Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026: Kurta Pikachu & Saree Pikachu Raids Live

by Margaret Serenity Updated on 2026-03-18 18:09:07 / Update for Pokemon iOS

In 2026, Pokémon GO once again brings an iconic Indian festival into the game: the Festival of Colors is officially returning and will be available exclusively to Trainers in India.

This time, Pikachu wearing a saree and Pikachu wearing a kurta are not only returning, but they can also be caught with a special, event‑exclusive background, alongside a lineup of festive Pokémon, bonuses, and research tasks.

pokemon go festival of colors 2026

Part 1: What is the Festival of Colors 2026 in Pokémon GO?

The Festival of Colors 2026 in Pokémon GO is an India-exclusive event celebrating the spirit of the festival with vibrant spawns, special costumes, and regional bonuses. The event runs from Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.

pokemon go festival of colors

When and Where is the Festival of Colors 2026 Held?

The Pokémon GO Festival of Lights 2025 event will take place exclusively in India, here's the 2025 Pokemon Go Light Festival schedule:

  • Start Date and Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
  • End Date and Time: Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
  • Location: While the general event bonuses (like increased spawns and Lure duration) are available throughout India, special 1-star raids and in-person meetups are concentrated in specific landmark parks across major cities.
  • City
  • Featured Park Location
  • local Mumbai
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park
  • local New Delhi
  • Lodhi Gardens
  • local Bengaluru
  • Sri Chamarajendra Park (Cubbon Park)
  • local Chennai
  • Dr. Visvesvaraya Tower Park
  • local Hyderabad
  • Indira Park
  • local Kolkata
  • Rabindra Sarobar
  • local Pune
  • Saras Baug

Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026 Highlights

The event features the return of culturally themed Pokémon and specific "color-themed" encounters:

1. Costumed Pokémon: Pikachu wearing a Saree and Pikachu wearing a Kurta are appearing in the wild, 1-star raids, and Timed Research. This year, they have a chance to feature a Special Background when caught.

2. Colorful O’Clock: At specific times (10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.), certain Pokémon will swarm for five minutes, including:

  • Pikachu (Saree & Kurta)
  • Burmy (Plant, Sandy, and Trash Cloaks)
  • Flabébé (Red, Orange, and White flowers)

3. Lure Module Spawns: Lures will attract various forms of Burmy and Flabébé, along with Medicham.

Part 2: How to Get Pikachu Wearing Saree & Kurta in Pokémon GO

saree and kurta pikachu pokemon go

In Pokémon GO, catching Pikachu wearing a saree or a kurta during the Festival of Colors 2026 is limited to specific methods, primarily exclusive to Trainers in India.

Since the event is currently active (running until Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time), here is how you can secure them:

1. Free Timed Research (Best Method)

All Trainers in India have access to a Free Timed Research story.

  • The Choice:After completing the first stage, you must choose between the "Saree" path or the "Kurta" path.
  • The Reward:Completing the research grants an encounter with the Pikachu matching your choice. For the 2026 event, this Pikachu is guaranteed to have a Special Background.
  • Deadline:You must claim these rewards before the event ends on March 8.

2. "Colorful O’Clock" Wild Spawns

For the first time, these costumed Pikachu are appearing in the wild, but only during specific 5-minute windows known as Colorful O’Clock.

  • Times:10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. local time daily.
  • What happens:For exactly 5 minutes, Saree and Kurta Pikachu (along with Burmy and Flabébé) will swarm the map across India.

3. One-Star Raids

You can find both versions in 1-Star Raids, but these are restricted to sponsored Gyms in major Indian cities.

  • Locations:Specific parks in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
  • Remote Raiding:If you are outside India, you can still get these Pikachu by being invited to a remote raid by a friend in India.
  • Bonus:Pikachu caught from these raids also have a chance to feature the Special Background.

