Hindu Festival Calendar 2026-2027
Complete festival, vrat, and eclipse calendar with puja vidhi and fasting schedule. Updated daily.
May 2026
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Hindu Calendar 2026-2027 (हिन्दू पंचांग कैलेंडर)
The Hindu calendar (Panchang) is a lunisolar system that has guided Indian religious, cultural, and agricultural life for thousands of years. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, Hindu festival dates shift each year because they are tied to the Moon's phases (Tithi), the Sun's position (Sankranti), and planetary alignments. This is why you need a fresh, accurately computed calendar each year.
Our Hindu calendar for 2026-2027 covers over 80 festivals, vrats, and observances — from major celebrations like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Janmashtami to recurring monthly vrats like Ekadashi (24/year), Pradosh Vrat (24/year), and Sankashti Chaturthi (12/year). Each entry includes the exact date, Hindi month, puja vidhi (worship procedure), and spiritual significance.
The calendar also tracks all solar and lunar eclipses (Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahan) for both years, with sutak timings and religious precautions. Eclipse dates are astronomically computed and visibility information for India is included.
Understanding Ekadashi (एकादशी व्रत)
Ekadashi is the 11th tithi (lunar day) that occurs twice every month — once in Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and once in Krishna Paksha (waning moon). Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ekadashi fasting is considered one of the most powerful vrats in Hinduism. The fast involves abstaining from all grains, beans, and certain spices. Each of the 24 Ekadashis has a unique name and story — from Nirjala Ekadashi (the strictest, waterless fast) to Mokshada Ekadashi (when Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita).
The spiritual logic is simple: the 11th tithi is when the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth's water is at a specific point that affects the body and mind. Fasting on this day is believed to purify the body, sharpen the mind, and accumulate spiritual merit. In Vaishnava tradition, observing all 24 Ekadashis is considered one of the surest paths to moksha (liberation).
The Four Navratris (चार नवरात्रि)
While most people know of one or two Navratris, Hindu tradition actually prescribes four Navratri periods each year. Chaitra Navratri (March-April) celebrates the spring and culminates in Ram Navami. Sharad Navratri (September-October) is the most widely celebrated, ending with Dussehra. The two Gupt (secret) Navratris — in Magha (January-February) and Ashadha (June-July) — are observed primarily by tantric practitioners for worship of the 10 Mahavidyas.
During each Navratri, nine forms of Goddess Durga (Nav Durga) are worshipped on consecutive days: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Fasting, havan, and recitation of Durga Saptashati are the core practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ekadashi are there in a year?
There are 24 Ekadashis in a regular year — two per lunar month (Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha). Each has a unique name and significance. The most important ones include Nirjala Ekadashi (strictest fast), Devshayani Ekadashi (Chaturmas begins), Devuthani Ekadashi (Chaturmas ends, wedding season opens), and Mokshada Ekadashi (Gita Jayanti). In a year with Adhik Maas (leap month), there can be 26 Ekadashis.
What is the difference between Ekadashi and Pradosh Vrat?
Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu — you fast from grains and beans. Pradosh Vrat falls on the 13th tithi (Trayodashi) and is dedicated to Lord Shiva — worship is done during the twilight period. Both occur twice monthly. Ekadashi is more widely observed, while Pradosh is especially popular among Shiva devotees. When Pradosh falls on Saturday, it becomes Shani Pradosh, considered extra powerful.
What should I eat during Ekadashi fasting?
Avoid all grains (rice, wheat, millets), beans, lentils, and certain spices. You can eat: fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sabudana (sago), singhara (water chestnut) flour, kuttu (buckwheat) flour, rock salt (sendha namak), and coconut. Some observe nirjala (waterless) fast, especially on Nirjala Ekadashi in Jyeshtha month. Break the fast on the next day during the Dwadashi tithi window — timing matters.
What are the four Navratris in a year?
Chaitra Navratri (March-April, spring), Ashadha Gupt Navratri (June-July, secret), Sharad Navratri (September-October, most celebrated), and Magha Gupt Navratri (January-February, secret). The two Gupt Navratris are primarily for tantric worship of the 10 Mahavidyas and are observed by serious practitioners.
What rules should be followed during a solar or lunar eclipse?
Do not eat or drink during the eclipse. Chant mantras (Surya mantra for solar, Chandra mantra for lunar). Take a bath after the eclipse ends. Discard food cooked before the sutak period. Pregnant women should stay indoors. The sutak begins 12 hours before a solar eclipse and 9 hours before a lunar eclipse. If the eclipse is not visible in India, many traditions relax the sutak rules.
What is Sankashti Chaturthi?
Sankashti Chaturthi is a monthly vrat dedicated to Lord Ganesha on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of waning moon). It occurs 12 times a year. The fast runs from sunrise to moonrise — you break the fast after sighting the moon. When it falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angarak Chaturthi and is considered especially powerful for obstacle removal.