Plan your year with the definitive Indian Festival Calendar 2026. As the most trusted source for India’s cultural milestones, we provide an accurate list of festival dates and public holidays for 2026 across every state and region. Whether you are tracking the auspicious dates for Diwali and Holi 2026, or looking for regional gazetted holidays like Pongal, Onam, and Baisakhi, our comprehensive cultural guide ensures you never miss a celebration. Explore the rich diversity of India’s traditions and start planning your 2026 long weekends and spiritual journeys today with the premier guide to celebrating India.
Major Festival Dates & States
| Date (2026) | Festival Name | Primary States / Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 13 | Lohri | Punjab, Haryana |
| Jan 14 | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | Pan-India / Tamil Nadu |
| Feb 15 | Maha Shivratri | Pan-India |
| Mar 04 | Holi | North & West India |
| Mar 19 | Gudi Padwa / Ugadi | Maharashtra / South India |
| Mar 21* | Eid-ul-Fitr | Pan-India |
| Apr 14 | Baisakhi / Vishu / Puthandu | Punjab / Kerala / Tamil Nadu |
| Aug 15 | Independence Day | National (Pan-India) |
| Aug 26 | Onam | Kerala |
| Sep 14 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Maharashtra, Karnataka |
| Oct 19 | Durga Ashtami | West Bengal, Odisha |
| Oct 20 | Dussehra | Pan-India |
| Nov 08 | Diwali | Pan-India |
| Nov 15 | Chhath Puja | Bihar, UP, Jharkhand |
| Dec 25 | Christmas | Pan-India (Goa, Kerala, NE) |
*Note: Dates for Islamic festivals are subject to the sighting of the moon.
January: Welcoming the Harvest
Lohri (Jan 13) – Punjab, HaryanaLohri marks the end of the winter solstice and the harvest season in North India, especially among Punjabis and Haryana residents. Rooted in agricultural traditions, it celebrates the abundance of crops like wheat and mustard. Families light bonfires, toss sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts into the flames for prosperity, and sing folk songs around the fire. Punjabi communities feast on makki di roti and sarson da saag, often with bhangra dances.
Makar Sankranti / Pongal (Jan 14) – Pan-India / Tamil NaduThis solar festival signifies the sun's transition into Capricorn, heralding longer days and bountiful harvests. Celebrated nationwide with kite-flying in Gujarat and sesame sweets in Maharashtra, it becomes Pongal in Tamil Nadu—a four-day harvest fest with fresh pongal offerings to the sun god. Cows receive ritual baths, symbolizing gratitude to nature.
February: Divine Night of Shiva
Maha Shivratri (Feb 15) – Pan-IndiaOne of Hinduism's most revered nights honors Lord Shiva. Devotees fast, stay awake for vigils with milk offerings at temples like Varanasi's. It's tied to Shiva's cosmic dance and marriage to Parvati, promoting meditation nationwide.
March: Spring and Renewal
Holi (Mar 4) – North & West IndiaThe festival of colors with gulal, water fights, and sweets symbolizes spring and good over evil. Mathura's temple dances shine brightest.
Gudi Padwa / Ugadi (Mar 19) – Maharashtra / South IndiaHindu New Year with victory flags, neem mixtures, and feasts for life's balance.
Eid-ul-Fitr (Mar 21*) – Pan-IndiaEnds Ramadan with prayers, feasts, and charity, confirmed by moon sighting.
April: Earth Day and New Beginnings
Baisakhi / Vishu / Puthandu (Apr 14) – Punjab / Kerala / Tamil NaduSolar New Year harvests: Baisakhi's bhangra, Vishu's prosperity visuals, Puthandu's kolam.
August: National Pride and Floral Bounty
Independence Day (Aug 15) – Pan-IndiaRed Fort flag-hoisting, parades for 1947 freedom.
Onam (Aug 26) – Kerala10-day floral fest with boat races and grand feasts for King Mahabali.
September: Elephant Headed God's Arrival
Ganesh Chaturthi (Sep 14) – Maharashtra, Karnataka10-day modak offerings and idol immersions.
October: Triumph of Good
Durga Ashtami (Oct 19) – West Bengal, OdishaNavratri peak with goddess worship and cultural pandals.
Dussehra (Oct 20) – Pan-India
Ramlila and effigy burnings for Rama's victory.
November: Lights and Devotion
Diwali (Nov 8) – Pan-IndiaLights, sweets, and Lakshmi puja for prosperity.
Chhath Puja (Nov 15) – Bihar, UP, JharkhandSun worship with river rituals and fasting.
December: Festive Cheer
Christmas (Dec 25) – Pan-India (Goa, Kerala, NE)Midnight masses, cribs, and carols in Christian strongholds.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the biggest festivals in India in 2026?
The major festivals in 2026 include Holi (March 4), Diwali (November 8), Dussehra (October 20), and Eid-ul-Fitr (March 21).
When is Diwali celebrated in 2026?
Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated on November 8, 2026.
Which Indian states celebrate harvest festivals in January?
In January, harvest festivals are celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Lohri in Punjab, and Magh Bihu in Assam.