This page lists the main Hindu festivals and fasts from January to June 2027: Makar Sankranti, Vasant Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, the Hindu New Year, Ram Navami, Akshaya Tritiya and Nirjala Ekadashi. For each day, you will find what it means, what to do, and where it comes from in our scriptures.
Key dates: Maha Shivaratri is on Saturday, 6 March 2027. Holi is on Monday, 22 March. The Hindu New Year and Chaitra Navratri begin on Wednesday, 7 April, and Akshaya Tritiya is on Sunday, 9 May.
Last verified: 25 September 2026. Dates are for India, checked against Drik Panchang (New Delhi) where published, and cross-checked with other Indian panchangs. For some tithis, your city may differ by one day. Please confirm puja timings with your local panchang or family pandit.
January 2027
पौष - माघ मास
Pausha month, then Magha. Makar Sankranti and the start of Magh Mela.
| Date | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 3 JanSun | Saphala Ekadashi | All India |
| 14 JanThu | Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal season | All India |
| 18 JanMon | Pausha Putrada Ekadashi | All India |
| 22 JanFri | Pausha Purnima, Magh Mela begins | All India, Prayagraj |
Saphala Ekadashi
All India
"Saphala" means "fruitful". This Ekadashi is kept so that our efforts in the new year bear good fruit.
What to do: Fast, worship Lord Vishnu and light a lamp in the evening. Break the fast the next morning.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition, story of Prince Lumpaka.
Makar Sankranti
All India, with different names in every state
The Sun enters Makar (Capricorn) and begins its northern journey, called Uttarayan. Because it follows the Sun, not the Moon, it falls on 14 or 15 January almost every year. Days now grow longer.
What to do: Take a bath before sunrise, eat and share til-gur (sesame and jaggery), and donate sesame, blankets or warm food. Many families take a dip in a holy river.
Source: Bhagavad Gita 8.24 (the bright path of Uttarayan). Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva (Bhishma waits for Uttarayan). Names: Lohri in Punjab (evening of 13 Jan), Uttarayan with kites in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Khichdi in UP and Bihar.
Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
All India
The second Putrada Ekadashi of the year. Couples pray to Lord Vishnu for children and for the wellbeing of their children.
What to do: Fast and worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves. In winter, a fruit and milk fast is fine for elders.
Source: Bhavishyottara Purana, story of King Suketuman.
Pausha Purnima and Magh Mela
All India. Magh Mela at the Sangam, Prayagraj
From this full moon, the month-long Magh Mela begins at Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna and hidden Saraswati meet. Kalpavasis live on the riverbank for the whole month in prayer.
What to do: Take a holy dip, or bathe at home with a little Ganga water. Donate warm clothes, sesame and food.
Source: Tradition of Magha Snan at Prayagraj, praised in the Puranas.
February 2027
माघ मास
Magha month. Holy baths, Vasant Panchami and the welcome of spring.
| Date | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 2 FebTue | Shattila Ekadashi | All India |
| 6 FebSat | Mauni Amavasya | All India, Prayagraj |
| 11 FebThu | Vasant Panchami, Saraswati Puja | All India |
| 17 FebWed | Jaya Ekadashi | All India |
| 20 FebSat | Magha Purnima, Guru Ravidas Jayanti | All India |
Shattila Ekadashi
All India
"Til" is sesame. On this Ekadashi, sesame is used in six ways: in the bath, in a paste, in the fire offering, in water offered to ancestors, in food and in charity.
What to do: Fast, bathe with a little sesame in the water and donate sesame and jaggery to the needy.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition.
Mauni Amavasya
All India. The biggest bathing day of Magh Mela
"Mauni" means silent. Many devotees keep silence for the whole day or part of it, and take a holy dip. It is also a day to remember ancestors.
What to do: Keep silence for a few hours and use the time for japa. Offer water and sesame (tarpan) for your ancestors. Donate food or warm clothes.
Source: Tradition of Magha Snan. Offerings to ancestors on Amavasya: Garuda Purana.
Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Puja
All India. Grandest in Bengal, Bihar and Punjab
The first day of spring in the Hindu calendar and the day of Goddess Saraswati, giver of knowledge, music and art. Yellow, the colour of mustard fields in bloom, is worn everywhere. It is a good day for a child to write their first letters.
What to do: Place books, pens or musical instruments before the Goddess and pray. Wear yellow and offer yellow sweets. Char Dham: The opening date of Badrinath temple is traditionally announced on this day. See our Char Dham guide.
Source: Rigveda (Saraswati hymns). Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami is a long tradition, especially in Bengal.
Jaya Ekadashi
All India. Also called Bhaimi Ekadashi
"Jaya" means victory. This Ekadashi is believed to free a person from bad deeds and fears.
