commemorates saint-musician Swami Haridas’s legacy along with his legendary disciple Tansen.

Key Festival Highlights:

• Free entry to encourage young music enthusiasts

• Traditional mehfil and setting

• Performances start at 6:00 PM each evening.

• Indoor heated venue with refreshments available

The Burrah Project Festival

I’ve been to every single edition of The Burrah Project, and it’s hands down Delhi’s most energetic Punjabi music festival. The cultural extravaganza is coming back to Major Dhyanchand Stadium in 2025, and it’s going to be bigger than ever.

Punjabi Music Performances

The festival brings together an impressive lineup of Punjabi music stars. Notable performers include:

• Garry Sandhu (Known for Yeah Baby, Illegal Weapon)

• Ammy Virk (Famous for Qismat, Regret)

• Gurnazar (Hit tracks like Dil Tu Jaan Tu)

• Simran Choudhary

• Sukh-E

Festival Food and Drinks

The Burrah Project’s food scene is incredible. You’ll find an endless array of authentic Punjabi delicacies, from butter-laden naans to spicy chaats. The venue has plenty of drink options that make it a dream spot for food lovers.

Festival Atmosphere

The Burrah Project celebrates Punjab’s vibrant culture in every way possible. Last year’s festival drew over 20,000 people, and the electric atmosphere included:

• Bhangra and Gilda’s performances

• Interactive cultural zones

• Dance-offs and fitness challenges

• Comedy acts

• Food-eating contests

The festival space comes alive with colours and traditional motifs, giving you perfect photo spots everywhere you look. Last year’s setup had two stages – a main stage for headlining acts and a smaller one that hosted college performances and DJ sets.

Asian Hawkers Market

The Asian Hawkers Market stands out as Delhi’s best celebration of Pan-Asian cuisine. This amazing three-day food festival at Select CITYWALK brings the finest Asian flavours together.

Asian Food Stalls

We focused on small plates that let people taste a wide range of dishes. The menu highlights include:

• Traditional sushi and sashimi

• Authentic dim sums and pork buns

• Tempura and stir-fries

• Southeast Asian delicacies

The festival showcases popular spots like Pa Pa Ya, Burma Burma, Mamagoto, and Youmee. Notwithstanding that, this event’s real charm lies in tasting dishes from restaurants you might skip otherwise.

Asian Market Activities

The festival goes beyond just food to create a great family experience. The venue has areas for different activities and a special kids’ corner. People who love shopping can browse through stalls with Asian merchandise, jewellery, and accessories.

Asian Cultural Shows

The atmosphere buzzes with performances throughout the three days. Here’s what you’ll find:

The festival has grown bigger since it started in 2015, and I’ve seen it become one of Delhi’s most predicted food events. My tip – visit the ring early evening hours. The weather feels perfect then and every stall runs at full steam.

Comic-Con Delhi

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My twenty years of visiting Delhi’s festivals have shown me how Comic Con Delhi has become the city’s biggest pop culture celebration. The spectacular event will return to NSIC Grounds in Okhla from December 6-8.

Comic-Con Exhibitions

The festival brings together publishing houses and artists in a vibrant atmosphere. The upcoming launches get me excited, especially “Little by Little” by Somesh Kumar and “Tales of Orin: The Parent Tamer” by Bakarmaxx. Fans can also enjoy exclusive experiences from Marvel, DC, and WWE.

Comic-Con Cosplay

The festival’s crown jewel is its cosplay competition, which offers a prize pool of over INR 5 Lacs. My experience shows these popular categories:

Comic-Con Shopping

The festival features over 200+ stalls that sell exclusive merchandise you won’t easily find anywhere else. You’ll find:

• Limited edition comics and collectibles

• Gaming experiences with the latest VR technology

• Exclusive fan merchandise from global brands

• Artist-signed memorabilia

The event has grown remarkably since 2011, when it started with just 13 cosplayers. Now it attracts thousands of pop culture enthusiasts. The 2025 edition will feature an expanded gaming arena and food options that will delight visitors.

Kite Flying Festival

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My 20-year journey with Delhi’s cultural scene has shown me how the Kite Flying Festival has become one of the city’s most beloved celebrations. The vibrant festival happens during Makar Sankranti in January and Independence Day in August and fills Delhi’s skies with countless colourful kites.

Kite Festival Traditions

The festival runs deep in cultural significance. We celebrated it mainly at venues like Palika Bazaar and the historic Chandni Chowk. The tradition grew stronger during India’s freedom struggle as kites became symbols of protest against British rule. The 2025 festival will showcase two major competitive events – the Fighter Kite Competition and the Display FlShowcasewcase.

