2026 India Festivals: Complete Calendar & Key Dates
If you’re looking for the complete 2026 India festivals schedule, you’ve come to the right place. India celebrates a vibrant mix of national holidays, Hindu festivals, Islamic observances, Christian events, and regional celebrations throughout the year. This comprehensive guide covers all major 2026 India festivals with accurate dates, making it perfect for travelers, content creators, digital marketers, and event planners who want to align their activities with India’s cultural calendar.
Whether you’re planning a trip during Holi, scheduling social media campaigns around Diwali, or simply want to understand India’s diverse festival landscape, this 2026 India festivals calendar will help you stay organized and informed throughout the year.
Why Track 2026 India Festivals?
Understanding the 2026 India festivals calendar offers significant advantages across multiple domains. For travelers and tourists, festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Onam provide unique cultural experiences and photo opportunities that showcase India’s traditions. Digital marketers and e‑commerce businesses see massive traffic spikes during major festivals, with Diwali alone driving billions in online sales according to McKinsey retail insights.
Content creators, bloggers, and YouTubers can plan their editorial calendars around 2026 India festivals to capture search interest and engagement. Web publishers often see traffic increases of 200–400% during festival periods when audiences search for dates, recipes, greeting messages, and shopping guides. Additionally, knowing the 2026 India festivals schedule helps businesses plan inventory, promotions, and advertising campaigns to maximize ROI during peak consumer spending periods.
National Holidays in India 2026
India observes three official national holidays that apply uniformly across all states and union territories, as designated by the Government of India. These 2026 India festivals and national observances result in closures of government offices, banks, courts, and many private businesses.
| Date | Day | Festival / Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 January 2026 | Monday | Republic Day | National Holiday |
| 15 August 2026 | Saturday | Independence Day | National Holiday |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas | National Holiday |
Republic Day commemorates the adoption of India’s constitution in 1950, while Independence Day celebrates freedom from British rule in 1947. Christmas is recognized as a national holiday reflecting India’s secular and inclusive character. These dates are essential anchors in the 2026 India festivals calendar for planning business operations and content strategies.
Major Hindu Festivals in 2026
Hindu festivals form the largest and most diverse category within the 2026 India festivals calendar. These celebrations follow the lunar calendar based on the traditional Hindu Panchang system and vary by region, but the dates below represent widely accepted observances across India.
Holi Festival 2026
Holi, the vibrant festival of colors celebrating spring and the victory of good over evil, is one of the most photographed 2026 India festivals. The celebration spans two days with distinct observances as detailed by India’s Ministry of Culture:
- Holika Dahan: 3 March 2026 (Tuesday) – Evening bonfires commemorate the burning of the demoness Holika
- Holi (Rangwali Holi): 4 March 2026 (Wednesday) – The main day when people play with colored powders and water
For content creators and travel bloggers, Holi represents a peak opportunity in the 2026 India festivals calendar, with searches for “Holi celebration ideas,” “Holi recipes,” and “Holi wishes” spiking weeks before the event.
Diwali and Related Celebrations 2026
Diwali, the festival of lights, is arguably the most economically significant event in the 2026 India festivals calendar. The five‑day celebration period includes multiple observances, each with distinct rituals and commercial significance according to Time and Date.
| Day / Name | 2026 Date | Celebrated As |
|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | 6 November 2026 | Start of Diwali shopping & lighting; purchase of gold and utensils |
| Diwali / Deepavali | 8 November 2026 | Main Lakshmi Puja day; lighting of diyas and fireworks |
| Govardhan Puja | 10 November 2026 | Cow worship & food offerings commemorating Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan hill |
| Bhai Dooj | 11 November 2026 | Celebration of brother‑sister bond; gift exchanges |
E‑commerce platforms typically see their highest annual sales during this Diwali period in the 2026 India festivals calendar, with consumers purchasing everything from electronics to clothing, sweets, and home decor. Digital marketers should plan campaigns starting from Dhanteras through Bhai Dooj to capture maximum engagement.
