Verified reference
Northeast India Festival Dates 2026
Every date below is verified against a state government tourism board, the festival organiser, a Ministry of Tourism portal, or corroborating regional coverage — labelled by source type (official / state government / organiser / regional press) rather than by publication name. Last checked 1 September 2026.
Chronological calendar
10 – 12 January 2026
ConfirmedTorgya Festival
Arunachal Pradesh · Monpa · Tawang Monastery
16 – 18 January 2026 (traditional Magh window)
TraditionalJoonbeel Mela
Assam · Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, Jaintia · barter fair
1 – 6 February 2026 (annual)
TraditionalReh Festival
Arunachal Pradesh · Idu Mishmi
15 February 2026 (annual)
TraditionalTamladu Festival
Arunachal Pradesh · Digaru Mishmi
18 – 20 February 2026
ConfirmedLosar (Monpa New Year)
Arunachal Pradesh · Monpa · Tawang
25 February – 1 March 2026 (traditional 10-day cycle)
TraditionalSekrenyi
Nagaland · Angami Naga
26 February 2026 (annual)
TraditionalNyokum Yullo
Arunachal Pradesh · Nyishi
9 March 2026 (week-long programme)
ConfirmedChapchar Kut
Mizoram · Mizo · Govt. of Mizoram
20 – 23 March 2026 (host-village core dates)
ConfirmedArunachal Pradesh · Apatani
1 – 6 April 2026 (main day 2 April)
ConfirmedNagaland · Konyak Naga
5 April 2026 (annual)
TraditionalMopin Festival
Arunachal Pradesh · Galo
14 – 16 April 2026
TraditionalSangken
Arunachal Pradesh · Khampti, Singpho, Tikhak
14 – 20 April 2026 (main day 14 April)
ConfirmedBohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu / Assamese New Year)
Assam · Assamese community
1 May 2026 (celebrations 30 April – 2 May)
ConfirmedNagaland · Ao Naga
April – June 2026 (varies by village Umang Lai)
TraditionalLai Haraoba
Manipur · Meitei
31 May 2026 (full-moon day, 4th Tibetan lunar month)
TraditionalSaga Dawa
Sikkim · Sikkimese Buddhists
22 – 26 June 2026 (traditional Ahaar window)
TraditionalAmbubachi Mela
Assam · Kamakhya Temple
5 – 7 July 2026 (annual)
TraditionalDree Festival
Arunachal Pradesh · Apatani
Mid-July 2026 (four days, traditional)
TraditionalBehdienkhlam
Meghalaya · Pnar (Jaintia)
16 – 24 July 2026 (Kang Chingba to Purna Yatra)
ConfirmedKang Chingba (Rath Yatra)
Manipur · Meitei · Govindajee Temple
24 – 30 July 2026 (traditional Ashaadha window)
TraditionalKharchi Puja
Tripura · Tripuri royal tradition
27 August 2026 (15th day, 7th Tibetan lunar month)
TraditionalPang Lhabsol
Sikkim · Bhutia · Nyingma tradition
1 – 5 September 2026 (annual)
TraditionalSolung Festival
Arunachal Pradesh · Adi
24 – 27 September 2026
ConfirmedArunachal Pradesh · Ziro Festival · Arunachal Tourism
12 – 14 November 2026
ConfirmedWangala — 100 Drums Festival (Golden Jubilee, 50th edition)
Meghalaya · Garo · Govt. of Meghalaya
Mid-November 2026 (5 days, traditional)
TraditionalNongkrem Dance Festival
Meghalaya · Khasi · Syiem of Khyrim
20 – 21 November 2026
ConfirmedShillong Cherry Blossom Festival
Meghalaya · India Intl. Cherry Blossom Fest · Meghalaya Tourism
21 – 30 November 2026 (traditional window)
LikelyManipur Sangai Festival
Manipur · Govt. of Manipur (Tourism Dept.)
21 – 25 November 2026 (based on 57th edition pattern)
LikelyChalo Loku (Nocte)
Arunachal Pradesh · Nocte tribe
1 – 10 December 2026
ConfirmedHornbill Festival (Festival of Festivals)
Nagaland · Govt. of Nagaland — all 17 recognised tribes
December 2026 (10th month, Tibetan calendar)
TraditionalLosoong / Namsoong
Sikkim · Bhutia & Lepcha
Festival-by-festival, with cited sources
- #1
Torgya Festival
ConfirmedArunachal Pradesh · Monpa · Tawang Monastery · Tawang Monastery
10 – 12 January 2026
Three-day Cham mask ritual held annually on the 28th–30th days of the 11th month (Dawachukchipa) of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar — 10–12 January 2026 in the Gregorian calendar.
Sources
- #2
Joonbeel Mela
TraditionalAssam · Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, Jaintia · barter fair · Dayang Belguri, Morigaon
16 – 18 January 2026 (traditional Magh window)
Centuries-old community barter fair on the banks of the Joon (crescent) beel, held every year during Magh Bihu week.