Kite Festival Activities

The festival brings exciting activities to life:

• Professional kite flying demonstrations

• International kite design exhibitions

• Cultural performances including Bhangra and Bihu

• Kite-making Workshops for children.

The competition categories are set up this way:

Kite Festival Food

The festival’s culinary experience is exceptional. Haveli Dharampura’s unique Kite-Flying and Hi-Tea event gives you amazing views of Old Delhi while you enjoy Indian and international delicacies. Traditional street food stalls across the festival grounds create an authentic festival atmosphere.

The 2025 edition allows only cotton thread kites to keep everyone safe and protect the environment. From my experience, the early morning hours work best for kite flying because of ideal wind conditions.

Wedding Asia Exhibition

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My twenty years of covering Delhi’s premier events have shown that the Wedding Asia Exhibition is the city’s most awaited bridal showcase. The grand exhibition will take place at New Delhi’s prestigious venue on April 4th and 5th.

Wedding Fashion Shows

The exhibition features stunning collections from prominent designers like Aditya Khandelwal, Ginni Khattar, and Bespoke by Tarun & Vikas. The fashion shows display:

• Contemporary bridal couture

• Traditional wedding ensembles

• Luxury accessories and footwear

• Designer jewellery collections

Wedding Exhibition Stalls

The exhibition brings together over 5,000 exhibitors to create a one-stop destination for wedding planning. Leading brands like Sinjini Jewelers, Prithviraj Jewels, and Diamond Constellation will showcase their collections. The 2025 schedule spans across major cities:

Wedding Planning Events

Without a doubt, this exhibition’s detailed approach to wedding planning sets it apart. The event caters to people of all cultures and communities and provides everything from home furnishing to wedding invitations. The exhibition has grown to include special sessions on destination weddings and themed celebrations.

Expert consultations at the exhibition are a great way to get guidance for couples planning their 2025-26 weddings. My experience covering Delhi’s festivals shows that Wedding Asia’s mix of tradition and contemporary style makes it a must-visit event.

Delhi Book Fair

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My 20-year journey through Delhi’s cultural scene makes me excited about the 51st New Delhi World Book Fair. The event runs from February 1-9, 2025, at the new Halls 2-6 of Bharat Mandapam.

Book Fair Exhibitions

The 2025 fair brings together more than 2000 exhibitors, making it the biggest yet. Over the years, I’ve seen this event become a literary giant that features:

• International publishing houses

• Regional language publishers

• Educational institutions

• Digital content creators

Book Fair Author Meets

The 2025 edition goes beyond traditional book launches with the YUVA-Prime Minister’s Scheme. This program highlights 75 young authors chosen through a nationwide competition. Authors’ Corner buzzes with panel discussions and book launches throughout the nine-day celebration.

Book Fair Activities

You’ll find something exciting at every turn. Here’s what the fair offers:

The 2025 edition keeps its classic charm while adding fresh elements like the Rights Table. Publishers can now connect through B2B matchmaking sessions. Visitors will soon experience the Theme Pavilion’s creative magic, designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. The pavilion showcases unique installations and artefacts.

My tip? Visit on weekday mornings to skip the crowds and soak in the literary atmosphere. The fair welcomes visitors daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore its rich offerings.

Delhi Flower Show

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My passion for gardening has led me to attend every Delhi Flower Show since 2005. The upcoming 67th Annual Flower Show 2025 will change the Gautam Buddha Centenary Garden into a botanical paradise.

Flower Show Displays

The show will feature an impressive array of botanical wonders. Special attractions have:

• Exotic orchids and rare succulents

• Medicinal and herbal plants

• Unique cacti collections

• Artistic floral arrangements

Flower Show Competitions

You’ll find multiple competitive categories with substantial prizes. Here’s what you can expect:

The 2025 edition brings something new – the Best Mali Award that recognizes our garden maintenance heroes.

Flower Show Shopping

You’ll discover many stalls with gardening equipment and plants at the exhibition grounds. Visitors can buy the exhibited flowers and learn flowering techniques. The shopping area has sections for:

• Garden equipment (stall charges: Rs. 1500)

• General category items (stall charges: Rs. 3000)

My two decades of experience tell me the best time to visit is early morning. You’ll avoid crowds and get perfect photography opportunities. The show runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Lil Flea Delhi

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My visits to countless festivals in Delhi have shown me that Lil Flea Delhi is the city’s most vibrant shopping and entertainment festival. The festival started as a small market gathering and grew into a lively celebration that features over 250 handpicked homegrown brands.

Flea Market Stalls

You’ll find an amazing selection of contemporary apparel, quirky printed shoes, and hand jewellery at the festival. Local artisans and designers make this market truly special. The Dhyan Chand National Stadium has become a shopper’s paradise with well-organized sections for different product categories.

