With a plethora of events all year long, including international concerts and cultural festivals, Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that never fails to excite and excite people from all walks of life. Here are a few events in Delhi that you won’t want to miss in 2025:
1. Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF)
- Date: January 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Various venues across Delhi
- About: With a wide selection of international films, the Delhi International Film Festival honors global cinema. Anticipate independent film screenings, award-winning film screenings, and a venue for up-and-coming filmmakers to exhibit their work. Panel talks, workshops, and an awards ceremony are also part of the event.
2. International Trade Fair (India International Trade Fair – IITF)
- Date: November 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
- About: The India International Trade Fair (IITF), one of Delhi’s most anticipated events, together companies and trade experts from a range of sectors. Indian and foreign goods, technologies, and services are on display at this expo. IITF offers B2B meetings and themed pavilions, making it an excellent venue for networking and learning about the newest developments.
3. Delhi Literature Festival (DLF)
- Date: February 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Multiple venues in Central Delhi
- About: One of the biggest literary gatherings in the nation, the Delhi Literature Festival brings together writers, poets, academics, and book lovers. Book readings, panel discussions, author meet-and-greets, and book releases are all planned over a few days, making it a sanctuary for anybody with an interest in literature and culture.
4. Surajkund Mela
- Date: February 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Surajkund, Faridabad (Near Delhi)
- About: Despite being in Faridabad, just outside of Delhi, the Surajkund Mela is a yearly cultural event that draws thousands of tourists. With handicrafts, handlooms, traditional artwork, folk entertainment, and delectable regional cuisine from all over India, it’s the biggest craft fair in the world. For anyone interested in Indian crafts and culture, this festival is a must-attend.
5. Delhi Fashion Week
- Date: March 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Various luxury venues across Delhi
- About: Leading designers from India and elsewhere present their most recent collections at the prestigious Delhi Fashion Week. Anticipate the newest trends in fashion, cosmetics, and lifestyle, as well as runway performances and celebrity appearances. Influencers, industry experts, and fashion fans should not miss this event.
6. Holi Festival Celebrations
- Date: March 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Various locations across Delhi
- About: Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most joyous occasions, and Delhi’s celebrations are well known. At both private and public events, people celebrate Holi by flinging colored powder, dancing to Bollywood music, and indulging in traditional foods like gujiya. Both residents and tourists can enjoy special festivities during Holi celebrations in popular rural locations.
7. Nautanki & Street Theatre Festivals
- Date: Ongoing throughout 2025
- Venue: Various open-air venues and cultural spaces in Delhi
- About: The Street Theatre and Nautanki Festivals are essential components of Delhi’s cultural scene. At several locations, including Lodhi Gardens, India Gate, and Dilli Haat, take in vibrant performances, folk theater, and socially conscious street plays. These festivals unite gifted performers and give viewers a fully immersive cultural experience.
8. Delhi Classical Music Festival
- Date: November 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Multiple venues including Kamani Auditorium, Siri Fort Auditorium, and India Habitat Centre
- About: India’s rich musical legacy is celebrated during the Delhi Classical Music Festival. Legendary classical musicians, both well-known and up-and-coming, perform there. Among the genres are vocal and instrumental performances, as well as Hindustani and Carnatic classical music.
9. Rath Yatra in Delhi
- Date: July 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: ISKCON Temple, East of Kailash
- About: One of India’s most colorful and spiritual celebrations, the Rath Yatra, features massive processions of gods pulled by chariots as chants and music are played. Typically, the procession begins at the ISKCON Temple and moves around the city. Both residents and tourists find it to be a spiritual and cultural experience.
10. Delhi International Jazz Festival
- Date: October 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Nehru Park, Delhi
- About: International jazz musicians come together for a music-filled weekend that will never be forgotten at the Delhi International Jazz Festival. Music fans will enjoy performances by well-known jazz bands from both domestic and foreign venues. Everyone is welcome, and admission is typically free, so it’s a fantastic chance to take in top-notch music in a laid-back outdoor atmosphere.
11. Dussehra Festival Celebrations
- Date: October 2025 (Exact Dates TBC)
- Venue: Ramlila Grounds and other local venues
- About: Delhi hosts lavish celebrations of Dussehra, a significant Hindu holiday. The Ramlila performances and the burning of Ravana’s effigies, which represent the victory of good over evil, are among the primary attractions. Large crowds gather in Delhi’s Ramlila Grounds, and other communities conduct their own celebrations, making it a joyous occasion throughout the city.
FAQs: Upcoming Events in Delhi in 2025
1. What are the major cultural events happening in Delhi in 2025?
- Delhi International Film Festival: A celebration of global cinema.
- Delhi Literature Festival: A gathering of authors, poets, and literary enthusiasts.
- Surajkund Mela: The world’s largest craft fair showcasing Indian handicrafts and folk art
2. When is the India International Trade Fair (IITF) held in 2025?
The India International Trade Fair (IITF) typically takes place in November each year at Pragati Maidan. In 2025, the event will feature exhibitions, international participation, and business networking opportunities.
3. What can I expect at the Delhi Fashion Week in 2025?
At Delhi Fashion Week (usually held in March), expect runway shows by top designers, new collections, celebrity appearances, and the latest trends in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. It is a major event for fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals.
4. Are there any music festivals happening in Delhi in 2025?
- Delhi International Jazz Festival (October 2025)
- Delhi Classical Music Festival (November 2025) These festivals will feature performances by both Indian and international artists and are perfect for music lovers.