India’s art and culture scene is vibrant, diverse, and ever-evolving. From contemporary art exhibitions and international biennales to mesmerizing live performances, the country offers experiences that delight, inspire, and immerse you in creativity. Planning your cultural journey becomes easier when you have a calendar of key events at your fingertips.
Whether you’re an art lover, a performing arts enthusiast, or simply curious about India’s cultural tapestry, here’s a curated Art & Culture Calendar highlighting major exhibitions, biennales, and live performances across the country.
Major Art Exhibitions: Where Creativity Meets Vision
Art exhibitions in India showcase everything from traditional crafts to cutting-edge contemporary works. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore regularly host exhibitions that appeal to seasoned collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
- Contemporary Art Shows: Galleries such as the Jehangir Art Gallery (Mumbai) and the National Gallery of Modern Art (Delhi) feature works by emerging and established artists.
- Thematic Exhibitions: Curated around topics like sustainability, women in art, or cultural heritage, these exhibitions create immersive, thought-provoking experiences.
- Local Craft Showcases: Regional art,from Madhubani paintings in Delhi to Kalamkari textiles in Hyderabad, highlight India’s rich craft traditions.
Exhibitions allow you to not just view art, but experience stories, emotions, and philosophies through creativity.
Biennales: India on the Global Art Stage
Biennales are grand-scale international events that bring together artists, curators, and audiences from around the world.
- Kochi-Muziris Biennale: India’s most celebrated contemporary art biennale transforms Kochi into a global art hub every two years.
- Delhi & Mumbai Biennales: These highlight local talent alongside international artists, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary issues.
Biennales are immersive experiences, every corner tells a story, every artwork sparks conversation.
Live Performances: Music, Dance, and Theatre
India’s performing arts scene is equally vibrant. From classical music and dance to experimental theatre, there’s a performance for every taste.
- Classical Music & Dance: Events like the Chennai Music Season and Khajuraho Dance Festival celebrate Carnatic and Hindustani music, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and other classical forms.
- Theatre & Performance Art: Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru host cutting-edge theatre productions and experimental performances.
- Music Concerts & Fusion Shows: Rock concerts, jazz festivals, and classical-fusion collaborations keep India’s modern music scene dynamic.
Live performances offer emotional immersion, connecting audiences with rhythm, storytelling, and tradition.
Art & Culture Calendar 2026: Major Exhibitions, Biennales & Live Performances
| Month | Event | Dates | City / Venue | Description |
| Jan 16 – Jan 1 | Chennai Music Season | 16 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026 | Chennai (Multiple venues) | Annual celebration of Carnatic music with hundreds of concerts across the city. |
| Jan 3 – Jan 9 | 19th Annual Dance Festival | 3 – 9 Jan 2026 | Music Academy, Chennai | Features performances by leading Bharatanatyam artists. |
| Jan 24 – Jan 26 | Hyderabad Literary Festival | 24 – 26 Jan 2026 | Hyderabad | Celebrates literature with author talks, panel discussions, and cultural events. |
| Jan 30 – Feb 1 | Jaisalmer Desert Festival | 30 Jan – 1 Feb 2026 | Jaisalmer | A vibrant festival showcasing Rajasthani folk music, dance, and camel races. |
| Feb 5 – Feb 8 | India Art Fair | 5 – 8 Feb 2026 | New Delhi (NSIC Grounds) | Leading platform for modern and contemporary South Asian art. |
| Feb 20 – Feb 26 | Khajuraho Dance Festival | 20 – 26 Feb 2026 | Khajuraho (Western Group of Temples) | Classical dance performances at UNESCO heritage site. |
| Feb 25 – Mar 1 | International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFOK) | 25 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 | Thrissur (Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi) | International theatre performances and workshops. |
| Jan 31 – Feb 8 | Kala Ghoda Arts Festival | 31 Jan – 8 Feb 2026 | Mumbai (Kala Ghoda) | Multi-disciplinary arts festival with exhibitions, street performances, and live music. |
| Dec 12 – Mar 31 | Kochi-Muziris Biennale | 12 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026 | Kochi (Multiple venues) | South Asia’s most significant contemporary art celebration. |
| Nov 7 – Nov 18 | Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav | 7 – 18 Nov 2026 | Nagpur (Ishwar Deshmukh Physical Education College) | Cultural, social, and artistic development festival featuring performances from artists across India. |
Tips for Planning Your Cultural Journey
- Mark Dates Early: Major exhibitions and biennales often require advance bookings.
- Research Locations: Many events are spread across multiple venues—plan your travel accordingly.
- Blend Experiences: Combine visual arts, performing arts, and craft showcases for a complete cultural immersion.
- Stay Updated: Check official websites and social media for the latest announcements and program changes.
Final Thoughts:
India’s art and culture calendar is a treasure trove of experiences, from intimate gallery exhibitions to grand biennales and electrifying live performances. Each event offers a unique perspective on the country’s creativity, storytelling, and heritage.
Whether you’re a traveler, a student, or a lifelong learner, planning your year around these events ensures you experience the heartbeat of Indian art and culture. Every exhibition, performance, and festival is an invitatio, to explore, to feel, and to celebrate the rich diversity of India’s cultural landscape.
Dive in, mark your calendar, and let India’s artistic spirit guide you on a year-long journey of discovery, inspiration, and joy.
Stay Connected with The Hashtag India!
Love what you just read? Just Stay curious, keep exploring, and let every story inspire your day, your passions, and your journey!
Follow us for more amazing content:
