Explore the Best 9 Food Festivals in India in a Year!

Indian people are so fond of the food, and India is a perfect paradise for all food lovers. Due to the diverse cultures and traditions, you can get everything you crave. And you will get the most exciting food during festivals. There's something for every person, be it gourmet cuisine, spicy meals, or classic desserts. Here are some food festivals in India so that everyone can sample the true taste of Indian cuisine.

1. National Street Food Festival 

Month: December  

Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi

Countless individuals adore street cuisine, so if you wish to savour the taste of local delicacies, you should attend The National Street Food Festival in Delhi. Make sure to include this on your must-do list, as this occasion gathers numerous street food vendors from different regions of the nation, presenting mouthwatering dishes such as pani puri, chole bhature, kebabs, and much more. Dive into this cuisine celebration while savouring the lively spirit of Delhi's culinary scene this December. By presenting the best Indian street cuisine in a single location, this event shines as one of the most thrilling food adventures in the nation.

2. Goa Food and Cultural Festival

Month: April  

Location: Panaji, Goa

Sun, sand, and food. What do you need more than that? The Goa Food and Cultural Festival celebrates Goa's unique Indian and Portuguese cuisine, a fantastic combination you will get there. The goa special prawns balchao, fish curry, and bebinca, a trendy dessert, are everything you can enjoy at this festival. Along with this fantastic food, you can enjoy the local music, dance performances, and art exhibitors that will give a festive vibe. It is one of the must-attend food festivals in India; it highlights Goa's unique cultural richness and culinary delights.

3. SulaFest 

Month: February  

Location: Sula Vineyards, Nashik

Although it is more famous for its wine, the festival also features an impressive variety of foodstuffs that serve unique global cuisines. From delicious pizza to amazing dishes, you will get everything. Don't miss the exotic Indian dishes; they will satisfy you in every way. SulaFest is one of the top food festivals in India for those who want to enjoy good food and fine wine. This festival in Nashik, India's vineyards, also features live performances, wine experiences, gourmet food, and many more things.

4. Ahare Bangla

Month: October  

Location: Kolkata

As we all know, Bengal is known for its rich and diverse traditions. Here, Ahare Bengla is the perfect place to celebrate its rich and varied culture in one place. This event happens in Kolkata, where you will get a delightful array of traditional Bengali dishes, which includes fish curries, mutton delicacies, and sweets like sandesh and rasgulla. These are just a few of the names you have many options with if you want to immerse yourself in Bengali food. Here you will get to the best food festival in India.

5. Lucknow Mahotsav

Month: November-December  

Location: Lucknow

Have you heard about Lucknow Mahotsav? This event transcends a mere culinary fair— where it stands as a tribute to the rich cultural legacy and delectable dishes of Uttar Pradesh, which you will surely love. This celebration highlights the renowned Awadhi cuisine you might have heard about! Celebrated for its meticulously prepared kebabs, biryanis, and kormas. Attendees can relish various food, cultural showcases, traditional melodies, and exquisite handicrafts. Enjoy the royal culinary history of Lucknow, and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian food culture. It stands out in India's list of food festivals due to its royal legacy.

6. Nagaland Food Festival 

Month: December  

Location: Kohima

The Nagaland food festival, organized during the Hornbill Festival, allows you to taste some fantastic exotic dishes from northeastern India. You will see some smoked pork and bamboo shoot curries, a unique blend of tribal cuisines. They will also celebrate the Naga cultural festival traditions through dance, music, and craft exhibitions. If you want to taste something unique, this is one of India's most intriguing food festivals.

7. International Mango Festival

Month: July  

Location: Dilli Haat, New Delhi

Are you a mango lover? Then you must focus here! In Delhi, you can explore the International Mango Festival, which is entirely for the king of fruits, i.e., mango. Here, you will see about 500 varieties of mangoes. This festival is a treat for mango enthusiasts, and they can enjoy it a lot. From tasting mango-based dishes such as cameras, mango chutneys, and pickles to participating in the mango-eating competition, here you have a mango-filled experience. It's a great way to enjoy India's favorite summer fruit in all its glory, and this is also one of the unique food festivals in India.

8. Ziro Festival of Music

Month: September  

Location: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Although this is a music festival, the food here is equally the point of attraction. Here in the festival, it offer an exciting selection of northeastern cuisine, which includes dishes like bamboo shoot fry, smoked pork, and a rice beer. The Ziro Valley's setting adds to the overall charm of making it an excellent place for music and food lovers. It is not a complete festival, but different food and unique culinary experiences will make you feel good here.

9. Chettinad Food Festival 

Month: Varies  

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chettinad cuisine is known for its intense flavors and aromatic spices all over the country, and the Chettinad Food Festival allows you to relish these genuine dishes. You can see some specialties like Chettinad chicken, pepper prawns, and vegetarian options, which are free, ready-made, freshly prepared seasonings. They use some peculiar species, such as pepper, fennel, and other fragrant spices, in Chettinad cuisine, Tamil Nadu's rich culinary heritage. Visiting this will make you feel like immersing yourself in one of India's most amazing food festivals.

Why You Should Attend Food Festivals in India

Food festivals in India transcend mere eating—they are a tribute to the nation’s gastronomic variety and cultural legacy. Each region boasts distinct tastes, and participating in these festivals allows you to delve into and savor them directly. Whether it’s a street food gala in Delhi or a cultural festivity in Nagaland, India’s food festivals cater to every palate. From the delicious gravies of the north to the zesty curries of the south, there’s always a fresh delight waiting to be uncovered.

It's also a great chance to meet other foodies who are here in the food festival, learn about the background and importance of different cuisines, and you can also participate entirely in the area's customs. In addition, several events have culinary competitions, live cooking demonstrations, and cooking workshops where  you can engage with and learn from home cooks and professional chefs. In addition to getting to sample some of India's most significant festival fare, you'll make lifelong memories!