Festival calendar
Hindu festivals
Hindu festivals with their dates, the traditional calendar day of each, and what each one marks. Dates shown are for 2026.
Upcoming
8 festivals
Sharad Navratri Begins
Ashwin, Shukla Pratipada
Sharad Navratri opens with Ghatasthapana, marking the start of nine nights of worship of Goddess Durga in her different forms.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Ashwin, Shukla Dashami
Dussehra marks Vijayadashami, when Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Durga's victory over Mahishasura are both observed, with processions and effigy burning.
Sharad Purnima
Ashwin, Shukla Purnima
Sharad Purnima, the full moon night of Ashwin, is associated with Lord Krishna's raas leela and is marked with moonlit prayers and kheer offerings.
Karva Chauth
Ashwin, Krishna Chaturthi
Karva Chauth is a day of fasting observed by married women for their husbands' wellbeing, concluding with the sighting of the moon.
Dhanteras
Ashwin, Krishna Trayodashi
Dhanteras opens the Diwali period, associated with Dhanvantari and traditionally considered auspicious for new purchases.
Deepawali (Diwali)
Ashwin, Amavasya
Deepawali, the festival of lights, marks Shri Ram's return to Ayodhya after exile. Homes and temples are lit with rows of diyas, and Lakshmi Puja is performed for prosperity.
Govardhan Puja
Kartik, Shukla Pratipada
Govardhan Puja, observed the day after Diwali, marks Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Vraj from Indra's storm.
Chhath Puja
Kartik, Shukla Shasthi
Chhath Puja is a multi-day festival honouring Surya, the sun god, with devotees offering arghya at sunrise and sunset by a river or water body.
Earlier in the year
5 festivals
Nag Panchami
Shravana, Shukla Panchami
Nag Panchami honours snake deities (Nagas), observed with offerings of milk at snake idols or anthills and prayers for protection from snake-related harm.
Onam
Chingam, Thiruvonam Nakshatra (Malayalam calendar)
Onam is Kerala's harvest festival, marking the mythical homecoming of King Mahabali, celebrated with pookalam flower rangoli, Onasadya feasts, and boat races.
Raksha Bandhan
Shravana, Shukla Purnima
Raksha Bandhan marks the bond between brothers and sisters, observed with the tying of a protective thread (rakhi).
Krishna Janmashtami
Bhadrapada, Krishna Ashtami
Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, observed with a midnight vigil, bhajans, and the Dahi Handi tradition in many regions.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Bhadrapada, Shukla Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha, observed with the installation of Ganesha idols, daily aarti, and immersion at the festival's close.