What to do: Fast and worship Lord Vishnu. Read or listen to the Vishnu Sahasranama.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition, story of the gandharvas Malyavan and Pushpavati.
Magha Purnima
All India. Last big bath of Magh Mela
The full moon of Magha ends the Kalpavas at Prayagraj. It is also the birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas.
What to do: Take a holy dip or bathe at home, do Satyanarayan Puja and give food in charity.
Source: Tradition of Magha Snan. Sant Ravidas Jayanti is observed on Magha Purnima.
March 2027
फाल्गुन मास
Phalguna month. Maha Shivaratri and Holi.
| Date | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 4 MarThu | Vijaya Ekadashi | All India |
| 6 MarSat | Maha Shivaratri | All India |
| 18 MarThu | Amalaki Ekadashi, Rangbhari Ekadashi | All India, Kashi |
| 21 MarSun | Holika Dahan | All India |
| 22 MarMon | Holi (Dhulandi) | All India |
Vijaya Ekadashi
All India
"Vijaya" means victory. Tradition says Lord Rama kept this fast before crossing the ocean to Lanka.
What to do: Fast and pray for success in a difficult task you are facing.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition.
Maha Shivaratri
All India. The great night of Lord Shiva
The holiest night of the year for Shiva devotees. On this night Lord Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of light (Jyotirlinga). Many also celebrate it as the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
What to do: Fast through the day. Offer water, milk and bel leaves to the Shivalinga. Stay awake at night in prayer; the night has four parts (prahar), and many do a puja in each. Can't travel? Watch live darshan from the Jyotirlingas. The opening date of Kedarnath temple is traditionally announced on this day.
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥ Om tryambakaṁ yajāmahe sugandhiṁ puṣṭi-vardhanam, urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā'mṛtāt. We worship the three-eyed Lord who nourishes all. As a ripe fruit falls from its stem, may He free us from death, and not from immortality. Rigveda 7.59.12 (Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra)
Source: Shiva Purana, Vidyeshvara Samhita (the pillar of light). See our 12 Jyotirlingas guide.
Amalaki Ekadashi
All India. Rangbhari Ekadashi in Kashi
The Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree is worshipped, as Lord Vishnu is believed to live in it. In Varanasi, Holi celebrations begin at Kashi Vishwanath on this day.
What to do: Fast, worship the Amla tree with water and a lamp, and eat or donate amla.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition. Braj: Holi celebrations in Vrindavan are in full swing by now.
Holika Dahan
All India
On the evening of Phalguna Purnima, a bonfire is lit. It recalls young Prahlada, whose faith in Lord Vishnu saved him from the fire, while the demoness Holika was burnt.
What to do: Join the community bonfire after sunset, do parikrama and offer grains, coconut and cow-dung cakes. Pray that pride and anger burn away.
Source: Prahlada's story: Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7. The Holika episode is a popular tradition. Note: Some panchangs, including many in Gujarat, give 22 March.
Holi (Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi)
All India. Grandest in Braj
The festival of colours and the welcome of spring. People forget old quarrels, play with gulal and share sweets. In Braj, Lord Krishna's own land, Holi is played over many days.
What to do: Use natural or herbal colours. Elders can enjoy a gentle tilak of gulal at home. Visit or call relatives with sweets.
Source: Tradition of Braj, linked to Lord Krishna's childhood in Vrindavan. Note: Some panchangs, including many in Gujarat, give 23 March.
April 2027
चैत्र मास
Chaitra month. Hindu New Year, Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami.
| Date | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 2 AprFri | Papmochani Ekadashi | All India |
| 7 AprWed | Hindu New Year, Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi | All India |
| 14 AprWed | Solar New Year: Baisakhi, Puthandu, Vishu | Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam |
| 15 AprThu | Ram Navami | All India |
| 17 AprSat | Kamada Ekadashi | All India |
| 20 AprTue | Hanuman Jayanti | North India |
Papmochani Ekadashi
All India
"Papmochani" means "the remover of sins". It is the last Ekadashi of the Hindu year.
What to do: Fast and worship Lord Vishnu. Ask forgiveness for mistakes of the past year.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition, story of Sage Medhavi.
Hindu New Year and Chaitra Navratri
All India. Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana
The first day of the Hindu lunar year. Vikram Samvat 2084 begins. Chaitra Navratri, nine days of worship of Goddess Durga, also starts today and ends on Ram Navami.
What to do: Do Ghatasthapana for Navratri. In Maharashtra, raise the Gudi at the door. In the South, eat Ugadi pachadi, which mixes six tastes as a reminder that life has all flavours. Sindhi families celebrate Cheti Chand on 8 April.
Source: Tradition holds that Brahma began creation on this day. Navratri: Devi Mahatmya.
Solar New Year
Baisakhi (Punjab), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Vishu (Kerala), Bohag Bihu (Assam)
The Sun enters Mesha (Aries). Many regions that follow the solar calendar celebrate their New Year and the harvest on this day.
