Key Takeaways:
- Hanuwantiya Water Festival opens on 30 December 2025 with the “Aqua Serenade” theme, blending tourism, culture and celebration.
- The 100-day festival features land, water and air activities including jet-skiing, kayaking, zipline and tethered hot-air balloon rides.
- A 17-acre tent city with 104 Swiss cottage tents and community-led cultural programmes aim to boost local livelihoods and tourism.
- New Year packages run from ₹7,999 and short celebrations from 30 December to 2 January are available; contact +91 78349 85081 for bookings.
Hanuwantiya, Madhya Pradesh — The Hanuwantiya Water Festival began its grand inauguration on 30 December 2025, transforming the backwaters of the Narmada into a focal point for tourism and cultural celebration. Officials launched this year’s edition under the “Aqua Serenade” theme, with Additional Collector Srushti Deshmukh formally cutting the ribbon at the lakeside site in Khargone district.
Hanuwantiya Water Festival offers 100 days of activities
The festival is scheduled as a 100-day programme from 30 December and promises a broad mix of land, water and air-based attractions. Visitors can choose from speed boating, jet-skiing, kayaking, water parasailing, banana rides and an LED water dance with fireworks. Adventure options extend ashore with ATV rides, cycling and trekking, while tethered hot-air balloon rides offer elevated views across the roughly 95 square-kilometre reservoir and more than 90 islands.
Organisers have set up a 17-acre tent city featuring 104 Swiss cottage tents across deluxe and luxury categories to provide a comfortable, nature-oriented stay. The accommodation cluster aims to deliver modern amenities alongside a safe camp environment, positioning Hanuwantiya as a competitive water-retreat destination.
While the festival runs for 100 days, special New Year celebrations are highlighted between 30 December and 2 January, with packages starting at ₹7,999. These short-stay options include DJ nights, live music, buffet dinners, bonfires, organic meals, midnight feasts and curated water activities, designed to attract short-break and family visitors.
Local culture is central to the event. Folk music, tribal performances, crafts and regional cuisine are showcased on national platforms, and organisers have emphasised active participation from artisans, self-help groups and youth collectives. The festival’s programming aims to funnel direct economic benefits to surrounding communities through stalls, performances and hospitality opportunities.
Safety and logistics have been prioritised. Local authorities and event managers report trained staff, water-safety equipment including life jackets, on-site medical facilities, fire-safety measures and CCTV surveillance. Controlled entry points and crowd management plans are in place to ensure visitor security across peak periods.
The Hanuwantiya site sits on the Narmada’s backwaters and is promoted for its natural features: an extensive reservoir framed by islands and biodiversity that event organisers say make the location unique for water-based tourism and investment. Officials hope the festival will strengthen Madhya Pradesh’s seasonal tourism calendar and encourage repeat visits outside the winter window.
For visitors interested in bookings and package details, organisers have published a helpline at +91 78349 85081. The event’s promotional material highlights inclusive programming for all age groups, wellness sessions such as yoga and nature walks, and family-friendly entertainment to broaden appeal.
As the Hanuwantiya Water Festival unfolds, its mix of adventure tourism and cultural expression will be watched closely by regional operators seeking to expand seasonal visitor flows. This year’s Aqua Serenade theme aims to combine spectacle with local economic opportunity while positioning Hanuwantiya as a serene waterside retreat for both domestic and visiting tourists.
