Hindu festivals are one of the richest representations of India’s ancient culture and history. From the nationwide festival of Diwali to regional, agricultural festivals like Lohri and Pongal, Hindu festivals are occasions of families, communities, regions, and countries coming together. The dates for Hindu festivals are calculated on the basis of the traditional calendar or Panchang which is based on position of the Sun and Moon (solar and lunar calendars).
Here is a list of some of the important Hindu festivals with dates for the year 2026-
Lohri festival is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs both with a lot of fervor and enthusiasm. People light a bonfire and dance around it to the beats of dhol. Offerings of peanuts, popcorn, and Rewari are offered to the holy fire.
The Lohri Festival and a Glance at Its Significance and Traditions
This day marks the end of the harsh winters and the transition of the Sun into the Makar Rashi. It is celebrated in Gujarat and Maharashtra. People offer prayers to Surya Dev, perform charity, and even perform Shraadh rituals.
Worshipping the Sun : Makara Sankranti Tradition Across India
When you move to Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti takes the form of Pongal. It is celebrated by cleaning one’s home and making prasadam called Pongal from milk, rice, and jaggery. It is first offered to Surya Dev and then to the family members of the house.
Goddess Saraswati is worshiped on this day and is prayed to for blessings of wisdom, knowledge, and creativity. Many people initiate the education of their children on this day. Pujas are also performed in educational institutions.
Basant Panchami : The Significance and History Behind It
Vasant Panchami Muhurat - 07:13 AM to 12:33 PM
Panchami Tithi Begins - 02:28 AM on Jan 23, 2026
Panchami Tithi Ends - 01:46 AM on Jan 24, 2026
Republic Day falls on 26th of January every year and this is because India’s Constitution was adopted this year in 1950. This date was specifically so chosen as it marks the stand taken by the Indian National Congress through its Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930 which called for complete independence from Britain. While the Government of India Act of 1935 was a provision for the Indian government’s functioning, in 1950 it replaced the act by signing the Constitution and formally gave structure and democratic power to India as a nation.
Moonrise on Purnima - 05:26 PM
Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:52 AM on Feb 01, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 03:38 AM on Feb 02, 2026
This festival is celebrated to honor the convergence of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati i.e. Shakti. People celebrate this festival by worshiping Lord Shiva and observing a fast.
Maha Shivaratri and its Stories from the Puranas
Shivaratri Parana Time - 06:59 AM to 03:24 PM, On 16th Feb
Nishita Kaal Puja Time - 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM, On 16th Feb
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 05:04 PM on Feb 15, 2026
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 05:34 PM on Feb 16, 2026
Hindus celebrate Holi according to the lunar calendar. Known as Phalguna Purnima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna falls on the day of Holika Dahan. Holi is celebrated on the day after Holika Dahan. This day is celebrated to mark the Dahan of Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashyap who attempted to kill Bhakta Prahalad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated by lighting a bonfire and praying to it.
Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:55 PM on Mar 02, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 05:07 PM on Mar 03, 2026
Holi in India: A Journey Through Paintings
This festival is celebrated by people all over India and by Hindus all over the world by applying color to each other. However, the style of celebrations varies from region to region. For instance, in Barsana, Lathmar Holi is very famous.
The History And Traditions of Holi – Exploring The Colors Festival
Chaitra Navaratri is the celebration of Shakti- the great goddess in Hindu tradition, in the months of March and April. For some regions, it marks the beginning of Hindu Nava Varsha or New Year and the coming of Vasant or spring.
Chaitra Navaratri - The Festive Season with Scriptural Wisdom
Chaitra Navratri › Date (2026) - 19th March 2026, Thursday / गुरुवार – 27th March 2026, Friday / शुक्रवार
It is celebrated as the first day of the New Year by the people of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. This festival is celebrated on the basis of the Luni-Solar calendar which takes into account the position of the Sun and the Moon both.
Pratipada Tithi Begins - 06:52 AM on Mar 19, 2026
Pratipada Tithi Ends - 04:52 AM on Mar 20, 2026
This day is celebrated as the first day of the year by the people of Maharashtra, according to the Luni-Solar calendar which considers the position of the Sun and the Moon both. It is celebrated by taking and oil bath, praying, and eating leaves of Neem.
This is the day when Lord Rama was born. Ayodhya, which is the birthplace of Lord Rama, celebrates this festival with the most enthusiasm. The best time to perform puja rituals is during the Madhyahna Muhurat.