Which PokéStops or Gyms in India have most Kurta or Saree Pikachu raids

I currently don't have direct access to real-time data or specific in-game locations for raids in India. However, here are a few strategies to help you identify where you can find the most Kurta or Saree Pikachu raids during the Festival of Lights 2025 event:

1. Check Nearby Gyms in Major Cities

  • During the Festival of Lights 2025 event, larger cities are likely to have more active Gyms hosting these themed raids.
  • Cities like: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata.

2. Join Local Discord Servers or Facebook Groups

  • Trainers often share information about raid locations in local Pokémon GO communities.
  • Check out regional Pokémon GO Discord servers, Facebook groups, or WhatsApp groups for real-time raid invites.
  • Members usually post about Pikachu saree or kurta raids in their area, especially as the event progresses.

3. Increased Raid Density Around Major Landmarks

  • PokéStops and Gyms near tourist attractions, malls, and parks in major cities tend to be more active.
  • For example, look for Gyms around: Marine Drive (Mumbai), Connaught Place (Delhi), Cubbon Park (Bangalore), Maidan (Kolkata).

4. Use Pokémon GO's “Nearby” Feature

  • In the Pokémon GO app, use the “Nearby” feature to locate current raids in your area.
  • This will help you identify which Gyms have the Pikachu-themed raids and which ones are in high density.

5. Remote Raids

  • If you're not able to physically visit the locations, you can join remote raids by asking friends in India to invite you.
  • Look for online raid groups or connect with fellow players who can invite you to saree or kurta Pikachu raids from different parts of India.

Part 3: How to join remote raids for Saree Pikachu & Kurta Pikachu from Abroad

While Saree Pikachu and Kurta Pikachu are region-locked to India during the Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026 event, you can still join remote raids from abroad by coordinating with friends or raid groups in India. Remote raid passes, online communities, and timely raid invites will be key to successfully participating in this exciting event.

Method 1: Join or Host Remote Raids

saree and kurta pikachu pokemon go raids

If you're not able to physically visit the locations, you can join remote raids by asking friends in India to invite you. To join or host remote raids for Saree Pikachu and Kurta Pikachu during the Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026, follow these steps:

Joining Remote Raids

  • Get Remote Raid Passes: Purchase Remote Raid Passes from the in-game shop or obtain them through event rewards or friendships.
  • Find Active Raids: Monitor the Nearby section, community chats, or social media groups to find active Festival of Lights raids featuring Saree and Kurta Pikachu.
  • Accept Raid Invites: Friends or community members can send raid invites you can accept to join remotely.
  • Join Raid: Use your Remote Raid Pass to join the raid from anywhere without physically being near the gym.
  • Complete Raid: Work together with remote players to defeat Pikachu and have a chance to catch it afterward, including shiny variants.

Hosting Remote Raids

  • Participate in a Raid: Start a one-star raid at a Gym in India where the event is active or use your location there if possible.
  • Open the Raid Lobby: Make your lobby open for remote players to allow others to join.
  • Send Raid Invites: Invite your friends or community to join remotely.
  • Coordinate Timing: Arrange a time for everyone to join to efficiently complete the raid.

Method 2: Use PoGoskill to obtain Pikachu without being in India

One of the exciting parts of the Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026 is the special regional Pokémon appearances, like Saree Pikachu and Kurta Pikachu, which will only be available in India. But don’t worry if you’re not in India! With a tool like PoGoskill Location Changer, you can virtually travel there without leaving your home. 

Here are the key features of PoGoskill Location Changer:

  • Change your location to any place in the world with just a few clicks.
  • Designed with security in mind to avoid bans or penalties in Pokémon GO.
  • Not only can you teleport, but you can also simulate real walking or jogging movements to make your gameplay look natural.
  • Works on both Mac and Windows and is compatible with iOS/Android devices.
Free Download
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Here is the step-by-step guide to install and use PoGoskill to catch Saree Pikachu without physically moving.

