Amritsar in Punjab is a city that comes alive during the festive season. While the Golden Temple remains its biggest attraction , visiting between October and November offers travellers a chance to experience the city through some of its most important religious and cultural celebrations. Here are five festivals to keep on your radar.
5 Festivals To Attend While Visiting Amritsar
1. Langoor Mela | October 11 onwards
Held at the Shri Durgiana Temple during Navratri, the annual fest is one of Amritsar’s more unusual and distinctive traditions. During the festival, devotees dress their children, particularly young boys, as langoors, wearing red-and-white outfits and completing the look with monkey-like accessories. The celebrations take place over the Navratri period, which begins on October 11 in 2026.
2. Dussehra | October 20
Dussehra will be celebrated across Amritsar on October 20, marking the culmination of Navratri and the victory of good over evil. The festival brings public celebrations, religious ceremonies and Ravan effigy burnings to different parts of the city. For visitors, it is also an opportunity to experience Amritsar beyond the Golden Temple.
3. Guru Ram Das Prakash Gurpurab | October 27
For Amritsar, few Sikh celebrations are as closely connected to the city itself as the Prakash Gurpurab of Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru and the founder of Amritsar. Celebrated on October 27 in 2026, the occasion is marked with prayers, kirtan and religious gatherings. The Golden Temple and surrounding areas become particularly significant during the celebrations, making this an important date for travellers interested in the city’s Sikh heritage.
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4. Bandi Chhor Divas | November 8
One of the most spectacular times to visit the Golden Temple is during Bandi Chhor Divas, which coincides with Diwali this year. The Sikh festival commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from Gwalior Fort along with 52 princes. In Amritsar, the occasion is marked by prayers and the illumination of the Golden Temple. Bandi Chhor Divas falls on November 8 in 2026.
5. Guru Nanak Jayanti | November 24
The festive season concludes on another important Sikh occasion, Guru Nanak Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. In Amritsar, celebrations include kirtan, prayers, langar and processions, with the Golden Temple at the heart of the festivities. In 2026, Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on November 24.
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Indeed the best time to visit Amritsar!
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/ambarsarbelike
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Amritsar for its festivals?
October and November are ideal, with several major religious and cultural celebrations taking place across the city.
Which festivals can you experience in Amritsar this festive season?
From Langoor Mela and Dussehra to Bandi Chhor Divas and Guru Nanak Jayanti, Amritsar has a packed festive calendar.
What makes Amritsar special during the festive season?
The city’s temples, gurdwaras and streets come alive with prayers, processions, decorations and traditional celebrations.
