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The Hindu calendar is rich with vibrant festivals deeply rooted in spirituality, tradition, and the changing seasons. These celebrations, which bring together families and communities, are determined by the lunisolar Hindu calendar.
This article serves as a comprehensive, month-by-month guide to the hindu festival list for 2026, making it easy for anyone to follow. Whether you are planning for celebrations or wish to learn more, this guide provides a clear overview of the rich tapestry of Hindu festivals in 2026.
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Month-Wise Hindu Festivals List for 2026
1. January 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Jan 3, 2026 |
Saturday |
Pausha Purnima |
|
Jan 6, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Sakat Chauth |
|
Jan 14, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Makara Sankranti / Pongal / Shattila Ekadashi |
|
Jan 18, 2026 |
Sunday |
Mauni Amavas |
|
Jan 23, 2026 |
Friday |
Vasant Panchami |
|
Jan 25, 2026 |
Sunday |
Ratha Saptami |
|
Jan 26, 2026 |
Monday |
Bhishma Ashtami |
|
Jan 29, 2026 |
Thursday |
Jaya Ekadashi |
January begins with the joyous harvest festivals of Makara Sankranti and Pongal. These celebrations mark the sun's significant transition into the zodiac of Capricorn (Makara) and honor the new harvest.
This month also features Vasant Panchami, a day dedicated to worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, music, and the arts, to seek blessings for knowledge and creativity.
2. February 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Feb 1, 2026 |
Sunday |
Magha Purnima |
|
Feb 13, 2026 |
Friday |
Kumbha Sankranti / Vijaya Ekadashi |
|
Feb 15, 2026 |
Sunday |
Maha Shivaratri |
|
Feb 17, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Surya Grahan (Annular) |
|
Feb 27, 2026 |
Friday |
Amalaki Ekadashi |
February is highlighted by Maha Shivaratri, the "Great Night of Shiva." This is a major festival where devotees honor Lord Shiva with reverence and devotion.
Many observe a fast, hold vigils, and offer prayers and bael leaves to the Shiva Linga throughout the night.
3. March 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Mar 3, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Chhoti Holi / Holika Dahan / Chandra Grahan (Total) / Phalguna Purnima |
|
Mar 4, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Holi |
|
Mar 11, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Sheetala Ashtami / Basoda |
|
Mar 15, 2026 |
Sunday |
Meena Sankranti / Papamochani Ekadashi |
|
Mar 19, 2026 |
Thursday |
Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Chaitra Navratri begins |
|
Mar 21, 2026 |
Saturday |
Gauri Puja / Gangaur |
|
Mar 24, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Yamuna Chhath |
|
Mar 26, 2026 |
Thursday |
Rama Navami (Smarta) |
|
Mar 27, 2026 |
Friday |
Rama Navami (ISKCON) / Swaminarayan Jayanti |
|
Mar 29, 2026 |
Sunday |
Kamada Ekadashi |
March is renowned for Holi, the vibrant "Festival of Colours," which joyfully celebrates the arrival of spring and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
The month also marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, and the celebration of Rama Navami, the birth of Lord Rama.
Regional New Year festivities like Ugadi and Gudi Padwa are also observed on the same day, Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, marking new beginnings with great enthusiasm.
4. April 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Apr 2, 2026 |
Thursday |
Hanuman Jayanti / Hanuman Janmotsava / Chaitra Purnima |
|
Apr 13, 2026 |
Monday |
Varuthini Ekadashi |
|
Apr 14, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Mesha Sankranti / Solar New Year |
|
Apr 19, 2026 |
Sunday |
Parashurama Jayanti / Akshaya Tritiya |
|
Apr 23, 2026 |
Thursday |
Ganga Saptami |
|
Apr 25, 2026 |
Saturday |
Sita Navami |
|
Apr 27, 2026 |
Monday |
Mohini Ekadashi |
|
Apr 30, 2026 |
Thursday |
Narasimha Jayanti |
April features Hanuman Jayanti, a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, the ultimate devotee of Lord Rama. The month also includes Akshaya Tritiya, considered a highly auspicious day for new ventures, investments, and purchasing gold. Additionally, the Solar New Year is marked by regional festivals such as Baisakhi in Punjab and Pohela Boishakh in Bengal, celebrated with cultural fervor.
