93 festivals in 2026
93 festivals found
Birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, founder of the Khalsa. Gurudwaras hold special kirtan, langar, and processions. Sikhs across the world recite Jaap Sahib and reflect on his teachings of courage and equality.
Ekadashi vrat observed in the Paush month Shukla Paksha. Childless couples observe this fast with prayers to Lord Vishnu for the blessing of progeny. The fast concludes the next morning after offering prayers at a Vishnu temple.
Punjabi festival marking the end of winter and the harvest of Rabi crops. Families gather around a bonfire, sing traditional songs, and throw sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn into the flames as offerings.
Sikh festival commemorating the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte (forty liberated ones) who died fighting for Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Muktsar. Gurudwaras hold special congregations and langar is served. Observed on the first day of the month of Magha.
Sun enters Makara (Capricorn) rashi, marking the beginning of longer days and the harvest season. Celebrated across India with regional names like Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. Considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar for bathing in holy rivers and making donations.
Celebration of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, arts, and wisdom. Students worship their books and instruments. Marks the onset of spring season. People wear yellow clothes symbolizing mustard flowers in bloom.
Tamil festival dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya). Devotees carry Kavadi — decorated burdens — to Murugan temples like Palani and Batu Caves. Celebrated on Pushya Nakshatra in the month of Thai when the Moon is in Pushya.
Bengali observance of Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami. Students place their books and musical instruments before the goddess, and schools and colleges host grand pandals with clay idols of Saraswati seated on her swan.
Full moon day in the month of Magha, considered highly auspicious for ritual bathing in the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The Magh Mela at Prayagraj culminates on this day. Devotees also observe Satyanarayan Vrat and donate to the needy.
The Great Night of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe a day-long fast and perform night-long worship with Rudrabhishek, offering bael leaves, milk, and water on the Shiva Linga. Commemorates the night Shiva performed the Tandava dance and his marriage to Parvati.
Festival associated with Lord Krishna and Radha celebrated in the Braj region. Temples are decorated with flowers and gulal (colored powder) is offered to Krishna. Considered a highly auspicious day free of all doshas — ideal for weddings and new ventures.
Tamil festival celebrated when the Moon transits Magha Nakshatra in the month of Masi. Devotees take holy dips at temple tanks and coastal shrines — Kumbakonam's Mahamaham festival held every 12 years coincides with this day.
The eight inauspicious days leading up to Holika Dahan begin today. Auspicious events such as weddings, griha pravesh, and mundan are avoided during Holashtak. The period ends on Holika Dahan day.
Festival of colors celebrating the victory of good over evil, marking the arrival of spring. Holika Dahan is observed the night before with a bonfire commemorating the burning of demoness Holika. People play with colors, water, and sweets the next day.
Sikh festival instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, observed the day after Holi. Nihang Singhs display martial arts — gatka, tent-pegging, and horse-riding — at Anandpur Sahib. A celebration of Sikh valor, community, and discipline.
Worship of Goddess Sheetala, believed to protect devotees from smallpox, measles, and other diseases. Also known as Basoda. Only cold food cooked the previous day is offered and consumed — no fire is lit in the kitchen.
Sindhi New Year, commemorating the birth of Jhulelal — the patron saint of the Sindhi community. Processions carrying Behrana Sahib are taken out, and devotees offer prayers for prosperity and protection in the new year.
Maharashtrian New Year. A Gudi (decorated stick with a bright cloth, neem leaves, and a garland topped with an inverted vessel) is hoisted outside homes as a symbol of victory and prosperity. Marks Lord Brahma's creation of the universe according to tradition.
Hindu New Year celebrated in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Marks the beginning of the new Vikram Samvat year. Families prepare Ugadi Pachadi — a dish combining six tastes representing life's emotions — and decorate doorways with mango leaves.
Nine nights of worship dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga in the spring season. Begins with Ghatasthapana (installation of the sacred pot) and culminates in Ram Navami. Devotees fast, perform Durga Puja, and recite the Durga Saptashati.
Rajasthani festival celebrating Gauri (Parvati) and her devotion to Shiva. Married women worship clay images of Gauri for marital happiness, and unmarried girls pray for a good husband. The grand Gangaur procession in Udaipur and Jaipur is spectacular.
Birth anniversary of Goddess Sita, consort of Lord Rama. Married women observe a vrat for marital bliss and recite the Ramayana. Celebrated with special pujas at Sita temples in Janakpur, Ayodhya, and Sitamarhi.
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu and hero of the Ramayana. Temples are decorated, Ramayana is recited, and devotees observe a fast. Ayodhya, Rama's birthplace, hosts grand celebrations.
Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Jains observe the day with prayers, meditation, and charitable acts. Processions are held with the idol of Mahavira, and his teachings of non-violence and truth are emphasized.
Tamil festival when the Moon enters Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra on the Purnima of Panguni month. Celebrated as the divine wedding day of several Hindu deity pairs — Murugan-Devasena, Shiva-Parvati, Rama-Sita, and Andal-Ranganatha.
Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Lord Rama and symbol of strength and devotion. Devotees visit Hanuman temples, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, and offer sindoor and bananas. Observed on Chaitra Purnima in most of India.
Tamil New Year marking the start of the Tamil solar calendar month of Chithirai. Families set up the Kanni — a tray of auspicious items viewed first thing in the morning — and prepare Maanga Pachadi, a dish blending six flavours of life.
Bengali New Year (Naba Barsha). Families open their Halkhata (new account books), visit temples, and greet each other with 'Shubho Nabobarsho'. Traditional feasts of Panta Bhaat, Ilish Maach, and sweets mark the celebration.
Mesha Sankranti is a Hindu festival observed annually according to the Panchang.
Malayali New Year coinciding with the sun's entry into Mesha Rashi. The Vishu Kani — an arrangement of rice, fruits, gold, and a mirror — is viewed first thing in the morning for a prosperous year. Elders give Vishu Kaineettam (blessing money) to the young.
Celebrates the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice. Commemorated as Equality Day. A public holiday observed with seminars, lectures, and remembrance of Ambedkar's contributions to modern India.
One of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, believed to bring lasting prosperity. Any action initiated on this day is believed to yield everlasting results. Considered especially auspicious for purchasing gold, starting new ventures, and charitable donations.
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death (parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha — all three events are believed to have occurred on the same full moon day. Observed by both Hindus and Buddhists. Devotees visit Buddhist shrines, meditate, and practice compassion.
Appearance day of Goddess Baglamukhi, the eighth Mahavidya, worshipped for victory over enemies and legal disputes. Devotees recite the Baglamukhi Stotra and offer yellow flowers and turmeric to the goddess.
Celebrates the appearance of Goddess Ganga in the matted locks of Lord Shiva. Devotees bathe in the Ganga at Haridwar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, and perform Ganga Aarti at riverside ghats in the evening.
Appearance day of Lord Narasimha, the half-lion, half-man fourth avatar of Vishnu who emerged at sunset to slay the demon Hiranyakashipu and protect his devotee Prahlada. Devotees observe a fast and break it at sunset after evening puja.
Commemorates the descent of Goddess Ganga from heaven to earth. Devotees bathe in the Ganges at holy cities like Haridwar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj. Believed to cleanse ten types of sins. Temples along the Ganga host special aartis.
The most rigorous of all 24 Ekadashi vrats. Devotees observe a waterless fast (nirjala = without water) from sunrise to next day's sunrise. Believed to grant the merit of all 24 annual Ekadashis combined. Also known as Bhima Ekadashi.
Maharashtrian and Gujarati observance where married women tie ceremonial threads around a banyan tree (vat) seven times and pray for the long life of their husbands. Commemorates Savitri's devotion that brought back her husband Satyavan from death.
Appearance day of Goddess Gayatri, the personification of the Gayatri Mantra revealed to Sage Vishwamitra. Devotees recite the Gayatri Mantra 108 times and conduct a special havan. Celebrated on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi.
Kolkata's grand Jagannath Rath Yatra centered at the ISKCON temple. Three chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees. A major public celebration in Bengal.
Also called Devshayani Ekadashi — the day Lord Vishnu enters cosmic sleep (yoga nidra) on Sheshanaga. Marks the beginning of Chaturmas. Lakhs of Warkari pilgrims complete their annual Pandharpur Wari to Vitthal temple.
New moon day in the Tamil month of Aadi, considered one of the most auspicious days for performing Pitru Tarpanam (offerings to ancestors). Devotees take holy dips at Rameswaram and other Tamil coastal shrines.
Grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra held in Puri, Odisha. Three massive wooden chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. One of the oldest and largest religious processions in the world.
Tamil monsoon festival celebrating the annual swelling of rivers and the life-giving waters. Women offer prayers to the river goddess with sweet pongal, flowers, and turmeric at the banks of the Cauvery and other rivers.
