Hindu Calendar - July to September 2026

This section covers July 2026 to September 2026 - the sacred months of Ashadha, Shravana, and Bhadrapada. Each festival is explained fully with what it means, why it is observed, and what scripture says. State or regional date differences are noted wherever they apply.

 

JULY 2026 Ashadha - Shravana begins | Vikram Samvat 2083 | Shaka Samvat 1948

 

3 Jul	Thu	GURU PURNIMA - Ashadha Purnima	Purnima | Pan-India
The full moon of Ashadha is Guru Purnima - the day to honour your Guru (teacher). Sage Vyasa - compiler of the Vedas, Puranas, and Mahabharata - is believed to have been born on this day. Vyasa is the Guru of all Gurus. Disciples offer flowers, do pada puja (worship of the teacher's feet), and read sacred texts. If you cannot visit your Guru, pray to your personal deity and read any scripture. Give a meaningful gift to a teacher who has guided your life. Scripture: Vishnu Purana 3.4 - On Sage Vyasa as the divider and organiser of the Vedas. Skanda Purana - Shiva as Adi Guru teaching the seven sages on this day. State Note: Same date all states. In Buddhist tradition: Also the day of Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath (Dhamma Chakra Parivartan).

 

10 Jul	Thu	Kamika Ekadashi	Ekadashi | Pan-India
The Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Ashadha. Kamika Ekadashi is special because it recommends worship of BOTH Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Offer Tulsi leaves to Vishnu and Bel leaves to Shiva. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana says this Ekadashi washes away sins and fulfils sincere desires. Fast from the previous night's dinner, avoid rice and grains, break fast next morning after sunrise. Scripture: Brahma Vaivarta Purana - Story of Kamika Ekadashi and why Lord Shiva favours it. Padma Purana - Lists it among the most powerful of the 24 Ekadashis. State Note: Same date all states.

 

17 Jul	Thu	Hariyali Amavasya	Amavasya | Pan-India
The new moon of Ashadha - called Hariyali (greenery) Amavasya because the monsoon has turned all of India lush and green. This is both an ancestor day (Pitru Tarpan) and a nature day. In UP, MP, and Rajasthan, tree planting is traditionally done today as service to the earth and as merit for ancestors. Kanwar Yatra begins around this time. Scripture: Garuda Purana 1.13 - On Pitru Tarpan on Amavasya. Matsya Purana 154.512 - 'One who plants trees gains merit equal to having ten sons.' State Note: Tamil Nadu: Called Aadi Amavasai - a major ancestor worship day at the sea shore and temples. One of the most important days of the Tamil calendar.

 

19 Jul	Sat	SHRAVAN MAAS BEGINS	Sacred Month | Pan-India
Shravan (Sawan) is the fifth Hindu month and the holiest month for Lord Shiva. Why is Shravan sacred? The Puranas say the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) happened in Shravan. When the deadly poison Halahala emerged, Lord Shiva drank it to save the world. The gods then poured cold Ganga water and milk over Shiva to cool the poison. This is the origin of pouring water (Abhisheka) on Shivalingas in Shravan. Every Monday of Shravan (Shravan Somvar) is a fasting day. Kanwar Yatra - millions walk to sacred rivers to collect water and carry it to their local Shiva temple. Scripture: Shiva Purana, Koti Rudra Samhita - 'Among all months I love Shravan most. Those who worship me with water and bel leaves in Shravan receive my complete grace.' Bhagavata Purana 8 - On the Samudra Manthan. State Note: South India: Shravan is called Aadi month (Tamil). Begins a few days later due to the Amanta calendar. South Indian temples have their own specific Shravan traditions - Aadi Pooram for Goddess Parvati is celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

 

21 Jul	Mon	Shravan Somvar 1 - First Monday of Shravan	Sacred Fast | Pan-India
The first of four sacred Mondays of Shravan. Hundreds of millions of Hindus fast on each Shravan Monday. Wake before sunrise, bathe, visit Shiva temple, pour water on the Shivalinga, offer Bel leaves and white Dhatura flowers, light a lamp. Fast for the day (fruits and milk) or partial fast (eat once). Why Monday for Shiva? Monday (Somavar = day of the Moon) is sacred to Shiva because Shiva wears the crescent moon in his hair and is called Someshwara - Lord of the Moon. Scripture: Skanda Purana - Complete description of Shravan Somvar Vrat and its blessings. Shiva Purana 2.1 - 'I especially love the person who fasts on Monday in Shravan and pours water on my linga.' State Note: North India (UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan): Enormous temple queues on all Shravan Mondays. Go before 6 AM. Many temples have senior citizen priority queues.