  • Step 1Download PoGoskill Location Changer software, and follow the on-screen instructions to install PoGoskill on your computer.

    install PoGoskill
  • Step 2Connect phone to your computer using a USB cable or WiFi and select "Game Mode".

    pokemon go festival of lights 2025 location changer
  • Step 3Use the search bar or scroll through the map to find Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026 location, where the Saree Pikachu will appear. Select a location within India to teleport your in-game avatar there.

    how to use pogoskill to change location

Part 4: Live Kurta & Saree Pikachu Raids Guide: Weaknesses & Best Counters

Here’s your live guide on how to tackle Kurta Pikachu and Saree Pikachu raids during the Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026 event! This guide will include everything you need to know about their weaknesses, best counters, and strategies for raiding these festive Pikachu variants.

saree and kurta pikachu pokemon go maxcp

1Weaknesses of Kurta & Saree Pikachu

During the Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026, Pikachu wearing a kurta and Pikachu wearing a saree appear as 1-star raid bosses exclusive to India. Both are Electric-type Pokémon — this is crucial because their main weakness is Ground-type moves.

  • Type: Electric
  • CP: Around 3,277 in one-star raids
  • Weakness: Ground moves deal double damage
  • Shiny Availability: Shiny versions of both Pikachu variants are obtainable in raids.
  • Best Moveset: Thunder Shock and Wild Charge, This set maximizes Electric-type damage output and is effective in raid battles against opponents weak to Electric.

2What are the Best Counters Against Kurta & Saree Pikachu?

If you’re planning to challenge and catch Kurta Pikachu and Saree Pikachu during the Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026, you’ll need some strong Pokémon to get the job done.

Here are the top Pokémon to use in your battles against Saree Pikachu and Kurta:

  • Pokémon
  • Type
  • Best Moves
  • Why It’s a Great Counter
  • Gardevoir
  • Fairy, Psychic
  • Charm (Fast), Dazzling Gleam (Charge)
  • Gardevoir’s Fairy-type moves are super effective against Pikachu.
  • Machamp
  • Fighting
  • Counter (Fast), Dynamic Punch (Charge)
  • Machamp’s Fighting-type moves deal heavy damage to Pikachu.
  • Tyranitar
  • Dark, Rock
  • Smack Down (Fast), Stone Edge (Charge)
  • Tyranitar’s Rock-type moves can crush Pikachu’s Electric attacks.
  • Breloom
  • Grass, Fighting
  • Counter (Fast), Dynamic Punch (Charge)
  • Breloom is a strong fighting type that hits hard against Pikachu.
  • Gastrodon
  • Water, Ground
  • Mud-Slap (Fast), Earth Power (Charge)
  • Gastrodon’s Ground-type moves make it immune to Pikachu’s Electric moves.

Part 5: FAQs about Saree Pikachu and Kurta Pikachu

1. What is the new Pikachu in Pokemon GO 2025?

In Pokémon GO 2025, several special costume Pikachu variants appear during various events, celebrating different themes and festivals. The key costume Pikachu from 2025 include:

  • Jacket Pikachu (Varsity Jacket Pikachu) – Sports a varsity jacket for the 2025 Pokémon World Championships celebration event.
  • Kurta Pikachu – Wears a traditional kurta outfit, featured during the Festival of Lights event in India.
  • Saree Pikachu – Wears a traditional saree, also part of the Festival of Lights event in India.
  • Halloween Pikachu (with costume) – Halloween Pikachu makes an appearance, wearing spooky or themed costumes. In 2025, expect a variety of costumes tied to the Halloween event, such as Pumpkin hats or Ghostly cloaks.
  • Santa Pikachu – A festive favorite, this Pikachu appears during the Holiday Event in December, usually sporting a Santa hat and other holiday-themed accessories.
  • Party Pikachu – Often released for New Year's or special celebrations, Party Pikachu might sport a party hat, streamers, or other festive gear, making it a fan favorite for the beginning of the year.
  • Shamrock Pikachu – For St. Patrick’s Day in March, Pikachu can wear a shamrock-themed costume, bringing some green into the festivities.

2. What is the Rarest type of Pikachu in Pokémon Go?

The rarest type of Pikachu in Pokémon GO is generally considered to be Detective Pikachu. Released during a limited-time event in 2019, Detective Pikachu wears a detective hat and has never been re-released in the wild or raids, making it extremely rare and highly coveted by trainers.

