Hindu & Indian Festivals Calendar 2026

Gujarat's sky becomes a colorful battlefield of millions of kites with triumphant cries of 'Kai Po Che!' and 'Lapet!'. Families feast on Undhiyu, Jalebi, and Chikki on sunny rooftops.

World-class classical dance festival held against the floodlit 11th-century sandstone facade of the Sun Temple in Modhera. Showcases Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and Kuchipudi.

The Great Night of Lord Shiva. Millions observe all-night vigil (Jagran), perform Panchamrita abhishekam at Jyotirlingas, and witness the mystical Naga Sadhu procession at Girnar.

Festival of colors and spring rejuvenation. Holika Dahan bonfire on full moon night is followed by joyous splashing of natural gulal, organic powders, and sweet Gujiyas.

Celebration of the birth of Maryada Purushottam Lord Rama. Grand processions (Shobha Yatras), Akhand Ramayana recitations, and Panakam and Kosambari offerings.

The 149th sacred Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, the second largest in India after Puri. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra travel on giant wooden chariots through 16 km of historic city pols.

Sisters tie the protective sacred thread of Rakhi on their brothers' wrists. In coastal Gujarat and Maharashtra, fishermen offer golden coconuts to the sea god Varuna.

The divine birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. Midnight aarti, devotional singing, fasting, and joyous Dahi Handi human pyramids breaking pots of curd and butter.

Ten-day festival welcoming Lord Ganesha into homes and giant public pandals with modaks, vibrant dhol-tasha beats, and culminating in grand immersion processions.

One of Gujarat's biggest religious fairs. Over 2.5 million devotees walk on foot (Padyatra) from all corners of Gujarat to present red and gold flags at Maa Ambe's throne.

The world's longest dance festival lasting nine nights. Millions dance the rhythmic Garba and Dandiya Raas in vibrant chaniya cholis around Goddess Shakti's garbi.

Celebration of the victory of good over evil — Lord Rama slaying Ravana and Goddess Durga vanquishing Mahishasura. In Gujarat, eating Fafda and Jalebi is a cherished cultural tradition.

The divine night when Lord Krishna performed Maha Raas with Gopis in Vrindavan. In Gujarat, sweetened milk and flattened rice (Doodh Poha) are placed under the radiant moonbeams.

Sacred fasting and prayer day marking the spiritual beginning of the Gujarati Diwali festive sequence. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Rama (Lakshmi).

Venerating cows and calves as symbols of maternal grace and gratitude. Traditionally, merchants in Gujarat clear remaining debts and balance financial accounts.

Auspicious day dedicated to Devi Lakshmi, Kuber Dev, and Lord Dhanvantari (deity of Ayurvedic healing). Buying new gold, silver, brass utensils, and vehicles.

Day to worship Lord Hanuman and Maha Kali to dispel malevolent spirits, ignorance, and darkness. Frying oil vadas (crisp lentil fritters) is a unique Gujarati custom.

The core night of Deepavali celebrating Lord Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya. In Gujarat, traders perform sacred Chopda Pujan to sanctify new accounting ledgers.

Beginning of the Gujarati New Year (Vikram Samvat 2083). Families don new clothes, touch elders' feet, seek temple blessings, and greet with 'Saal Mubarak'.

Celebration of the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters invite brothers for home-cooked meals, apply tilak, and pray for their long and prosperous life.

The grand conclusion of the Diwali festive period. Auspicious day when Gujarati businessmen reopen their shops, offices, and trading firms with Shubh Labh rituals.

World-famous livestock and camel fair set in the sacred town of Pushkar. Thousands of decorated camels, Rajasthani folk dances, mustache competitions, and sacred dips in holy Pushkar Lake.

The Festival of Gods celebrating Lord Shiva's victory over Tripurasura and Lord Vishnu's Matsya avatar. Millions of oil lamps illuminate the Triveni Sangam, Somnath, and Varanasi ghats.