Winter in India is turning into a vibrant canvas of creativity. From sprawling biennales to focused art fairs and solo exhibitions, the season brings a rich mix of visual art, culture, and contemporary design for artists, collectors, students, and culture lovers alike. Here’s a snapshot of must-visit events this year.
Kochi-Muziris Biennale (Dec 12, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026)
India’s largest and most internationally recognised contemporary art festival returns with its sixth edition under the theme “For the Time Being.” Spread across 22 venues in Fort Kochi and surrounding areas, the Biennale features installations, performances, workshops, film screenings, and artist dialogues from a diverse roster of creators across 25+ countries. It’s a deep dive into global artistic conversations and cultural exchange.
Kalaa Spandan Art Fair (Dec 5 – 7, 2025, Mumbai)
A lively and accessible art fair at the Nehru Centre in Worli, Kalaa Spandan brings together paintings, sculpture, photography, digital art, textile art, and more from both emerging and established artists. It’s a great space to discover new talent, interact with creatives, and see a wide range of contemporary expressions in one place. indianartfair.net.in
Contemporary Exhibitions Across India (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026)
Winter also sees many gallery exhibitions and solo shows that art lovers shouldn’t miss:
- Fragility and Resilience at Jaipur Centre for Art: Works exploring memory, form, and contrast by Ayesha Sultana (until Jan 4, 2026). GQ India
- Kalakriti Art Gallery, Hyderabad: Sculptural works blending light, shadow, and narrative (on view through early January). Vogue India
- Vadehra Art Gallery, Delhi: Featuring Sandhya Rāga by A. Ramachandran, a contemplative showcase of the late master’s works (Dec 5 – Jan 6). Vogue India
These exhibitions highlight how Indian contemporary art actively dialogues with history, craft, and global perspectives — not just as visual experiences but as cultural moments worth engaging with.
Why This Season Matters
This December and January, India becomes a hub for creative exchange — from large-scale international art fairs like the Biennale to focused gallery shows spotlighting individual artistic voices. Whether you’re an art professional, collector, student, or just a curious visitor, these events are essential stops on the 2025-26 cultural calendar.
📍Pro tip: Plan your visits early, many exhibitions run through January 2026, and festival programming often includes talks, workshops, and performance art that add dimension to the visual experience.