Sources
- #3
Reh Festival
TraditionalArunachal Pradesh · Idu Mishmi · Roing, Lower Dibang Valley
1 – 6 February 2026 (annual)
Idu Mishmi festival honouring the sister goddess Nanyi Inyitaya, marked by Igu priest chants and cross-community feasting.
Sources
- #4
Tamladu Festival
TraditionalArunachal Pradesh · Digaru Mishmi · Lower Dibang Valley
15 February 2026 (annual)
Digaru Mishmi festival propitiating the earth god (Nani Intaya) and the water god for protection from natural calamities.
Sources
- #5
Losar (Monpa New Year)
ConfirmedArunachal Pradesh · Monpa · Tawang · Tawang, Bomdila
18 – 20 February 2026
Tibetan/Monpa New Year, first three days of the 1st lunar month. Losar 2153 falls on 18 February 2026.
Sources
- #6
Sekrenyi
TraditionalNagaland · Angami Naga · Kohima villages
25 February – 1 March 2026 (traditional 10-day cycle)
Angami purification festival held on the 25th day of Kezei. Marked by ritual bathing (Zhosuo) and community feasts.
Sources
- #7
Nyokum Yullo
TraditionalArunachal Pradesh · Nyishi · Statewide (central at Itanagar)
26 February 2026 (annual)
Nyishi tribe's thanksgiving to the goddess Nyokum for prosperity and harvest.
Sources
- #8
Chapchar Kut
ConfirmedMizoram · Mizo · Govt. of Mizoram · Assam Rifles Ground, Aizawl
9 March 2026 (week-long programme)
Officially announced on 20 January 2026 after a meeting chaired by CM Lalduhoma. Celebrations open 9 March with a week of cultural events, culminating on 13 March 2026.
Sources
Arunachal Pradesh · Apatani · Ziro Valley (host village rotates)
20 – 23 March 2026 (host-village core dates)
Rotating month-long Apatani purification festival. In 2026 the core ritual dates (babo pole raising, main sacrifice, community feast) fall between 20 and 23 March across the host villages of Hong, Hari and Bulla.
Sources
Nagaland · Konyak Naga · Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon
1 – 6 April 2026 (main day 2 April)
The Konyak spring/seed-sowing festival. The 2026 central celebration was held on 2 April at the Konyak Heritage Complex, Mon, as confirmed by the Department of Information & Public Relations, Government of Nagaland.
Sources
- #11
Mopin Festival
TraditionalArunachal Pradesh · Galo · West Siang district (central at Aalo)
5 April 2026 (annual)
Galo agricultural festival for prosperity and the driving away of evil spirits, marked by Popir dance and rice-flour blessings.
Sources
- #12
Sangken
TraditionalArunachal Pradesh · Khampti, Singpho, Tikhak · Namsai, Chongkham, Miao
14 – 16 April 2026
Theravada Buddhist New Year water festival — ritual bathing of Buddha images and community water play.
Sources
Assam · Assamese community · Statewide, Assam
14 – 20 April 2026 (main day 14 April)
Assamese New Year and spring harvest. Main day (Goru Bihu / Manuh Bihu) falls on 14 April 2026 based on the traditional Panchang calculation.
Sources
Nagaland · Ao Naga · Chuchuyimlang, Mokokchung
1 May 2026 (celebrations 30 April – 2 May)
Ao Naga sowing festival. Chuchuyimlang village in Mokokchung district hosts the central celebration on 1 May 2026 at the Anu Mai Amphitheatre.
Sources
- #15
Lai Haraoba
TraditionalManipur · Meitei · Traditional Umang Lai shrines statewide
April – June 2026 (varies by village Umang Lai)
Pre-Hindu Meitei festival celebrating the Umang Lai (sylvan deities) with the ritual re-enactment of creation.
Sources
- #16
Saga Dawa
TraditionalSikkim · Sikkimese Buddhists · Monasteries statewide, Gangtok procession
31 May 2026 (full-moon day, 4th Tibetan lunar month)
Triple-blessed Buddhist day marking Buddha's birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. Grand procession through Gangtok carrying Buddhist scriptures.
Sources
- #17
Ambubachi Mela
TraditionalAssam · Kamakhya Temple · Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati
22 – 26 June 2026 (traditional Ahaar window)
One of India's largest tantric fairs, marking the annual menstruation of the goddess Kamakhya.
Sources
- #18
Dree Festival
TraditionalArunachal Pradesh · Apatani · Ziro Valley
5 – 7 July 2026 (annual)
Apatani agricultural festival propitiating Tamu, Metii, Medyer and Danyi for a pest-free harvest.
Sources
- #19
Behdienkhlam
TraditionalMeghalaya · Pnar (Jaintia) · Jowai, West Jaintia Hills
Mid-July 2026 (four days, traditional)
Pnar plague-driving festival with the ritual immersion of the Khnong log in the sacred Aitnar pool.
Sources
- #20
Kang Chingba (Rath Yatra)
ConfirmedManipur · Meitei · Govindajee Temple · Imphal
16 – 24 July 2026 (Kang Chingba to Purna Yatra)
Meitei chariot festival of Lord Jagannath drawn through Imphal by devotees. In 2026 the Konung Kang Chingba (Rath Yatra) began on 16 July, with the festival programme running through 24 July — the Purna Yatra, or return journey of the chariot.