What to do: In Kerala, see the Vishu Kani (auspicious sight) first thing in the morning. In Punjab, visit the gurdwara and celebrate the harvest.
Source: Solar calendar tradition. Bengal: Poila Boishakh usually falls one day later.
Ram Navami
All India. Grandest in Ayodhya
The birthday of Lord Rama, born at noon in Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. Rama is called Maryada Purushottam, the ideal person who always kept dharma. Chaitra Navratri ends today.
What to do: Do Ram puja around noon, read the Bala Kanda of the Ramayana or the Ramcharitmanas, and chant "Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram". Do Kanya Puja if you kept Navratri.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda, Chapter 18 (the birth of Rama).
Kamada Ekadashi
All India
"Kamada" means "the fulfiller of wishes". It is the first Ekadashi of the new Hindu year.
What to do: Fast and worship Lord Vishnu with a sincere prayer.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition.
Hanuman Jayanti
North India. Chaitra Purnima
The birthday of Lord Hanuman, the greatest devotee of Lord Rama, known for strength, courage and humility.
What to do: Visit a Hanuman temple, offer sindoor and jasmine oil, and read the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Sundara Kanda (Hanuman's journey to Lanka). Hanuman Chalisa by Goswami Tulsidas. Note: Some regions, like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, celebrate Hanuman Jayanti in other months.
May 2027
वैशाख मास
Vaishakha month. Akshaya Tritiya and the opening of the Char Dham season.
| Date | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 2 MaySun | Varuthini Ekadashi | All India |
| 9 MaySun | Akshaya Tritiya, Parashurama Jayanti | All India |
| 16 MaySun | Mohini Ekadashi | All India |
| 18 MayTue | Narasimha Jayanti | All India |
| 20 MayThu | Buddha Purnima (Vaishakha Purnima) | All India |
Varuthini Ekadashi
All India
"Varuthini" means "the protector". This Ekadashi is believed to protect the devotee like armour.
What to do: Fast, worship Lord Vishnu and donate water or food in the summer heat.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition.
Akshaya Tritiya
All India. Also Parashurama Jayanti
"Akshaya" means "never decreasing". Good deeds, charity and purchases made today are believed to keep growing. It is one of the most auspicious days of the year, so no separate muhurat is needed for weddings or new beginnings.
What to do: Worship Lakshmi-Narayan and give summer charity: water pots, fans, fruit or grain. Char Dham: Gangotri and Yamunotri temples traditionally open for the season on Akshaya Tritiya. See our Char Dham guide.
Source: Traditionally linked to the start of Treta Yuga and the birth of Lord Parashurama. Note: Some calendars give 8 May; Drik Panchang (New Delhi) gives 9 May.
Mohini Ekadashi
All India
On this day Lord Vishnu took the Mohini form to share the nectar (amrit) from the churning of the ocean with the gods.
What to do: Fast and worship Lord Vishnu. Read or listen to the story of Samudra Manthan.
Source: Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 8, Chapters 8 and 9 (Mohini avatar).
Narasimha Jayanti
All India. Special at Ahobilam and Simhachalam
Lord Vishnu appeared as Narasimha, half man and half lion, at sunset to protect his child devotee Prahlada from the demon king Hiranyakashipu.
What to do: Fast till sunset and do puja of Lord Narasimha at dusk. Chant the Narasimha Kavacham or "Om Namo Narasimhaya".
Source: Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, Chapter 8.
Buddha Purnima (Vaishakha Purnima)
All India
The full moon of Vaishakha, honoured as the day of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing. For Hindu families it is also a holy Purnima for charity and a river bath.
What to do: Take a holy dip or bathe at home, give water and food in charity and do Satyanarayan Puja.
Source: Vaishakha Purnima tradition. Buddhist tradition for the Buddha.
June 2027
ज्येष्ठ मास
Jyeshtha month. Vat Savitri, Ganga Dussehra and Nirjala Ekadashi.
| Date | Festival | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 JunTue | Apara Ekadashi | All India |
| 4 JunFri | Vat Savitri Vrat, Shani Jayanti | North India |
| 13 JunSun | Ganga Dussehra | All India |
| 14 JunMon | Nirjala Ekadashi | All India |
| 18 JunFri | Vat Purnima Vrat | Maharashtra, Gujarat |
| 30 JunWed | Yogini Ekadashi | All India |
Apara Ekadashi
All India
"Apara" means "limitless". The merit of this fast is believed to be without limit.
What to do: Fast and worship Lord Vishnu. Give water to thirsty people and birds in the summer heat.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition.
Vat Savitri Vrat and Shani Jayanti
UP, Bihar, MP, Delhi, Rajasthan (Jyeshtha Amavasya)
Married women fast and worship the banyan (vat) tree for their husband's long life, remembering Savitri, who won back her husband Satyavan from Yamaraj through wisdom and devotion. The same day is Shani Jayanti.
