Major Indian Festivals 2025 To Holi 2026
Major Indian Festivals 2025 To Holi 2026: India’s cultural calendar is filled with vibrant festivals that reflect its rich heritage. From Raksha Bandhan to Holi, every celebration holds spiritual, religious, and social importance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to major festivals from August 2025 to Holi 2026, including their dates, rituals, and cultural significance.
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The Vibrant Festival Calendar of India: August to March
India’s festivals form the soul of its cultural identity. As the monsoon retreats and the festive season begins, households across the country prepare for rituals, celebrations, and spiritual gatherings. Below is a list of all major Indian festivals from August 2025 till Holi 2026, complete with their dates and significance.
Raksha Bandhan – August 9, 2025 (Saturday)
Celebration of Sibling Bond
Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists while praying for their well-being, and in return, receive gifts and protection promises.
Krishna Janmashtami – August 15, 2025 (Friday)
Birth of Lord Krishna
Devotees celebrate Krishna’s birth with fasting, bhajans, and midnight celebrations. Temples are adorned with cradles representing baby Krishna, and events like Dahi Handi are organized
Ganesh Chaturthi – August 27, 2025 (Wednesday)
Welcoming Lord Ganesha
This ten-day festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Households and communities install clay idols of Ganesha, perform daily aartis, and immerse the idols in water on Anant Chaturdashi.
Onam – September 5, 2025 (Friday)
Harvest Festival of Kerala
Onam is celebrated with floral carpets (Pookalam), traditional feasts (Onasadya), and boat races. It commemorates the return of King Mahabali and showcases Kerala’s cultural glory
Navratri – September 29 to October 7, 2025
Nine Nights of Goddess Worship
Devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga each night. Fasting, Garba and Dandiya dances, and rituals are observed during these vibrant nine nights.
Dussehra – October 8, 2025 (Wednesday)
Victory of Good Over Evil
Dussehra marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Effigies of Ravana are burnt, and dramatic performances of the Ram Leela are held across the country.
Karwa Chauth – October 30, 2025 (Thursday)
Fast for Marital Bliss
Married women observe a day-long fast for their husbands’ longevity and well-being. They break their fast only after sighting the moon and performing rituals.
Diwali – November 1, 2025 (Saturday)
Festival of Lights
Diwali signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. It is celebrated with diyas, fireworks, Lakshmi Puja, sweets, and festive decorations.
Govardhan Puja – November 2, 2025 (Sunday)
Worship of Nature and Cow
Observed the day after Diwali, devotees offer food and worship Govardhan Hill, symbolizing Krishna’s lifting of the mountain to protect the villagers.
Bhai Dooj – November 3, 2025 (Monday)
Another Sibling Celebration
Similar to Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj strengthens the brother-sister bond. Sisters perform aarti and apply tilak, while brothers give gifts and blessings.
Makar Sankranti – January 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
Harvest and Kite Festival
Celebrated across India in different forms (Pongal, Lohri), it marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn. People take holy dips, fly kites, and prepare sweets made of sesame and jaggery.
Vasant Panchami – January 23, 2026 (Friday)
Worship of Saraswati
Vasant Panchami celebrates knowledge and wisdom. People worship Goddess Saraswati, especially students and teachers, and wear yellow attire.
Maha Shivratri – February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)
Night of Lord Shiva
Devotees fast and stay awake all night in prayer and meditation. They offer milk, bel leaves, and chant mantras to honor Lord Shiva.
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Holi – March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
Festival of Colors
Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. People throw colors, sing, dance, and enjoy gujiyas and festive drinks.