Flea Market Food

Lil Flea’s food scene is exceptional with more than 50 artisanal food and dessert stalls. Here are some must-try items I’ve found:

• Gourmet delights from acclaimed chefs

• Authentic regional cuisines

• Fusion desserts and beverages

• Health-conscious meal options

Flea Market Entertainment

The festival keeps everyone busy throughout the day with various activities:

The festival’s pet-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for family outings. My experience with Delhi’s festival scene tells me that early evening hours are best to enjoy both shopping and entertainment activities.

London Market

My 20 years of learning about Delhi’s luxury shopping scene have taught me that London Market is the city’s most sophisticated fashion exhibition. This one-day event moves through premium venues in Delhi NCR throughout the year.

Fashion Exhibition Highlights

We showcased an impressive lineup of talented designers in multiple categories. Notable collections include:

• Pret & Couture wear

• Designer Jewellery

• Kids and teen fashion

• Home linen & décor

• Footwear and accessories

Market Shopping Experience

The shopping categories are hosted thoughtfully to improve visitor experience:

The exhibition offers bespoke tailoring services that are perfect for customized fashion solutions.

Market Entertainment

The 2025 edition celebrates the vibrant ’60s fashion era with an exciting atmosphere that includes:

• Live music performances

• Refreshment stations serving mojitos and coffee

• Art exhibitions featuring original prints

• Interactive designer meets

London Market stands out for its steadfast dedication to showcasing both established names and emerging talent from India. My experience suggests you should visit early in the day to see the extensive collection of over 135 exhibitions.

The Grub Fest

The Grub Fest has grown into Delhi’s largest food festival during my two decades as the city’s premier food curator. The culinary extravaganza will take place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on September 28-29, 2025, and promises an unmatched experience.

Grub Fest Food Stalls

The festival showcases over 100 food stalls and pop-ups from top local restaurants and international chains. The impressive lineup that excites me has:

• Indie QLA’s European fine dining

• Perilicious’s continental delights

• Social’s innovative beverages

• Mumbai’s Akina and Nom Nom

Grub Fest Entertainment

The festival’s entertainment lineup features performances by renowned artists. Here’s what you can expect:

Grub Fest Activities

The festival goes beyond food and music to create amazing experiences. The 2025 edition has a Ferris Wheel with breathtaking city views, themed photo booths, and a chocolate fountain station. The Beer Garden’s rustic wooden accents and cosy seating make it perfect to enjoy craft brews.

The festival’s charm comes from its Picnic Park for families and the ‘mini’ stage that hosts acoustic performances. My years of experience suggest visiting the ring early evening hours. The festival atmosphere reaches its peak at that time.

NASVI Street Food Festival

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I’ve spent decades enjoying Delhi’s street food treasures, and I can’t wait for the NASVI Street Food Festival at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This amazing festival brings talented vendors from more than 25 states and union territories together.

Street Food Varieties

The festival showcases regional delicacies that will make your mouth water. Here are some dishes you shouldn’t miss:

The festival’s Chai Chowk stands out with tea varieties from 8 different states.

Cultural Performances

The evenings light up with entertainment that includes:

• Traditional dance performances

• Kavi Samelan (poetry sessions)

• Creative artistic displays

Festival Activities

This festival delivers more than just food. It strengthens vendors through several initiatives. Ten special booths showcase food processing with items like pickles and banana chips. The festival’s zero-waste programs and biodegradable cutlery show its dedication to sustainability.

The festival opens at 11 AM with an entry fee of ₹180 per person. My years of experience with Delhi’s food scene tell me that early evening is the best time to visit. You’ll get to enjoy both amazing food and cultural performances.

Palate Fest

After curating Delhi’s food festival scene for over two decades, I can say the Palate Fest 2025 will be the most refined culinary celebration yet. This award-winning food festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium creates a unique blend of flavours and experiences.

Gourmet Food Offerings

The festival showcases an impressive array of culinary delights from over 50 premium stalls. I’ve tasted dishes from renowned establishments like:

• Soulinaire’s Sour Cherry Dahi Bhalla

• Burgerama’s triple patty burgers

• Kylin’s Asian specialities

• Red Moon Bakery’s artisanal desserts

Chef Demonstrations

The Master Chef Demo Zone brings culinary expertise through engaging sessions. Notable demonstrations include:

Festival Experience

The festival stands out with its detailed entertainment lineup. Visitors can enjoy an ice-skating rink, Segway rides, and a dedicated Kids Zone. The gaming truck adds an exciting element of fun for younger visitors.

The festival shows its steadfast dedication to sustainability by serving all food in specially designed eco-friendly serveware. As someone who has watched Delhi’s culinary development, I can say that Palate Fest strikes a perfect balance between traditional flavours and contemporary dining experiences.