Rama Navami Madhyahna Muhurat - 11:13 AM to 01:41 PM
Navami Tithi Begins - 11:48 AM on Mar 26, 2026
Navami Tithi Ends - 10:06 AM on Mar 27, 2026
Ram Navami Celebrates The Birth of Shri Ram - The Perfect Man
2624th Birth Anniversary of Mahavir Swami
Trayodashi Tithi Begins - 07:09 AM on Mar 30, 2026
Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 06:55 AM on Mar 31, 2026
This day is celebrated on the Purnima of the Chaitra month as the birthday of Lord Hanuman who was the most ardent devotee of Lord Rama. It is also celebrated in the Southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nady, Karnataka, and Telangana but the dates vary.
Purnima Tithi Begins - 07:06 AM on Apr 01, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 07:41 AM on Apr 02, 2026
Hanuman Jayanti: Lessons from Hanuman's Life & Teachings
Baisakhi is the harvest festival that is celebrated in the state of Punjab. It is also celebrated as the Sikh New Year and as the day when the Khalsa was established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. But it is based on the Hindu Solar calendar.
Baisakhi Festival and Story Behind Khalsa Panth Formation
This festival is celebrated as the New Year in West Bengal as per the Bengali calendar. When you go to Assam, this festival is celebrated as Bihu which is the New Year in Assam.
Akshaya Tritiya is a very important festival for Hindus around the world. On this day people prefer to purchase gold as it is believed that doing so blesses one with Abundance of wealth and prosperity.
Akshaya Tritiya Puja Muhurat - 10:49 AM to 12:20 PM
Tritiya Tithi Begins - 10:49 AM on Apr 19, 2026
Tritiya Tithi Ends - 07:27 AM on Apr 20, 2026
Akshaya Tritiya and the Power of Daana: A Day When Giving Brings Eternal Riches
Parashurama: The Warrior Sage and the Sixth Avatar of Vishnu
Sita Navami Madhyahna Muhurat - 11:01 AM to 01:38 PM
Navami Tithi Begins - 07:21 PM on Apr 24, 2026
Navami Tithi Ends - 06:27 PM on Apr 25, 2026
Sita Navami is the festival that celebrates the birth of Devi Sita, the wife of Sri Rama and an aspect of the goddess of wealth and prosperity-Lakshmi. Rama and Sita are worshipped together on this occasion, with rituals and vrata (fasting) observed in their honor.
Sita - The Silent Power of Suffering and Sacrifice
Narasimha Jayanti Madhyahna Sankalp Time - 10:59 AM to 01:38 PM
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 07:51 PM on Apr 29, 2026
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 09:12 PM on Apr 30, 2026
Narasimha Jayanti celebrates the appearance of Lord Narasimha- the man-lion incarnation of Sri Vishnu. One of the Dashavatara or ten incarnations, Narasimha is worshipped as the embodiment of valor and divine protection by his devotees, who perform pilgrimage to his temples and observe fast and worship the deity.
Narasimha : Vishnu's Avatar Who Restored Dharma
Buddha Purnima is an important festival for the Buddhist population of India and the globe as it is the day of the birth, the enlightenment and the death (Mahaparinirvana) of Buddha.
Purnima Tithi Begins - 09:12 PM on Apr 30, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 10:52 PM on May 01, 2026
Buddha Purnima 2026 : The Day of Birth, Nirvana and Enlightenment of Lord Buddha
The Ideals of Motherhood - Aesthetics of Form and Function
Mother’s Day is an internationally celebrated festival to honor the love and sacrifices of mothers. Children give gifts to their mothers on this occasion and families come together to remember and rejoice in the value of mothers as the teachers, guardians, and friends of their children.
This is one of the major fasts that is observed by married Hindu women in India for the long life of their husbands. The story behind this vrat is that on this day Savitri saved the life of her husband, Satyawan by gaining the mercy of Lord Yama, the Hindu God of death.
Amavasya Tithi Begins - 05:11 AM on May 16, 2026
Amavasya Tithi Ends - 01:30 AM on May 17, 2026
Significance of Vat-Savitri Vrat - A Celebration of Matrimonial Bliss
According to Puranic legends, Shani Dev is described as the son of Surya, the radiant sun god, and his consort Chaaya, who is the goddess of shadows. Surya, known for his brilliance and power, was originally married to Sandhya, the daughter of Vishwakarma, the divine architect. Sandhya is revered as the goddess of dusk or evening in Hindu mythology.
