festival

May 2026 brings a calendar filled with significant religious observances. The month begins with Kurma Jayanti and Buddha Purnima. Narada Jayanti and Vat Savitri Vrat follow. Ganga Dussehra marks a sacred descent. This period is rich with devotion and new beginnings. Readers can plan their participation in these auspicious events.

The film had its world premiere at the 39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film festival 2025

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, celebrated for his acclaimed works, has been appointed the festival director for the 57th International Film festival of India (IFFI). Succeeding Shekhar Kapur, Gowariker expressed immense pride and joy in taking on this role, highlighting his long-standing association with the prestigious event since 1984.

The Raulane festival in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur valley marks the end of winter and the start of the harvest season with vibrant celebrations. Villagers dress in bridal finery, dancing and singing for days. This ancient tribal festival, traditionally held after Holi, involves rituals to bid farewell to mountain fairies.

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed festival Director for the 57th International Film festival of India (IFFI) in Goa this November. Gowariker, who has a long history with the festival, expressed his honor and responsibility in continuing its legacy. He looks forward to collaborating with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Goa government for the renowned event.

Queen of the Apostles’ Church in Kurji Parish has launched a 10-day festival honoring Mother Mary. The event began with a flag hoisting and prayers for the departed, including a graveyard blessing. Daily Rosary, Novena prayers, and Solemn Masses are scheduled, with each day dedicated to specific intentions. The festival culminates on May 10th with a Eucharist and cultural programs.

Thousands of transgender women participated in the Koothandavar festival, reenacting the Mahabharata legend by marrying and then mourning the symbolic sacrifice of Lord Aravan. This annual event in Koovagam serves as a vital space for the transgender community to assert identity and foster solidarity, culminating in rites of widowhood and purification.

Europe's iconic festivals offer unforgettable experiences beyond typical vacations. From electronic music at Tomorrowland in Belgium to sailing and partying at The Yacht Week in Croatia, these events promise adventure. Edinburgh festival Fringe in the UK showcases diverse performances. Germany's Munich Shepherd's Beer festival celebrates culture and tradition. Romania's UNTOLD festival combines music and technology. These festivals enhance European travel.

Udhagamandalam braces for significant traffic changes starting May 1, 2026, to manage Ooty summer festival crowds. Tourist vehicles from Mettupalayam will be rerouted, and specific routes are designated for buses and cabs heading to Gudalur. Temporary parking hubs are established, and heavy commercial vehicles face entry restrictions daily.

Hollywood stars Demi Moore and Ruth Negga, alongside acclaimed director Chloe Zhao, will join Park Chan-wook's jury at the 79th Cannes Film festival. This esteemed panel will judge 22 films vying for the Palme d'Or. The festival, running May 12-23, promises a cinematic showcase featuring international talent.

Director Rudrajit Roy's Bengali feature 'Pinjar' has been officially selected for the South Asian Film festival of Montreal, a significant international recognition for its exploration of confinement and psychological trauma. The film's selection, alongside veteran actor Mamata Shankar's other work, highlights the growing global visibility of contemporary Bengali cinema.

From the official delegation, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker will represent India in his capacity as the newly appointed director of the International Film festival of India (IFFI).

In the vibrant tapestry of Mithila, the festive spirit of Madhu Shrawani once echoed the joys of community and nature. However, as modernization sweeps through the region and migration pulls families apart, these treasured rituals are quietly disappearing. Today, young individuals find themselves increasingly distanced from these ancestral customs.

A special screening of Khejdi brought together several industry names, highlighting strong support for the film. With festival recognition and a distinct subject, the project continues to build interest ahead of a wider audience reach.

Wellington College International Pune celebrated World Book Day with a week-long Literacy festival that transformed the campus into a vibrant literary space. Pupils engaged in door displays, reading sessions, competitions, buddy reading, and silent reading. Author Ilika Ranjan inspired students through interactive sessions. A Scholastic book fair and a literary character parade added excitement. The event fostered creativity, community, and a lifelong love for reading, encouraging students to become imaginative readers and storytellers of future.

Bollywood actress Tara Sutaria is set to make her grand debut at the prestigious Cannes Film festival 2026, marking a significant global career move. While not attending for a film screening, her presence is strategically timed to capitalize on the buzz surrounding her upcoming movie 'Toxic'. Read on to know more in detail.

Olivia Wilde humorously addressed online criticism of her appearance at the San Francisco International Film festival, comparing herself to Lord of the Rings' Gollum. She explained a fish-eye lens distorted her image during an interview promoting her new film, 'The Invite,' playfully denying she was a 'resurrected corpse' and assuring fans she's 'not dead.'

Thousands of transgender women, dressed in fine silk saris and adorned with traditional jewellery and flowers, participated in a symbolic mass wedding.