March 2026 Festival Calendar: Complete List of Holi, Eid, Navratri and Gudi Padwa with Dates

March 2026 Festival Dates: March is a lively month in India, filled with cultural and religious festivities. The month of March marks a vibrant transition into spring in many cultures, bringing colorful celebrations, spiritual observances, and community gatherings. From joyous gatherings to traditional celebrations, the month brings a perfect blend of colour, devotion, and new beginnings. In this article, we will tell you about some of the main festivals to look forward to in March 2026:

March 2026 Festival Calendar Dates 

Here are the major festivals of March 2026, bringing vibrant colours, cultural traditions, and joyful celebrations:

1. Holi - March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)

Holi is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in India. Known as the festival of colours, people celebrate the arrival of spring by smearing vibrant colours on each other, dancing, singing and sharing sweets. “On the eve of Holi, a symbolic bonfire known as Holika Dahan is ceremoniously lit. Witness families gather around the crackling flames, sharing stories and offering prayers for a prosperous new year”, highlights, Incredible India's official portal. It’s a day full of laughter, joy and togetherness, bringing families and communities together in celebrations across the country.

2. Rang Panchami - March 8, 2026 (Sunday)

Rang Panchami keeps the spirit of festival colours play going. On this day, people once again throw coloured powders and water in a festive mood. In many regions, Rang Panchami celebrations are as lively as Holi itself. Government of Madhya Pradesh (District Indore) states, “Indore has its own style of celebrating Rang Panchami. Here, it is celebrated like Dulendi, but colors are mixed with water and then poured on others. On the event of the festival, the local municipal corporation sprinkles color mixed water on the main streets of old Indore.” It’s a way to extend the fun and connect with friends and family before life returns to the usual routine.

3. Chaitra Navratri - March 19, 2026 (Thursday)

Chaitra Navratri is a nine‑day festival dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It is a time for devotion, fasting and prayer and leads up to Rama Navami. Chaitra Navratri begins from March 19, 2026 and ends on March 27, 2026.

4. Gudi Padwa And Ugadi - March 19, 2026 (Thursday)

For many Marathi and South Indian communities, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi mark the Hindu New Year. The Ministry of Tourism states, “Gudi padwa is a spring-time festival that marks the traditional new year for Marathi Hindus. It is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month (March-April) to mark the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.” Ugadi marks the beginning of the Telugu New Year and falls in the month of Chaitra, making it one of the most important festivals this March 2026.

People often visit temples, exchange gifts and wish each other prosperity. It is also the start of Chaitra Navratri, a nine‑day festival honouring the divine feminine.

5. Eid al-Fitr - March 20, 2026 (Friday)

Eid al-Fitr in 2026 is expected to be celebrated on March 20, 2026 in India and much of South Asia, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The festival begins at sunset the night before (March 19, 2026) once the new moon is sighted. This date can vary slightly depending on local moon sightings and announcements by religious authorities. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the completion of fasting and is a time of prayer, feasting and community gatherings.

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6. Gangaur - March 21, 2026 (Saturday)

Gangaur is celebrated mainly in Rajasthan and some North Indian regions. It honours Gauri, a form of Goddess Parvati, and is observed by women and girls who pray for the well‑being and long life of their husbands or future spouses. The festival includes colourful processions, traditional songs and special sweets. It’s a festive blend of devotion and cultural traditions, bringing communities together in celebration.

ALSO READ- Barsana Lathmar Holi 2026: Date, History, And Divine Significance Of This Unique Festival

7. Rama Navami - March 26 or 27, 2026 (Thursday or Friday)

Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, a beloved and revered avatar of Vishnu. Many devotees fast, visit temples, sing bhajans (devotional songs) and listen to recitations from the Ramayana. The festival is observed with great devotion and joy, especially in North India. Different traditions may celebrate it on March 26 or 27, 2026, depending on local customs.

So make sure you don’t miss these festivals in March 2026.

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