The arrival of a new year always brings with it a renewed sense of purpose and the anticipation of upcoming celebrations. For followers of Sanatan Dharma, the year 2026 is no exception, as it ushers in. A fresh calendar of vratas (fasts) and festivals, each holding profound spiritual and cultural significance. While the essence and names of these observances remain constant year after year, their specific dates and tithis (lunar dates) undergo slight variations, making a comprehensive and accurate calendar an indispensable tool for devotees. This detailed guide aims to provide a complete overview of all major fasts and festivals scheduled for 2026, from January through December, allowing individuals to meticulously plan their auspicious undertakings and spiritual practices.
The Significance of Auspicious Beginnings
In Sanatan Dharma, every endeavor, whether personal or professional, is traditionally initiated after consulting an auspicious day and time. This deep-rooted belief underscores the importance of the Hindu calendar, which meticulously charts out days deemed favorable for various activities, including the commencement of new projects, family events, or spiritual observances. Many individuals prefer to start significant tasks or dedicate themselves to special fasts and festivals associated with deities, believing that such beginnings invite divine blessings and ensure success, while the year 2026, having just begun, presents numerous such opportunities for spiritual growth and cultural engagement, with almost every day of the week marked by some form of vrat or festival.
Navigating the Calendar: Tithi Variations and Clarity
The lunar calendar, which governs most Hindu festivals, is dynamic, leading to fluctuations in dates each year. This often creates a sense of confusion regarding the exact timing of important observances like Ekadashi, Amavasya (new moon), or Purnima (full moon), as well as other significant तीज-त्योहार (Teej-Tyohar).
It's precisely at these moments that a reliable calendar becomes crucial, offering clarity and guidance, while while the array of fasts and festivals from January to December remains consistent in name, their specific dates and tithis for 2026 have been carefully calculated and are presented here to dispel any uncertainties.
January 2026: A Month of Diverse Celebrations
The first month of 2026 kicks off with significant observances, blending traditional Hindu dates with the Gregorian New Year. January 1st marks both the English New Year and Guru Pradosh Vrat, setting a spiritual tone, while the month continues with Paush Purnima and Shakambhari Jayanti on January 3rd, also signaling the commencement of Magh Maas. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated on January 5th, followed. By Sakat Chauth and Saubhagya Sundari Vrat on January 6th. National Youth Day, commemorating Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, falls on January 12th. Lohri is observed on January 13th, leading up to the highly anticipated Makar Sankranti on January 14th, which also includes Shatila Ekadashi, Pongal, and Uttarayan. Other key dates include Shukra Pradosh Vrat and Masik Shivratri on January 16th, Mauni. Amavasya on January 18th, and the beginning of Magh Gupt Navratri on January 19th. Ganesh Jayanti, Ramlala Pratishtha Diwas, and Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi are on January 22nd, while Vasant Panchami, Saraswati Jayanti, and Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti are celebrated on January 23rd. The month concludes with Republic Day and Bheemashtami on January 26th, Jaya Ekadashi Vrat on January 29th, and its Paran along with Gandhiji Punyatithi and Shukra Pradosh Vrat on January 30th. This month is particularly notable for five major festivals: Makar Sankranti,. Shatila Ekadashi, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, and Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti.
February 2026: Spiritual Observances and Beginnings
February 2026 continues the spiritual journey with Magh Purnima and the conclusion of Magh Snan on February 1st, also marking Guru Ravidas Jayanti, while shab-e-Barat is observed on February 4th, followed by Sankashti Chaturthi on February 5th. Kalashtami and Janaki Jayanti fall on February 9th. Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti is celebrated on February 12th. A significant observance is Vijaya Ekadashi on February 13th, which also coincides with Kumbh Sankranti. Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) is on February 14th, leading to the highly revered Mahashivratri and Masik Shivratri on February 15th. The month also includes the Phalgun Amavasya for Snan-Dan and Shraddh on February 17th. Phulera Dooj, the beginning of Ramadan, and Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Jayanti are all on February 19th, while holashtak begins on February 24th, alongside Durgashtami, while Amalaki Ekadashi is on February 27th, and Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) on February 28th.
