Upcoming Hindu Festivals & Vratam in February 2026

Hindu Festivals, Vrat, and Ritual Observances in February 2026

February 2026 is spiritually significant in the Hindu calendar, featuring a wide range of sacred festivals, fasting days (Vratas), Jayantis, and regional observances followed across India. These events are calculated according to major Hindu Panchang systems and are observed as per Indian Standard Time (IST). The month is especially notable for Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakta, and regional traditions, reflecting India’s rich religious diversity.

Upcoming Hindu Festivals & Vratam in February 2026 (IST)
Date	Festival / Vratam / Religious Observance
February 1, 2026	Thaipoosam (Thaipooyam); Purnima; Guru Ravidas Jayanti; Guru Gorakhnath Jayanti
February 2, 2026	Phalgun Month Begins (North India); Guru Pratipada; Gangapur Yatra
February 5, 2026	Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat (Moonrise at 9:44 PM)
February 8, 2026	Bhanu Saptami
February 9, 2026	Sita Ashtami; Kalashtami; Janaki Prakat Utsav
February 11, 2026	Ramdas Navami
February 12, 2026	Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti
February 13, 2026	Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat; Kumbha Masam Begins (Kerala); Maasi Masam Begins (Tamil Calendar)
February 14, 2026	Pradosh Vrat (Shani Pradosh – Saturday); Phalgun Month Begins (Bengal Calendar)
February 15, 2026	Mahashivratri; Shiv Chaturdashi Vrat; Vaidyanath Jayanti
February 17, 2026	Amavasya; Bhaumavati Amavasya
February 18, 2026	Phalgun Month Begins (Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh)
February 19, 2026	Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti; Phulera Dooj; Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Jayanti
February 23, 2026	Muruga Sashti Fasting; Kumbha Bharani (Kerala Bhagavathi Temples)
February 24, 2026	Kamada Saptami Vrat; Monthly Durga Ashtami Vrat; Holashtak Begins
February 25, 2026	Lathmar Holi – Barsana
February 26, 2026	Lathmar Holi – Nandgaon; Phagu Dashami
February 27, 2026	Khattu Shyam Mela (Sikar, Rajasthan); Lathmar Holi – Mathura; Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat
February 28, 2026	Govind Dwadasi; Narasimha Dwadashi

Major Festivals and Jayantis

The month begins on an auspicious note with Thaipoosam (Thaipooyam), a major festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, observed predominantly in South India. The same day also marks Purnima, commemorated as Guru Ravidas Jayanti and Guru Gorakhnath Jayanti, honoring two revered spiritual reformers.

Mid-month highlights include Mahashivratri, one of the most sacred nights dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by night-long vigils, fasting, and special abhishekams in Shiva temples. Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Jayanti are also observed, celebrating historic and spiritual icons of India.

Important Vrat and Fasting Days

February features several significant fasting observances such as Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijaya Ekadashi, Pradosh Vrat (Shani Pradosh), Muruga Sashti, Kamada Saptami, and Amalaki Ekadashi. These vratas are believed to bring spiritual merit, mental discipline, and divine blessings when observed with devotion and prescribed rituals.

Lunar Days and Monthly Transitions

Key lunar days like Purnima (Full Moon) and Amavasya (New Moon) hold ritual importance, especially for ancestral rites and spiritual cleansing. The month also witnesses the beginning of Phalgun in multiple regional calendars at different times, along with the start of Kumbha Masam in Malayalam and Maasi Masam in the Tamil calendar.

Regional and Cultural Celebrations

North India begins preparing for Holi with Holashtak, followed by vibrant celebrations like Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Nandgaon, and Mathura. Rajasthan hosts the famous Khattu Shyam Mela, attracting thousands of devotees. In Kerala, observances such as Kumbha Bharani are significant in Bhagavathi temples.

The month concludes with spiritually meaningful days like Govind Dwadasi and Narasimha Dwadashi, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his Narasimha incarnation, symbolizing protection and righteousness.