What to do: Tie a sacred thread around a banyan tree while doing parikrama, and listen to the Savitri-Satyavan katha. Visit a Shani temple and offer mustard oil.
Source: Mahabharata, Vana Parva (the story of Savitri and Satyavan).
Ganga Dussehra
All India. Grandest at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi
The day Mother Ganga came down to earth, brought by the penance of King Bhagiratha. A bath in the Ganga today is believed to wash away ten kinds of sins.
What to do: Take a dip in the Ganga or bathe at home with a little Ganga water. Watch the evening Ganga aarti on our Live Darshan page.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda (the descent of Ganga through Bhagiratha).
Nirjala Ekadashi
All India. Also called Bhimseni Ekadashi
The hardest Ekadashi, kept without even water. Tradition says Bhima, who could not keep all 24 Ekadashis, was told by Sage Vyasa that this one fast gives the merit of all of them.
What to do: Keep the fast as your health allows. In the June heat, elders and anyone with diabetes, blood pressure or other illness should keep a fruit and water fast instead, and speak to a doctor before a waterless fast. Donate water, fans or umbrellas.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition (story of Bhima and Sage Vyasa).
Vat Purnima Vrat
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka
In the West and South, the Vat Savitri fast is kept on Jyeshtha Purnima instead of Amavasya. Married women worship the banyan tree for their husband's long life.
What to do: Do puja and parikrama of the banyan tree with a sacred thread, and listen to the Savitri-Satyavan katha.
Source: Mahabharata, Vana Parva. Note: Some calendars place the Purnima vrat on 19 June. Check your local panchang.
Yogini Ekadashi
All India
This Ekadashi is believed to remove the effects of past wrongs and bring good health.
What to do: Fast and worship Lord Vishnu. Devshayani Ekadashi, which begins Chaturmas, follows in July.
Source: Ekadashi Mahatmya tradition, story of the gardener Hemamali.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is Holi in 2027?
Holika Dahan is on Sunday, 21 March 2027 and Holi (the festival of colours) is on Monday, 22 March 2027, as per Drik Panchang (New Delhi) and most Indian calendars. Some panchangs, including many in Gujarat, give 22 and 23 March.
When is Maha Shivaratri in 2027?
Maha Shivaratri is on Saturday, 6 March 2027. Devotees fast during the day and pray through the night, which is divided into four parts (prahar).
When is Makar Sankranti in 2027?
Makar Sankranti is on Thursday, 14 January 2027. Lohri is celebrated in Punjab on the evening before, 13 January.
When does Chaitra Navratri start in 2027?
Chaitra Navratri and the Hindu New Year (Gudi Padwa, Ugadi) begin on Wednesday, 7 April 2027. Navratri ends with Ram Navami on Thursday, 15 April 2027.
When is Akshaya Tritiya in 2027?
Akshaya Tritiya is on Sunday, 9 May 2027, as per Drik Panchang (New Delhi). Some calendars give Saturday, 8 May, because the Tritiya tithi begins before noon on 8 May.
Why are Holi and Shivaratri later in 2027 than in 2026?
2026 had an extra Hindu month (Adhik Maas) in May and June. Because of it, the festivals from Shivaratri to Holi come about 18 to 19 days later in 2027 than they did in early 2026. For example, Holi was on 4 March in 2026 and is on 22 March in 2027.
When do the Char Dham temples open in 2027?
Gangotri and Yamunotri traditionally open on Akshaya Tritiya, which is 9 May 2027. The opening date of Kedarnath is traditionally announced on Maha Shivaratri, and that of Badrinath on Vasant Panchami. Please wait for the official announcement by the temple committees before booking.
Which Ekadashis fall between January and June 2027?
There are thirteen: Saphala (3 Jan), Pausha Putrada (18 Jan), Shattila (2 Feb), Jaya (17 Feb), Vijaya (4 Mar), Amalaki (18 Mar), Papmochani (2 Apr), Kamada (17 Apr), Varuthini (2 May), Mohini (16 May), Apara (1 Jun), Nirjala (14 Jun) and Yogini (30 Jun).
Can elderly people keep the Nirjala Ekadashi fast without water?
Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the June heat. Elderly people and those with diabetes, blood pressure or other illness should keep a fruit and water fast instead, and speak to a doctor before any waterless fast. Sincere prayer matters more than a strict fast.
When is the Hindu New Year in 2027?
The Hindu lunar New Year, when Vikram Samvat 2084 begins, is on Wednesday, 7 April 2027. It is Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Tamil Nadu and Kerala celebrate their solar New Year on 14 April.
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Har Har Mahadev. Jai Shri Ram. Om Namah Shivaya.