Hindu Festival & Vrat Calendar 2026
Authentic celestial calendar computed using classical lunar Tithis, Surya Sankrantis, and Nishita Kaal muhurats. Never miss an auspicious fasting day or divine celebration.
Makar Sankranti / Pongal
Marks the transition of the Sun into Makara (Capricorn) and the beginning of Uttarayana (six months of northern solar journey), symbolizing light and spiritual awakening.
- •Holy dip in sacred rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari)
- •Surya Arghya and charity of sesame (Til), jaggery, and khichdi
Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja
Celebrates the advent of spring (Ritu Vasant) and the divine manifestation of Maa Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, music, learning, and eloquence.
- •Wearing auspicious yellow clothing and offering yellow flowers
- •Vidya Arambham / Akshar Abhyasam for young children
Jaya Ekadashi Vrat
A profoundly meritorious fast that liberates the soul from karmic burdens and removes fear of ghostly or demonic afflictions.
- •Fasting with satvik fruits and pure water
- •Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama and lighting ghee lamps
Maha Shivratri (महाशिवरात्रि)
The great cosmic night of Lord Shiva celebrating the sacred union of Shiva and Shakti and the performance of the cosmic dance (Tandava).
- •All-night vigil (Jagaran) with 4-Prahara Rudrabhishekam
- •Offering Belpatra, Dhatura, raw cow milk, and Gangajal to the Shivalinga
Holika Dahan / Chhoti Holi
Commemorates the triumph of pure devotion (Bhakta Prahlad) over demonic tyranny (Holika and Hiranyakashipu).
- •Lighting the sacred bonfire during auspicious evening Muhurat
- •Offering wheat stalks, coconuts, and dry cow-dung cakes into the fire
Holi (Rangotsav / Dhulandi)
The exuberant festival of colors celebrating the divine love of Radha and Krishna, seasonal renewal, and the erasure of past resentments.
- •Playing with natural herbal gulal, abir, and fragrant floral colors
- •Sharing festive delicacies including Gujiya, Thandai, and Malpua
Chaitra Navratri Begins / Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat 2083)
Marks the dawn of the Vedic New Year (Vikram Samvat 2083), Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in the Deccan, and 9 nights of Goddess Durga worship.
- •Ghatasthapana (sacred Kalash installation) facing East or North
- •Invocation of Maa Shailputri with Durga Saptashati recitation
Ram Navami (श्री राम नवमी)
Celebrates the auspicious birth of Maryada Purushottam Lord Sri Rama in Ayodhya during Punarvasu Nakshatra at mid-day (Abhijit Muhurat).
- •Continuous recitation of Sri Ramcharitmanas and Ram Raksha Stotra
- •Special mid-day Abhishek of Sri Ram Lalla with panchamrit
Hanuman Jayanti
Commemorates the birth of Sankat Mochan Lord Hanuman, the immortal embodiment of selfless devotion, physical strength, and boundless intellect.
- •Offering vermilion (Sindoor Chola) mixed with jasmine oil to Hanuman Ji
- •Reciting Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan, and Sundarkand
Akshaya Tritiya (अक्षय तृतीया)
Considered the most inherently auspicious Muhurat (Swayam Siddha) of the entire year. Any venture initiated or gold purchased on this day brings inexhaustible (Akshaya) wealth.
- •Purchasing gold, property, or investment assets
- •Donating water pots (Ghatam), barley, and umbrella to the needy
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat (भीमसेनी एकादशी)
The most austere of all 24 Ekadashis. Observing a strict waterless fast on this single day bestows the spiritual merit of observing all 24 Ekadashis combined.
- •Strict fasting without consuming food or even a drop of water
- •Donating earthen pitchers filled with sweet water and hand fans
Guru Purnima (व्यास पूर्णिमा)
Honors the birth anniversary of Maharishi Veda Vyasa and expresses eternal gratitude to spiritual gurus, mentors, and teachers who dispel the darkness of ignorance.
- •Guru Paduka Puja and seeking personal blessings from your spiritual guide
- •Reciting the Guru Gita and offering dakshina with humility
Nag Panchami
Dedicated to the worship of the celestial serpent deities (Nagas) including Sheshnag and Vasuki. A vital astrological day for pacifying Kaal Sarp Dosha and Rahu afflictions.
- •Offering raw milk, turmeric, and flowers to representations of Nag Devata
- •Performing Kaal Sarp Dosha Shanti Puja at holy shrines
Raksha Bandhan / Shravani Purnima
The sacred celebration of the protective bond of love between brothers and sisters, and the sacred thread renewal (Upakarma) for Vedic scholars.
- •Sisters tie sacred Rakhi threads on brothers' right wrists with prayers
- •Applying auspicious saffron-sandalwood tilak and feeding sweets
Sri Krishna Janmashtami (श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी)
Celebrates the midnight descent of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, in Rohini Nakshatra in Mathura.
- •Fasting until midnight and preparing decorative Jhula (cradle) displays
- •Abhishekam of Bal Gopal with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Gangajal
Ganesh Chaturthi (विनायक चतुर्थी)
The glorious 10-day festival welcoming Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles (Vighnaharta) and bestowal of intellect (Buddhi) and prosperity (Siddhi).
- •Prana Pratishtha of eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols into homes
- •Offering 21 modaks, durva grass blades, and red hibiscus flowers
Sharad Navratri Begins (शारदीय नवरात्रि प्रारंभ)
The great autumn Navratri celebrating the divine triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, revitalizing cosmic balance.
- •Sacred Ghatasthapana and continuous Akhand Jyoti lighting
- •Strict fasting and daily reading of Durga Saptashati / Devi Mahatmya
Dussehra / Vijayadashami (दशहरा / विजयादशमी)
Commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Maa Durga's immersion after slaying Mahishasura. A supreme day for Shami tree worship and vehicle blessings.
- •Effigy burnings of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnada
- •Shastra Puja (blessing of tools, weapons, and vehicles)
Karwa Chauth (करवा चौथ)
A sacred fast observed by married women for the longevity, health, and prosperity of their husbands, marked by profound devotion and marital beauty.
- •Eating early morning pre-dawn Sargi provided by mother-in-law
- •Waterless fasting throughout the day and evening Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha
Dhanteras / Dhanvantari Trayodashi
Marks the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician of Ayurveda, and Lord Kubera. Purchasing metals and utensils invites everlasting wealth and health.
- •Purchasing gold, silver, brass utensils, and new household appliances
- •Lighting the 13 Yamadeep lamps facing South outside the home threshold
Diwali / Deepawali (दीपावली - लक्ष्मी पूजन)
The supreme festival of lights celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the divine descent of Maa Lakshmi into clean, illuminated homes.
- •Illuminating every corner of the home with pure clay ghee and oil diyas
- •Grand Lakshmi-Ganesh Shodashopachara Puja during Pradosh/Vrishabha Lagna
Chhath Puja (छठ पूजा - संध्या अर्घ्य)
The ancient Vedic sun festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, expressing gratitude for sustaining life on Earth and fulfilling wishes.
- •36-hour rigorous waterless fast (Nirjala) by the Vratis
- •Standing waist-deep in water to offer evening Sandhya Arghya to setting Sun
Dev Uthani / Prabodhini Ekadashi (देवउठनी एकादशी)
Marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu after his 4-month cosmic slumber (Yoga Nidra). The auspicious wedding season (Vivah Muhurat) officially recommences on this day.
- •Tulsi Vivah (ceremonial sacred wedding of Tulsi plant with Shaligram)
- •Sugarcane canopy pavilion setup with special seasonal fruit offerings
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