Festivals 2026
Complete list of Hindu festivals, vrats, and auspicious days for 2026.
| Date | Festival | Tithi | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan 2026 | Pradosh Vrat | Lunar | Pradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, perform Shiva abhishekam (bathing the deity), and chant mantras for blessings and well-being. |
| Rohini Vrat | Solar | Rohini Vrat is a fasting ritual observed by married women for the long life and well-being of their husbands, performed on the day when the Rohini Nakshatra is in effect, and it includes prayers to Lord Krishna and offerings of food. | |
| 02 Jan 2026 | Anvadhan | Lunar | Anvadhan refers to the ritual of replenishing or dedicating food and offerings to the deities, particularly after observing fasts or other rituals, seeking blessings for abundance. |
| 03 Jan 2026 | Shakambhari Purnima | Lunar | Shakambhari Purnima is dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, who is worshipped as the provider of vegetation and food, with devotees fasting and offering fruits and vegetables to the goddess. |
| Ishti | Lunar | Ishti is a Vedic ritual in which yajnas (sacrifices) are performed with offerings to the gods, aimed at fulfilling desires or seeking divine blessings for prosperity and well-being. | |
| Masik Purnima | Lunar | Masik Purnima is the full moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar, celebrated with fasting, worship, and bathing in holy rivers to gain divine blessings and cleanse sins. | |
| Masik Purnima Vrat | Lunar | Masik Purnima Vrat is observed on every full moon day, where devotees fast, perform rituals, and offer prayers to the moon and various deities for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. | |
| 10 Jan 2026 | Vivekananda Jayanti *Samvat | Lunar | Vivekananda Jayanti *Samvat commemorates the birth of Swami Vivekananda according to the Samvat calendar, celebrated with prayers, lectures, and youth-focused events inspired by his teachings on spirituality and national pride. |
| 11 Jan 2026 | KalAshtami | Lunar | KalAshtami is observed on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha every month, devoted to Lord Bhairava, where devotees fast throughout the day, perform special poojas, and seek protection from negativity. |
| Masik Krishna JanmAshtami | Lunar | Masik Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami, with devotees observing fasts, reciting devotional songs, performing midnight prayers, and breaking the fast after offering special prasad to the deity. | |
| 12 Jan 2026 | National Youth Day | Gregorian | National Youth Day is observed in India to commemorate Swami Vivekananda's birthday, focusing on inspiring the youth towards patriotism, moral responsibility, and personal development. |
| Swami Vivekananda Jayanti | Gregorian | Swami Vivekananda Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of the great Indian monk Swami Vivekananda, honoring his contributions to spirituality, philosophy, and youth empowerment. | |
| 14 Jan 2026 | Pongal | — | Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival celebrated with offerings to the Sun God, cooking sweet rice, and decorating cattle. It marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the Sun's journey northward. |
| Makara Jyoti | — | Makara Jyoti is a celestial event observed at Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, where a divine light is believed to appear on Makar Sankranti day. It is considered a divine blessing and a sign of Lord Ayyappa's presence. | |
| Uttarayana | — | Uttarayana marks the Sun's northward journey, considered auspicious for new beginnings and spiritual practices. It is celebrated with kite flying, charity, and prayers for prosperity in Gujarat and other regions. | |
| Shattila Ekadasi | Lunar | Shattila Ekadasi is a fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where devotees donate sesame seeds (til), observe a strict fast, and perform acts of charity to cleanse their sins and seek divine blessings. | |
| 15 Jan 2026 | Maatu Pongal | — | Maatu Pongal is a Tamil festival where cattle are worshipped for their role in agriculture. The cattle are bathed, decorated, and fed special foods as a sign of gratitude. |
| Magh Bihu | — | Magh Bihu is an Assamese festival celebrated with feasting, music, and traditional games. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the Assamese New Year. | |
| Pradosh Vrat | Lunar | Pradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, perform Shiva abhishekam (bathing the deity), and chant mantras for blessings and well-being. | |
| 16 Jan 2026 | Meru Trayodasi | Lunar | Meru Trayodasi is a spiritual observance connected to Lord Shiva, where devotees perform special prayers and rituals for longevity, prosperity, and removal of past sins. |
| Masik Shivaratri | Lunar | Masik Shivaratri is a monthly observance on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha, with devotees fasting, staying awake through the night, and offering prayers and water to Lord Shiva for inner strength and spiritual growth. | |
| Pradosh Vrat | Lunar | Pradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, perform Shiva abhishekam (bathing the deity), and chant mantras for blessings and well-being. | |
| 17 Jan 2026 | Masik Shivaratri | Lunar | Masik Shivaratri is a monthly observance on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha, with devotees fasting, staying awake through the night, and offering prayers and water to Lord Shiva for inner strength and spiritual growth. |
| Anvadhan | Lunar | Anvadhan refers to the ritual of replenishing or dedicating food and offerings to the deities, particularly after observing fasts or other rituals, seeking blessings for abundance. | |
| 18 Jan 2026 | Mauni Amavas | Lunar | Mauni Amavasya is observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Magha month, where devotees maintain silence (maun) and bathe in holy rivers to purify their minds and bodies, seeking spiritual upliftment. |
| Darsha Amavasya | Lunar | Darsha Amavasya is the new moon day observed with rituals for ancestors, including tarpan (offering water) and pitru shraddha to ensure peace for departed souls. | |
| Ishti | Lunar | Ishti refers to a Vedic ritual offering where devotees perform yajnas (sacrificial offerings) to please the gods and seek prosperity, health, and fulfillment of specific desires. | |
| Masik Amavasya | Lunar | Masik Amavasya, observed on every new moon day, is a time for performing pitru tarpan and shraddha rites, as well as meditating and fasting to remove negative energies and seek peace for ancestors' souls. | |
| Thai Amavasai | Solar | Thai Amavasai is a significant day for Tamil Hindus, observed by offering rituals for the ancestors (pitru tarpan), with prayers for peace and salvation of their souls. | |
| 19 Jan 2026 | Magha Begins *South | Lunar | Magha Begins *South marks the start of the Magha month in South India, a time considered auspicious for spiritual practices, temple visits, and bathing in holy rivers. |
| Magha Navratri | Lunar | Magha Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, observed with fasting, prayers, and devotional rituals to seek her blessings for protection and prosperity. | |
| Chandra Darshana | Lunar | Chandra Darshana is the observance of sighting the moon for the first time after the new moon, where devotees offer prayers to the moon god for mental peace and emotional balance. | |
| 22 Jan 2026 | Ganesha Jayanti | Lunar | Ganesha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, especially in Maharashtra, where devotees perform special poojas, offer sweets like modaks, and pray for wisdom, success, and prosperity. |
| Masik Chaturthi | Lunar | Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed with fasting, reciting Ganesha mantras, offering modaks and flowers, and seeking his blessings for wisdom and the removal of obstacles. | |
| Ramalala Pratishtha Diwas | Gregorian | Ramalala Pratishtha Diwas commemorates the day when the idol of Lord Rama was installed in the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, celebrated with rituals and prayers to honor Lord Rama's presence. | |
| 23 Jan 2026 | Vasant Panchami | Lunar | Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, where devotees, especially students and artists, offer prayers for wisdom, knowledge, and creativity, often dressing in yellow to symbolize prosperity. |
| Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti | Gregorian | Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, celebrated with patriotic events, speeches, and tributes to honor his contributions to India’s independence struggle. | |
| 24 Jan 2026 | Skanda Shasti | Lunar | Skanda Shasti is a six-day fasting festival honoring Lord Murugan (Skanda) for his victory over evil, where devotees observe strict fasts, participate in processions, and offer special prayers for courage and strength. |
| 25 Jan 2026 | Brahma Savarni Manvadi | Lunar | Brahma Savarni Manvadi refers to the beginning of the rule of the 8th Manu, Brahma Savarni, in Hindu cosmology, signifying the cyclical nature of time and creation. |
| Narmada Jayanti | Lunar | Narmada Jayanti celebrates the birth of the sacred Narmada River, where devotees perform rituals, take holy dips in the river, and offer prayers for purification and blessings. | |
| Ratha Sapthami | Lunar | Ratha Sapthami is a festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun god), symbolizing the change of seasons, where devotees offer prayers, bathe in holy rivers, and perform rituals for good health and prosperity. | |
| 26 Jan 2026 | Bhishma Ashtami | Lunar | Bhishma Ashtami honors Bhishma Pitamaha from the Mahabharata, who chose to leave his mortal body on this day; devotees perform tarpan (water offering) to ancestors and seek blessings for strength and righteousness. |
| Masik DurgAshtami | Lunar | Masik Durgashtami is the monthly observance of Durga Ashtami, where devotees fast and offer special prayers to Goddess Durga, invoking her blessings for strength, protection, and the removal of negativity. | |
| Republic Day | Gregorian | Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th in India, marking the adoption of the Indian Constitution, with parades, flag hoisting, and patriotic celebrations across the country. | |
| 28 Jan 2026 | Masik Karthigai | Solar | Masik Karthigai is a monthly festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, observed with the lighting of lamps and special prayers to remove darkness and obstacles from one’s life. |
| 29 Jan 2026 | Jaya Ekadasi | Lunar | Jaya Ekadasi is an auspicious fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where devotees observe a fast, offer prayers, and seek the removal of sins and blessings for success and prosperity. |
| Rohini Vrat | Solar | Rohini Vrat is a fasting ritual observed by married women for the long life and well-being of their husbands, performed on the day when the Rohini Nakshatra is in effect, and it includes prayers to Lord Krishna and offerings of food. | |
| 30 Jan 2026 | Bhishma Dvadasi | Lunar | Bhishma Dvadasi is the day following Bhishma Ashtami, observed with prayers and rituals for Bhishma Pitamaha, and it is considered auspicious for charity and feeding Brahmins in his honor. |
| Pradosh Vrat | Lunar | Pradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, perform Shiva abhishekam (bathing the deity), and chant mantras for blessings and well-being. | |
| Gandhi Punyatithi | Gregorian | Gandhi Punyatithi marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, where tributes are paid to his life and legacy through prayers, peace marches, and reflections on non-violence and truth. |
01 Jan 2026
Pradosh Vrat
LunarPradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, perform Shiva abhishekam (bathing the deity), and chant mantras for blessings and well-being.
Rohini Vrat
SolarRohini Vrat is a fasting ritual observed by married women for the long life and well-being of their husbands, performed on the day when the Rohini Nakshatra is in effect, and it includes prayers to Lord Krishna and offerings of food.
02 Jan 2026
Anvadhan
LunarAnvadhan refers to the ritual of replenishing or dedicating food and offerings to the deities, particularly after observing fasts or other rituals, seeking blessings for abundance.
03 Jan 2026
Shakambhari Purnima
LunarShakambhari Purnima is dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, who is worshipped as the provider of vegetation and food, with devotees fasting and offering fruits and vegetables to the goddess.
Ishti
LunarIshti is a Vedic ritual in which yajnas (sacrifices) are performed with offerings to the gods, aimed at fulfilling desires or seeking divine blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Masik Purnima
LunarMasik Purnima is the full moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar, celebrated with fasting, worship, and bathing in holy rivers to gain divine blessings and cleanse sins.
Masik Purnima Vrat
LunarMasik Purnima Vrat is observed on every full moon day, where devotees fast, perform rituals, and offer prayers to the moon and various deities for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
10 Jan 2026
Vivekananda Jayanti *Samvat
LunarVivekananda Jayanti *Samvat commemorates the birth of Swami Vivekananda according to the Samvat calendar, celebrated with prayers, lectures, and youth-focused events inspired by his teachings on spirituality and national pride.
11 Jan 2026
KalAshtami
LunarKalAshtami is observed on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha every month, devoted to Lord Bhairava, where devotees fast throughout the day, perform special poojas, and seek protection from negativity.
Masik Krishna JanmAshtami
LunarMasik Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami, with devotees observing fasts, reciting devotional songs, performing midnight prayers, and breaking the fast after offering special prasad to the deity.
12 Jan 2026
National Youth Day
GregorianNational Youth Day is observed in India to commemorate Swami Vivekananda's birthday, focusing on inspiring the youth towards patriotism, moral responsibility, and personal development.
Swami Vivekananda Jayanti
GregorianSwami Vivekananda Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of the great Indian monk Swami Vivekananda, honoring his contributions to spirituality, philosophy, and youth empowerment.
14 Jan 2026
Pongal
—Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival celebrated with offerings to the Sun God, cooking sweet rice, and decorating cattle. It marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the Sun's journey northward.
Makara Jyoti
—Makara Jyoti is a celestial event observed at Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, where a divine light is believed to appear on Makar Sankranti day. It is considered a divine blessing and a sign of Lord Ayyappa's presence.
Uttarayana
—Uttarayana marks the Sun's northward journey, considered auspicious for new beginnings and spiritual practices. It is celebrated with kite flying, charity, and prayers for prosperity in Gujarat and other regions.
Shattila Ekadasi
LunarShattila Ekadasi is a fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where devotees donate sesame seeds (til), observe a strict fast, and perform acts of charity to cleanse their sins and seek divine blessings.
15 Jan 2026
Maatu Pongal
—Maatu Pongal is a Tamil festival where cattle are worshipped for their role in agriculture. The cattle are bathed, decorated, and fed special foods as a sign of gratitude.
Magh Bihu
—Magh Bihu is an Assamese festival celebrated with feasting, music, and traditional games. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
Pradosh Vrat
LunarPradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, perform Shiva abhishekam (bathing the deity), and chant mantras for blessings and well-being.
16 Jan 2026
Meru Trayodasi
LunarMeru Trayodasi is a spiritual observance connected to Lord Shiva, where devotees perform special prayers and rituals for longevity, prosperity, and removal of past sins.
Masik Shivaratri
LunarMasik Shivaratri is a monthly observance on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha, with devotees fasting, staying awake through the night, and offering prayers and water to Lord Shiva for inner strength and spiritual growth.
Pradosh Vrat
LunarPradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, perform Shiva abhishekam (bathing the deity), and chant mantras for blessings and well-being.
17 Jan 2026
Masik Shivaratri
LunarMasik Shivaratri is a monthly observance on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha, with devotees fasting, staying awake through the night, and offering prayers and water to Lord Shiva for inner strength and spiritual growth.
Anvadhan
LunarAnvadhan refers to the ritual of replenishing or dedicating food and offerings to the deities, particularly after observing fasts or other rituals, seeking blessings for abundance.
18 Jan 2026
Mauni Amavas
LunarMauni Amavasya is observed on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Magha month, where devotees maintain silence (maun) and bathe in holy rivers to purify their minds and bodies, seeking spiritual upliftment.
Darsha Amavasya
LunarDarsha Amavasya is the new moon day observed with rituals for ancestors, including tarpan (offering water) and pitru shraddha to ensure peace for departed souls.
Ishti
LunarIshti refers to a Vedic ritual offering where devotees perform yajnas (sacrificial offerings) to please the gods and seek prosperity, health, and fulfillment of specific desires.
Masik Amavasya
LunarMasik Amavasya, observed on every new moon day, is a time for performing pitru tarpan and shraddha rites, as well as meditating and fasting to remove negative energies and seek peace for ancestors' souls.
Thai Amavasai
SolarThai Amavasai is a significant day for Tamil Hindus, observed by offering rituals for the ancestors (pitru tarpan), with prayers for peace and salvation of their souls.
19 Jan 2026
Magha Begins *South
LunarMagha Begins *South marks the start of the Magha month in South India, a time considered auspicious for spiritual practices, temple visits, and bathing in holy rivers.
Magha Navratri
LunarMagha Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, observed with fasting, prayers, and devotional rituals to seek her blessings for protection and prosperity.
Chandra Darshana
LunarChandra Darshana is the observance of sighting the moon for the first time after the new moon, where devotees offer prayers to the moon god for mental peace and emotional balance.
22 Jan 2026
Ganesha Jayanti
LunarGanesha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, especially in Maharashtra, where devotees perform special poojas, offer sweets like modaks, and pray for wisdom, success, and prosperity.
Masik Chaturthi
LunarChaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed with fasting, reciting Ganesha mantras, offering modaks and flowers, and seeking his blessings for wisdom and the removal of obstacles.
Ramalala Pratishtha Diwas
GregorianRamalala Pratishtha Diwas commemorates the day when the idol of Lord Rama was installed in the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, celebrated with rituals and prayers to honor Lord Rama's presence.
23 Jan 2026
Vasant Panchami
LunarVasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, where devotees, especially students and artists, offer prayers for wisdom, knowledge, and creativity, often dressing in yellow to symbolize prosperity.
Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti
GregorianSubhas Chandra Bose Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, celebrated with patriotic events, speeches, and tributes to honor his contributions to India’s independence struggle.
24 Jan 2026
Skanda Shasti
LunarSkanda Shasti is a six-day fasting festival honoring Lord Murugan (Skanda) for his victory over evil, where devotees observe strict fasts, participate in processions, and offer special prayers for courage and strength.
25 Jan 2026
Brahma Savarni Manvadi
LunarBrahma Savarni Manvadi refers to the beginning of the rule of the 8th Manu, Brahma Savarni, in Hindu cosmology, signifying the cyclical nature of time and creation.
Narmada Jayanti
LunarNarmada Jayanti celebrates the birth of the sacred Narmada River, where devotees perform rituals, take holy dips in the river, and offer prayers for purification and blessings.
Ratha Sapthami
LunarRatha Sapthami is a festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun god), symbolizing the change of seasons, where devotees offer prayers, bathe in holy rivers, and perform rituals for good health and prosperity.
26 Jan 2026
Bhishma Ashtami
LunarBhishma Ashtami honors Bhishma Pitamaha from the Mahabharata, who chose to leave his mortal body on this day; devotees perform tarpan (water offering) to ancestors and seek blessings for strength and righteousness.
Masik DurgAshtami
LunarMasik Durgashtami is the monthly observance of Durga Ashtami, where devotees fast and offer special prayers to Goddess Durga, invoking her blessings for strength, protection, and the removal of negativity.
Republic Day
GregorianRepublic Day is celebrated on January 26th in India, marking the adoption of the Indian Constitution, with parades, flag hoisting, and patriotic celebrations across the country.
28 Jan 2026
Masik Karthigai
SolarMasik Karthigai is a monthly festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, observed with the lighting of lamps and special prayers to remove darkness and obstacles from one’s life.
29 Jan 2026
Jaya Ekadasi
LunarJaya Ekadasi is an auspicious fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where devotees observe a fast, offer prayers, and seek the removal of sins and blessings for success and prosperity.
Rohini Vrat
SolarRohini Vrat is a fasting ritual observed by married women for the long life and well-being of their husbands, performed on the day when the Rohini Nakshatra is in effect, and it includes prayers to Lord Krishna and offerings of food.
30 Jan 2026
Bhishma Dvadasi
LunarBhishma Dvadasi is the day following Bhishma Ashtami, observed with prayers and rituals for Bhishma Pitamaha, and it is considered auspicious for charity and feeding Brahmins in his honor.
Pradosh Vrat
LunarPradosh Vrat is observed on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights, dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees fast, perform Shiva abhishekam (bathing the deity), and chant mantras for blessings and well-being.
Gandhi Punyatithi
GregorianGandhi Punyatithi marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, where tributes are paid to his life and legacy through prayers, peace marches, and reflections on non-violence and truth.