March 2026 Festival Calendar: Complete Guide To Holi, Rang Panchami, Navratri, And More
March 2026 promises to be a vibrant and spiritually uplifting month across India. As winter fades and spring blossoms, the country gears up for a series of colourful festivals, sacred observances, and cultural celebrations that bring communities together.
From the riot of colours during Holi to the devotion of Chaitra Navratri, from regional New Year celebrations like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi to the joyous gathering of Eid al-Fitr, March 2026 offers a powerful blend of tradition, faith, and festivity.
Below is your complete and detailed guide to the major festivals of March 2026.
March 2026 Festival Calendar Dates
Here are the major festivals of March 2026:
| Festival | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Holi | March 4, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Rang Panchami | March 8, 2026 | Sunday |
| Chaitra Navratri Begins | March 19, 2026 | Thursday |
| Gudi Padwa & Ugadi | March 19, 2026 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Fitr* | March 20, 2026 | Friday |
| Gangaur | March 21, 2026 | Saturday |
| Rama Navami | March 26 or 27, 2026 | Thursday or Friday |
*Eid date subject to moon sighting.
1. Holi – March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
Holi, the Festival of Colours, is one of India’s most eagerly awaited celebrations. Marking the arrival of spring, Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the renewal of relationships.
The celebrations begin with Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi, where families gather around a ceremonial bonfire. The ritual represents the burning away of negativity and evil forces.
The next day, streets burst into life as people smear each other with gulal (coloured powders), splash coloured water, dance to festive music, and enjoy traditional sweets like gujiya and malpua. Holi transcends age, caste, and social divisions, bringing people together in laughter and joy.
Read This: Holi 2026: 5 Best Cities In Uttar Pradesh You Must Visit For A Colourful Experience
2. Rang Panchami – March 8, 2026 (Sunday)
Rang Panchami extends the spirit of Holi five days later. While Holi is widely celebrated across India, Rang Panchami holds special importance in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
In Indore, for example, the celebration takes a unique form. Coloured water is sprayed across main streets by municipal authorities, turning the city into a vibrant canvas. The festival serves as a symbolic farewell to the exuberant Holi season before daily routines resume.
3. Chaitra Navratri – March 19–27, 2026
Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19, 2026, marking the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra.
This nine-day festival is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Devotees observe fasts, perform daily pujas, chant hymns, and seek blessings for prosperity and protection.
Chaitra Navratri culminates with Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
4. Gudi Padwa & Ugadi – March 19, 2026 (Thursday)
March 19 also marks the Hindu New Year for several communities.
Gudi Padwa is celebrated mainly in Maharashtra. Homes are adorned with a “Gudi” — a decorated flag hoisted outside houses symbolizing victory and prosperity.
At the same time, Ugadi marks the New Year in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Traditional dishes like Ugadi Pachadi, representing different flavors of life, are prepared.
Both festivals signify renewal, optimism, and the beginning of a fresh year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar.
5. Eid al-Fitr – Expected March 20, 2026 (Friday)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Expected to be observed on March 20, 2026 (subject to moon sighting), Eid begins at sunset the previous evening.
The day starts with special congregational prayers at mosques, followed by festive meals, charity (Zakat al-Fitr), and family gatherings. It is a time of gratitude, generosity, and community bonding.
6. Gangaur – March 21, 2026 (Saturday)
Gangaur is primarily celebrated in Rajasthan.
Dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati), the festival is observed by married and unmarried women who pray for marital happiness and prosperity. It features colourful processions, beautifully decorated idols, folk songs, and traditional attire.
Gangaur highlights Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage and devotional traditions.
7. Rama Navami – March 26 or 27, 2026
Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, one of the most revered avatars of Vishnu.
Devotees observe fasts, chant hymns, organize Ramayana recitations, and visit temples. The exact observance date may vary (March 26 or 27) depending on regional lunar calendar calculations.
The festival symbolizes righteousness, virtue, and the triumph of dharma.
Why March 2026 Is Special
March 2026 stands out because:
- Major Hindu spring festivals coincide closely.
- Regional New Year celebrations align with Navratri.
- Islamic observances intersect within the same week.
- Cultural diversity is visibly celebrated across communities.
It is a month that beautifully showcases India’s pluralism and spiritual vibrancy.
