India’s art ecosystem has evolved into a wide network of commercial fairs, long-format exhibitions, biennales, and public cultural events. By 2026, this landscape reflects greater diversity in artistic voices, formats, and audiences across the country. From international art fairs in major cities to site-specific exhibitions and craft-led gatherings, India’s art calendar continues to expand in scope.
For artists, galleries, collectors, and cultural professionals, understanding when and where these events take place is essential. Each format serves a distinct role, shaping how contemporary and traditional art is presented, experienced, and exchanged. This guide outlines the major art fairs and art exhibitions scheduled in India in 2026, with confirmed dates, locations, and event details to support informed planning.
1. India Art Fair 2026
Location:
NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi
Dates:
February 5 to February 8, 2026
Timings:
• February 5 to 7: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• February 8: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
India Art Fair is the country’s largest contemporary art fair and one of South Asia’s most established art platforms. The 2026 edition marks the fair’s 17th year and is expected to feature more than 120 exhibitors, including Indian and international galleries, art institutions, and design studios.
The fair typically includes painting, sculpture, photography, installation, digital media, and performance art, along with curated talks and educational programs. It attracts collectors, museum professionals, curators, and serious art buyers from across the region.
Primary focus: Contemporary and modern art, gallery presentations, curated exhibitions
City significance: New Delhi remains India’s strongest commercial art hub
2. Kochi Muziris Biennale 2025–2026
Location:
Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, Kerala
Dates:
December 12, 2025 to March 31, 2026
Timings:
• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Closed on Mondays
Although it begins in late 2025, the Kochi Muziris Biennale runs well into 2026 and is one of the most significant art exhibitions in India during the year. It is India’s first international contemporary art biennale and is widely regarded as one of Asia’s most influential large-scale exhibitions.
The biennale uses restored heritage spaces, warehouses, public buildings, and outdoor locations across Kochi. It includes large installations, video works, performance art, sound art, and site-specific projects by artists from India and abroad.
Primary focus: Contemporary global art, experimental practice, site-specific work
City significance: Kochi functions as a temporary international art capital during the biennale
3. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026
Location:
Kala Ghoda precinct, South Mumbai
Expected Dates:
Late January to early February 2026
Duration:
9 days
Timings:
• Outdoor exhibitions and installations: All day
• Gallery and indoor venues: Typically 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a multidisciplinary cultural festival rather than a commercial art fair, but it plays a major role in India’s public art landscape. Visual arts exhibitions, outdoor installations, photography shows, and student showcases form a significant part of the festival.
The event is open to the public and draws large footfall, making it particularly relevant for artists working in public art, illustration, photography, and experimental media.
Primary focus: Visual arts, public installations, cultural programming
City significance: Mumbai’s most visible annual art event
4. Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026
Location:
Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana
Dates:
January 31 to February 15, 2026
Timings:
Daily: 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Surajkund Mela is one of India’s largest craft and folk art events. While it is not strictly a fine art fair, it features large-scale displays of traditional art forms, handcrafted objects, murals, and regional visual traditions from across India and partner countries.
The 2026 edition lists Egypt as a partner nation, adding international cultural representation to the event.
Primary focus: Traditional art, crafts, folk art, regional visual culture
City significance: Major cultural event in North India
5. International Kolkata Book Fair 2026 Art Exhibitions
Location:
Central Park, Salt Lake, Kolkata
Dates:
January 22 to February 3, 2026
Timings:
Daily: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
While primarily a literary event, the International Kolkata Book Fair includes curated art exhibitions each year. The 2026 edition features visual exhibitions focused on cinema history, illustration, archival photography, and cultural documentation.
These exhibitions attract artists, designers, photographers, and researchers alongside writers and publishers.
Primary focus: Archival art, illustration, cultural exhibitions
City significance: Eastern India’s largest cultural gathering
Art Fairs vs Art Exhibitions: Key Differences
|
Aspect |
Art Fairs |
Art Exhibitions |
|
Primary purpose |
Commercial sales and networking |
Curatorial and cultural presentation |
|
Duration |
Short, usually 3 to 5 days |
Weeks to months |
|
Venue type |
Exhibition halls |
Galleries, heritage spaces |
|
Audience |
Collectors, galleries, professionals |
Public, students, researchers |
|
Entry |
Ticketed |
Often free or subsidized |
Planning Tips for Art Events in India 2026
- Major art fairs such as India Art Fair require advance ticket booking
- Biennale visits often need multiple days due to scale
- January to March is the busiest period for art exhibitions in India
- Dates and venues may change, so official event websites should be checked closer to travel.
Summary
The 2026 art calendar in India reflects a balance between international-scale art fairs and long-format exhibitions. New Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Faridabad remain the most active cities for large events, while regional exhibitions continue to strengthen India’s broader art network.
For collectors, artists, and cultural audiences, understanding the structure and timing of these events allows for more meaningful engagement with India’s evolving art landscape.
