Festival Calendar 2026

The Sun enters Capricorn (Makar Rashi). Celebrated as Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab.

India's Constitution came into effect on this day in 1950. National holiday with parade at India Gate, Delhi.

The great night of Lord Shiva. Devotees fast, visit Shiva temples, and stay awake through the night chanting Om Namah Shivaya.

The night before Holi. Bonfires are lit to symbolise the victory of good over evil — the burning of Holika.

The festival of colours celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of divine love. People play with colours, sing, and celebrate.

Maharashtrian and South Indian New Year. Gudi (bamboo staff with cloth) is hoisted outside homes as a symbol of victory and prosperity.

Birthday of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Celebrated with Ramayana recitations, bhajans, and temple visits.

Birthday of Lord Hanuman, the symbol of devotion, strength, and selfless service. Hanuman Chalisa is recited 108 times.

Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A day of fasting, prayer, and solemn reflection.

Celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the most important Christian festivals worldwide.

Harvest festival and Sikh New Year. Celebrates the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Grand celebrations at Golden Temple, Amritsar.

Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Special prayers and meditation sessions at Buddhist monasteries.

Day to honour spiritual teachers and Gurus. Based on the birthday of sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata. Students offer gratitude to their teachers.

Sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brother's wrist, symbolising protection and love. Brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters.

Birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Midnight celebrations with Dahi Handi, bhajans, Raas Leela, and temple decorations.

India's independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort, Delhi.

10-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. Grand celebrations in Maharashtra with massive Ganesha idols, processions, and immersion on Anant Chaturdashi.

Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana, Meghanada and Kumbhakarna are burned.

Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. National holiday observed with prayer meetings and tributes at Raj Ghat, New Delhi.

9-night festival of Goddess Durga. Garba and Dandiya dances in Gujarat, fasting, and worship of the nine forms of Shakti.

The festival of lights — the most celebrated festival in India. Lakshmi Puja is performed, homes are decorated with diyas and rangoli, fireworks light the sky.

Day after Diwali. Celebrates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect villagers from Indra's wrath. Annakut (mountain of food) is offered to God.

Sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life. Brothers give gifts. Similar to Raksha Bandhan but during Diwali week.

Ancient Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees stand in rivers and offer arghya (water) to the rising and setting sun.

Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Celebrated with Akhand Path (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib), langar, and processions.

Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches hold midnight mass, homes are decorated with Christmas trees, and gifts are exchanged.