March 2026: Holi and the Spring Equinox Festivals
March 2026 is vibrant with the colors of Holi, beginning with Ravi Pradosh Vrat on March 1st, while holika Dahan and Phalgun Purnima are on March 3rd, followed by the joyous festival of Holi on March 4th. Sankashti Chaturthi is on March 6th, and Rang Panchami on March 8th. Sheetala Saptami is observed on March 10th, and Kalashtami along with Shahadat-e-Hazrat Ali on March 11th. Papmochani Ekadashi and Meen Sankranti fall on March 15th, while masik Shivratri and Shab-e-Qadr are on March 17th, with Amavasya on March 18th. A major period of devotion, Chaitra Navratri, begins on March 19th, along. With Ghatasthapana, the commencement of Nutan Samvatsar 2083, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.
Cheti Chand and Jhulelal Jayanti are on March 20th, and Gangauri Vrat along with Eid-ul-Fitr Eid on March 21st, while ram Navami, a significant day during Navratri, is on March 26th, with Chaitra Navratri Parana on March 27th. Kamada Ekadashi is on March 29th, and the month concludes with Som Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) and Shri Hari Damanotsav on March 30th, and Mahavir Jayanti on March 31st.
April 2026: Sacred Days and Cultural Milestones
April 2026 brings a blend of Hindu and other religious observances. Hanuman Jayanti and Chaitra Purnima are celebrated on April 2nd. Good Friday is on April 3rd, followed by Sankashti Chaturthi and Easter Sunday on April 5th. Anusuiya Jayanti is on April 6th, and World Health Day on April 7th. Varuthini Ekadashi and Vallabhacharya Jayanti are on April 13th. April 14th is a culturally rich day with Mesh Sankranti, Ambedkar Jayanti, Baisakhi, and Satua Sankranti, while masik Shivratri and Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) are on April 15th, and Vaishakh Amavasya on April 17th. Akshaya Tritiya, Parshuram Jayanti, and Shivaji Jayanti are observed on April 19th. Adya Shankaracharya Jayanti is on April 21st, and Shri Ramanuj Jayanti on April 22nd. Ganga Saptami is on April 23rd, and Sita Navami on April 25th, while mohini Ekadashi is on April 27th, and Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) on April 28th. The month ends with Narsingh Chaturdashi on April 30th.
May 2026: Purnima and Significant Vrats
May 2026 begins with the auspicious Vaishakh Purnima, Buddha Purnima, and Kurma Jayanti on May 1st, while narad Jayanti is on May 3rd, and Sankashti Chaturthi on May 5th. Mother's Day is celebrated on May 10th, while apara Ekadashi falls on May 13th, followed by Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) on May 14th. Masik Shivratri and Vrish Sankranti are on May 15th.
Jyeshtha Amavasya, Vat Savitri Vrat, and Shani Jayanti are all observed on May 16th, marking a significant day for marital well-being and planetary appeasement. Vainayiki Shri Ganesh Chaturthi is on May 20th. Ganga Dussehra, a festival celebrating the descent of the Ganges, is on May 26th. Padmini Ekadashi is on May 27th, and Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) along with Bakrid on May 28th. The month concludes with Purnima on May 31st.
June 2026: Seasonal Shifts and Auspicious Dates
June 2026 brings a series of important observances as the season transitions. Sankashti Chaturthi is on June 3rd, and World Environment Day on June 5th, while padma Ekadashi falls on June 11th, followed by Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) on June 12th, and Masik Shivratri on June 13th. A particularly significant day is June 15th, which marks Somvati Amavasya, the conclusion of Adhik Maas, and Mithun Sankranti. Rambha Vrat and the beginning of Islamic Hijri 1448 are on June 17th. International Yoga Day and Father's Day are celebrated on June 21st. Durgashtami and Dhumavati Jayanti are on June 22nd. Nirjala Ekadashi, known for its strict fasting, is on June 25th. Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) and Muharram are on June 27th. The month ends with Jyeshtha Purnima and Kabir Jayanti on June 29th.
