Indian Festivals 2026: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

India is a vibrant country known for its rich cultural heritage, and its numerous festivals are an integral part of its traditions. These festivals celebrate various religious, cultural, and historical events, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community and unity.

Planning ahead for these festivals is essential to ensure you can fully immerse yourself in the festivities. With that in mind, here is a comprehensive guide to the major Indian festivals in 2026, providing you with the necessary information to plan your travels and experiences.

Major Indian Festivals 2026

January

• Makar Sankranti (January 14): Celebrates the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign, marking the beginning of the harvest season.

February

• Vasant Panchami (February 16): Honors the Hindu goddess Saraswati, who represents knowledge, music, and the arts.

March

• Holi (March 8): A vibrant festival of colors, Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.

April

• Ugadi (March 29): Celebrates the Telugu and Kannada New Year, marking the beginning of a new year in these regions.
• Mahavir Jayanti (April 4): Honors the birth of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.

May

• Akshaya Tritiya (May 3): Considered an auspicious day for new beginnings, investments, and purchases.

June

• Ratha Yatra (June 20): Celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

July

• Guru Purnima (July 3): Honors spiritual teachers and gurus.
• Nag Panchami (July 25): Celebrates the worship of snakes and their significance in Hindu mythology.

August

• Raksha Bandhan (August 3): Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

September

• Ganesha Chaturthi (September 10): Honors Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity.
• Onam (September 8-10): Celebrates the legendary King Mahabali and the harvest season in Kerala.
• Navratri (September 26-October 4): A nine-night festival honoring the goddess Durga.

October

• Dussehra (October 5): Celebrates the victory of good over evil, commemorating the defeat of the demon king Ravana.
• Diwali (October 24): The festival of lights, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.

November

• Chhath Puja (November 10-11): Celebrates the Sun god Surya.

December

• Christmas (December 25): Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.