{"id":"f-91677779fp1-c9cc8ef6-cdbc-58b0-8e88-0007ea83bd69","title":"2026 Indian Holidays: A Comprehensive Calendar of Key Observances and Celebrations","description":"Explore the vibrant tapestry of Indian holidays in 2026 with this detailed calendar. From national observances like Republic Day and Independence Day to major religious festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Eid, stay informed about the significant dates throughout the year.","timestamp":1770201043,"category":"travel_and_lifestyle","headline":"2026 Indian Holidays: A Comprehensive Calendar of Key Observances and Celebrations","modifiedHeadline":"2026 Indian Holidays: Key Dates Listed","subCategories":["scid_7d8b9d80"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"7b48871c-c993-4956-b43d-6f46f8e1b036","bundleTitle":"Today In India","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"1KXCLD","fcSummary":"get ready for 2026 with india's holiday guide, featuring national celebrations like republic day and independence day, along with major religious festivals such as maha shivaratri, holi, eid, and diwali, plus commemorations of figures like dr. ambedkar and gandhi, and regional highlights like gudi padwa.","summary":"India's 2026 holiday calendar: Republic Day, Diwali, Holi, Eid, and more. Plan your year!","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Daily_Digest/IN/en/feedpost-specials/f-91677779fp1-c9cc8ef6-cdbc-58b0-8e88-0007ea83bd69","sourceUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Daily_Digest/IN/en/feedpost-specials/f-91677779fp1-c9cc8ef6-cdbc-58b0-8e88-0007ea83bd69","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/aIKWquxCRE90.webp","content":"

\n Get ready for 2026! This guide unveils India's key holidays, marking national celebrations and diverse cultural festivals that shape the year.\n

National Celebrations Galore

The year 2026 kicks off with the patriotic fervor of Republic Day on January 26th, a Monday, marking the adoption of India's constitution. Mid-year brings

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the joyous Independence Day on August 15th, a Saturday, commemorating the nation's freedom. These are cornerstones of Indian identity, celebrated with parades, flag hoisting, and national pride across the country. While these dates are fixed points of national unity, the year is punctuated by numerous other important observances that reflect India's rich history and diverse population, each offering unique insights into the nation's cultural mosaic.

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Major Religious Festivals

The spiritual calendar of 2026 is abundant with significant religious festivals. February 15th, a Sunday, sees the observance of Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva. The vibrant festival of Holi, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, is celebrated on March 3rd, a Tuesday. Eid al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, falls on March 21st, a Saturday. Further into the year, the festival of lights, Diwali, illuminates the nation on November 8th, a Sunday, with a holiday following on November 9th, a Monday. Other key religious events include Good Friday on April 3rd, Buddha Purnima and Maharashtra Day both on May 1st (Friday), Bakrid on May 27th (Wednesday), and the culmination of Muharram on June 26th (Friday), providing a rich calendar of spiritual and cultural observances.

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Commemorative Birth Anniversaries

Throughout 2026, India will honor the birth anniversaries of pivotal historical figures. Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti, celebrating the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, is observed on April 14th, a Tuesday. The father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, is remembered on October 2nd, a Friday, with Gandhi Jayanti. Additionally, the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered Maratha warrior king, falls on February 19th, a Thursday. These commemorations serve as important reminders of the legacies that have shaped India, encouraging reflection on their contributions to the nation's progress and ideals.

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Regional and Cultural Highlights

Beyond the nationally recognized holidays, 2026 also features significant regional and cultural celebrations. Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year, is celebrated on March 20th, a Friday, marking the beginning of the lunisolar calendar for many in Maharashtra. Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, is on March 27th, a Friday. Mahavir Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavira, is on March 31st, a Tuesday. Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, is on October 21st, a Wednesday. The year also includes Parsi New Year on August 16th (Sunday) and Eid e Milad on August 25th (Tuesday), adding to the diverse cultural fabric of India.

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Concluding the Year with Festivities

As 2026 draws to a close, the festive spirit continues with important observances. Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrating the birth of the first Sikh guru, falls on November 24th, a Tuesday. The year culminates with Christmas Day on December 25th, a Friday, a widely celebrated occasion across the country. These end-of-year festivities provide opportunities for reflection, celebration, and community gathering, rounding off a year filled with diverse holidays and cultural significance.

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2026 Indian Holidays: A Comprehensive Calendar of Key Observances and Celebrations

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