Shani Jayanti 2026 : Everything You Need to Know About Shani Dev
We understand the rush and are here with our top picks for Father’s Day 2026. Fathers have a huge role in making us the people we are, shaping us with their love and experience of life, and surprise gifts we are planning for them this Father’s Day!
Father's Day Special: Gifts I Got from My Father
"Yoga embodies a way of life." This statement encapsulates the essence of what Yoga represents today. Originating in the villages of India, it has evolved into a widely embraced practice across diverse cultures and landscapes, from the traditional settings of its birthplace to the contemporary environments of Europe and America.
Yoga Darshana: Philosophy of Yoga in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
On 26th Jun, Parana Time - 05:25 AM to 08:13 AM
Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 06:12 PM on Jun 24, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 08:09 PM on Jun 25, 2026
On this auspicious day, devotees observe a fast without consuming any food and water. It is believed that Bheem, the second Pandava brother, observed this fast on the advice of Maharishi Vyasa to compensate for all the 24 Ekadashi fasts that he could not observe.
Benefits - Those who are devoted yet unable to complete the twenty-four Ekadashi fasts in a year ought to observe one Nirjala Ekadashi fast instead since it offers the same advantages as the twenty-four Ekadashi fasts combined.
Dwitiya Tithi Begins - 11:50 AM on Jul 15, 2026
Dwitiya Tithi Ends - 08:52 AM on Jul 16, 2026
In the sacred city of Jagannath Puri, Ratha Yatra or the procession of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra is a unique festival, that attracts innumerable devotees to the temple town. On this occasion, Lord Jagannath comes out of his temple to walk amongst his devotees to meet them and bless them with his presence. The three temple-styled chariots of the deities are the main attraction of this festival, after which the festival is named.
Lord Jagannath Puri Yatra : A Symbol of Devotion and Unity
This is a very auspicious day for students and teachers. It is the day when students pay their respects to their gurus and seek their blessings. It is also considered to be the birthday of Maharishi Ved Vyasa who penned the great Hindu epic, Mahabharata.
Purnima Tithi Begins - 06:18 PM on Jul 28, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 08:05 PM on Jul 29, 2026
Honoring and Understanding the Significance of Guru Purnima
Sawan Month: Devotion & Monday Fasting in Sacred Month
Friendship Day is celebrated worldwide to remember and strengthen the bonds between friends and to honor their contributions in one’s life. Gifts, foods and gatherings of friends are the centre of this celebration.
Friendship Day Gift Ideas : Show your Appreciation as a Friend
India's Path to Freedom and The Importance of Independence Day
This day marks the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women celebrate this day in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand by observing a fast and praying to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Tritiya Tithi Begins - 06:46 PM on Aug 14, 2026
Tritiya Tithi Ends - 05:28 PM on Aug 15, 2026
Panchami Tithi Begins - 04:52 PM on Aug 16, 2026
Panchami Tithi Ends - 05:00 PM on Aug 17, 2026
On this auspicious day, serpent Gods of the Hindu religion are prayed to by women all over India. They worship Nag Devta and pray for the well-being of their brothers and other members of the family.
सर्वे नागाः प्रीयन्तां मे ये केचित् पृथ्वीतले।
ये च हेलिमरीचिस्था येऽन्तरे दिवि संस्थिताः॥
ये नदीषु महानागा ये सरस्वतिगामिनः।
ये च वापीतडगेषु तेषु सर्वेषु वै नमः॥
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Begins - 10:51 PM on Aug 25, 2026
Thiruvonam Nakshathram Ends - 12:48 AM on Aug 27, 2026
Onam festival is very important for the people of Kerala and marks the annual visit of King Mahabali to every home in Kerala. It is believed that he offered his head as a resting place for the foot of the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Celebrating Onam – Learning About the History, Traditions, and Customs
Purnima Tithi Begins - 09:08 AM on Aug 27, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 09:48 AM on Aug 28, 2026
Sanskrit is a very holy language and very important for Hindus because all holy scriptures of Hinduism have been written in Sanskrit. It is considered to be the mother of all languages and on this day we pay our respects to it.
The Spiritual Aspect of the Sanskrit Language
This festival celebrates the sacred bond between brother and sister. Sisters tie a rakhi on the wrist of their brothers and pray for their long lives while the brothers pledge to protect their sisters forever.
Ashtami Tithi Begins - 02:25 AM on Sep 04, 2026
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 12:13 AM on Sep 05, 2026
This festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees perform a puja at midnight, offer respects to Lord Krishna, observe fasts, and even participate in traditions like Dahi Handi.
