Krishna Janmashtami: September 4
The month kicks off with Krishna Janmashtami on Friday, September 4, 2026, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Devotees across the country observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and visit temples, which are beautifully decorated
for the occasion. The celebrations are particularly grand in Mathura and Vrindavan, Krishna's birthplace and childhood home. A key tradition is the midnight puja, which marks the exact moment of his birth. In states like Maharashtra, the festival is marked by the energetic Dahi Handi ritual, where teams of young men form human pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with curd, symbolising Krishna's playful and mischievous nature.
Hartalika Teej: September 14
Observed on Monday, September 14, 2026, Hartalika Teej is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated with immense fervour, primarily by women in northern and western India. Married women pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva. The day involves strict fasting, where women abstain from both food and water. They dress in new traditional attire, often in shades of green, apply mehendi, and gather to narrate the story of Hartalika, which recounts the tale of Goddess Parvati's penance to win Shiva as her husband. The festival is a beautiful display of devotion, marital love, and sisterhood.
Ganesh Chaturthi: September 14
Coinciding with Hartalika Teej, Monday, September 14, 2026, also marks the beginning of one of India's most spectacular festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi. This grand 10-day festival honours the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed god of wisdom and good fortune. The festival begins with the installation of beautifully crafted Ganesha idols in homes and elaborate public pandals. Families and communities come together to perform daily prayers, sing aartis, and offer prasad, especially Ganesha's favourite sweet, the modak. The atmosphere is filled with chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya," creating a powerful sense of unity and celebration that engulfs entire cities, most notably Mumbai.
Radha Ashtami: September 19
Celebrated fifteen days after Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami falls on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Radha Rani, the divine consort of Lord Krishna and an embodiment of pure love and devotion. For followers of Vaishnavism, the worship of Krishna is considered incomplete without honouring Radha. The celebrations are most prominent in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Barsana, Radha's birthplace, where temples are lavishly decorated and special prayers are held. Devotees observe fasts and spend the day singing bhajans, celebrating the divine love story of Radha and Krishna.
Anant Chaturdashi & Ganesh Visarjan: September 25
The festive fervour of the month culminates on Friday, September 25, 2026, with Anant Chaturdashi. This day holds dual significance. Firstly, it is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu in his infinite form, Ananta. Secondly, and more visibly, it marks the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival with Ganesh Visarjan. On this day, the idols of Lord Ganesha are taken in grand processions with music and dancing to be immersed in a river, lake, or the sea. This ritual symbolises Ganesha's return to his celestial abode, taking with him the obstacles of his devotees and promising to return again next year. It’s a day of mixed emotions—joyful celebration and a poignant farewell.
