New Delhi, India | January 1, 2026
The Hindu calendar for 2026 is set to bring major changes to festival dates, with astrologers confirming that the year will include Adhik Maas (an extra lunar month). Due to this rare alignment, 2026 will effectively have 13 months, leading to noticeable shifts in major Hindu festivals.
According to the Hindu Panchang, two Jyeshtha months will occur in 2026, a phenomenon happening after eight years. The last Adhik Maas resulted in two Shravan months, making this year astrologically distinct.
Why Festival Dates Will Change in 2026
Astrologer Pandit Ajay Kaushik explained that Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas, is added to the lunar calendar approximately once every three years to align it with the solar year. While the solar year has 365 days, the lunar year is 11 days shorter, and the extra month balances this gap.
Due to this adjustment:
Festivals in the first half of 2026 will occur about 10 days earlier than last year
Festivals in the second half will fall 16 to 19 days later
Holi and Diwali Dates Confirmed
Holi 2026: March 4 (10 days earlier than 2025)
Diwali 2026: November 8 (17 days later than last year)
Adhik Maas will remain in effect from May 17 to June 15, covering the Jyeshtha month.
No Change in Makar Sankranti
Despite the calendar shift, Makar Sankranti will remain unchanged on January 14, as it is based on the solar calendar.
Key Festival Dates in 2026
March 2: Holika Dahan
March 19: Chaitra Navratri
March 27: Ram Navami
April 20: Akshaya Tritiya
August 28: Raksha Bandhan
October 20: Dussehra
November 6: Dhanteras
November 8: Diwali
November 10: Bhai Dooj
Marriage Muhurats to Begin in February
Pandit Kaushik stated that auspicious ceremonies and weddings will resume from February 4, 2026. However, no auspicious events are performed during Adhik Maas, which is considered suitable only for prayers, fasting, charity, and spiritual rituals.
Astrological Outlook for 2026
According to traditional calculations:
Jupiter (Guru) will be the ruling planet of the year
Mars (Mangal) will serve as minister
The year will be known as Roudra Samvatsar
While some instability is expected, Jupiter’s influence is believed to bring balance. The year is considered especially favorable for Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, and Sagittarius zodiac signs.