The Story of Krishna’s Birth from Srimad Bhagavata Purana
हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे ।
हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat - 11:02 AM to 01:31 PM
Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 07:06 AM on Sep 14, 2026
Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 07:44 AM on Sep 15, 2026
This festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha who is the deity of wisdom and good fortune in the Hindu religion. On this day, an idol of Lord Ganesha is invited into the house and is worshiped regularly for a period of 10 days.
The Festival of Ganesha Chaturthi : Welcoming Auspiciousness
सिंहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः।
सुकुमारक मारोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः॥
While this day is not associated religiously with Hindus, it is important for the citizens of India because it was on this day that Hindi was officially adopted as the language of India. Various events are organized to honor the official language of the country.
Hindi Diwas Special : 10 Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Books in Hindi for your Reading List
Shashthi Tithi Begins - 08:59 AM on Sep 16, 2026
Shashthi Tithi Ends - 10:47 AM on Sep 17, 2026
Balaram: The Warrior with a Plough – Stories of Krishna’s Elder Brother from Puranas and Mahabharata
Ashtami Tithi Begins - 01:00 PM on Sep 18, 2026
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 03:26 PM on Sep 19, 2026
This day is celebrated as the birthday of Goddess Radha who is worshiped on this day.
The tale of Radha and Krishna – A Benchmark of Love
ओम ह्रीं श्रीराधिकायै नम:।
This is celebrated as the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and is one of the most important days for Indians.
Vijay Muhurat - 01:59 PM to 02:45 PM
Dashami Tithi Begins - 12:50 PM on Oct 20, 2026
Dashami Tithi Ends - 02:11 PM on Oct 21, 2026
This festival is one of the most important days for Hindus. It marks the day when Lord Rama killed demon king Ravana and rescued Mata Sita from his captivity. It is customary to burn effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkarn on Dussehra. This day also holds importance because the idol of Maa Durga is immersed in the water as Navratri culminates on this day.
How Dussehra is Celebrated in Different States of India
Moonrise on Sharad Purnima Day - 04:55 PM
Purnima Tithi Begins - 11:55 PM on Oct 25, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 09:41 AM on Oct 26, 2026
One of the most significant full moon nights, Sharad Purnima is the day when Hindus worship Chandra Dev, the Moon God. As per belief, on this night, Chandra Dev displays all his 16 kalas or qualities. It is also believed that the rays of the Moon on this night have healing properties. People prepare kheer and leave it overnight under the open sky for family members to consume it the next day.
Purnima Tithi Begins - 11:55 AM on Oct 25, 2026
Many people observe this day by the name of Bhagwan Valmiki Prakat Diwas. It holds a lot of importance because Maharishi Valmiki was the one who wrote the great Hindu epic Ramayana and was a notable figure in Sanskrit literature.
Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat - 05:38 PM to 06:56 PM
Karwa Chauth Upavasa Time - 06:31 AM to 08:11 PM
Moonrise on Karwa Chauth Day - 08:11 PM
Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 01:06 AM on Oct 29, 2026
Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 10:09 PM on Oct 29, 2026
This day is observed by women who are married for the long life of their husbands by keeping a fast without food and water. They break the fast only after performing a puja at the moon's rise. On this day, Lord Shiva and his family are worshiped.
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat - 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM
Pradosh Kaal - 05:32 PM to 08:09 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Begins - 10:30 AM on Nov 06, 2026
Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 10:47 AM on Nov 07, 2026
Dhanteras is the day when Goddess Lakshmi appeared from the Ksheer Sagar during the Samudra Manthan. A Lakshmi puja is held on this day, where the Goddess is worshiped along with Lord Kuber who is the God of wealth. This puja should ideally be performed during the Sthir Lagna which occurs between the Pradosh Kaal and the Vrishabh Kaal.
Story of Dhanteras – Learn about the Legend, Traditions, and other Aspects
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat - 05:54 PM to 07:50 PM
Pradosh Kaal - 05:31 PM to 08:09 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 05:54 PM to 07:50 PM
A Timeless Diwali Ritual : The Significance of Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja
Amavasya Tithi Begins - 11:27 AM on Nov 08, 2026
Amavasya Tithi Ends - 12:31 PM on Nov 09, 2026
The biggest festival for Hindus, Diwali is celebrated to mark Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya. It is celebrated by lighting diyas and performing a puja in honor of deities Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. This puja should be performed during the Sthir Lagna which falls between the Pradosh Kaal and the Vrishabh Kaal.
