Festivals
Festivals are the celebration of life and culture. They are the time to come together and celebrate with joy and happiness.
Important Hindu Festivals in 2026
Lohri
January 13, 2026
A popular harvest festival celebrated mainly in North India, especially Punjab. It marks the end of winter and is celebrated with bonfires, traditional songs, dancing, and festive foods.
Basant Panchami
January 23, 2026
A festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and wisdom. It marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with prayers, yellow attire, and cultural performances.
Thaipusam
February 1, 2026
A significant festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, widely celebrated by Tamil communities with devotional processions and acts of faith.
Mahashivratri
March 11, 2026
A sacred night devoted to Lord Shiva where devotees observe fasting, offer prayers, and stay awake through the night in meditation and chanting.
Phalguna Purnima
March 13, 2026
The full moon day associated with Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the beginning of Holi celebrations.
Holi
March 14, 2026
The vibrant festival of colors celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People celebrate with colors, music, sweets, and joyful gatherings.
Gudi Padwa
March 19, 2026
The Marathi New Year celebrated in Maharashtra, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings. Homes display the traditional 'Gudi' as a sign of victory and good fortune.
Ugadi
March 19, 2026
The New Year festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, marking the start of a new lunar calendar year with rituals and festive meals.
Chaitra Navratri
March 27 – April 4, 2026
A nine-day festival honoring Goddess Durga and her various forms. Devotees observe fasting, prayers, and spiritual rituals.
Hanuman Jayanti
April 4, 2026
Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, symbolizing devotion, courage, and strength. Devotees visit temples and chant prayers dedicated to him.
Vaisakhi
April 14, 2026
A harvest festival celebrated in Punjab marking the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth. It is celebrated with prayers, fairs, and cultural performances.
Buddha Purnima
May 3, 2026
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Lord Buddha. It is observed with meditation, prayers, and acts of compassion.
Ganga Dussehra
June 17, 2026
A sacred day marking the descent of the holy river Ganga to Earth. Devotees take holy dips in the river and offer prayers for purification and blessings.
Ashadhi Ekadashi
June 29, 2026
An important day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Vitthal, especially in Maharashtra. Devotees observe fasting and participate in spiritual pilgrimages.
Shravan Somvar
July – August 2026
Mondays during the holy month of Shravan are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasting and visit Shiva temples for blessings.
Nag Panchami
July 21, 2026
A traditional festival dedicated to the worship of serpent deities, symbolizing protection and prosperity.
Hartalika Teej
August 22, 2026
A festival celebrated by women for marital happiness and devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, marked by fasting and traditional rituals.
Krishna Janmashtami
August 28, 2026
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, known for his divine teachings and playful childhood stories. Devotees observe fasting, devotional singing, and midnight celebrations.
Pitru Paksha
September 18 – October 2, 2026
A sacred period dedicated to honoring ancestors. Families perform rituals and offerings to seek peace and blessings for departed souls.
Navratri
October 4 – October 12, 2026
A nine-night festival celebrating Goddess Durga and feminine divine energy, with rituals, fasting, garba dances, and devotional prayers.
Sharad Purnima
October 24, 2026
A full moon night associated with prosperity, devotion, and divine blessings. It is believed that the moonlight on this night has healing and spiritual significance.
Karva Chauth
October 27, 2026
A traditional festival where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the long life and well-being of their husbands.
Govardhan Puja
November 13, 2026
Celebrated a day after Diwali, honoring Lord Krishna and the protection of nature, with offerings of food and prayers.
Bhai Dooj
November 15, 2026
A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan, where sisters pray for their brothers' prosperity and well-being.
Dev Diwali
November 25, 2026
Also known as the 'Diwali of the Gods,' it is celebrated mainly in Varanasi, where thousands of lamps are lit along the ghats of the Ganges.