Indian Festival Calendar 2026

Explore the dates, significance, and celebrations of major Indian festivals for the year 2026.

January 2026

Pausha Purnima

Pausha Purnima

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Full moon day of the Pausha month, marking the upcoming beginning of Magha month. The day is considered sacred for holy river-baths and spiritual practices.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

The Sun enters Capricorn, marking the harvest celebration. People fly kites, eat sesame sweets, and celebrate prosperity.

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami

Friday, January 23, 2026

Welcomes the spring season and honors Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, arts, and learning. Yellow clothing symbolizes spring mustard blooms.

Republic Day

Republic Day

Monday, January 26, 2026

National holiday honoring the day India's Constitution came into effect in 1950. Parades and celebrations take place across the nation.

February 2026

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri

Sunday, February 15, 2026

The great night of worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees fast and offer night-long prayers and meditation.

March 2026

Holi

Holi

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Festival of colors signifying the victory of good over evil (Holika Dahan) and the arrival of spring.

Ram Navami

Ram Navami

Friday, March 27, 2026

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Temples are decorated and Ramayana recitations take place.

August 2026

Independence Day

Independence Day

Saturday, August 15, 2026

National festival commemorating India’s independence from British rule. Flag hoisting ceremonies take place across the nation.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan

Friday, August 28, 2026

Festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters tie a protective thread (Rakhi) on their brothers' wrists.

September 2026

Janmashtami

Janmashtami

Monday, September 7, 2026

Celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth. Devotees keep fasts and temples hold midnight celebrations.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi

Monday, September 14, 2026

Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. Clay idols are installed in homes and pandals and immersed after worship.

October 2026

Navratri Begins

Navratri Begins

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Nine-day worship of Goddess Durga, including fasting, puja rituals, and Garba dance celebrations.

Dussehra

Dussehra (Vijayadashami)

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Festival symbolizing the victory of good over evil – Lord Rama defeating Ravana.

Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Married women keep a day-long fast for the long life and well-being of their husbands. The fast ends after moonrise rituals.

November 2026

Dhanteras

Dhanteras

Friday, October 16, 2026

Festival marking the birth of Lord Dhanvantari. Buying gold, silver, utensils, and new items is considered auspicious.

Diwali

Diwali (Deepavali)

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Festival of Lights celebrating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya. Homes are decorated with lamps, rangoli, and lights.

Goverdhan Puja

Goverdhan Puja

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Mountain. People prepare Annakoot meals and offer food to cows and the deity.

Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Festival dedicated to the worship of Sun God. Devotees observe a 36-hour fast and offer prayers at riversides during sunset and sunrise.

Tulsi Vivah

Tulsi Vivah

Wednesday, November 25, 2026

Ceremonial wedding of Tulsi plant (holy basil) with Lord Vishnu (Shaligram). A major ritual celebrated in homes and temples.