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Hindu Festivals in 2026 - Complete Guide on Dates, Significance, and Celebrations

Get detailed insights into the Hindu festivals of 2026, their dates, significance, and how these celebrations are observed across India.

Last updated on: March 23, 2026

The year 2026 will witness a wide range of Hindu festivals, each marking a distinct spiritual or cultural milestone. From the harvest celebrations of Makar Sankranti to the joyous festivities of Diwali, these festivals not only provide a time for family and community gatherings but also offer an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual growth. 

The dates of Hindu festivals in 2026 are determined by the lunar calendar, which means they vary from year to year. Understanding the schedule of Hindu holidays and their significance is crucial for planning your celebrations, whether you're observing these traditions at home or in a community setting.

List of Hindu Festivals in 2026

Here’s a list of Hindu festivals in 2026, including both pan-Indian celebrations and regional events:

Festival Name Date Day Region

Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan

14th January

Wednesday

Across India (primarily in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan)

Pongal/Magh Bihu

15th January

Thursday

Pongal- Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

Magh Bihu - Assam

Vasant Panchami

23rd January

Friday

Across India (especially in North and West India)

Maha Shivaratri

15th February

Sunday

Across India

Holika Dahan / Chhoti Holi

3rd March

Tuesday

Across India (especially in North India)

Holi

4th March

Wednesday

Across India

Ugadi / Gudi Padwa

19th March

Thursday

Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana

Hanuman Jayanti

2nd April

Thursday

Across India

Ram Navami

13th April

Monday

Across India (especially in North India)

Rongali Bihu

14th - 20th April

Tuesday - Monday

Assam and other North-eastern States

Akshaya Tritiya

19th April

Sunday

Across India

Ambubachi Mela

22nd - 25th June

Monday-Thursday

Assam

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

20th October

Tuesday

Across India (especially in North India)

Ganesh Chaturthi

17th August

Monday

Across India

Krishna Janmashtami

28th August

Friday

Across India

Onam (Thiruvonam)

26th August

Wednesday

Kerala

Durga Puja

19th October

Monday

Across India (especially in East India)

Maha Navami

19th October

Monday

Across India

Karwa Chauth

29th October

Thursday

North India

Diwali

8th November

Sunday

Across India

Tihar

6th - 10th November

Friday - Tuesday

Sikkim and the Darjeeling/Kalimpong districts of West Bengal

Narak Chaturdashi

8th November

Sunday

Across India

Lakshmi Puja

8th November

Sunday

Across India

Govardhan Puja

10th November

Tuesday

Across India

Bhaiya Dooj

11th November

Wednesday

Across India

Chhath Puja

15th November

Sunday

Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh

Note that calendar Hindu festivals may vary slightly depending on your region and the traditions followed in your community.

For example, Onam (Aug 26) is celebrated primarily in Kerala, while Raksha Bandhan (Aug 28) is observed across many regions in India. Some festivals may have different names and customs in various parts of the country.

Hindu Festivals That Are Also Public Holidays

Some Hindu holidays are celebrated as public holidays, meaning businesses and government offices may be closed.

Below is a list of such Hindu festivals :

Festival Name Date Day Region

Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan

14th January

Wednesday

Across India (especially in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan)

Pongal

15th January

Thursday

Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

Holi

4th March

Wednesday

Across India

Ugadi / Gudi Padwa

19th March

Thursday

Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

20th October

Tuesday

Across India (primarily in North India)

Diwali

8th November

Sunday

Across India

List of All Holidays in 2026

In 2026, several holidays are observed across India. Understanding these dates can help you plan ahead for celebrations, family gatherings, and religious observances. 

Here is a month-wise list of Hindu festivals that coincide with national, public, or regional holidays in 2026:

Month

Festival Name

Date

Day

Holiday Type

January

Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan

14th January

Wednesday

Nation-wide (mainly Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan)

 

Pongal

15th January

Thursday

Regional (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana)

February

Maha Shivaratri

15th February

Sunday

Regional

March

Holi

4th March

Wednesday

Nation-wide

 

Ugadi / Gudi Padwa

19th March

Thursday

Regional (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana)

April

Akshaya Tritiya

19th April

Sunday

Regional

August

Krishna Janmashtami

28th August

Friday

Regional

 

Ganesh Chaturthi

17th August

Monday

Regional

October

Durga Ashtami

19th October

Monday

Regional (East India)

 

