In addition to important holidays like Independence Day (August 15), Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), and Christmas (December 25), India’s 2026 calendar includes major festivals like Makar Sankranti (January 14), Holi (March 4), Ugadi/Gudi Padwa (March 19), Rama Navami (March 27), Buddha Purnima (May 1), Raksha Bandhan (August 28), Janmashtami (September 4), Ganesh Chaturthi (September 14), Dussehra (October 20), and Diwali (November 8). For specifics, such as the numerous Ekadashis and regional celebrations, it is recommended to reference a comprehensive 2026 Indian calendar, as dates for several Hindu festivals (Tithis) change annually.
2026 calendar india festival: National, Religious & Cultural Events
- January: Makar Sankranti/Pongal (Jan 14)
- March: Holi (Mar 4), Ugadi/Gudi Padwa (Mar 19)
- April: Rama Navami (Mar 27), Baisakhi (Apr 14)
- May: Buddha Purnima (May 1).
- August: Independence Day (Aug 15), Hariyali Teej (Aug 15), Raksha Bandhan (Aug 28).
- September: Janmashtami (Sep 4), Ganesh Chaturthi (Sep 14).
- October: Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2), Dussehra (Oct 20).
- November: Dhanteras (Nov 6), Diwali (Nov 8).
- December: Christmas (Dec 25).
Key Resources for Detailed Dates:
- Drik Panchang: Offers detailed Hindu calendars with Tithis for 2026.
- AstroSage: Provides festival listings for specific months, like November 2026.
- ISKCON Bangalore: Useful for Vaishnava-specific festival dates.
List of Festivals in India 2026 with Dates
| Month | Festival | Date (2026) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | New Year | Jan 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year |
| January | Lohri | Jan 13 | Harvest festival celebrated in North India |
| January | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | Jan 14 | Marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn |
| January | Republic Day | Jan 26 | Celebrates adoption of the Indian Constitution |
| February | Magha Purnima | Feb 1 | Auspicious full moon in Hindu calendar |
| February | Maha Shivratri | Feb 15 | Dedicated to Lord Shiva |
| March | Holika Dahan | Mar 3 | Symbolizes victory of good over evil |
| March | Holi | Mar 4 | Festival of colours |
| March | Gudi Padwa / Ugadi | Mar 19 | Marathi & Telugu New Year |
| March | Ram Navami | Mar 26 | Birth of Lord Rama |
| March | Mahavir Jayanti | Mar 29 | Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir |
| April | Hanuman Jayanti | Apr 2 | Celebrates Lord Hanuman |
| April | Tamil New Year / Vishu / Baisakhi | Apr 14 | Regional New Year celebrations |
| April | Akshaya Tritiya | Apr 19 | Auspicious day for investments |
| May | Buddha Purnima | May 1 | Birth of Lord Buddha |
| June | Eid al-Adha (Bakrid)* | Jun 6* | Islamic festival of sacrifice |
| July | Rath Yatra | Jul 16 | Chariot festival of Lord Jagannath |
| July | Guru Purnima | Jul 29 | Honors spiritual teachers |
| August | Independence Day | Aug 15 | Celebrates India’s independence |
| August | Janmashtami | Aug 26–27* | Birth of Lord Krishna |
| October | Gandhi Jayanti | Oct 2 | Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi |
| October | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | Oct 20 | Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana |
| November | Diwali | Nov 8 | Festival of lights |
| November | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Nov 24 | Birth of Guru Nanak |
| December | Gita Jayanti | Dec 14 | Celebration of Bhagavad Gita |
| December | Christmas | Dec 25 | Birth of Jesus Christ |
Notes
-
Some dates may vary by region or lunar calendar traditions.
-
Major religious festivals like Eid depend on moon sightings.
FAQs: Festivals in India 2026
Q1. Which are the major festivals celebrated in India in 2026?
India will celebrate several major festivals in 2026, including Makar Sankranti (Jan 14), Holi (Mar 4), Ugadi/Gudi Padwa (Mar 19), Rama Navami (Mar 26–27), Buddha Purnima (May 1), Raksha Bandhan (Aug 28), Janmashtami (Sep 4), Ganesh Chaturthi (Sep 14), Dussehra (Oct 20), and Diwali (Nov 8).
Q2. What are the important national holidays in India in 2026?
The key national holidays in India for 2026 are:
-
Republic Day – January 26
-
Independence Day – August 15
-
Gandhi Jayanti – October 2
-
Christmas – December 25
Q3. Why do festival dates change every year in India?
Most Indian festivals follow the lunar (Hindu Panchang) calendar, which is based on moon phases (Tithis). As a result, dates change annually when compared to the Gregorian calendar.
Q4. Are festival dates the same across all Indian states?
No. While many festivals are celebrated nationwide, regional festivals and observance dates may vary based on local traditions, customs, and regional calendars.
Q5. Do Islamic festivals like Eid have fixed dates in 2026?
No. Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) depend on moon sightings, so dates may vary slightly by region and country.
Q6. Where can I check accurate Hindu festival dates with Tithis for 2026?
For precise dates and religious timings, you can refer to:
-
Drik Panchang – Detailed Hindu calendar with Tithis
-
AstroSage – Month-wise festival lists
-
ISKCON calendars – Vaishnava-specific festival dates
Q7. Which months have the most festivals in 2026?
January, March, August, October, and November are the busiest months in 2026, featuring major cultural, religious, and national celebrations.
Q8. Is Diwali in 2026 a public holiday across India?
Yes, Diwali on November 8, 2026, is widely observed as a public holiday, though the exact number of holidays may vary by state.
Q9. Are regional festivals like Pongal, Baisakhi, and Vishu included in the 2026 calendar?
Yes. Major regional festivals such as Pongal, Baisakhi, Vishu, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa are key parts of India’s 2026 festival calendar.
Q10. How can I use the 2026 festival calendar effectively?
The 2026 festival calendar can help you plan travel, weddings, religious rituals, business holidays, school vacations, and investment days like Akshaya Tritiya.
Must Read:
