58 festivals in 2026
58 festivals found
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.