Other Major Hindu Events in 2026
Beyond Holi and Diwali, several other significant Hindu observances feature prominently in the 2026 India festivals calendar, as documented by Drik Panchang:
- Lohri: 13 January 2026 (Tuesday) – Punjabi harvest festival marking winter’s end
- Makar Sankranti / Pongal: 14 January 2026 (Wednesday) – Harvest festivals celebrated across India with regional variations
- Maha Shivaratri: 15 February 2026 (Sunday) – Night‑long worship of Lord Shiva with fasting and meditation
- Gudi Padwa / Ugadi: 19 March 2026 (Thursday) – Regional New Year celebrations in Maharashtra and Karnataka
- Rama Navami: 26 March 2026 (Thursday) – Birthday of Lord Rama; temple processions and readings of the Ramayana
- Janmashtami: 4 September 2026 (Friday) – Birth anniversary of Lord Krishna; midnight celebrations and dahi handi competitions
- Ganesh Chaturthi: 14 September 2026 (Monday) – Ten‑day festival honoring Lord Ganesha; especially grand in Maharashtra
- Navratri: 11–19 October 2026 (starting Sunday) – Nine nights of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga; includes Garba and Dandiya dances
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami: 20 October 2026 (Tuesday) – Celebrates victory of good over evil; burning of Ravana effigies
- Karwa Chauth: 29 October 2026 (Thursday) – Married women fast for husbands’ longevity
- Chhath Puja: 15 November 2026 (Sunday) – Ancient Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God; major in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Content creators focusing on the 2026 India festivals should develop specialized content around each of these dates, targeting specific keywords like “Janmashtami recipes 2026,” “Navratri outfit ideas,” or “Ganesh Chaturthi decoration tips.”
Islamic, Christian & Other Key Festivals 2026
India’s secular fabric is reflected in the diverse religious celebrations that make up the 2026 India festivals calendar. Islamic, Christian, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, and Parsi communities each contribute unique observances as recognized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Major Islamic Festivals 2026
Islamic festivals in the 2026 India festivals calendar follow the lunar Hijri calendar, so exact dates may vary by 1–2 days based on moon sighting in different regions, as announced by local moon sighting committees.
| Festival | 2026 Date (Tentative) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eid al‑Fitr (Ramzan Id) | 20–21 March 2026 | End of Ramadan fasting month; feasting and charity |
| Muharram / Ashura | 26 June 2026 | Islamic New Year; day of mourning for Shia Muslims |
Eid al‑Fitr is one of the most commercially significant Islamic observances in the 2026 India festivals calendar, with major shopping activity for clothing, jewelry, and food items preceding the celebration. Retailers and content marketers should target Muslim‑majority regions like Kerala, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Kashmir with specialized campaigns.
Christian Observances 2026
Christian festivals hold special importance in states like Goa, Kerala, and Northeastern India, making them essential elements of the regional 2026 India festivals landscape according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
| Event | 2026 Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Crucifixion commemoration; solemn observance with church services |
| Easter Sunday | 5 April 2026 | Resurrection celebration; festive meals and egg hunts |
| Christmas | 25 December 2026 | National holiday; celebrated with decorations, carols, and feasts |
Christmas shopping drives significant retail activity in November and December, making it a crucial period in the 2026 India festivals calendar for e‑commerce businesses targeting urban consumers and Christian communities.
Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi & Regional Celebrations
The diversity of the 2026 India festivals calendar extends to numerous other religious and regional celebrations that reflect India’s multicultural heritage, as documented by India Tourism:
- Mahavir Jayanti: 31 March 2026 (Tuesday) – Birth anniversary of Mahavira, founder of Jainism; temple visits and charitable activities
- Buddha Purnima: 1 May 2026 (Friday) – Celebrates birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha
- Baisakhi / Vaisakhi: 14 April 2026 (Tuesday) – Sikh New Year and harvest festival; celebrated at Golden Temple in Amritsar
- Parsi New Year (Navroz): 16 August 2026 (Sunday) – Zoroastrian New Year celebrated by the Parsi community
- Onam: 26 August 2026 (Wednesday) – Kerala’s harvest festival featuring elaborate flower carpets (pookalam) and boat races
- Raksha Bandhan: 28 August 2026 (Friday) – Festival celebrating sibling bonds; sisters tie protective threads (rakhi) on brothers’ wrists
- Paryushan Samvatsari: 14 September 2026 (Monday) – Holiest Jain festival focused on fasting and forgiveness
- Guru Nanak Jayanti: 24 November 2026 (Tuesday) – Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism; grand celebrations at gurdwaras
Regional variations make the 2026 India festivals calendar exceptionally rich. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti (19 February 2026) honors the Maratha warrior king in Maharashtra, while Jagannath Rath Yatra (16 July 2026) draws millions to Puri, Odisha. Understanding these regional celebrations helps content creators and businesses target specific geographic markets within India.
Month‑by‑Month 2026 India Festivals Calendar
For easy reference and planning, here’s the complete 2026 India festivals calendar organized chronologically based on authoritative sources like AstroSage Panchang and CalendarLabs. This comprehensive table helps you identify peak festival periods, plan content calendars, schedule advertising campaigns, and book travel well in advance.
| Month | Date | Day | Festival / Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 Jan | Tuesday | Lohri | Hindu / Regional |
| January | 14 Jan | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | Hindu / Harvest |
| January | 26 Jan | Monday | Republic Day | National Holiday |
| February | 15 Feb | Sunday | Maha Shivaratri | Hindu |
| February | 19 Feb | Thursday | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | Regional (Maharashtra) |
| March | 3 Mar | Tuesday | Holika Dahan | Hindu |
| March | 4 Mar | Wednesday | Holi | Hindu |
| March | 19 Mar | Thursday | Gudi Padwa / Ugadi | Hindu / Regional New Year |
| March | 20–21 Mar | Friday–Saturday | Eid al‑Fitr | Islamic (tentative) |
| March | 26 Mar | Thursday | Rama Navami | Hindu |
| March | 31 Mar | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti | Jain |
| April | 3 Apr | Friday | Good Friday | Christian |
| April | 5 Apr | Sunday | Easter | Christian |
| April | 14 Apr | Tuesday | Baisakhi / Vaisakhi / Ambedkar Jayanti | Sikh / Regional / National Observance |
| May | 1 May | Friday | Buddha Purnima | Buddhist |
| June | 21 Jun | Sunday | International Yoga Day | Global Observance |
| June | 26 Jun | Friday | Muharram / Ashura | Islamic (tentative) |
| July | 16 Jul | Thursday | Jagannath Rath Yatra | Hindu (Odisha) |
| July | 29 Jul | Wednesday | Guru Purnima | Hindu / Buddhist |
| August | 15 Aug | Saturday | Independence Day | National Holiday |
| August | 16 Aug | Sunday | Parsi New Year (Navroz) | Parsi / Zoroastrian |
| August | 26 Aug | Wednesday | Onam | Regional (Kerala) |
| August | 28 Aug | Friday | Raksha Bandhan | Hindu |
| September | 4 Sep | Friday | Janmashtami | Hindu |
| September | 14 Sep | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi / Paryushan Samvatsari | Hindu / Jain |
| October | 11 Oct | Sunday | Navratri (start) | Hindu |
| October | 19 Oct | Monday | Durga Ashtami / Maha Ashtami | Hindu |
| October | 20 Oct | Tuesday | Dussehra / Vijayadashami | Hindu |
| October | 29 Oct | Thursday | Karwa Chauth | Hindu |
| November | 6 Nov | Friday | Dhanteras | Hindu |
| November | 8 Nov | Sunday | Diwali / Deepavali | Hindu |
| November | 10 Nov | Tuesday | Govardhan Puja | Hindu |
| November | 11 Nov | Wednesday | Bhai Dooj | Hindu |
| November | 15 Nov | Sunday | Chhath Puja | Hindu |
| November | 24 Nov | Tuesday | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Sikh |
| December | 25 Dec | Friday | Christmas | National Holiday / Christian |
This comprehensive 2026 India festivals table shows clear clustering patterns: January opens with harvest celebrations, March features the colorful Holi and spring festivals, the monsoon months (June–August) have fewer major observances, and October–November represents the peak festival season with Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali. December closes with Christmas, making it another commercial high point.
