The Hindu Calendar, also known as the Panchang and Panchangam, is a lunisolar calendar based on the movements of the moon. 

The total number of days in the Hindu calendar is 354, 11 days shorter than the globally followed Gregorian calendar.  

After every three years, the extra 33 days create an extra month called Adhik. Adhik consists of 29 days. The rest of the four days are adjusted throughout the year.

In 2023, the Adhik month was from July 18 to August 16. Thus, it will next appear in 2026. 

Hindu Calendar 2026-27: Months and Dates in Gregorian Calendar

Name of the Month No. of Days Gregorian Calendar
Chaitra 30 days Mar 16–Apr 14
Vaisakha 31 days Apr 15–May 14
Jyestha 31 days May 15–June 13
Adhik Jyesths 29 days June 14–July 13
Asadha 30 days Jul 14–Aug 12
Shravana 31 days Aug 13–Sep 12
Bhadrapada 30 days Sep 13–Oct 11
Ashvina 30 days Oct 12–Nov 10
Kartika 30 days Nov 11–Dec 10 
Agrahayana 30 days Dec 11–Jan 09, 2027
Pausha 30 days Jan 10–Feb 08, 2027
Magha 30 days Feb 09–Mar 10, 2027
Phalguna 30 days  Mar 11–Apr 09, 2027

Chaitra 2026 (March 16-April 14)

Decorative calendar poster titled “Chaitra 2026 Festivals & Events” showing Hindu festivals from March 16 to April 14 on a warm orange-gold background, featuring traditional symbols like a kalash, Gudi, diyas, and a detailed list of festival dates including Gudi Padwa, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, and Hanuman Jayanti.

  • 16th March (Chaitra 1): Gangaur Vrat starts
  • 18th March (Chaitra 3): Chhatrapati Shivaji Tithi-Based Jayanti
  • 23rd March (Chaitra 8): Hindi New Year
  • 28th March (Chaitra 13): Rang Teras
  • 31st March (Chaitra 16): Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Vasant Ritu
  • 1st April (Chaitra 17): Gangaur Pooja, Jhulelal Jayanti, Matsya Jayanti
  • 4th April (Chaitra 20): Yamuna Chhath
  • 6th April (Chaitra 22): Babu Jagjivan Ram’s Birthday
  • 7th April (Chaitra 23): Swaminarayan Jayanti, Mahatara Jayanti, Ram Navami
  • 11th April (Chaitra 27): Mahavir Jayanti
  • 12th April (Chaitra 28): Jyotirao Phule Jayanti
  • 13th April (Chaitra 29): Hanuman Jayanti, Satyanarayan Puja

Vaisakha 2026 (April 15-May 14)

Calendar graphic titled “Vaisakha 2026 Festivals & Events” with April 15–May 14 noted, listing festivals in order starting with 14 April (Chaitra 30) Baisakhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Birthday, followed by Vaisakha events such as Bengali New Year, Vallabhacharya Jayanti, Parashurama Jayanti, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti, Narasimha Jayanti, and Buddha Purnima, set on a warm gold-orange background with a kalash, Buddha statue, and lit diyas.

Jyestha 2026 (May 15-June 13)

Calendar graphic titled “Jyestha 2026 Festivals & Events” showing the period May 15 to June 13, with a gold-orange decorative background and Hindu imagery of Vishnu and Shiva, listing key observances: Vrishabha Sankranti on May 15, Vrat Savitri Vrat and Shani Jayanti on May 16, and Ganga Dussehra on May 25, accented with diyas, a Shiva lingam, and traditional motifs.

  • 15th May (Jyestha 1): Vrishabha Sankranti
  • 16th May (Jyestha 2): Vrat Savitri Vrat
  • 16th May (Jyestha 2): Shani Jayanti
  • 25th May (Jyestha 11): Ganga Dussehra

Adhik Jyestha 2026 (June 14-July 13)

Calendar graphic titled “Adhik Jyestha 2026 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 14 June to 13 July, listing observances such as the beginning of Purushottam Maas, Sankashti Chaturthi, Parama Ekadashi, Pradosh Vrat, Monthly Shivratri, Adhik Jyestha Purnima, and Amavasya, set on a warm gold-orange background with traditional Hindu motifs, diyas, and illustrations of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

  • 14th June (Adhik Jyestha 1): Adhik Maas begins (Purushottam Maas)
  • 18th June (Adhik Jyestha 5): Sankashti Chaturthi
  • 25th June (Adhik Jyestha 12): Parama Ekadashi
  • 26th June (Adhik Jyestha 13): Pradosh Vrat
  • 27th June (Adhik Jyestha 14): Monthly Shivratri
  • 29th June (Adhik Jyestha 16): Adhik Jyestha Purnima
  • 11th July (Adhik Jyestha 28): Amavasya
  • 13th July (Adhik Jyestha 30): Adhik Jyestha ends.

