Hindu Religious Holidays 2026

February 26

The Great Night of Shiva, one of the most solemn festivals in Hinduism. Devotees fast through the day and night, offer bilva leaves and milk to Shiva lingams, chant sacred hymns, and keep an all-night vigil. Observed on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna.

March 22

The Festival of Colors, celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi (Holika Dahan), and the following day people celebrate by throwing colored powders and water on one another.

March 28

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu and hero of the Ramayana. Devotees fast, recite the Ramayana, and participate in temple processions. Observed on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra.

April 11

Marks the birth of Lord Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Rama renowned for his strength, loyalty, and selfless service. Devotees visit Hanuman temples, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, and observe fasts in his honor.

June 27

The Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath (a form of Vishnu), celebrated most grandly in Puri, Odisha. Massive wooden chariots carrying the deities are pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees. Observed on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha.

July 10

A day to honor spiritual and academic teachers (gurus). Traditionally dedicated to the sage Vyasa, compiler of the Vedas. Disciples offer reverence to their gurus through worship, meditation, and service. Observed on the full moon of the month of Ashadha.

August 8

Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) around their brother's wrist as a symbol of protection, and brothers vow to protect and care for their sisters. Observed on the full moon of Shravana.

August 16

Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Devotees fast until midnight — the hour of Krishna's birth — then break their fast amid prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and the dramatic re-enactment of Krishna's life. Observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada.

August 23

Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of new beginnings and remover of obstacles. Clay idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals, worshipped for up to 10 days, and then ceremonially immersed in water. Observed on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada.

October 13 – October 21

Nine nights dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga in her nine forms. Celebrated with fasting, prayer, garba and dandiya folk dances, and the lighting of lamps. Culminates on the tenth day with Dussehra (Vijayadasami).

October 22

Marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana are burned in large public celebrations. Also known as Vijayadasami, it marks the end of Navratri. Observed on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin.

November 8

The Festival of Lights, celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Homes and streets are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and fireworks. Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, is worshipped. Observed on the new moon night of Kartika.