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.
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.
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 |
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) |
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 |
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.
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 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.
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.
Reviewer
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:
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.