Delhi International Film Festival

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Being a film enthusiast who has documented Delhi’s cultural development for two decades, I’m thrilled about the 12th Delhi International Film Festival 2025. The festival runs from January 4-10 in New Delhi. This year’s program will showcase 197 outstanding films from 56 countries.

Film Screenings

The festival puts African cinema in the spotlight this year. Movie lovers can enjoy screenings that feature:

• World Cinema selections

• Regional Indian films

• Documentary features

• Animation showcases

• Short film collections

Film Festival Events

The festival gives filmmakers a chance to showcase their work through several competitive categories. The awards structure includes:

Celebrity Appearances

The festival will honour legendary Sholay director Ramesh Sippy with the Lifetime Achievement Award. We’ll also see a heartfelt tribute to the late Irrfan Khan and celebrate Piyush Mishra’s contributions to cinema.

Nearly 5,000 attendees will grace the festival, including film personalities, artists, diplomats, and political dignitaries. From my experience covering previous editions, you shouldn’t miss the spectacular opening ceremony. It perfectly sets the mood for this week-long celebration of cinema.

Dilli Haat Food Festival

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My best memories of Delhi’s festivals come from the amazing food I’ve found at Dilli Haat over the past 20 years. The food plaza brings together 25 stalls that showcase India’s regional cuisines in all their glory.

Regional Cuisines

Each state’s food stall brings authentic flavours that let you experience India’s culinary diversity. The food options include:

Cultural Shows

The venue’s open-air amphitheatre comes alive with vibrant cultural performances. I had the chance to see Him Mahotsav 2025, which featured traditional Himachali Dham and beautiful Gaddi dance performances from Kangra.

Shopping Experience

India’s finest handicrafts fill the shopping area. Some of my favorite finds include:

• Traditional textiles from Banarasi silk to Kashmiri shawls

• Handcrafted jewellery and pottery

• Intricate paintings including Madhubani and Warli art

The items on display change often, so each visit brings something new to discover. Regional food festivals happen throughout the year and give visitors a chance to taste authentic dishes from different states. This festival stands out because it brings together amazing food, cultural shows, and shopping all in one place.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

My twenty years of experiencing Delhi’s festival scene tell me that 2025 will be an amazing year for culture, food, and entertainment. The city’s rich diversity shines through 15 different festivals. You’ll find everything from classical music at Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Festival to pop culture excitement at Comic Con Delhi.

These festivals are a chance to experience something special. You can taste street food from 25 states at NASVI, watch global films at DIFF, or fly kites with Delhi’s historic monuments as your backdrop during Makar Sankranti. I love wandering through the food trails at Dilli Haat and getting lost in the magical performances at The Burrah Project.

Smart planning makes a big difference. Grab your tickets early for the popular ones like Comic Con and The Grub Fest. The food festivals are best in the early evening when the vibe is perfect and crowds aren’t overwhelming. Cultural events like the Delhi Book Fair and Wedding Asia Exhibition are more enjoyable in the morning. That’s when you get quality time with exhibitors.

These festivals tell Delhi’s cultural story beautifully. You can learn about many more hidden gems in India’s festival calendar. What makes these celebrations truly special is knowing how to bring people together and create lifelong memories.

FAQs

Q1. What are some of the most popular festivals in Delhi for 2025?

Some of the top festivals in Delhi for 2025 include the Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Festival in January, Comic Con Delhi in December, the Kite Flying Festival during Makar Sankranti, the Delhi International Film Festival in January, and The Grub Fest in September.

Q2. Which festival in Delhi is best for food lovers?

Food enthusiasts should not miss the NASVI Street Food Festival, which showcases authentic street food from over 25 states and union territories. The Grub Fest and Palate Fest are also excellent choices, featuring gourmet offerings from top restaurants and chefs.

Q3. Are there any cultural festivals in Delhi that showcase Indian traditions?

Yes, the Swami Haridas Tansen Sangeet Festival celebrates classical Indian music and dance, while the Kite Flying Festival during Makar Sankranti is a colourful display of traditional kite flying. The Dilli Haat Food Festicolourfulrs a year-round taste of regional Indian cuisines and cultural performances.

Q4. What can visitors expect at Comic Con Delhi?

Comic-Con Delhi features exhibitions from various publishing houses, eComic-Confan experiences, a cosplay competition with significant prize money, and over 200 stalls offering merchandise, gaming experiences, and collectables.

Q5. Is there a festival in Delhi that combines shopping collectables?

The Lil Flea Delhi is an excellent choice for those seeking both shopping and entertainment. It features over 250 homegrown brands, food stalls, live band performances, and interactive workshops, all in a pet-friendly environment.