Sources
- #21
Kharchi Puja
TraditionalTripura · Tripuri royal tradition · Fourteen Goddesses Temple, Old Agartala
24 – 30 July 2026 (traditional Ashaadha window)
Seven-day worship of the fourteen deities of the Tripuri royal family — the state's largest religious fair.
Sources
- #22
Pang Lhabsol
TraditionalSikkim · Bhutia · Nyingma tradition · Monasteries statewide
27 August 2026 (15th day, 7th Tibetan lunar month)
Sikkim-specific festival honouring Mount Khangchendzonga as guardian deity, instituted by Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal.
Sources
- #23
Solung Festival
TraditionalArunachal Pradesh · Adi · East Siang & Upper Siang districts
1 – 5 September 2026 (annual)
Adi tribe's five-day agricultural festival marking the completion of sowing, with Ponung dance and Binnyat rituals.
Sources
Arunachal Pradesh · Ziro Festival · Arunachal Tourism · Ziro Valley
24 – 27 September 2026
India's biggest outdoor independent-music festival, in its 13th edition. Dates confirmed on the official festival website and by state tourism.
Sources
Meghalaya · Garo · Govt. of Meghalaya · Asanang, West Garo Hills
12 – 14 November 2026
Historic 50th edition. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced Golden Jubilee celebrations with a proposed 1,000-drum event marking the milestone.
Sources
- #26
Nongkrem Dance Festival
TraditionalMeghalaya · Khasi · Syiem of Khyrim · Smit, near Shillong
Mid-November 2026 (5 days, traditional)
Five-day thanksgiving dance of the Khasi Hima Khyrim, held annually in autumn (November) at Smit. Exact 2026 dates set by the Syiem; confirm closer to the month.
Sources
Meghalaya · India Intl. Cherry Blossom Fest · Meghalaya Tourism · Ward's Lake / Polo Grounds, Shillong
20 – 21 November 2026
India's only autumn cherry-blossom festival, staged in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism and IBSD-DBT. Dates announced by the organisers for the 2026 edition.
Sources
- #28
Manipur Sangai Festival
LikelyManipur · Govt. of Manipur (Tourism Dept.) · Imphal & satellite venues
21 – 30 November 2026 (traditional window)
Manipur Tourism's flagship 10-day festival, held annually 21–30 November. Official 2026 dates due closer to the month.
Sources
- #29
Chalo Loku (Nocte)
LikelyArunachal Pradesh · Nocte tribe · Nehru Stadium, Khonsa (Tirap)
21 – 25 November 2026 (based on 57th edition pattern)
Central Chalo Loku is held annually in late November at Khonsa. The 57th central edition ran 21–25 November 2025; the 58th edition is expected in the same window.
Sources
Nagaland · Govt. of Nagaland — all 17 recognised tribes · Naga Heritage Village, Kisama (Kohima)
1 – 10 December 2026
The Hornbill Festival runs 1–10 December each year at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. The 2026 window is expected to follow the same fixed dates; the edition number and programme are confirmed only when Nagaland Tourism publishes the official announcement.
Sources
- #31
Losoong / Namsoong
TraditionalSikkim · Bhutia & Lepcha · Monasteries statewide
December 2026 (10th month, Tibetan calendar)
Sikkimese new year and harvest festival with Cham monastic dances at Rumtek, Phodong and Tsuk-La-Khang.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know these Northeast India festival dates for 2026 are correct?
- Every date on this page is cited to a primary source — a state government tourism board, festival organiser, government-of-India portal (utsav.gov.in, incredibleindia.gov.in), or a leading regional newspaper such as Nagaland Tribune, Morung Express, Shillong Times or Sentinel Assam. Where an official 2026 announcement is not yet published, we mark the entry 'likely' or 'traditional' and cite the recurring pattern.
- Which is the biggest festival in Northeast India in 2026?
- The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland (1–10 December 2026, Kisama) remains the largest, with all 17 recognised tribes of Nagaland represented. The Ziro Festival of Music (24–27 September 2026) is the biggest independent-music festival, and Wangala 2026 in Meghalaya is historically significant as the 50th Golden Jubilee edition (12–14 November 2026).
- Do I need a permit to attend these festivals?
- Yes. Following the Ministry of Home Affairs order of 17 December 2024 reinstating the Protected Area Regime, foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for the entire states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh — not just parts of Arunachal. Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for the same four states. Sikkim requires a separate Restricted Area Permit for foreigners visiting protected zones. See our permits guide for the current MHA rules and the exact application process.
- Can I cite or embed this calendar on my own blog or article?
- Yes. This page is free to cite and quote with attribution. Please link back to https://northeastindiafestivals.com/festival-dates-2026 as the source. A ready-to-copy citation is provided at the bottom of the page.
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Planning a 2026 trip?
Small-group expeditions to any festival on this calendar.
Permits (PAP / ILP), transport, vetted homestays and Naga / Apatani / Konyak guides.