Maha Navami

19th October

Monday

Regional

 

Karwa Chauth

29th October

Thursday

Regional (North India)

 

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

20th October

Tuesday

Nation-wide (mainly North India)

November

Diwali

8th November

Sunday

Nation-wide

 

Narak Chaturdashi

8th November

Sunday

Nation-wide

 

Lakshmi Puja

8th November

Sunday

Nation-wide

 

Bhaiya Dooj

11th November

Wednesday

Nation-wide

 

Chhath Puja

15th November

Sunday

Regional (Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh)

Festivals Celebrated in Other Religions

India is a diverse country with numerous religious celebrations. Apart from Hindu festivals, there are also important holidays observed by other religions. These festivals vary by state and month, contributing to the cultural richness of the country.

Here’s a list of festivals celebrated by other religions along with the states and months they are observed in:

Festival Name Date Day Religion State(s)

Christmas

25th December

Friday

Christianity

Nationwide

Eid ul-Fitr

14th May

Thursday

Islam

Nationwide

Eid ul-Adha

28th June

Monday

Islam

Nationwide

Good Friday

3rd April

Friday

Christianity

Nationwide

Buddha Purnima

25th May

Monday

Buddhism

Nationwide

Guru Nanak Jayanti

30th November

Wednesday

Sikhism

Nationwide

Mahavir Jayanti

15th February

Sunday

Jainism

Nationwide

How to Be Ready for Festive Shopping

The festive season brings a unique blend of joy, tradition, and the irresistible urge to splurge. Whether you’re refreshing your home, gifting loved ones, or treating yourself, the key to a stress-free celebration lies in balancing your wishlist with your wallet.

Here is how you can maximise your purchasing power while maintaining financial peace of mind.

Leverage Strategic Financing

If you are eyeing big-ticket items—like home renovations or premium electronics—don't let a temporary cash crunch stop you.

  • Personal Loans

    A personal loan is a powerful tool for larger projects. By converting a significant upfront cost into manageable monthly installments, you can complete your festive projects now without depleting your emergency savings

  • Credit Cards and EMIs

    Your credit card is more than just a payment method; it’s a rewards engine. Look for easy EMI offers to break down high-ticket costs into interest-free payments, and always capitalise on festive-specific cashback and reward point multipliers

The Power of Pre-Planning

The secret to avoiding buyer’s remorse is a solid blueprint.

  • Architect a Budget: Before the first sale goes live, set a hard limit on your total spend. Categorise your expenses—gifts, decor, and personal attire—to ensure every rupee is accounted for

  • Combat Impulsivity: Having a pre-set budget acts as a financial guardrail, helping you distinguish between a must-have deal and an impulsive distraction.
     

Master the Timing

Patience is the most profitable shopping skill.

  • Wait for the Big Drop: Retailers save their deepest price cuts for specific festive windows. If you’ve had your eye on a product for months, wait for the official sale launch

  • Stack Your Savings: Combine seasonal discounts with bank-specific credit card offers for a double-dip on savings.

Financial Content Specialist

Reviewer

Aakash Jain

FAQ's on Hindu Holidays

What are the Hindu festivals in 2026?

In 2026, key Hindu festivals include Makar Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Ugadi, Diwali, and Dussehra, along with regional festivals like Pongal, Onam, and Raksha Bandhan.

The 9 days of Navratri in 2026 begin on 19th March (Thursday). It is a festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and spans over nine nights, with fasting, prayer, and celebration. The last day, 28th March, marks the victory of good over evil.

The holiday calendar for Hindu holidays in 2026 includes a range of festivals, such as Diwali (8th November), Holi (4th March), and Makar Sankranti (14th January), alongside regional observances like Ganesh Chaturthi in August.

Some of the auspicious dates in 2026 are:

  • Akshaya Tritiya: 19th April (Sunday)
  • Makar Sankranti: 14th January (Wednesday)
  • Diwali: 8th November (Sunday)
     

These are considered highly auspicious for important rituals like housewarming ceremonies, starting new ventures, and weddings.

In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on 17th August (Monday). The best time to bring Lord Ganesh home for worship is during the first half of the day, ideally after the Ganesh Sthapana Muhurat (auspicious time).

Hanuman Jayanti in 2026 is on 2nd April (Thursday). This festival is celebrated across India but has particular significance in North India, where devotees visit temples to offer prayers to Lord Hanuman.

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