Day to honor spiritual teachers and gurus. Dedicated to sage Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata. Disciples offer gratitude to their gurus with flowers, sweets, and prayers. Also observed by Buddhists commemorating Buddha's first sermon.
Major South Indian vrat observed by married women on the Friday before Shravana Purnima. Goddess Lakshmi is invoked in a kalasha decorated with a saree, flowers, and jewelry. She grants boons (varas) of health, wealth, and long married life.
Maharashtrian coastal festival where fisherfolk offer a coconut (naral) to the sea as gratitude to Lord Varuna, marking the safe end of the monsoon fishing break. The same day is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan across northern India.
Farmers' festival of Maharashtra and north Karnataka honouring bulls for their role in agriculture. Bulls are bathed, decorated with turmeric, kumkum, and garlands, and fed sweet roti. A day of rest from field labour.
Celebrated by married women for the well-being of their husbands and happy married life. Women dress in green, apply mehendi, and swing on decorated swings. Commemorates the reunion of Parvati with Lord Shiva after her long penance.
Worship of serpent gods (Nagas). Devotees offer milk, flowers, and prayers to snake idols and live snakes. Believed to protect the family from snake bites and ensure prosperity. Associated with Lord Shiva, who wears a cobra around his neck.
Most important Jain festival for the Shvetambara sect — eight days of fasting, introspection, and scripture reading culminating in Samvatsari. Jains seek forgiveness from all beings with the words 'Micchami Dukkadam'.
Ten-day Jain festival observed by the Digambara sect immediately after Paryushana. Each day celebrates one of the ten virtues — forgiveness, humility, truth, self-control, austerity, and others. Ends with Anant Chaturdashi.
Women's festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Married women observe a nirjala fast (without food or water) for their husband's long life and unmarried girls for a good husband. Clay idols of Shiva and Parvati are worshipped.
Maharashtrian thanksgiving festival for bulls and oxen. Farmers paint their horns, drape them in colourful cloth, and offer naivedya of puran poli. Similar in spirit to Bendur but widely celebrated across Maharashtra villages.
Festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing protection, love, and affection. Brothers in return offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Devotees fast until midnight (Krishna's birth time), decorate temples and homes, sing bhajans, and enact scenes from Krishna's life. Mathura and Vrindavan host the most elaborate celebrations.
Celebrated the day after Janmashtami, reenacting young Krishna's playful theft of butter and curd from pots hung high. Teams (Govindas) form human pyramids to break an earthen pot (handi) filled with curd hung several stories high, amid cheers and music.
Teej of the monsoon month celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Women sing Kajari folk songs about the longing of Radha for Krishna, swing on decorated jhoolas, and worship Neemdi Mata.
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of new beginnings. Clay idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals, worshipped for 1-11 days, and then immersed in water bodies (visarjan). Maharashtra hosts the grandest celebrations.
Celebrates Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and patron of craftsmen, engineers, and artisans. Factories, workshops, and tool sheds are decorated and tools are worshipped. Observed on the day Sun enters Kanya Rashi.
Marks the last day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Ganesh idols are taken in grand processions and immersed in rivers, lakes, or the sea (Ganesh Visarjan), bidding farewell until next year. Devotees also worship Lord Vishnu in his Ananta form.
Bengali Durga Puja begins with Bilva Nimantran and Kalparambha on Shashti. The clay idol of Durga is unveiled (Bodhon), marking her arrival with her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya at her parental home.
Pitru Paksha Begins is a Hindu festival observed annually according to the Panchang.
Second day of Bengali Durga Puja. Kola Bou (Nabapatrika) — nine plants symbolising the nine forms of Durga — is bathed at dawn and installed beside Ganesha. Mahasnan and full puja are performed for the goddess.
The most important day of Bengali Durga Puja. Ashtami Anjali is offered to the goddess at dawn by thousands of devotees. Sandhi Puja is performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami tithi, when Durga slew Mahishasura.
Last day of Bengali Durga Puja. Married women offer Sindur Khela — the play of vermillion — to the goddess before her Visarjan. Idols are carried in grand processions to the Ganga for immersion as the community bids Durga farewell until next year.
Marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha. In Bengal, Mahalaya heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga. Devotees perform Tarpan for ancestors on this Amavasya day at riverbanks.
Nine nights of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga in autumn. The most widely celebrated Navratri. Each day is dedicated to a different form of Durga. Gujarat celebrates with Garba and Dandiya Raas. Bengal celebrates as Durga Puja with grand pandals.
