Planning your year becomes much easier when you know the important Hindu festival dates in advance. Whether it’s preparing for poojas, organizing family gatherings, or planning travel around major celebrations, having a clear view of the year helps you stay ahead.

Here is a simple, month-wise look at the major Hindu festivals and auspicious days in 2026, so you know what to expect and when.

Important Festival Dates 2026 – Month-by-Month Guide

Below is an easy breakdown of major Hindu festivals expected in 2026. Dates may slightly vary based on regional panchangam, but these are the widely followed observances across India.

January 2026

• New Year – Jan 1

• Pongal / Sankranti – Jan 14

• Thai Poosam – Jan 26

• Ekadasi (Vaikunta Ekadasi may fall in late Dec 2025 or early Jan 2026 depending on calendar)

February 2026

• Maasi Magam – Feb 22

• Maha Shivaratri – Feb 17

• Amavasya – Feb 20

March 2026

• Panguni Uthiram – March 28

• Holi – March 3

• Rama Navami – March 27

April 2026

• Tamil New Year / Vishu / Baisakhi – April 14

• Hanuman Jayanti – April 2

• Chithirai Thiruvizha begins – Mid April

May 2026

• Vaikasi Visakam – May 27

• Narasimha Jayanti – May 8

• Pournami – May 24

June 2026

• Aani Thirumanjanam – June 16

• Ganga Dussehra – June 26

• Yogini Ekadasi – June 30

July 2026

• Aadi Perukku – July 18

• Guru Purnima – July 21

• Aadi Velli (all Fridays)

August 2026

• Avani Avittam / Upakarma – Aug 8

• Raksha Bandhan – Aug 28

• Krishna Janmashtami – Aug 15

September 2026

• Ganesh Chaturthi – Sept 12

• Purattasi Saturdays (all four weeks)

• Pitru Paksha begins – Sept 24

October 2026

• Navaratri Begins – Oct 8

• Durga Puja – Oct 12–15

• Vijayadashami – Oct 17

• Deepavali – Oct 26

November 2026

• Karthigai Deepam – Nov 29

• Tulsi Vivah – Nov 21

• Dev Deepavali – Nov 28

December 2026

• Vaikunta Ekadasi – Dec 21

• Margazhi Month Begins – Dec 16

• Thiruppavai & early morning poojas throughout the month
  
  
  

  Knowing the major festival dates in advance helps you:

  • Arrange pooja items early

  • Schedule leaves at work

  • Book train/flight tickets during festival rush

  • Plan temple visits on auspicious days

  • Organize family gatherings without confusion

  • Teach children about upcoming traditions

  • Prepare home rituals calmly instead of in a hurry

  Festivals shape the cultural fabric of our lives, and being prepared brings peace, joy, and a sense of flow to the entire year.
  
  
  

  Conclusion

  The year 2026 is filled with meaningful festivals, each carrying its own cultural and spiritual significance. Whether you celebrate traditionally or in a simple way, knowing the dates ahead brings clarity and confidence.