For blog publishers and content marketers working with the 2026 India festivals calendar, the period from September through November offers maximum traffic opportunities. Planning your content pipeline 4–6 weeks ahead of each major festival ensures you capture early-bird search traffic from people planning celebrations, shopping, and travel.
How to Use This 2026 India Festivals Calendar
The 2026 India festivals calendar serves multiple strategic purposes depending on your goals and industry. Here’s how different audiences can maximize value from this comprehensive festival guide.
For Travelers & Tourists
Planning a trip to India around the 2026 India festivals enhances your cultural experience significantly. Holi (4 March) offers the most photogenic celebration, with cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Jaipur hosting spectacular events. Diwali (8 November) transforms cities with millions of lights and fireworks, though air quality can be challenging in northern cities according to Lonely Planet India guides. Onam in Kerala (26 August) provides a more intimate regional experience with traditional boat races and flower carpet competitions.
Book accommodations 2–3 months in advance for major 2026 India festivals, as hotels in popular destinations fill quickly and prices increase. Consider attending smaller regional festivals like Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri (16 July) or Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai (14 September) for authentic experiences with fewer international tourists. Check official government tourism portals for travel advisories during festival periods.
For Digital Marketers & E‑commerce Businesses
The 2026 India festivals calendar directly impacts consumer spending patterns and online traffic. Launch promotional campaigns 3–4 weeks before major festivals, with Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Raksha Bandhan offering the highest ROI according to Google’s Think with Google insights. Fashion and jewelry brands should target Dhanteras through Diwali (6–11 November), while gift-focused businesses should capitalize on Raksha Bandhan (28 August) and Bhai Dooj (11 November).
Search traffic for festival-related keywords spikes 2–3 weeks before each celebration in the 2026 India festivals calendar according to Google Trends data. Time your SEO content, paid advertising, and email campaigns accordingly. Create festival-specific landing pages targeting long-tail keywords like “Diwali gift ideas 2026,” “best Holi colors online,” or “Eid outfit trends 2026.”
For Content Creators & Web Publishers
Building evergreen and seasonal content around the 2026 India festivals generates consistent traffic throughout the year. Develop comprehensive guides 6–8 weeks before major festivals covering recipes, decoration ideas, gift suggestions, greeting messages, and regional variations. Update your existing festival content annually to maintain freshness and search rankings as recommended by Search Engine Land.
Create content clusters around each major festival in the 2026 India festivals calendar: a main pillar page covering the festival comprehensively, supported by specific articles targeting “how-to,” “best,” “ideas,” and “wishes” keywords. Cross-link these pages to build topical authority and improve overall SEO performance.
Video content performs exceptionally well for visual festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Chaturthi. YouTube channels can build year-round content calendars around the 2026 India festivals, creating tutorial videos, vlogs, and documentary-style coverage that attracts both domestic and international audiences.
For Event Planners & Business Operations
Corporate event planners should avoid scheduling major launches, conferences, or training sessions during peak 2026 India festivals periods, particularly the Diwali week (6–11 November) and the day after Holi (4 March). Employee attendance drops significantly, and venue availability becomes limited with premium pricing.