5. May 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
May 1, 2026 |
Friday |
Buddha Purnima / Vaishakha Purnima |
|
May 2, 2026 |
Saturday |
Narada Jayanti |
|
May 13, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Apara Ekadashi |
|
May 15, 2026 |
Friday |
Vrishabha Sankranti |
|
May 16, 2026 |
Saturday |
Vat Savitri Vrat / Shani Jayanti |
|
May 25, 2026 |
Monday |
Ganga Dussehra |
|
May 27, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Padmini Ekadashi |
|
May 31, 2026 |
Sunday |
Jyeshtha Adhika Purnima |
In May, Buddha Purnima is observed, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Another significant occasion is Vat Savitri Vrat, a day when married Hindu women observe a fast and offer prayers for the well-being, prosperity, and long life of their husbands.
6. June 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Jun 11, 2026 |
Thursday |
Parama Ekadashi |
|
Jun 15, 2026 |
Monday |
Mithuna Sankranti |
|
Jun 25, 2026 |
Thursday |
Nirjala Ekadashi |
|
Jun 29, 2026 |
Monday |
Vat Purnima Vrat / Jyeshtha Purnima |
June's key observance is Nirjala Ekadashi. It is regarded as one of the most significant and challenging Ekadashi fasts, as devotees observe it with complete austerity, abstaining from both food and water for the entire day to seek spiritual merit.
7. July 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Jul 10, 2026 |
Friday |
Yogini Ekadashi |
|
Jul 11, 2026 |
Saturday |
Gauna Yogini Ekadashi |
|
Jul 16, 2026 |
Thursday |
Jagannath Rathyatra / Karka Sankranti |
|
Jul 25, 2026 |
Saturday |
Devshayani Ekadashi |
|
Jul 29, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Guru Purnima / Ashadha Purnima |
July is marked by two important festivals. The first is Jagannath Rathyatra, the spectacular chariot festival held in Puri, where deities are paraded on grand chariots. The second is Guru Purnima, a day dedicated to expressing gratitude and reverence towards spiritual and academic teachers, or gurus, for their guidance and wisdom.
8. August 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug 9, 2026 |
Sunday |
Kamika Ekadashi |
|
Aug 12, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Surya Grahan (Total) |
|
Aug 15, 2026 |
Saturday |
Hariyali Teej |
|
Aug 17, 2026 |
Monday |
Nag Panchami / Simha Sankranti |
|
Aug 23, 2026 |
Sunday |
Shravana Putrada Ekadashi |
|
Aug 26, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Onam |
|
Aug 28, 2026 |
Friday |
Raksha Bandhan / Rakhi / Gayatri Jayanti / Shravana Purnima / Varalakshmi Vrat / Chandra Grahan (Anshika) |
|
Aug 31, 2026 |
Monday |
Kajari Teej |
August is a month of vibrant celebrations, led by Raksha Bandhan, a cherished festival that honors the protective bond between brothers and sisters. Other key events include Onam, the major harvest festival of Kerala celebrated with elaborate feasts and cultural programs, and Hariyali Teej, a monsoon festival observed by married women for marital bliss. The month also features a partial lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan), a spiritually significant astronomical event.
9. September 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Sep 4, 2026 |
Friday |
Krishna Janmashtami / Agastya Arghya |
|
Sep 7, 2026 |
Monday |
Aja Ekadashi |
|
Sep 14, 2026 |
Monday |
Hartalika Teej / Ganesh Chaturthi |
|
Sep 15, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Rishi Panchami |
|
Sep 16, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Balarama Jayanti |
|
Sep 17, 2026 |
Thursday |
Vishwakarma Puja / Kanya Sankranti |
|
Sep 19, 2026 |
Saturday |
Radha Ashtami |
|
Sep 22, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Parsva Ekadashi |
|
Sep 25, 2026 |
Friday |
Ganesh Visarjan / Anant Chaturdashi |
|
Sep 26, 2026 |
Saturday |
Bhadrapada Purnima |
|
Sep 27, 2026 |
Sunday |
Pitrupaksha Begins |
September is marked by two major festivals. Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with prayers, fasting, and devotional songs. Soon after, Ganesh Chaturthi begins, a grand 10-day festival honoring the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and good fortune.
