HINDU FESTIVAL CALENDAR 2026
A YEAR OF FAITH, LIGHT, DEVOTION AND DIVINE BLESSINGS
By Publisher Ray Carmen
The Hindu calendar is one of the world’s oldest living spiritual calendars — guided by the movements of the Sun and Moon and filled with sacred occasions celebrating the Divine, the triumph of good over evil, family unity, gratitude, renewal and hope.
Here are some of the principal Hindu festivals and observances of 2026:
14 January — Makar Sankranti and Pongal
A celebration of harvest, gratitude, prosperity and the Sun’s sacred journey.
23 January — Vasant Panchami
A day devoted to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music and learning.
15 February — Maha Shivaratri
The Great Night of Lord Shiva — observed through prayer, fasting, meditation and devotion.
3 March — Holika Dahan
The sacred bonfire symbolising the destruction of evil and the victory of faith.
4 March — Holi
The joyful Festival of Colours, celebrating spring, love, forgiveness and the triumph of good over evil.
19 March — Chaitra Navratri Begins
Nine sacred nights honouring the Divine Feminine in her many powerful forms.
26 March — Rama Navami
Celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, the embodiment of righteousness, courage and duty.
1 April — Hanuman Jayanti
Honouring Lord Hanuman, the eternal symbol of strength, devotion and selfless service.
29 July — Guru Purnima
A day of gratitude to spiritual teachers, gurus and all those who guide humanity towards wisdom.
26 August — Onam
Kerala’s magnificent harvest festival celebrating abundance, unity and the legendary return of King Mahabali.
28 August — Raksha Bandhan
A celebration of the sacred bond of love, protection and responsibility between brothers and sisters.
4 September — Krishna Janmashtami
Celebrating the divine birth of Lord Krishna and his timeless message of love, wisdom and dharma.
14 September — Ganesh Chaturthi
Honouring Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the bringer of wisdom, success and new beginnings.
11 October — Sharad Navratri Begins
Nine nights dedicated to Goddess Durga and the triumph of divine power over darkness.
20 October — Dussehra or Vijayadashami
Celebrating the victory of righteousness over evil.
8 November — Diwali
The glorious Festival of Lights — symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.
20 December — Gita Jayanti
Commemorating the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Lord Krishna’s eternal message to humanity.
Hindu festival dates are calculated through lunar and solar traditions, so some observances and worship timings can vary by region, tradition and time zone. Devotees should confirm local temple timings before worship or fasting.
May every sacred festival of 2026 bring peace to the mind, strength to the heart, prosperity to the home and divine blessings to every family.
WORLD OF 7
One Planet. Seven Continents. One Human Family.