July 2026: Rath Yatra and Chaturmas Commencement
July 2026 is marked by the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra, a major annual event. Sankashti Chaturthi is on July 3rd. Yogini Ekadashi is observed on July 10th (Smarta) and July 11th (Vaishnava). Masik Shivratri and Ravi Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) are on July 12th, followed by Ashadh Amavasya on July 14th. The iconic Jagannath Rath Yatra and Kark Sankranti are on July 16th. Vainayiki Shri Ganesh Chaturthi is on July 17th. Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, on July 25th,.
Marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period of spiritual austerity. Ravi Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) is on July 26th, and Jaya Parvati Vrat on July 27th. The month culminates with Guru-Purnima and Ashadh Purnima on July 29th, a day dedicated to honoring spiritual teachers.
August 2026: Independence and Traditional Festivities
August 2026 is a month of national pride and traditional Hindu celebrations. Tilak Jayanti is on August 1st, and Sankashti Chaturthi on August 2nd. Chehallum is on August 5th. Kamada Ekadashi falls on August 9th, followed by Som Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) on August 10th, and Masik Shivratri on August 11th, while shravan Amavasya and Hariyali Amavasya are on August 12th. August 15th is a significant day, marking both Hariyali Teej and Independence Day, along with Swarna Gauri Vrat. Nag Panchami and Singh Sankranti are on August 17th. Kalki Jayanti is on August 18th, and Sheetala Saptami and Tulsi Jayanti on August 19th. Shravan Putrada Ekadashi is observed on August 23rd (Smarta) and August 24th (Vaishnava). Onam/Thiruvonam and Barawafat are on August 26th. Purnima and Hayagriva Jayanti are on August 27th. Raksha Bandhan and Shravani Purnima (for Snan, Dan, and Vrat) are celebrated on August 28th. The month concludes with Sankashti Chaturthi, Kajari Teej, and Eid-e-Milad on August 31st.
September 2026: Janmashtami and Pitru Paksha
September 2026 is rich with festivals, including the joyous Janmashtami and the solemn period of Pitru Paksha. Raksha Panchami is on September 1st. Halshashthi (Lalhi Chhath) and Chandra Shashthi are on September 2nd. Sheetala Vrat is on September 3rd. The highly anticipated Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is on September 4th, followed by Goga Navami and Teacher's Day on September 5th. Aja Ekadashi is on September 7th, and Bhaum Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) on September 8th, with Masik Shivratri on September 9th.
Kushagrahani Amavasya and Pithori Amavasya are on September 10th, followed by Bhadrapada Amavasya on September 11th. Ganesh Chaturthi and Hartalika Teej are celebrated on September 14th, while rishi Panchami is on September 15th. Kanya Sankranti, Vishwakarma Puja, Surya Shashthi, Skand Darshan, and Gauri Avahan are on September 17th. Radha Ashtami and Dadhichi Jayanti are on September 19th. Parivartini Ekadashi and Jaljhoolni Ekadashi are on September 22nd, while vaman Jayanti is on September 23rd. Anant Chaturdashi is on September 25th, and Bhadrapada Purnima on September 26th. Mahalaya and the commencement of Pitru Paksha, a period for ancestral rites, begin on September 27th. Sankashti Chaturthi is on September 29th, while
October 2026: Navratri and Major Autumn Festivals
October 2026 is dominated by the grand Sharad Navratri and Dussehra celebrations. Gandhi Jayanti is on October 2nd. Jivitputrika Vrat (Jiutiya) and Shri Mahalakshmi Vrat are on October 3rd. Matri Navami Shraddh is on October 4th. Indira Ekadashi is on October 6th, and Sanyasi Shraddh on October 7th, while shivratri and Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) are on October 8th. Ashwin Amavasya, Pitru Visarjan, and the conclusion of Mahalaya are on October 10th. Sharad Navratri begins on October 11th, along with Ghatasthapana and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. Navpatrika Puja, Tula Sankranti, and Saraswati Avahan are on October 17th. Mahashtami is on October 18th, and Durga Mahanavami Puja on October 19th. Dussehra, Sharad Navratri Paran, Saraswati Visarjan, and Shami Puja are all celebrated on October 20th, marking the victory of good over evil. Papankusha Ekadashi and Bharat Milap are on October 22nd. Sharad Purnima and Kojagari are on October 25th. Ashwin Purnima Vrat, Valmiki Jayanti, and Maharshi Parashar Jayanti are on October 26th.