10. October 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Oct 6, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Indira Ekadashi |
|
Oct 10, 2026 |
Saturday |
Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya Amavasya |
|
Oct 11, 2026 |
Sunday |
Navratri Begins (Sharad Navratri) |
|
Oct 16, 2026 |
Friday |
Saraswati Avahan |
|
Oct 17, 2026 |
Saturday |
Saraswati Puja / Tula Sankranti |
|
Oct 19, 2026 |
Monday |
Durga Ashtami / Maha Navami |
|
Oct 20, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Vijayadashami / Dussehra |
|
Oct 22, 2026 |
Thursday |
Papankusha Ekadashi |
|
Oct 25, 2026 |
Sunday |
Kojagara Puja / Sharad Purnima |
|
Oct 26, 2026 |
Monday |
Ashwina Purnima |
|
Oct 29, 2026 |
Thursday |
Karwa Chauth |
October is dominated by Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to honoring the various forms of Goddess Durga. This period of worship and fasting culminates in Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami), which celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Later in the month, married women observe Karwa Chauth, a day-long fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
11. November 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Nov 1, 2026 |
Sunday |
Ahoi Ashtami |
|
Nov 5, 2026 |
Thursday |
Govatsa Dwadashi / Rama Ekadashi |
|
Nov 6, 2026 |
Friday |
Dhanteras |
|
Nov 7, 2026 |
Saturday |
Kali Chaudas |
|
Nov 8, 2026 |
Sunday |
Lakshmi Puja / Narak Chaturdashi / Diwali |
|
Nov 10, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Govardhan Puja |
|
Nov 11, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Bhaiya Dooj |
|
Nov 15, 2026 |
Sunday |
Chhath Puja |
|
Nov 16, 2026 |
Monday |
Vrishchika Sankranti |
|
Nov 20, 2026 |
Friday |
Devutthana Ekadashi / Kansa Vadh |
|
Nov 21, 2026 |
Saturday |
Tulasi Vivah / Gauna Devutthana Ekadashi |
|
Nov 24, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Kartika Purnima / Dev Diwali |
November is illuminated by Diwali (or Deepavali), the "Festival of Lights" and the biggest Hindu festival of the year. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The five-day celebration includes Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhaiya Dooj, each with its own unique rituals and significance.
12. December 2026 Hindu Festivals
|
Date |
Day |
Festival |
|---|---|---|
|
Dec 1, 2026 |
Tuesday |
Kalabhairav Jayanti |
|
Dec 4, 2026 |
Friday |
Utpanna Ekadashi |
|
Dec 14, 2026 |
Monday |
Vivah Panchami |
|
Dec 16, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Dhanu Sankranti |
|
Dec 20, 2026 |
Sunday |
Gita Jayanti / Mokshada Ekadashi |
|
Dec 23, 2026 |
Wednesday |
Dattatreya Jayanti / Margashirsha Purnima |
December concludes the year with spiritually significant events. The most notable is Gita Jayanti, which commemorates the day Lord Krishna imparted the sacred wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, offering timeless guidance on duty, righteousness, and devotion.
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Why Hindu Festivals Are Spiritually Important
Hindu festivals are more than just dates on a calendar; they are deeply meaningful occasions that enrich life in numerous ways.
• Cultural Connection: Festivals are a vital way of bringing families, friends, and communities together. They reinforce cultural identity and are a time to honor ancestral traditions passed down through generations.
• Spiritual Observance: Many festivals involve Vrat (fasting) and Puja (worship). These practices are forms of devotion and austerity that are believed to purify the mind, body, and spirit, helping individuals focus on their spiritual path.
• Celebrating Nature and Harvest: Festivals like Pongal and Makar Sankranti are harvest celebrations. They express gratitude to nature, the sun, and the divine for the bounty of the earth, reinforcing the deep connection between humanity and the environment.
• Symbolism of Good over Evil: Core festivals like Diwali and Dussehra commemorate the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. These stories and celebrations reinforce positive values and serve as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of dharma (righteousness).
Final Words
The hindu festival list for 2026 is filled with diverse and meaningful celebrations, each offering a unique glimpse into a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. These occasions provide a beautiful opportunity to connect with culture, strengthen family bonds, and deepen one's spiritual journey. May this calendar help you plan for and appreciate the vibrant festivities of the year ahead.