 

24 Jul	Thu	Putrada Ekadashi	Ekadashi | Pan-India
Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Shravan. Putrada = giver of children. Observed by couples praying for children. The Bhavishya Purana says fasting on Putrada Ekadashi with sincere prayer to Lord Vishnu in his form as Damodara grants the boon of a child. More broadly: this Ekadashi is said to destroy sins and grant the quality of being loved and followed by good people in life. Scripture: Bhavishya Purana - The complete story of Putrada Ekadashi as narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira. State Note: Same date all states.

 

28 Jul	Mon	Shravan Somvar 2	Sacred Fast | Pan-India
Second Monday of Shravan. Same observances as the first. Many devotees doing all four Shravan Mondays are now midway through the month. Senior citizens are advised to visit temples in early morning hours (before 7 AM) to avoid long queues. Scripture: Shiva Purana

 

1 Aug	Fri	RAKSHA BANDHAN - Shravan Purnima	Major Festival | Pan-India
The full moon of Shravan - one of India's most beloved festivals. Raksha = protection, Bandhan = bond. Sisters tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) on their brothers' wrists; brothers promise to always protect their sisters. The Bhavishya Purana says a Raksha Sutra tied with love and prayer protects the wearer from enemies and misfortune. Also on this day: priests change the sacred thread (Yajnopavita) - called Shravani. Coastal West India: Nariyal Purnima - coconuts offered to the sea, marking the safe resumption of sailing after the monsoon. Scripture: Bhavishya Purana - Origin of Raksha Bandhan. Mahabharata - Draupadi tied her sari cloth on Krishna's wounded finger; Krishna protected her during Vastraharan. Skanda Purana - On changing the sacred thread on Shravan Purnima. State Note: South India: Avani Avittam (Upakarma) is the primary observance - Brahmin men change their sacred thread and recite Gayatri Mantra 1,008 times. Tamil Nadu: This is called Avani Avittam. Kerala: Same tradition. Rakhi-tying is more prominent in North and West India.

 

4 Aug	Mon	Shravan Somvar 3	Sacred Fast | Pan-India
Third Monday of Shravan. Three down, one to go. Many temples organise special Rudra Abhisheka on all four Mondays. Attending a Rudra Abhisheka (ritual bathing of the Shivalinga while chanting Rudra hymns) on a Shravan Monday is considered extraordinarily powerful. Scripture: Shiva Purana

 

5 Aug	Tue	Kajri Teej	Festival | North India
Third day (Tritiya) of Krishna Paksha in Shravan. Kajri Teej is the third of the three Teej festivals. Married women and unmarried girls fast, worship Goddess Parvati and Shiva, swing on flower-decorated swings, and sing Kajri folk songs - the melancholic monsoon songs of Bhojpuri, Avadhi, and Rajasthani traditions. The swing symbolises the joy of the rainy season. Scripture: Shiva Purana - On Parvati's various fasts to win Shiva as her husband. These fasts became the Teej traditions. State Note: Primarily Rajasthan, UP, Bihar, MP, and Delhi. Not a major observance in South India, Gujarat, or Maharashtra.

 

9 Aug	Sat	Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Bhadrapada	Ekadashi | Pan-India
This Ekadashi falls in Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada month). Observing this fast is said to remove the karma of past negative actions. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana says that one who observes this fast with sincerity attains a place in Vishnu's abode (Vaikuntha) regardless of other deeds. Scripture: Brahma Vaivarta Purana and Padma Purana - On the merits of this Ekadashi. State Note: Same date all states.

