Festival Tourism: How India’s Cultural Calendar Is Driving Outbound Travel

With the festive glow of Diwali behind them, Indian travellers are already shifting sights to their next celebration-led getaway. The festive phase, once limited to homecomings, is now a time for outbound exploration where celebrations, culture and luxury travel all coexist. DMCs (Destination Management Companies) in various regions are recording a noticeable increase in post-festive outbound travel, with short-haul and experience-led destinations topping the tables.

Festive travel transforms to celebration-led getaways

“We see an obvious change here - the celebrations are no longer just confined to home,” says Leena Jhugroo, Managing Director, Travel Lounge Leisure & Tours Ltd., “there are families and groups selecting Mauritius as their post Diwali escape, combining island leisure here with local cultural experience such as the Festival of Lights celebrations that are being held throughout the island.” The very idea of expanding on the festive joy into other areas has resulted in outbound travel becoming an extension of cultural experience.

Ease of Accessibility gives a rise to festive season breaks:

The ease of accessibility is conducive to demand for festive season breaks. Simple visa processes, improved access by air and flexible itineraries are serving to accelerate the travel of the outbound tourist for festive celebrations. 

" Sri Lanka's convenient e-visa, availability of Visa on Arrival, and proximity to India make it a popular holiday destination for spontaneous travellers.," says Charith De Alwis, CEO of Unique Lanka Travels "There is a demand for last minute bookings from metro cities. Couples and groups who want to spend the festivals like Diwali or New Year in a tropical atmosphere." 

Thus, the easy accessibility of spontaneous and yet purposeful breaks has become the new order.

Beyond the Party: The Spiritual and Cultural Journey of the Modern Traveller

Meaningful and cultural breaks are influencing the new festive point of view. But this is not just about indulgence. "There is a more reflective kind of aspect to the travel that is being cherished," notes Rana Abu Alhala, CEO, Plan Bespoke Travel & Tourism. "This means that there are destinations favoured by travellers where they find their spiritual and cultural sensibilities touched." The new interest in destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman has also seen heightened interest from Indian travellers who seek for history, spirituality or closeness, as opposed to mere celebration for them. Thus, the former period of festival holiday to a new one of meaningful travel indicates a maturing travel mentality when exploration is an important concept.

As the festive circle of 2025 unfolds, the evidence is there, the cultural calendar of India not only defines where people stop, it defines what places they go to. From island festivals to desert festivals to heritage trails, festivities of outbound tourism are no longer an escape; they are a celebration, a connection and a continuity of culture across countries.