Asadha 2026 (Jul 14–Aug 12)

Calendar graphic titled “Āṣāḍha 2026 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 14 July to 12 August, featuring Mithuna Sankranti, the start of Āṣāḍha Maas, Puri Rath Yatra, Devshayani Ekadashi, Guru Purnima and Vyasa Puja, and Āṣāḍha Amavasya, set on a warm gold-orange background with illustrations of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, Sage Vyasa, sacred scriptures, diyas, and traditional Hindu motifs.

  • 14th July (Asadha 1): Asadha Maas begins
  • 16th July (Asadha 3): Puri Rath Yatra
  • 24th July (Asadha 11): Devshayani Ekadashi
  • 30th July (Asadha 17): Guru Purnima, Vyasa Puja
  • 12th August (Asadha 30): Amavasya, Asadha Maas ends

Shravana (Aug 13–Sep 12)

Calendar graphic titled “Shravana 2026 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 13 August to 12 September, listing Hariyali Amavasya, Varsha Ritu, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Tulsidas Jayanti, and Raksha Bandhan with Narali Purnima, set on a warm gold-brown background with illustrations of Lord Shiva, a woman on a swing symbolizing Hariyali Teej, children celebrating Raksha Bandhan, sacred objects, and glowing diyas.

  • 12th August (Shravana 1): Hariyali Amavasya
  • 13th August (Shravana 2): Varsha Ritu
  • 15th August (Shravana 4): Hariyali Teej
  • 17th August (Shravana 6): Nag Panchami
  • 19th August (Shravana 8): Tulsidas Jayanti
  • 28th August (Shravana 17): Raksha Bandhan, Narali Purnima

Bhadrapada 2026 (Sep 13–Oct 11)

Calendar graphic titled “Bhadrapada 2026 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 12 September to 11 October, listing Kajari Teej, Krishna Janmashtami, Varaha Jayanti, Simha Sankranti, Ramdev Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Onam (Thiruvonam), set on a warm gold-brown background with decorative marigold garlands, bells, diyas, and illustrations of Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, and other festival symbols.

  • 14th September (Bhadrapada 3): Kajari Teej
  • 18th September (Bhadrapada 7): Krishna Janmasthami
  • 22nd September (Bhadrapada 11): Varaha Jayanti
  • 23rd September (Bhadrapada 12): Simha Sankranti (solar, overlaps month)
  • 25th September (Bhadrapada 14): Ramdev Jayanti (regional)
  • 26th September (Bhadrapada 15): Ganesh Chaturthi
  • 29th September (Bhadrapada 18): Onam (Thiruvonam)

Ashvina 2026 (Oct 12–Nov 10)

Calendar graphic titled “Āshvina 2026 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 12 October to 10 November, listing Sharad Ritu and Navratri beginning, Durga Puja (Saptami, Ashtami, Maha Navami), Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami), Kojagara Puja with Sharad Purnima, and Valmiki Jayanti, set on a warm gold-brown background with illustrations of Goddess Durga, Lord Rama, Goddess Saraswati, Ravana, Sage Valmiki, glowing diyas, and traditional Hindu decorative motifs.

  • 12th October (Āshvina 1): Sharad Ritu begins, Agrasen Jayanti, Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)
  • 18th October (Āshvina 7): Durga Puja (Saptami)
  • 19th October (Āshvina 8): Durga Puja (Ashtami), Saraswati Puja
  • 20th October (Āshvina 9): Durga Puja (Maha Navami)
  • 21st October (Āshvina 10): Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami)
  • 24th October (Āshvina 13): Kojagara Puja, Sharad Purnima
  • 28th October (Āshvina 17):Valmiki Jayanti

Kartika 2026 (Nov 11–Dec 10)

Calendar graphic titled “Kārtika 2026 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 11 November to 10 December, listing Tula Sankranti, Dhanteras, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Govardhan Puja and Anna Koota, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja, Kansa Vadh, Tulsi Vivah, Manikarnika Snan, and Kartika Purnima with Guru Nanak Jayanti and Dev Diwali, set on a warm gold-brown background with illustrations of Karwa Chauth rituals, Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan, Goddess Lakshmi, Chhath Puja devotees, and Guru Nanak, along with diyas and traditional Hindu motifs.

  • 16th November (Kārtika 6): Tula Sankranti
  • 20th November (Kārtika 10): Dhanteras(Dhantrayodashi)
  • 21st November (Kārtika 11 – Amavasya): Diwali(Lakshmi Puja)
  • 22nd November (Kārtika 12): Govardhan Puja, Anna Koota
  • 23rd November (Kārtika 13): Bhai Dooj
  • 24th November (Kārtika 14): Chhath Puja (Nahay Khay begins)
  • 31st October: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday (fixed date; outside Kārtika)
  • 27th November (Kārtika 17): Kansa Vadh
  • 30th November (Kārtika 20): Tulsi Vivah
  • 3rd December (Kārtika 23): Manikarnika Snan
  • 4th December (Kārtika 24 – Purnima): Kartika Purnima, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Dev Diwali

Agrahayana 2026-27 (Dec 11–Jan 09, 2027)

Calendar graphic titled “Agrahayana 2026 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 11 December to 9 January, listing Saubhagya Sundari Teej, Kalbhairav Jayanti, Vrishchika Sankranti, the beginning of Hemant Ritu, Gita Jayanti, and Annapurna Jayanti, set on a warm gold-brown background with traditional Hindu artwork featuring Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva as Kalbhairav, Lord Krishna delivering the Gita, Goddess Annapurna, decorative diyas, and festive motifs.