 

11 Aug	Mon	Shravan Somvar 4 - Last Monday of Shravan	Sacred Fast | Pan-India
The last Monday of Shravan. Those who completed all four Mondays of fasting are believed to have received the complete grace of Lord Shiva for the year. The last Shravan Somvar has a special Uddyapan Puja - a formal conclusion ritual. Many devout women have fasted without a single grain or full meal for four consecutive Mondays. This discipline is itself the offering. Scripture: Shiva Purana

 

16 Aug	Sat	Shravan Amavasya	Amavasya | Pan-India
The new moon marks the end of Shravan month (in the Amanta system) and beginning of Bhadrapada. Important Pitru Tarpan day - offer water and sesame to ancestors at a river or at home. This Amavasya also sees the last few Kanwariyas completing their yatra to Shiva temples. Scripture: Garuda Purana 1.13 - On Pitru Tarpan. State Note: Tamil Nadu: This Amavasya (in Aadi month) is called Aadi Amavasai - one of the most important ancestor ritual days. Families go to the sea in large numbers. Considered especially powerful for Pitru prayers.

 

23 Aug	Sat	Parsva Ekadashi	Ekadashi | Pan-India
Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Ekadashi. Parsva = side. On this day, Lord Vishnu (who went to cosmic sleep on Devshayani Ekadashi in June) is said to turn over on his side - a sign that he will be waking soon. The four-month Chaturmas period is nearing its end. Fasting today gives the merit of a year-long Yajna (sacred fire ritual). Scripture: Brahma Vaivarta Purana - Story of Parsva Ekadashi and the cosmic significance of Vishnu turning in his sleep. State Note: Same date all states.

 

26 Aug	Tue	ONAM - Thiruvonam Main Day	Major Festival | Kerala
The biggest festival of Kerala - a 10-day harvest festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam. The belief: the benevolent demon king Mahabali ruled Kerala in perfect happiness and equality. Lord Vishnu (as the dwarf Vamana) pushed Mahabali into the earth but granted him the boon of visiting Kerala once a year. That annual visit is Onam. During Onam: Pookalam (elaborate floor design from fresh flowers, grown more complex each day for 10 days), Onasadhya (26-dish feast on banana leaf), Vallamkali (snake boat races), Pulikali (tiger dance performance). Scripture: Bhagavata Purana Skandha 8 - The complete story of Vamana avatar and King Mahabali. Vamana Purana - dedicated entirely to this story. State Note: Kerala's own festival. Observed primarily by Keralites. Malayalam diaspora worldwide celebrates enthusiastically. Onam is a national identity festival for Kerala.

 

27 Aug	Wed	JANMASHTAMI - Birthday of Lord Krishna	Major Festival | Pan-India
The birthday of Lord Krishna - eighth avatar of Vishnu - on the Ashtami (8th Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada, at midnight. The Bhagavata Purana describes the moment: divine light filled the prison where his parents Vasudeva and Devaki were imprisoned by Kansa. Guards fell asleep, chains fell away, prison doors opened on their own. Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna across the flooded Yamuna to safety in Gokul. How to observe: Fast the entire day. At midnight, the infant Krishna idol is placed in a cradle, devotees swing it and sing bhajans. Prasad distributed after midnight. Dahi Handi (28 Aug): Human pyramids to break a curd pot hung at height - recreating Krishna's childhood butter-stealing mischief. Scripture: Bhagavata Purana Skandha 10 - Complete story of Krishna's birth. Vishnu Purana 5.3 - Another account of the divine birth. Bhagavad Gita 4.8 - Krishna: 'I am born age after age for the protection of the good, destruction of the wicked, and establishment of righteousness.' State Note: North India (Mathura, Vrindavan): Grandest celebrations. Midnight Puja time is the same everywhere. Maharashtra (especially Mumbai): Dahi Handi on the following day is the biggest event with prize money. South India: Called Gokulashtami - Kolam decorations and sweets made of butter and curd.

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2026 Bhadrapada - Ashwin begins mid-month

 

September 2026 contains Ganesh Chaturthi, Pitru Paksha, and the beginning of Shardiya Navratri - three of the year's most significant spiritual events arriving one after another.

