Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 2026, List

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu is a Union Territory on the western coast of India. It was created on 26 January 2020 after the merger of two former Union Territories. The Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu reflect a unique blend of tribal customs, Indian traditions and Portuguese cultural influence. These celebrations are closely connected with agriculture, nature, religion, fishing communities and local heritage which makes the region one of the most culturally diverse parts of western India.

Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 2026

The Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu represent the traditions of tribal communities such as the Kokna, Varli, Dhodia, Koli, Kathodi, Naika, Siddi and Dublas, along with Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Parsi communities. Many celebrations feature traditional and folk dances including Tarpa, Bhawada, Tur and Thali, Dhol, Verdigao, Vera, Gheria, Portuguese dances, Garba and Machhi Dance.

List of Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 2026

The Major Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu has been listed below:

Nariyal Poornima

• Celebrated mainly in August, this coastal festival is famous for colourful water sports in the creek between Moti Daman and Nani Daman. 
• The Coconut Food Festival and community feasts make it one of the region’s major maritime celebrations.

Christmas

• Christmas is celebrated with beautifully decorated homes, colourful festive lights, church gatherings and traditional Portuguese dances. 
• The festival showcases the lasting Portuguese cultural influence, attracting visitors who witness its distinctive music, dance and celebrations.

Barash Festival

• Observed mainly by the Kokna and Varli tribes during September, Barash is an important tribal harvest festival. 
• Families traditionally avoid consuming food prepared from homegrown beans until the festival is completed, reflecting long standing agricultural customs.

Masimagam Festival

• Celebrated during February-March on the full moon day of the Tamil month Masi. 
• This festival includes the ceremonial bathing of sacred idols. 
• It is believed that idols from more than 64 temples are taken for ritual sea bathing.

Holi Festival

• Holi is celebrated enthusiastically across tribal communities with colours, music, dance and fairs. 
• A week long fair is organised at Lavachha, while celebrations are also held in Silvassa, bringing together local communities in joyful festivities.

Raksha Bandhan (Divaso and Baleo)

• Among the Dhodia tribes, Raksha Bandhan is locally known as Divaso and Baleo. 
• The festival includes prayers to Goddess Kali, especially in villages around Silvassa, seeking blessings before and after the harvest season.

Akhatrij (Akha Teej) Festival

• Organised traditionally by Kokna tribal women, Akhatrij is an important cultural celebration. 
• It reflects the community’s agricultural traditions and social unity while preserving customs followed by one of the region’s oldest tribal groups.

Akhateej (Akshaya Tritiya)

• Celebrated during April-May (Vaisakha), this agricultural festival marks the beginning of the farming season. 
• The important ritual of Akhi Muthi Anukula, involving ceremonial seed sowing, symbolises prosperity and a successful cultivation cycle.

Divaso Festival

• Divaso is a traditional festival of the Dhodia and Varli tribes, observed on the Amavasya of Ashada month. 
• Dedicated to nature, it symbolically welcomes the holy month of Shravan while celebrating environmental harmony and tribal heritage.

Bhawada Festival

• Also known as Bohada, this important three-day mask festival is celebrated by the Varli and Koli tribes. 
• Elaborate masks, ritual performances and cultural dances honour local deities and preserve centuries-old tribal traditions.

Navratri Festival

• Navratri is celebrated for nine nights, especially in Silvassa, with vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas influenced by neighbouring Gujarat. 
• Community organisations conduct large celebrations featuring live music and professional singers, sometimes extending to ten nights.

Pateti Festival

• Pateti is observed by the Parsi (Zoroastrian) community as a day of repentance before Navroz, the Parsi New Year. 
• Though more common in Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is also celebrated by Parsis residing in the Union Territory.

Ganesh Chaturthi

• The festival is marked by installation of large eco-friendly, creative and thematic Ganesh idols. 
• Community worship, cultural programmes, devotional music and public celebrations continue over several days across different towns.

Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha

• Muslim communities celebrate both Eid festivals through special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, community gatherings, wearing new clothes and sharing traditional dishes such as sheer khurma, strengthening social harmony and communal unity.

Monsoon Magic Festival

• Celebrated mainly through Raja Parba (Mithuna Sankranti) from 14 to 16 June. 
• This three-day festival welcomes the monsoon while celebrating womanhood, fertility and nature through traditional swings, festive foods and cultural activities.

Kali Puja

• Tribal communities perform Kali Puja during the crop harvesting period, expressing deep faith in Goddess Kali. 
• Large gatherings, traditional rituals and prayers seek protection, prosperity and a successful agricultural season.

Diwali

• Diwali features the unique ritual of Bada Badua Daka, where families honour their ancestors by burning Kaunria Kathi (jute sticks) on Naraka Chaturdashi. 
• Homes are illuminated with diyas, cleaned and decorated while fireworks add festive spirit.

Children’s Film Festival

• Supported mainly by the Department of Tourism, Silvassa, this regional festival promotes educational and entertaining cinema for children. 
• Film screenings, cultural performances and interactive activities encourage creativity and cultural participation among students.

Kite Festival (Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan)

• Celebrated on 14 January, the festival features colourful kite flying, creative workshops and giant thematic kites. 
• Popular venues include Silvassa Riverfront near Nakshatra Garden and Lighthouse Beach, Daman, attracting visitors from morning until sunset.

Other Festivals

• Along with tribal festivals, people across the Union Territory celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Diwali, Eid-E-Milad, Makar Sankranti, New Year, Nariyeli Poornima, Christmas and other Indian festivals, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of tribal, Indian and Portuguese cultural traditions.

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