Important Days in January 2026: Complete List of National and International Dates

Important Days and Dates in January 2026:January 2026 is the first month of the year and brings with it a fresh start, new hopes and many important days to observe. These dates include national holidays, cultural festivals and global awareness events.

From global observances like New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr Day to national events such as Republic Day and National Youth Day, the month offers a mix of cultural and social importance. Knowing these dates can help you stay informed, celebrate traditions, and participate in meaningful activities throughout January 2026.

List of Important Days and Dates in January 2026

Here a look at all the important days in January 2026 including National International dates:

January 1, 2026 - New Year

New Year’s Day, marks the beginning of a new calendar year. New Year marks the beginning of a new calendar year according to the Gregorian calendar, which is followed worldwide. It is celebrated globally as New Year’s Day, symbolising fresh beginnings, renewal, and hope.

January 1, 2026 - Global Family Day

Global Family Day, reminding us to value family bonds and peace. Global Family Day is observed every year on January 1, coinciding with New Year’s Day. It is a day dedicated to promoting family unity, peace, and togetherness around the world.

January 2, 2026 - World Introvert Day

World Introvert Day celebrates people who find peace in quiet reflection.

January 3, 2026 - International Mind-Body Wellness Day

International Mind‑Body Wellness Day encourages healthy living for both mind and body.

January 3, 2026 - Savitribai Phule Jayanti

Savitribai Phule Jayanti, observed to honour Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher, who played a key role in promoting women’s education and social reform.

January 4, 2026 - World Braille Day

World Braille Day honours Louis Braille and highlights accessibility for visually impaired people.

January 5, 2026 - National Bird Day

National Bird Day raises awareness about bird conservation and their role in ecosystems.

January 6, 2026 - World Day of War

World Day of War Orphans shows support for children affected by conflict.

January 6, 2026 - Guru Gobind Jayanti

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is an important Sikh festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. It is observed with devotion, prayers, and community celebrations.

January 9, 2026 - NRI Day

NRI Day is observed annually to honour Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and recognize their contributions to India’s economy, culture, and global influence. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of Indians living abroad while strengthening their connection with India.

January 10, 2026 - World Hindi Day

World Hindi Day honours the Hindi language and its global reach.

January 11, 2026 - National Human Trafficking Day

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day highlights the fight against human trafficking.

January 12, 2026 - National Youth Day

National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12 in India to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of the country’s greatest spiritual leaders and thinkers. The day aims to motivate the youth to follow his ideals of discipline, courage, and self-confidence. Various events, seminars, and youth programs are organised across the country to promote national unity and positive thinking among young minds.

January 13, 2026 - Lohri

Lohri is a popular winter festival celebrated mainly in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of North India to mark the end of the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days. The festival is associated with harvest celebrations, especially for farmers, and symbolises prosperity and new beginnings. People celebrate by lighting bonfires, singing folk songs, performing bhangra and gidda, and offering traditional foods like rewri, peanuts, and popcorn.

January 14, 2026 - Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India to mark the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). It usually falls on January 14 every year and is considered a harbinger of longer days and the end of winter. The festival is closely associated with harvest, prosperity, and gratitude to the Sun God.

January 14, 2026 - Pongal

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and by Tamil communities worldwide. It usually falls in mid-January, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, and is dedicated to thanking the Sun God (Surya) for a bountiful harvest.

January 15, 2026 - Indian Army Day

Indian Army Day, honouring the dedication of the army.Indian Army Day is observed every year on 15 January to honour the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of the soldiers of the Indian Army. The day marks a historic moment in 1949, when General K. M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing the last British commander.

January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Jr Day

Martin Luther King Jr Day, observed in the US to remember the civil rights leader. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed every year on the third Monday of January in the United States to honour the life, legacy, and contributions of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement. The day commemorates his unwavering fight against racial discrimination, injustice, and inequality through nonviolent resistance.

January 20, 2026 - Penguin Awareness Day

Penguin Awareness Day, a fun and educational day about these unique birds.

January 23, 2026 - Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti (Parakram Diwas) honouring a great freedom fighter.

January 24, 2026 - National Girl Child Day

National Girl Child Day is celebrated in India every year to promote awareness about the rights of the girl child and highlight the importance of education, health, and equality for girls. The day also emphasizes the elimination of gender-based discrimination and encourages society to empower young girls for a better future.

January 24, 2026 - International Day Of Education

International Day of Education highlights the global importance of learning.

January 25, 2026 - National Voter's Day

National Voters’ Day encourages democratic participation.

January 25, 2026 - National Tourism Day

National Tourism Day, highlights the importance of tourism in boosting the economy, preserving culture, and promoting travel within the country.

January 26, 2026 - Republic Day

Republic Day marks India’s Constitution coming into effect in 1950 with grand parades and pride.

January 30, 2026 - Martyrs' Day

Martyrs’ Day / Shaheed Diwas remembers Mahatma Gandhi and others who sacrificed for the nation.

January 31, 2026 - Zebra Day

International Zebra Day promotes wildlife awareness and conservation.

Why Are Important Days in January 2026 Significant?

The important days of January 2026 highlight themes such as youth empowerment, education, patriotism, language promotion, women’s rights, and global peace. Many of these days are observed by the United Nations, Government of India, and international organisations, making them crucial for awareness and policy discussions.

How Many National Holidays Are There in January 2026 in India?

 In January 2026, India observes two major national holidays—Republic Day (January 26) and Indian Army Day (January 15). Additionally, cultural festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal are widely celebrated across different regions of the country.

Are United Nations–Recognised Days Included in January 2026?

 Yes, January 2026 includes several UN-recognised observances, such as World Braille Day, International Day of Education, and World Day of War Orphans, highlighting global social and humanitarian issues.

Keeping track of these dates can help us connect with traditions, support social issues and enjoy shared moments throughout the year’s first month.

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