📅 Indian Calendar 2026 — Hindu Festivals, Holidays & Panchang

National Holiday
Hindu Festival
Vedic / Panchang
Ekadashi / Purnima / Amavasya
Today
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🪔 Complete Hindu Festival & Holiday Calendar 2026

🌿 Ekadashi Calendar 2026 — Complete List

📖 Understanding the Hindu Calendar

Vikram Samvat 2082–2083

The Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar year 2082 runs through most of 2026. The Vikram Samvat era begins from the legendary coronation of Emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain in 57 BCE. It is ahead of the Gregorian calendar by 56–57 years.

Lunisolar Structure

The Hindu calendar is lunisolar — months follow the Moon (29.5 days) but are corrected to the solar year. This creates a "leap month" (Adhik Maas) every ~3 years. Each month has two fortnights: Shukla Paksha (waxing) and Krishna Paksha (waning).

Tithi — Lunar Day

A Tithi is a lunar day — 1/30th of a lunar month (~23h 37min to 26h 6min). There are 30 Tithis per lunar month: 15 in Shukla Paksha and 15 in Krishna Paksha. Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon) are the most significant.

Nakshatra — Lunar Mansion

The Moon transits one of 27 Nakshatras (lunar mansions) approximately every day. Each Nakshatra has astrological significance for timing activities, naming children, and medical procedures in Ayurveda. The Nakshatra is a key part of the Panchang.

Panchang — Five Limbs

Panchang means "five limbs" — it records the five daily astronomical elements: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Yoga (luni-solar combination), and Karana (half-tithi). Kaal Nirnay, the most popular Indian almanac, is based on Panchang calculations.

Kaal Nirnay

Kaal Nirnay (meaning "Determination of Time") is India's most widely published Hindu almanac, published annually from Mumbai since 1942. It provides precise Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, Rahu Kaal, Gulika Kaal, sunrise/sunset, and auspicious muhurats for every day of the year.

How to Use the Indian Calendar

Bank, festival and planning context

The Indian calendar is not just a list of dates. For everyday planning, users often need to know whether banks are open, whether a national holiday affects offices, whether a festival changes travel demand, and whether a traditional timing window matters for family or religious activity. IndiaTime keeps these topics connected so visitors can move from a calendar date to the relevant time tool.

Indian banks normally follow the 2nd and 4th Saturday closure rule, in addition to Sundays and notified holidays. The 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays are generally working days for many bank branches, although service levels can vary. Digital systems such as UPI, IMPS, ATMs and internet banking may continue to work even when branches are closed.

Festival dates can differ from fixed Gregorian dates because many Indian festivals follow lunar or regional calendars. Dates may also vary by state, local custom or official notification. For travel, school planning, business scheduling and bank work, always check state-specific notifications before making final decisions.

Calendar Topics on IndiaTime

Bank holidays

Use the calendar to identify Sundays, 2nd and 4th Saturdays, national holidays and major festival periods. This is especially useful before cheque deposits, branch visits, loan documentation and business payments.

Panchang and daily timing

Traditional calendar values such as Tithi and Nakshatra are useful for cultural context. For daily auspicious windows, visit Today's Muhurat and Rahu Kaal Today.

Market and office planning

Markets and offices may not follow every festival date in the same way. For trading sessions, use the stock market timings page and verify exchange holidays separately.

Frequently Asked Calendar Questions

Are Indian banks closed on all Saturdays?

No. Banks are generally closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, Sundays and notified holidays. Many branches work on 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays, though timings and services can vary.

Why do festival dates change every year?

Many Indian festivals are based on lunar calendar rules rather than fixed Gregorian dates. Regional observance can also affect the date shown locally.

Is the calendar valid for every Indian state?

National holidays are broadly applicable, but state-specific holidays differ. Always verify with the relevant state notification for official use.

Does IndiaTime replace official holiday lists?

No. IndiaTime is an informational reference. For legal, banking, employment or trading decisions, verify with official notifications.