Retail businesses should plan inventory procurement 6–8 weeks before major shopping festivals in the 2026 India festivals calendar. Stock traditional items like diyas, rangoli colors, decorative lights, and gift boxes well in advance. Service businesses should schedule maintenance and system upgrades during quieter periods between February and May to avoid disruption during peak festival seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 India Festivals
What are the main 2026 India festivals for tourists?
The most visually spectacular and tourist-friendly 2026 India festivals are Holi (4 March), Diwali (8 November), Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai (14 September), Onam in Kerala (26 August), and Dussehra celebrations with Ravana effigy burnings (20 October). These festivals offer unique cultural experiences, photography opportunities, and safe environments for international visitors as highlighted by Incredible India Tourism.
Are all 2026 India festivals national holidays?
No, only three dates in the 2026 India festivals calendar are official national holidays: Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), and Christmas (25 December) as per the Government of India holiday calendar. Other festivals are observed as restricted holidays or optional holidays that vary by state, with individual state governments declaring which festivals are public holidays based on regional demographics and traditions.
How are Muslim 2026 India festivals like Eid calculated?
Islamic festivals in the 2026 India festivals calendar follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. Exact dates for Eid al‑Fitr and other Islamic observances depend on the sighting of the new moon, which can vary by 1–2 days across different regions of India. Local moon sighting committees typically announce confirmed dates 1–2 days in advance, as explained by Islamic Finder.
Can I rely on this 2026 India festivals calendar for planning my blog?
Yes, this 2026 India festivals calendar provides accurate dates based on official Hindu panchang calculations from Drik Panchang and government announcements. However, some regional variations may occur, particularly for lunar-based festivals. For critical business planning, verify specific dates with local panchang sources or state government holiday lists about 2–4 weeks before the festival, especially for festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Dussehra which vary significantly by region.
Which 2026 India festivals offer the best e‑commerce opportunities?
Diwali (6–11 November period) generates the highest e‑commerce sales in the 2026 India festivals calendar, followed by Raksha Bandhan (28 August), Holi (4 March), and Eid al‑Fitr (20–21 March) according to industry reports from E-Commerce Times. These festivals drive consumer spending across multiple categories including fashion, jewelry, electronics, home decor, and gifts. Starting promotional campaigns 3–4 weeks before each festival maximizes reach and conversion rates.
What’s the difference between Hindu calendar and Gregorian calendar dates for 2026 India festivals?
Most Hindu festivals in the 2026 India festivals calendar follow the lunar Panchang system, where dates shift by 10–15 days each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Some harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti (14 January) and Baisakhi (14 April) follow the solar calendar and occur on fixed Gregorian dates. This lunar-solar difference means you must check the Hindu calendar annually rather than assuming festivals occur on the same Gregorian dates as previous years, as detailed by AstroSage Panchang.
This comprehensive 2026 India festivals calendar provides all the dates and context you need to plan your year effectively, whether you’re traveling through India, creating content, launching marketing campaigns, or simply understanding India’s rich cultural tapestry. From the colorful celebrations of Holi in March to the spectacular lights of Diwali in November, each festival offers unique opportunities for engagement, commerce, and cultural appreciation.
The clustering of major 2026 India festivals in October and November creates a golden period for businesses and content creators, while the regional diversity reflected in celebrations like Onam, Pongal, and Baisakhi reminds us that India’s festival calendar truly represents “unity in diversity.” Islamic, Christian, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, and Parsi celebrations further enrich this multicultural landscape as recognized by UNESCO’s cultural heritage programs.
Bookmark this 2026 India festivals reference for your content calendar, travel planning, and marketing strategies. Check back periodically for any updates to tentative dates, particularly for moon-based Islamic festivals. Whether you’re crafting blog posts, scheduling social media, planning inventory, or booking flights, this calendar ensures you’re always ahead of India’s vibrant festival cycle.
For the most accurate regional variations and state-specific holiday declarations, cross-reference this 2026 India festivals calendar with official state government notifications released 4–6 weeks before each major festival. May your year be filled with colorful celebrations, prosperous campaigns, and meaningful cultural connections!