 

28 Aug	Thu	GANESH CHATURTHI	Major Festival | Pan-India
The fourth Tithi (Chaturthi) of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha - the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati, remover of obstacles, lord of beginnings, patron of knowledge and arts. No new venture in Hindu life begins without first invoking Ganesha. Clay Ganesha idols are installed at home and in community pandals (temporary shrines). The festival lasts 10 days. During this time, morning and evening Aarti is performed, prasad (modak - sweet dumplings, Ganesha's favourite) is distributed, and devotional songs are sung. On the 10th day (Anant Chaturdashi): the idol is carried in a procession with dancing and singing, then immersed in a river or the sea. This immersion (Visarjan) represents the cycle of creation and dissolution - Ganesha returns to his cosmic form. Scripture: Ganesha Purana - Dedicated entirely to Lord Ganesha. Mudgala Purana - Another scripture on Ganesha's many forms and stories. Rigveda 2.23.1 - 'Ganapati, lord of the gana, we call upon you first in all prayers and sacred rites.' State Note: Maharashtra: The biggest Ganesh Chaturthi in the world. Mumbai's Lalbaugcha Raja, Pune's Kasba Ganapati - icons known across India. The 10-day festival with full community involvement is most intense here. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak made it a public community festival in 1893. Tamil Nadu: Called Vinayaka Chaturthi - 3-day festival. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Also major. Pan-India: The home festival is observed everywhere.

 

7 Sep	Sun	Bhadrapada Purnima	Purnima | Pan-India
Full moon of Bhadrapada. Widely used for Satyanarayan Puja - a simple, beloved home ritual in which Lord Vishnu (Satyanarayan = the truthful lord) is worshipped with a reading of the Satyanarayan Katha (the story of the Lord's miraculous interventions in human lives). This Puja is done to mark any significant family event - a new home, a promotion, a birth, a recovery from illness. On this Purnima, families often gather and do this puja together. Scripture: Skanda Purana - Contains the five chapters of the Satyanarayan Katha which are read during the puja. State Note: Same date all states.

 

6 Sep Onward		ANANT CHATURDASHI - Ganesh Visarjan (10th day from 28 Aug)	Festival | Pan-India
The 10th day of Ganesh Chaturthi (counting from 28 August) falls around 6 September 2026. This is Anant Chaturdashi - Ananta means eternal, and this day also marks the beginning of the Anant Vrat (worship of Lord Vishnu in his eternal form). On this day the Ganesha idol is immersed. The emotional farewell cry of Maharashtra: 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Lavkar Ya' - Beloved Lord Ganesha, come back quickly next year. Scripture: Ganesha Purana - On the proper observance of Ganesh Chaturthi including the immersion ritual. State Note: Maharashtra: Most emotional Ganesh Visarjan in India - processions with dancing go on through the night in Mumbai and Pune.

 

9 Sep	Tue	PITRU PAKSHA BEGINS - Mahalaya Paksha	Sacred Fortnight | Pan-India
The 15-day period of ancestor rituals begins. Pitru = ancestors, Paksha = fortnight. The Garuda Purana teaches that souls of the departed are given special permission by Yama (God of Death) to visit the earth during Pitru Paksha and receive the offerings of their living relatives. If offerings are made, ancestors bless the family with health, prosperity, and peace. Shraddha ritual: cooked food (Pinda - rice balls), water, and sesame seeds are offered while chanting the ancestor's name. Done at river banks, home, or at Gaya (the most sacred site for Shraddha, in Bihar). During Pitru Paksha: avoid non-vegetarian food, new purchases, social celebrations, as a mark of respect for the ancestors. Scripture: Garuda Purana 1.13-15 - Describes Pitru Paksha and the condition of souls who receive and do not receive Shraddha. Manusmriti 3.122-286 - The complete law of Shraddha. Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva - Bhishma and Yudhishthira discuss ancestor rituals. State Note: All states. West Bengal: The period builds up to Mahalaya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya) when Birendra Krishna Bhadra's Mahishasura Mardini broadcast on All India Radio at 4 AM marks the beginning of Durga Puja season. Gaya (Bihar): Over 5 lakh pilgrims for Pinda Daan. Tamil Nadu: Very seriously observed - ancestral rituals at sea shores and temples.

 

14 Sep	Sun	Indira Ekadashi	Ekadashi | Pan-India
Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Ashwin during Pitru Paksha. Indira Ekadashi is specifically powerful for ancestors. The Padma Purana says fasting on this day can free ancestors from suffering in lower realms, even those with heavy negative karma. Observing this Ekadashi during Pitru Paksha when ancestors are already accessible is doubly powerful. The story: King Indrasena fasted on Indira Ekadashi and freed his father from the realm of Yama. Scripture: Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda - The story of King Indrasena narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishthira. State Note: Same date all states.

