Indian Festivals 2026

Pausha Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi

Punjabi harvest festival marking the end of winter solstice — bonfire, bhangra, rewdi

Sun enters Capricorn

Sun's transition into Capricorn, harvest festival marking longer days

Panchami, Magha Shukla Paksha

Saraswati Puja and onset of spring — auspicious for education, music, arts

Chaturdashi, Phalguna Krishna Paksha

The Great Night of Shiva — most sacred night for Shiva worship and spiritual transformation

Purnima, Phalguna Shukla Paksha

Burning of Holika — triumph of devotion over evil, eve of Holi

Pratipada, Chaitra Krishna Paksha

Festival of colours — joy, love, spring, and the triumph of good over evil

Shawwal 1 (subject to moon sighting)

Festival marking end of Ramadan — celebration of fasting, prayer, and community

Navami, Chaitra Shukla Paksha

Birth anniversary of Lord Ram — the ideal king and seventh avatar of Vishnu

Sun enters Aries — Mesha Sankranti

Sikh New Year, harvest festival, and anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699

Tritiya, Vaishakha Shukla Paksha

Most auspicious day of the year — no muhurat needed, ideal for gold purchase, weddings, new business

Purnima, Ashadha Shukla Paksha

Full moon day honouring the spiritual teacher — Vyasa Purnima, gratitude to all gurus

Purnima, Shravana Shukla Paksha

Festival of the sibling bond — sisters tie rakhi for brother's protection and long life

Ashtami, Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha

Birth of Lord Krishna at midnight — devotion, dance, dahi handi, and night-long celebration

Chaturthi, Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha

Ten-day festival welcoming Ganesha — remover of obstacles, lord of new beginnings

Pratipada, Ashwin Shukla Paksha

Nine nights of Goddess Durga in her nine forms — the most celebrated Navratri of the year

Dashami, Ashwin Shukla Paksha

Victory of Ram over Ravana — triumph of good over evil, end of Navratri

Chaturthi, Kartika Krishna Paksha

Married women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for husband's long life

Amavasya, Kartika Krishna Paksha

Festival of Lights — Lakshmi Puja, fireworks, sweets, and triumph of light over darkness

Pratipada, Kartika Shukla Paksha

Day after Diwali — Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill; Annakut feast offered to God

Shashthi, Kartika Shukla Paksha

Worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya — devotees stand in rivers at sunrise and sunset

Purnima, Kartika Shukla Paksha

Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji — founder of Sikhism, prophet of oneness

December 25

Birth of Jesus Christ — celebrated with joy, family, gifts, and community worldwide