The year 2026 is packed with rich cultural, religious and national festivals across India—celebrations that bring communities together, mark traditions and offer wonderful opportunities to reflect, rejoice and plan ahead. Here’s a curated list of some of the major festivals and holidays for 2026, with their dates and a brief note on what they represent. (Note: Dates may vary by region according to local calendars. Always check local announcements.)
Major Festival Dates & Highlights
| January 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 1 Thursday | New Year |
| 13 Tuesday | Lohri |
| 14 Wednesday | Pongal, Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti |
| 23 Friday | Basant Panchmi, Saraswati Puja, Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti |
| 26 Monday | Republic Day |
| February 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 15 Sunday | Mahashivratri |
| March 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 3 Tuesday | Holika Dahan |
| 4 Wednesday | Holi |
| 19 Thursday | Chaitra Navratri, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa |
| 20 Friday | Cheti Chand |
| 26 Thursday | Ram Navami |
| 27 Friday | Chaitra Navratri Parana |
| April 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 1 Wednesday | Bank’s Holiday |
| 2 Thursday | Hanuman jayanti |
| 14 Tuesday | Baisakhi, Ambedkar Jayanti |
| 19 Sunday | Akshaya Tritiya |
| July 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 16 Thursday | Jagannath Rath Yatra |
| 25 Saturday | Ashadhi Ekadashi |
| 29 Wednesday | Guru Purnima |
| August 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 15 Saturday | Hariyali Teej, Independence Day |
| 17 Monday | Nag Panchami |
| 26 Wednesday | Onam/Thiruvonam |
| 28 Friday | Raksha Bandhan |
| 31 Monday | Kajari Teej |
| September 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 4 Friday | Janmashtami |
| 14 Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi, Hartalika Teej |
| 25 Friday | Anant Chaturdashi |
| October 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 2 Friday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| 11 Sunday | Sharad Navratri |
| 19 Monday | Durga Maha Navami Puja, Durga Puja Ashtami |
| 20 Tuesday | Dussehra, Sharad Navratri Parana |
| 29 Thursday | Karva Chauth |
| November 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 6 Friday | Dhanteras |
| 8 Sunday | Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi |
| 10 Tuesday | Govardhan Puja |
| 11 Wednesday | Bhai Dooj |
| 14 Saturday | Children’s Day |
| 15 Sunday | Chhath Puja |
| December 2026 | Festivals |
|---|---|
| 25 Friday | Merry Christmas |
Holiday Calendar & Observance Tips
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Many festivals fall according to the lunar or solar calendar, so observance may shift slightly in different regions.
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National holidays (like Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Christmas) are aligned with the Gregorian calendar and are widely recognised across India.
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Regional festivals, local customs and community celebrations may add many more dates to your local calendar—use the list above as a starting framework and check local panchang (calendar) for accurate timings.
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Planning ahead: With festivals spread out throughout the year, consider holiday planning, family gatherings or travel around these dates.
Why These Festivals Matter
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Cultural Significance: Festivals like Holi, Diwali and Dussehra are deeply rooted in mythology, traditions and community celebrations.
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Social Bonding: They bring families, neighbours and communities together in shared customs, meals and joy.
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Business & Travel: Holiday calendars impact work schedules, public sector leaves, tourism and travel planning.
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Regional Diversity: India’s festivals reflect its vast diversity—religious, linguistic, regional. The same date might herald different celebrations in different states.
FAQs
Q1. Are the festival dates fixed every year?
A1. Not always. Some festivals follow the lunar calendar, which means the Gregorian date may shift each year. Always verify with a reliable local calendar.
Q2. Why are some festivals and holidays regional and not national?
A2. India has many regional cultures, languages and religious traditions. A festival significant in one state may be less so in another. Some holidays are national; others are local observances.
Q3. How should I use this 2026 festival list for planning?
A3. Use the dates as a framework for family events, travel bookings, leave planning and social gatherings. Then check your state or local district calendar for specific observances.
Q4. Will there be additional holidays specific to my region in 2026?
A4. Yes — state governments and local bodies often designate additional holidays based on regional festivals or cultural days. Check your state holiday list.
Q5. Where can I find a full detailed calendar of festivals for 2026?
A5. You can refer to online resources such as calendars curated by expert astrologers and panchangs which list major and minor festivals, fasts and observances.
Final Thoughts
The year 2026 offers a wide tapestry of festivals and celebrations—from national observances to vibrant cultural festivals. By keeping an eye on the dates and planning ahead, you can make the most of each joyous occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, travel adventure or just a day of reflection. Here’s to a year filled with celebration, connection and meaningful traditions!