Sankashti Chaturthi, Karwa Chauth, Karak Chaturthi, and Dashrath Lalita Vrat are observed on October 29th, a significant day for married women, while skand Shashthi Vrat is on October 31st.
November 2026: The Grand Festival of Lights and Devotion
November 2026 is illuminated by the most anticipated festival of the year, Diwali, along with a series of other important observances. Ahoi Ashtami Vrat is on November 1st. Rambha Ekadashi and Govatsa Dwadashi are on November 5th. Dhanteras, Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha), and Dhanvantari Jayanti are on November 6th, marking the beginning of the Diwali festivities. Masik Shivratri is on November 7th, while diwali, Narak Chaturdashi, and Lakshmi Kuber Puja are celebrated with great fervor on November 8th. Kartik Amavasya and Somvati Amavasya are on November 9th, while govardhan Puja is on November 10th, followed by Bhai Dooj, Chitragupta Puja, and Yam Dwitiya on November 11th. Saubhagya Panchami, Pandav Panchami, and Labh Panchami are on November 14th. Chhath Puja, Surya Shashthi, and Dala Chhath, a major festival in some regions, are on November 15th, while vrishchik Sankranti is on November 16th. Devotthan Ekadashi, Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat, and Tulsi Vivah are on November 20th, marking the end of Chaturmas. Ravi Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) is on November 22nd, and Vaikunth Chaturdashi on November 23rd, while kartik Purnima, Dev Deepawali, and Guru Nanak Jayanti are celebrated on November 24th. The month concludes with Sankashti Chaturthi and Saubhagya Sundari Vrat on November 27th.
December 2026: Year-End Observances and Spiritual Reflection
The final month of 2026 offers. A period of spiritual reflection and a few key observances before the year concludes. Kalabhairav Ashtami is on December 1st. Utpanna Ekadashi, an important Ekadashi, is on December 4th.
Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) is on December 6th, and Masik Shivratri on December 7th, while margashirsha Amavasya is on December 8th. Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat is on December 13th, and Vivah Panchami on December 14th. Dhanu Sankranti is on December 16th. Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti are observed on December 20th, commemorating the day Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita. Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) and Anang Trayodashi are on December 21st. Pishach Mochan Shraddh is on December 22nd. Margashirsha Purnima Vrat, Shridatt Jayanti, and Hazrat Ali Janm Divas are on December 23rd. Christmas Day, also known as Bada Din, and Pt. Madan Mohan Lal Jayanti are on December 25th. Sankashti Chaturthi is on December 26th. The year draws to a close with Kalashtami Vrat and Budhashtami on December 30th, providing a final opportunity for spiritual observance.
Planning for a Spiritually Enriched Year
This comprehensive list of vratas and festivals for 2026 serves as an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to align their lives with the rhythms of Sanatan Dharma. By understanding the dates of these auspicious occasions, devotees can effectively plan their spiritual practices, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. Each festival and fast offers a unique opportunity for introspection, devotion, and. Community engagement, reinforcing the rich tapestry of traditions that define Hindu culture. May this calendar guide you through a year filled with blessings, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.