  • 12th December (Agrahayana 2): Saubhagya Sundari Teej
  • 14th December (Agrahayana 4): Kalbhairav Jayanti
  • 16th December (Agrahayana 6): Hemant Ritu begins.
  • 25th December (Agrahayana 15 – Purnima): Gita Jayanti
  • 27th December  (Agrahayana 17): Annapurna Jayanti

Pausha 2027(Jan 10–Feb 08, 2027)

Calendar graphic titled “Pausha 2026–27 Festivals & Vrats” showing the period from 10 January to 8 February, listing Pausha Maas begins, Chandra Darshan, Pausha Putrada Ekadashi, Pradosh Vrat, Monthly Shivratri, Pausha Purnima with the start of Magh Snan, Sankashti Chaturthi, Pausha Amavasya, and the end of Pausha Maas, set on a warm gold-brown background with traditional Hindu artwork featuring Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, sages performing rituals, glowing diyas, and festive motifs.

  • 11th January (Pausha 2): Chandra Darshan
  • 14th January (Pausha 5): Pausha Putrada Ekadashi (observed for progeny and family well-being)
  • 16th January (Pausha 7): Pradosh Vrat
  • 18th January (Pausha 9): Monthly Shivratri
  • 22nd January (Pausha 15 – Purnima):Pausha Purnima, Magh Snan begins
  • 25th January (Pausha 18): Sankashti Chaturthi
  • 29th January (Pausha 22): Pradosh Vrat
  • 7th February (Pausha 30 – Amavasya): Pausha Amavasya

Magha 2027 (Feb 09–Mar 10, 2027)

Calendar graphic titled “Magha 2027 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 9 February to 10 March, listing Sakat Chauth, Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, Lohri, Makar Sankranti with Ganga Sagar Snan, Ganesh Jayanti, Basant Panchami, Republic Day, Vishwakarma Jayanti with Gandhi Samadhi, and Magha Purnima with Guru Ravidas Jayanti, set on a warm gold-brown background with traditional Hindu artwork featuring Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, sages performing rituals, river-bank ceremonies, glowing diyas, and festive motifs.

  • 11th February (Magha 3): Sakat Chauth
  • 12th February (Magha 4): Swami Vivekananda Jayanti (National Youth Day – fixed date, aligns within Magha this year)
  • 13th February (Magha 5): Lohri (Fixed-date festival; falls within Magha in 2027)
  • 14th February (Magha 6): Makar Sankranti, Ganga Sagar Snan
  • 22nd February (Magha 14): Ganesh Jayanti
  • 23rd February (Magha 15): Basant Panchami
  • 28th February (Magha 20): Vishwakarma Jayanti, Gandhi Samadhi
  • 1st March (Magha 21):Magha Purnima, Guru Ravidas Jayanti

Phalguna 2027 (Mar 11–Apr 09, 2027)

Calendar graphic titled “Phalguna 2027 Festivals & Events” showing the period from 11 March to 9 April, listing Sri Ramdas Navami, Kumbha Sankranti, Maha Shivratri, Phulera Dooj with Shivaji Jayanti and Ramakrishna Jayanti, the beginning of Holashtak, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti with Holika Dahan and the end of Holashtak, set on a warm gold-brown background with traditional Hindu artwork featuring Lord Shiva, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Hanuman, Shivaji Maharaj, ritual fires for Holika Dahan, glowing diyas, and festive motifs.

  • 19th March (Phālguna 9): Sri Ramdas Navami
  • 22nd March  (Phālguna 12): Kumbha Sankranti
  • 24th March (Phālguna 14): Maha Shivratri
  • 28th March (Phālguna 18): Phulera Dooj, Shivaji Jayanti, Ramakrishna Jayanti
  • 2nd April  (Phālguna 23): Holashtak begins
  • 9th April  (Phālguna 30 – Purnima): Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti, Holika Dahan, Holashtak ends

History of the Hindu Calendar

The Hindu calendar is an ancient calendar that first surfaced in Vedic scriptures most likely between 2000 BCE and 1000 BCE. Initially lunar-centric, it was based on the moon's phases. However, to harmonize with solar events, adjustments were made, leading to regional variations in calendrical systems.

Intellectuals such as Aryabhata and Varahamihira made significant contributions by applying mathematical principles and astronomical observations. They refined the calendar, introducing concepts like tithis (lunar days) and masas (lunar months), aiding its accuracy and usability.

Among the multitude of regional calendars, the Vikram Samvat stands out. Linked to the legendary King Vikramaditya, it commences from his ascension to the throne, blending lunar months with solar corrections.

Today, the Hindu calendar remains integral to cultural and religious practices, guiding festivals, rituals, and auspicious occasions. It serves as a bridge between tradition, spirituality, and the cosmic rhythms, enriching lives with its cyclical insights.

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