JULY 2026 FESTIVALS

15. Jagannath Rath Yatra – 16 July 2026
    One of India’s most famous religious processions, celebrated especially in Puri, Odisha. Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra, is taken out in grand chariots.
16. Devshayani Ekadashi – 25 July 2026
    A sacred fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It marks the beginning of the four-month period known as Chaturmas, traditionally associated with spiritual observances.
17. Guru Purnima – 29 July 2026
    A day dedicated to spiritual teachers and gurus. Devotees express gratitude to their teachers and seek their blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
18. Ashadha Purnima – 29 July 2026
    The full moon day of the Ashadha month, observed with prayers, charity, meditation, and religious ceremonies in different parts of India.

AUGUST 2026 FESTIVALS

19. Hariyali Teej – 15 August 2026
    A popular festival celebrated mainly by women, especially in North India. Women dress in green, enjoy swings, sing traditional songs, and pray for marital happiness and prosperity.
20. Independence Day – 15 August 2026
    India celebrates its independence from British rule on this national holiday. Flag hoisting, patriotic programs, cultural events, and celebrations take place across the country.
21. Nag Panchami – 17 August 2026
    A traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes. Devotees offer prayers and milk and seek protection and blessings from Nag Devta.
22. Onam – 26 August 2026
    Kerala’s major harvest festival celebrating prosperity and the legendary return of King Mahabali. It is known for Pookalam decorations, traditional meals, boat races, and cultural celebrations.
23. Raksha Bandhan – 28 August 2026
    A festival celebrating the loving bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie rakhi around their brothers’ wrists and pray for their happiness and protection.
24. Varalakshmi Vrat – 28 August 2026
    A significant festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Women perform special prayers seeking health, wealth, prosperity, and well-being for their families.
25. Janmashtami – 4 September 2026
    Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees observe fasting, sing bhajans, decorate temples, and participate in midnight celebrations.

SEPTEMBER 2026 FESTIVALS

26. Ganesh Chaturthi – 14 September 2026
    Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Homes and public spaces are decorated with Ganesha idols, followed by prayers, cultural programs, and processions.
27. Hartalika Teej – 14 September 2026
    A festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Women observe fasting and offer prayers for marital happiness and a prosperous family life.
28. Rishi Panchami – 15 September 2026
    A day dedicated to the Sapta Rishis, or seven great sages. Devotees perform rituals and prayers as part of traditional spiritual observances.
29. Vishwakarma Puja – 17 September 2026
    Dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, regarded as the divine architect. Factories, workshops, offices, and machinery are traditionally cleaned and worshipped.
30. Radha Ashtami – 19 September 2026
    Celebrates the birth of Goddess Radha, the beloved companion of Lord Krishna. Devotees visit temples, sing devotional songs, and participate in special prayers.
31. Ganesh Visarjan / Anant Chaturdashi – 25 September 2026
    Marks the conclusion of many Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Ganesha idols are carried in colorful processions and immersed in water with prayers and devotion.

OCTOBER 2026 FESTIVALS

32. Navratri Begins – 11 October 2026
    The nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms. Devotees observe fasting, prayers, Garba, Dandiya, and cultural celebrations.
33. Durga Ashtami – 19 October 2026
    One of the most important days of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Special prayers, havans, and Kanya Pujan are performed in many regions.
34. Maha Navami – 19 October 2026
    The ninth day of Navratri, marking the culmination of intense worship of Goddess Durga before Vijayadashami.
35. Dussehra / Vijayadashami – 20 October 2026
    Celebrates the victory of good over evil, particularly Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Ramlila performances and Ravana effigy burnings are major attractions.
36. Sharad Purnima – 25 October 2026
    The full moon of the Sharad season, associated with spiritual significance and devotion to Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. Many regions observe special prayers and night-time rituals.
37. Karwa Chauth – 29 October 2026
    Traditionally observed by married Hindu women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and long life of their husbands. The fast is broken after sighting the moon.

NOVEMBER 2026 FESTIVALS

38. Ahoi Ashtami – 1 November 2026
    Traditionally observed by mothers for the well-being and prosperity of their children. Women observe fasting and worship Goddess Ahoi.
39. Dhanteras – 6 November 2026
    Marks the beginning of the Diwali festival. People traditionally purchase gold, silver, utensils, or other items and worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
40. Kali Chaudas – 7 November 2026
    Also known as Naraka Chaturdashi in many regions. It is associated with the victory of good over evil and is observed with prayers and traditional rituals.
41. Diwali / Lakshmi Puja – 8 November 2026
    One of India’s biggest festivals, celebrated as the festival of lights. Homes are decorated with diyas and rangoli, families perform Lakshmi Puja, exchange sweets, and celebrate together.
42. Govardhan Puja – 9 November 2026
    Celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan. Devotees prepare Annakut, a large offering of food.
43. Bhai Dooj – 11 November 2026
    Celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform traditional rituals and pray for their brothers’ happiness and long life.
44. Chhath Puja – 15 November 2026
    A major festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe fasting and offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, especially along rivers and water bodies.
45. Kartik Purnima / Dev Deepawali – 24 November 2026
    Kartik Purnima is considered highly auspicious for prayers, charity, and holy bathing. Dev Deepawali is especially famous in Varanasi, where ghats are illuminated with thousands of diyas.

DECEMBER 2026 FESTIVALS

46. Kalabhairav Jayanti – 1 December 2026
    Dedicated to Lord Kalabhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Devotees visit temples and perform special prayers seeking protection and spiritual strength.
47. Vivah Panchami – 14 December 2026
    Celebrates the divine marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. The festival is particularly significant in Ayodhya and other places associated with the Ramayana.
48. Dhanu Sankranti – 16 December 2026
    Marks the Sun’s transition into Sagittarius. The day is observed with religious rituals, prayers, charity, and regional traditions across India.
49. Gita Jayanti – 20 December 2026
    Celebrates the day on which Lord Krishna is traditionally believed to have delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Devotees read and recite verses from the Gita.
50. Dattatreya Jayanti – 23 December 2026
    Celebrates the birth of Lord Dattatreya, regarded as a divine embodiment of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Devotees visit temples and participate in special prayers.
51. Christmas – 25 December 2026
    Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches hold special services, homes and streets are decorated, and people exchange gifts and share festive meals.
52. New Year’s Eve – 31 December 2026
    Marks the final day of the calendar year. People celebrate with family, friends, gatherings, prayers, and preparations to welcome the New Year.