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja observed on Sharad Purnima in Bengal and Odisha. Homes are decorated with alpana, and goddess Lakshmi is worshipped through the night. Legend says the goddess visits homes asking 'ko jagorti' (who is awake?) to bless the devotees.
The 8th day of Sharad Navratri, considered the most significant. Devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri and perform Kanya Puja — worshipping nine young girls as embodiments of the goddess. Weapons are also worshipped (Astra Puja).
Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura — symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burned in grand ceremonies. Mysore hosts the famous royal Dussehra procession.
The 9th and final day of Sharad Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri. Marks the culmination of Navratri celebrations. In Bengal, it is the final day of Durga Puja before visarjan. Homams and special yagyas are performed.
Tamil festival commemorating Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadma. Devotees observe a six-day vrat (Kanda Shashti) culminating today with Soorasamharam enacted at Tiruchendur — Murugan's spear piercing the demon.
Vrat observed by mothers for the long life and wellbeing of their sons. A sketch of Ahoi Mata is drawn on the wall and worshipped at sunset; the fast is broken after sighting the stars or the moon. Similar in spirit to Karwa Chauth.
Also called Kojagari Purnima. Believed to be the night when Goddess Lakshmi descends to earth and blesses those who stay awake. Kheer (rice pudding) is prepared and kept under moonlight overnight to absorb healing properties, then consumed the next morning.
Married women observe a day-long fast from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Women dress in bridal attire, apply mehendi, and break their fast after sighting the moon through a sieve and then looking at their husbands.
Bengali worship of Goddess Kali observed on Kartika Amavasya, the same night as Diwali. Devotees worship Kali through the night with hibiscus flowers and red offerings. The Dakshineswar Kali temple hosts one of the most important celebrations.
The ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (Lakshmi) to Lord Shaligram (Vishnu). Marks the end of Chaturmas and the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. Homes conduct a miniature marriage ritual with the Tulsi plant in the courtyard.
First day of the five-day Diwali celebration. Dedicated to Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health, and Goddess Lakshmi. Considered highly auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and new utensils. Marks the beginning of prosperity for the household.
Worship of Goddess Jagaddhatri (the upholder of the world), a form of Durga. Chandannagar in West Bengal is famous for its illuminated Jagaddhatri Puja pandals. The puja is observed over four days during the Kartika Shukla Paksha.
Also called Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas. Commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. In South India, people take an oil bath before sunrise. Homes are decorated with diyas in preparation for the main Diwali night.
The Festival of Lights, celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity. Homes are illuminated with diyas and rangoli, fireworks light up the sky, and families exchange sweets and gifts.
Celebrates Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan on his little finger to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from Lord Indra's torrential rains. Devotees create mini mountains from cow dung representing Govardhan and offer Annakut — 56 varieties of food — to Krishna.
Festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life and prosperity. Brothers give gifts in return. Similar to Raksha Bandhan but observed two days after Diwali.
Ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess). Devotees observe a 4-day rigorous fast, offer arghya to the setting and rising sun while standing in water. Most popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Gurpurab celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Gurudwaras host 48-hour Akhand Path of the Guru Granth Sahib, Nagar Kirtan processions, and langar for all.
Diwali of the Gods, celebrated 15 days after Diwali on Kartik Purnima. Believed to be the day when gods descend to earth to celebrate. Varanasi's ghats are illuminated with thousands of diyas creating a breathtaking sight along the Ganges.
Tamil festival of lights celebrated on Krittika Nakshatra in Kartika month. Oil lamps (agal vilakku) are lit in every home and temple. The giant Mahadeepam atop Tiruvannamalai hill is lit and visible for miles, symbolising Shiva as a column of light.
Commemorates the day Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Devotees read or recite the Bhagavad Gita, attend discourses, and reflect on Krishna's teachings of dharma, karma, and devotion.
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. A major holiday observed across India by Christians and celebrated widely as a cultural festival. Churches hold midnight masses, homes are decorated with Christmas trees and lights, and families exchange gifts.
Darshan of Lord Shiva as Nataraja on the full-moon night when the Moon is in Ardra Nakshatra in Margazhi month. Chidambaram Nataraja temple holds a grand abhishekam of the crystal Spatika Linga. One of the most sacred nights in South Indian Shaivism.
Kerala and Tamil festival observing the Ardra Nakshatra of Margazhi. Married women prepare Thiruvathira Kali — a traditional rice and jaggery dish — and perform Thiruvathira Kali (a group dance) around a lamp through the night.