Other very rare Pikachu variants include:

  • Pikachu Libre (the wrestling costume), which is a GO Battle League reward and not caught in the wild.
  • Various Hat Pikachu forms like Party Hat, Ash's different hats, and Birthday Hat Pikachu, typically available only during their specific event windows.
  • Shiny variants of any Pikachu costume are much rarer due to low shiny encounter rates.

3. Can the kurta Pikachu be shiny in Pokémon GO?

Yes, Kurta Pikachu in Pokémon GO can be shiny. The odds of encountering a shiny Kurta Pikachu are approximately 1 in 512 during the event’s raids. It was made available during the Festival of Colors 2026 event in India but can also be obtained remotely by players outside India.

The difference between Kurta Pikachu and Shiny Kurta Pikachu in Pokémon GO is primarily visual:

  • Kurta Pikachu (Normal): Shows Pikachu wearing a traditional Indian kurta outfit in its default yellow color.
  • Shiny Kurta Pikachu: Features the same kurta costume but with a subtle color shift on Pikachu’s body to a slightly lighter, more creamy shade, distinguishing it from the standard form.
  • Shiny variants of any Pikachu costume are much rarer due to low shiny encounter rates.

4. Can costume Pikachu be shiny in Pokémon GO?

Yes, costume Pikachu can be shiny in Pokémon GO. Many of the costumed versions of Pikachu introduced during various events, such as the Varsity Jacket Pikachu for the 2026 World Championships or the Kurta and Saree Pikachu from the Festival of Lights, have shiny variants available. Players can obtain shiny costume Pikachu through raids, special research tasks, wild encounters during featured events, and trading.

5. How to get nightcap Pikachu in Pokémon Go?

how to get nightcap Pikachu

Nightcap Pikachu in Pokémon GO is a special variant of Pikachu that you can get by connecting your Pokémon GO Plus + device to the Pokémon Sleep app. This Pikachu appears only when you have the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory paired and interacting with Pokémon Sleep. It functions as a helper Pokémon that can provide berries and ingredients as you track your sleep with the app.

6. What is the most rare shiny Pikachu?

The rarest shiny Pikachu in Pokémon GO is widely regarded as Shiny Pikachu Libre. Pikachu Libre is a special costume Pikachu that wears a wrestling outfit, and its shiny form is incredibly rare because it only becomes available under limited circumstances, primarily as a reward in GO Battle League or during special events. Unlike many other shiny Pikachu variants, the shiny Libre Pikachu is not found in the wild or raids, which adds to its rarity and exclusivity.

the Rarest Shiny Pikachu Libre

7. Who is the hardest Pokémon to catch in Pokémon Go?

The hardest Pokémon to catch in Pokémon GO as of 2026 tends to vary based on spawn rates, catch difficulty, and event exclusivity, but several contenders are widely recognized by the community and experts:

  • Volcarona: Extremely rare because its pre-evolution Larvesta has a very low hatch rate from 2km, 5km, and 10km eggs, and evolving into Volcarona requires a staggering 400 Larvesta candies.
  • Salazzle: Hard to obtain because only female Salandit evolves into Salazzle, and female Salandit are very rare, only hatch from 12km eggs acquired by defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders.
  • Armored Mewtwo: Limited availability and high rarity from special short-term raid events.
  • Rotom: Available only during certain in-person Pokémon GO events with photobomb encounter mechanics.
  • Certain costume and regional forms: These are event-locked or region-locked, making them difficult to obtain for many players.

Conclusion

Pokémon GO Festival of Colors 2026 promises to be a vibrant and exciting event filled with new adventures, cultural celebrations, and unique Pokémon like Saree Pikachu and Kurta Pikachu. Whether you're using tools like PoGoskill Location Changer to catch region-exclusive Pokémon or preparing the best counters for your battles, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

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With a decade of software industry experience, Margaret Serenity is PoGoskill's leading editor for resolving iPhone and Android issues. Her online guides have assisted millions of users globally.