 

23 Sep	Tue	SARVA PITRU AMAVASYA - MAHALAYA	Most Sacred Amavasya | Pan-India
The most important day of all 15 days of Pitru Paksha. Sarva Pitru Amavasya = the Amavasya for ALL ancestors. Even if you do not know when your ancestor died, or you missed the correct Tithi, offering Shraddha on this one day reaches ALL your ancestors. The Garuda Purana says: 'Even if you forget to perform Shraddha on the correct day, if you offer it on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, your ancestors receive it fully.' Millions go to rivers, the sea, or temples before sunrise to offer Tarpan (water + sesame + barley, poured while chanting ancestor names). Scripture: Garuda Purana 2.4 - 'On the new moon of the dark fortnight of Ashwin, all ancestors receive the offerings made to them. This day is the most sacred of all Shraddha days.' Vishnu Purana 3.16 - On the significance of Sarva Pitru Amavasya. State Note: All states - equal importance everywhere. West Bengal: Mahalaya - Durga Puja countdown officially begins. The Mahishasura Mardini radio broadcast at 4 AM is a cultural institution in Bengal. Tamil Nadu: Mahalaya Amavasai - major sea-shore ancestor worship day. UP: Prayagraj Sangam draws huge crowds. Bihar: Gaya is the most sacred location.

 

24 Sep	Wed	SHARDIYA NAVRATRI BEGINS - Ghatasthapana	Major Festival | Pan-India
The day after Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the calendar shifts dramatically from ancestor solemnity to vibrant celebration of the Divine Mother. Nine nights dedicated to Goddess Durga in nine forms (Navadurga): Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri. Ghatasthapana: A clay pot filled with earth and seeds is installed on Day 1 (in the first one-third of the day - check Muhurta). Seeds sprout over nine days, symbolising the Goddess's creative power. Avoid Chitra Nakshatra for Ghatasthapana. Scripture: Devi Bhagavata Purana - Complete scripture on Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati, 700 verses from the Markandeya Purana) - Read daily during Navratri. State Note: All states - celebrated differently. Gujarat: Nine nights of Garba and Dandiya Raas all night - the world's most energetic Navratri. West Bengal: Durga Puja pandals being prepared - Shashthi (sixth day) is when main worship begins. Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara preparations. Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra preparations. North India: Ramlila performances begin from Navratri.

 

29 Sep	Mon	Saraswati Puja - Maha Navami	Festival | Pan-India
The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati - deity of knowledge, learning, music, and arts. Students place books, musical instruments, tools, and vehicles before the Goddess and pray for wisdom. In Bengal: Schools and colleges hold formal pujas. Students write Om on their tongues with honey before beginning new studies. For everyone: any skill you practice - cooking, painting, music - can be placed before Saraswati and blessed today. Scripture: Rigveda 6.61 - The Saraswati Sukta: earliest reference to Saraswati as a goddess of knowledge and divine speech. Adi Shankaracharya's Saraswati Vandana: 'Ya Devi sarva bhuteshu vidya rupena samsthita.' State Note: All states. Bengal: Most elaborate Saraswati Puja in schools. South India: Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja (worship of tools, instruments, vehicles, machines) - the most important Navami observance in the South.

 

3 Oct	Fri	DUSSEHRA - VIJAYADASHAMI	Major Festival | Pan-India
The tenth day of Navratri - Vijaya (victory) + Dashami (10th). Lord Rama defeated Ravana today. Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura today. It is the celebration of Good over Evil. The Ramayana says Rama performed special Devi worship for nine days (Navratri) before the battle, received the Goddess's blessings, and defeated Ravana on the 10th day. Shami tree leaves and Apta tree leaves are exchanged as symbols of gold and victory. Scripture: Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda - Ram's battle with Ravana and victory on Dashami. Markandeya Purana, Devi Mahatmya Ch. 12 - Goddess's victory over Mahishasura. State Note: All states - significant variations. North India: Effigy burning of Ravana (biggest at Delhi Ramlila Maidan and Ramnagar near Varanasi - 31-day Ramlila). West Bengal: Vijaya Dashami - Sindoor Khela by married women then Durga idol immersion (Bisarjan). Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara royal elephant procession. Maharashtra: Sona Luta - exchange of Apta leaves. Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra BEGINS here (their festival happens after national Dussehra, lasts 7 days, 200+ local deity processions).