Celebrated on April 1st, April Fool’s Day is known for its playful pranks and jokes. People across the world engage in harmless fun by tricking friends, family, and coworkers with funny lies or playful schemes. Although not a traditional festival, it brings joy and laughter to many. Festivals in April 2025 would not be the same without this lighthearted day. Social media is often filled with creative pranks, while brands and companies join the fun. It is a day to be wary of suspicious claims and unusual announcements, as most are part of the April Fool’s Day tradition for fun. 

Odisha Day marks the formation of the state of Odisha in 1936 and is celebrated on 1st April 2025. This day is a source of pride for the people of Odisha, reflecting their rich cultural heritage, language and traditions. Festivities include cultural performances, parades and public events to honour the state's history and development. This is one of the most significant festivals in Odisha in April 2025, celebrating the unique identity of the region. People from various parts of the state participate in these celebrations, embracing their roots with cultural dance music and local delicacies. 

Rama Navami is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Observed on the ninth day of Chaitra month, which typically falls in April, this festival holds great significance in India. Devotees mark the day with prayers, fasting, and processions depicting scenes from Rama's life. Temples are adorned with beautiful decorations, and the Ramayana is recited to honor the divine hero. In festivals in April 2025, Rama Navami will be celebrated with zeal across the country, particularly in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Families come together to offer pujas and participate in cultural events highlighting Rama's life's moral values. It's a day of spiritual reflection and joy, making it one of the most awaited festivals for Hindus.

Puthandu, or Tamil New Year, is celebrated on April 14th to mark the first day of the Tamil Calendar. Families come together to prepare traditional dishes, including mango pachadi, and decorate homes with colourful kolams. The day begins with viewing the ‘kanni’, a ritual arrangement of fruits, flowers and gold to symbolise prosperity for the coming year. Temples are crowded as people offer prayers for a fresh start. As one of the key festivals in April 2025, Puthandu will bring together Tamil communities worldwide, offering a chance to celebrate their heritage and traditions. So, this is the best time to travel to Tamil Nadu and experience this festival with the locals. 

Ambedkar Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a social reformer, jurist, and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. Celebrated on April 14 every year, this day honours his tireless efforts in fighting against social discrimination and his role in shaping modern India. Observances include tributes at Ambedkar statues and memorials and educational programs highlighting his contributions to social justice. In festivals in April 2025, Ambedkar Jayanti will be celebrated nationwide, especially by Dalit communities and civil rights organisations. Schools and government institutions often hold special events and seminars to raise awareness of his work. 

Baisakhi is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated primarily in Punjab, marking the Punjabi New Year and the formation of the Khalsa in Sikhism. Falling around April 13, it is a joyous occasion for Sikhs to visit Gurdwaras, participate in processions, and perform the energetic Bhangra and Gidda dances. In festivals in April 2025, Baisakhi will be a time of community celebrations, particularly in Amritsar at the Golden Temple, where devotees gather in large numbers. The day is marked by prayers for a bountiful harvest and shared meals at langars (community kitchens). Baisakhi is a cultural and religious highlight for those exploring festivals, embodying the spirit of gratitude, unity, and festivity. 

World Heritage Day, celebrated annually on April 18, raises awareness about the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage sites around the globe. In festivals in April 2025, World Heritage Day will highlight the need to protect these invaluable treasures. Events will be held at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums, and cultural institutions worldwide, where people can learn about efforts to safeguard heritage for future generations. From architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, this day reminds us of the shared responsibility to protect our world’s heritage. For those interested, World Heritage Day offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the beauty and diversity of global heritage

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is a global movement to raise awareness about environmental protection and promote sustainability. In festivals in April 2025, Earth Day will continue to focus on climate action, encouraging individuals and organisations to adopt eco-friendly practices. Communities worldwide organise events like tree planting, clean-up drives, and educational workshops on reducing carbon footprints. It’s a day when people come together to address issues like pollution, deforestation, and global warming. Earth Day is a call to action to contribute to a healthier, greener planet. The festival resonates with eco-conscious individuals who prioritise environmental advocacy and take steps to preserve the earth for future generations.

Akshaya Tritiya is a significant Hindu and Jain festival celebrated for its association with prosperity and good fortune. Falling on the third lunar day of the bright half of Vaisakha is considered an auspicious day for starting new ventures, making investments, or purchasing gold. In festivals in April 2025, Akshaya Tritiya will be marked by religious ceremonies, charitable donations, and cultural events. Many devotees offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and success. In the Jain community, it commemorates the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev, ending his year-long fast. Akshaya Tritiya symbolises an unending flow of prosperity and spiritual blessings, making it a popular occasion for financial investments and religious devotion.

Mahavir Swami Jayanti celebrates the birth of the Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, on the 13th day of Chaitra, which usually falls in April. Devotees honour his teachings and non-violence truth and compassion through prayer services, processions and discourses on Jail philosophy. Temples are decorated, and Jains carry out charitable acts such as feeding people experiencing poverty. Festivals in April 2025 will include special programs dedicated to spreading Mahavira's message of peace and harmony. This day holds the deep spiritual significance of Jains and offers a time for reflection on the various virtues that Lord Mahavira embodied.