Festivals
Festivals and events in Kota
Written by Kota Rajasthan Editorial Team · Updated
Kota’s festival year follows the Hindu lunar calendar, so most dates move by a few weeks from one year to the next. The biggest event by far is the Rashtriya Dussehra Mela in October, but the city and the Hadoti region celebrate much more: kites on Makar Sankranti, Holi, Gangaur processions in spring, Teej in the monsoon, Janmashtami at the Krishna temples and fairs at the old temple towns.
We publish dates only once the organisers have announced them. If a date below says “check”, it has not been announced yet or changes every year.
Kota Dussehra Mela 2026
- Kota Dussehra Mela 2026: 133rd Rashtriya Dussehra Mela, 11 Oct to 5 Nov: Kota Dussehra Mela 2026 runs from 11 October to 5 November at Dussehra Maidan, with Ravan Dahan on Tuesday 20 October. Key dates, venue and how to go.
- Kota Dussehra Mela 2026 Programme List: 11 Oct to 5 Nov: The full 26-day programme of the 133rd Rashtriya Dussehra Mela in Kota as a date, time and venue table: Ramlila, Ravan Dahan on 20 October and more.
- Kota Dussehra Mela History: From 1723 to the 133rd Edition: How a palace observance under Maharao Durjanshal Singh in 1723 grew into the 133rd Rashtriya Dussehra Mela: the royal rituals, the fair and what changed.
- Kota Ravan Dahan 2026: Time, 105-ft Ravan and How to Watch Live: Tuesday 20 October 2026: the Shri Laxminarayan ji procession leaves Garh Palace at 5:00 pm and a 105-ft Ravan with a rotating head is lit at the muhurat.
The festival calendar of Kota and Hadoti
| Festival | When (approximate) | Where to see it |
|---|---|---|
| Makar Sankranti | 14 January (sometimes 15) | Kite flying from rooftops across Kota |
| Mahashivratri | February or March | Shiva temples such as Kansua and Shiv Puri Dham |
| Holi | March | Across the city and the old town |
| Gangaur | March or April, after Holi | Processions of women carrying Gauri idols in the old city and in Bundi |
| Teej | July or August (monsoon) | Celebrated across Hadoti; Bundi is known for its Kajli Teej |
| Janmashtami | August or September | Krishna temples, especially Mathuradheesh |
| Navratri and Dussehra | September or October | The Dussehra Mela at Dussehra Maidan |
| Diwali | October or November | Lights and markets across the city |
| Bundi Utsav | November (check announcements) | Bundi, organised with Rajasthan Tourism |
| Chandrabhaga Fair | Kartik Purnima, November | Chandrabhaga temples, Jhalrapatan |
Dates are approximate and depend on the lunar calendar. Check the announcements of the organiser (Kota Nagar Nigam for the Dussehra Mela, the Rajasthan Tourism department for state-supported festivals) before you plan travel.
Tips for festival visits
- Book rooms early for the Dussehra Mela weekends and Ravan Dahan night; Kota also fills with students’ families at the start of coaching sessions.
- The Dussehra Maidan gets very crowded on the main nights. Keep children close and agree a meeting point.
- Temples are busiest on festival mornings; go early or late in the day.
- Read our guide to the best time to visit Kota to combine a festival with comfortable weather.
- See the month-by-month festivals in Kota and Hadoti calendar, including the Chandrabhaga fair and Bundi Utsav.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest festival in Kota?
The Rashtriya Dussehra Mela, held every year around Navratri and Dussehra at Dussehra Maidan. The 2026 edition is the 133rd.
When is Ravan Dahan in Kota in 2026?
On Vijayadashami, Tuesday 20 October 2026, at the Dussehra Maidan.
Which month is best for festivals in Kota?
October, for Navratri and the Dussehra Mela, followed by November for Diwali, the Chandrabhaga Fair and Bundi Utsav nearby.
Sources
Editorial team
The KotaRajasthan.net team writes about the places, history and festivals of Kota and Hadoti, and corrects pages when readers point out changes.