Diwali – The Embodiment of Joy, Victory and Harmony
Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat - 06:40 AM to 08:50 AM
Pratipada Tithi Begins - 12:31 PM on Nov 09, 2026
Pratipada Tithi Ends - 02:00 PM on Nov 10, 2026
This day is very special to the devotees of Lord Krishna. It marks the day when Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger when Lord Indra poured torrential rains on earth.
Lifting Mount Govardhana – The Crowning of Krishna as Govinda
Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time - 01:10 PM to 03:20 PM
Dwitiya Tithi Begins - 02:00 PM on Nov 10, 2026
Dwitiya Tithi Ends - 03:53 PM on Nov 11, 2026
This festival celebrates the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread on the wrists of their brothers and pray for their long lives. Brothers bless their sisters with gifts on this day.
What Does Bhaiya Dooj Symbolize for Brother-Sister Bonds?
Sunrise on Chhath Puja Day - 06:44 AM
Sunset on Chhath Puja Day - 05:27 PM
A festival popular in North India, this day witnesses the worship of Surya Dev, the Sun God. People offer their prayers and seek blessings of prosperity and well being.
Ashtami Tithi Begins - 04:19 AM on Nov 17, 2026
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 06:04 AM on Nov 18, 2026
This is the day when Lord Indra ceased the torrential rains on the Braj region after Lord Krishna provided shelter to people by lifting the Govardhan Hill on his little finger. To celebrate this day cows and their calves are worshiped and deep daan is performed in gaushalas.
Dwadashi Tithi Begins - 06:31 AM on Nov 21, 2026
Dwadashi Tithi Ends - 04:56 AM on Nov 22, 2026
On this day the plant form of Goddess Tulsi is married to Lord Vishnu or to his avatar Lord Krishna. The plant is decked up as a new bride and is traditionally married to Lord Vishnu.
Tulasi Devi’s Significance in Hindu Religion and Households
Pradoshakal Dev Deepavali Muhurat - 05:08 PM to 07:47 PM
Purnima Tithi Begins - 11:42 PM on Nov 23, 2026
Purnima Tithi Ends - 08:23 PM on Nov 24, 2026
This festival occurs on Kartik Purnima and is celebrated by lighting diyas. People take a dip in the holy river Ganga. It marks the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. It is mainly celebrated in Varanasi.
Dev Deepawali : Celebrating Bhakti with Bhagwan
Moonrise on Purnima - 04:56 PM
It is one of the most significant Purnimas of the year because this month i.e. the Kartik month is considered to be the holiest of all. People take a dip in the holy river Ganga on this day.
Worshipping Lord Kartikeya for Wisdom: Pragya Vardhana Stotram
Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 09:29 PM on Nov 30, 2025
Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 07:01 PM on Dec 01, 2025
A very special day for Hindus, this marks the day when Lord Krishna spoke the sacred Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Gita Jayanti : History and Significance
Purnima Tithi Begins - 08:37 AM on Dec 04, 2025
Purnima Tithi Ends - 04:43 AM on Dec 05, 2025
Bhagwan Dattatreya is an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, worshipped in some parts of India as the supreme being- Param Brahman. Dattatreya Jayanti is the celebration of his arrival on earth when he was born as the son of Anasuya and sage Atri.
Shri Dattatreya : Divine Combination of Vishnu & Shiva
Christmas is a yearly celebration that honors the birth of Jesus Christ, mainly observed on December 25. It serves as both a religious and cultural event for billions of people globally. As a significant liturgical feast in Christianity, preparations for Christmas start on the First Sunday of Advent and continue through Christmastide, which traditionally lasts twelve days in the Western tradition, concluding on Twelfth Night.
We have attempted to cover all major Hindu festivals of 2026 in this blog. However, there are many more regional, sectarian, and local festivals all over the country, almost inexhaustible, making it difficult to list all the festivals in one place. In addition to knowing the dates for these festivals, it is always recommended to have a Hindu Panchang and consult your priest for detailed information on Muhurat, Puja rituals, and stories of these festivals. Though the list has been made based on the Hindu Panchang, the dates and times may slightly vary due to their dependence on the position of the Sun and Moon.
For a more in-depth understanding of the time and dates of the Hindu festival, you can also keep Hindu Panchang, wall calendars, or desk calendars issued by traditional authorities and keep yourself in touch with the ancient Hindu culture, from anywhere across the globe.
Your email address will not be published *
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist