India is a country where every month tells a story of celebration and faith. The Indian Calendar 2026 is not just about dates and holidays; it reflects the heartbeat of India’s diverse traditions and shared happiness. Moreover, it connects people through festivals that celebrate gratitude, devotion, and joy.
Therefore, if you’re planning travels, family events, or cultural activities, this complete month-wise list of Indian festivals and holidays in 2026 will help you organize your year better.
January 2026 – A Month of New Beginnings
The year starts with energy and positivity.
- January 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day — Celebrated across India with hope and excitement.
- January 13 (Tuesday): Lohri — Punjab’s famous harvest festival filled with bonfires and folk songs.
- January 14 (Wednesday): Makar Sankranti / Pongal — A major harvest celebration in both North and South India.
- January 23 (Friday): Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja — Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.
- January 26 (Monday): Republic Day — India honours its Constitution and national pride with parades and flag hoisting.
As a result, January sets the tone for growth, learning, and unity throughout the year.
February 2026 – A Month of Devotion
After the colourful start of January, February turns spiritual and peaceful.
- February 15 (Sunday): Maha Shivratri — The sacred night of Lord Shiva, observed with fasting, chanting, and devotion.
In essence, February encourages calmness, reflection, and spiritual balance.
March 2026 – Colours, Joy and New Year Celebrations
March bursts with colour and enthusiasm.
- March 3 (Tuesday): Holika Dahan — Marks the victory of good over evil.
- March 4 (Wednesday): Holi — The famous festival of colours celebrated with fun, laughter, and togetherness.
- March 19 (Thursday): Ugadi / Gudi Padwa — The traditional New Year in parts of South and West India.
- March 26 (Thursday): Ram Navami — The birth anniversary of Lord Rama, celebrated with rituals and devotion.
Consequently, March becomes a symbol of renewal, joy, and spiritual strength.
April 2026 – Harvest and Prosperity
April is known for prosperity and celebration.
- April 2 (Thursday): Hanuman Jayanti — Devotees pray for courage and protection from Lord Hanuman.
- April 14 (Tuesday): Baisakhi and Ambedkar Jayanti — A day celebrating equality and prosperity across India.
- April 19 (Sunday): Akshaya Tritiya — Considered highly auspicious for investments and new beginnings.
Additionally, April’s festivals encourage generosity and hard work, which are core Indian values.
July 2026 – The Season of Faith and Devotion
As monsoon arrives, the spirit of faith strengthens.
- July 16 (Thursday): Rath Yatra — The famous chariot festival of Lord Jagannath celebrated with grandeur.
- July 25 (Saturday): Ashadhi Ekadashi — A major fasting day for devotees, especially in Maharashtra.
- July 29 (Wednesday): Guru Purnima — A day to express gratitude to spiritual and academic teachers.
Therefore, July inspires spiritual discipline and respect for traditions.
August 2026 – Festivals of Freedom and Family
August celebrates freedom, family bonds, and cultural heritage.
- August 15 (Saturday): Independence Day — Marks India’s glorious journey of freedom and unity.
- August 17 (Monday): Nag Panchami — A festival worshipping snakes for protection and blessings.
- August 26 (Wednesday): Onam — Kerala’s grand harvest festival, rich in culture and festive spirit.
- August 28 (Friday): Raksha Bandhan — Strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters.
Moreover, August beautifully balances patriotism and togetherness.
September 2026 – Devotion and Joy
September continues the festive rhythm with devotion and joy.
- September 4 (Friday): Janmashtami — Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna with night-long prayers.
- September 14 (Monday): Ganesh Chaturthi — The beloved festival welcoming Lord Ganesha with grandeur.
- September 25 (Friday): Anant Chaturdashi — Marks the conclusion of the Ganesh festival.
As a result, September fills homes with music, devotion, and positive energy.
October 2026 – Time of Victory and Renewal
October brings stories of courage and victory.
- October 2 (Friday): Gandhi Jayanti — Remembering Mahatma Gandhi and his timeless message of peace.
- October 11 (Sunday): Sharad Navratri begins — Nine days of devotion dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- October 20 (Tuesday): Dussehra / Vijayadashami — Celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
- October 29 (Thursday): Karva Chauth — Married women observe a fast for the long life of their husbands.
Thus, October reminds everyone that perseverance and righteousness always win.
November 2026 – The Festival of Lights
November is the brightest month of the year, full of joy and prosperity.
- November 6 (Friday): Dhanteras — The first day of Diwali, considered lucky for gold purchases.
- November 8 (Sunday): Diwali / Deepavali — India’s most celebrated festival, symbolizing light over darkness.
- November 10 (Tuesday): Govardhan Puja — Devotees honour Lord Krishna’s protection of humanity.
- November 11 (Wednesday): Bhai Dooj — Celebrates the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters.
- November 15 (Sunday): Chhath Puja — Devotion to the Sun God, mainly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
In addition, November encourages generosity, sharing, and community togetherness.
December 2026 – The Month of Joy and Reflection
The year ends with happiness and peace.
- December 25 (Friday): Christmas Day — Celebrated with joy, kindness, and festive gatherings.
Finally, December allows people to reflect on their blessings and prepare for another prosperous year ahead.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Calendar 2026 is full of vibrant festivals that highlight India’s cultural, religious, and spiritual heritage. Moreover, many holidays align with weekends, offering perfect opportunities for rest and family bonding. Since most celebrations follow the lunar calendar, regional variations may occur, so checking local dates is always wise.
Tips for Planning Ahead
- For families: Mark festival dates early to plan ceremonies or vacations.
- For businesses and HR teams: Use this list for leave management and cultural celebrations.
- For content creators: Prepare festival-themed posts and videos well in advance.
- For travellers: Book tickets early for major events like Holi, Diwali, and Rath Yatra to avoid rush.
The Indian Calendar 2026 captures the soul of India’s traditions and togetherness. From Holi’s bright colours to Diwali’s glowing diyas, each festival strengthens the bond of unity. Therefore, plan your year ahead, celebrate every occasion, and embrace India’s timeless spirit of joy and devotion.
Also read : Satyanarayan Puja Vidhi: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Indian Calendar 2026
Q1. When is Diwali in 2026?
India will celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The celebration starts with Dhanteras on November 6 and continues with Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj afterward.
Q2. When is Holi in 2026?
People will celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The night before, on March 3, families perform Holika Dahan rituals.
Q3. When is Makar Sankranti in 2026?
Indians will celebrate Makar Sankranti on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. It marks the sun’s shift into Capricorn and also begins the festival of Pongal in South India.
Q4. When is Navratri in 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, and ends with Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Devotees worship Goddess Durga for nine days with fasting and prayers.
Q5. How many public holidays does India have in 2026?
India will observe around 18 to 22 public holidays in 2026, depending on each state. Regional festivals may add extra holidays in some areas.
Q6. Which festival is the biggest in India?
Diwali stands as the biggest Indian festival. Families light diyas, exchange sweets, and decorate homes to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
