Tamil Hindu Festivals Dates 2026

• When: October-November (Amavasya, the new moon of Kartika month)
• Significance: Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana.
• Celebrations: Lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes, bursting firecrackers, exchanging gifts, and worshiping Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.

Holi

• When: March (Full moon of Phalguna month)
• Significance: Celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, particularly the burning of the demoness Holika.
• Celebrations: Playing with colored powders, water fights, singing, dancing, and enjoying sweets like gujiya.

Navaratri and Dussehra

• When: September-October (Ashwin month)
• Significance: Navaratri honors Goddess Durga in her nine forms. Dussehra, the 10th day, marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana or Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura.
• Celebrations: Fasting, performing Garba or Dandiya Raas dances, worshiping idols, and burning effigies of Ravana.

Ganesh Chaturthi

• When: August-September (Bhadrapada month)
• Significance: Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom.
• Celebrations: Installing clay idols of Ganesha in homes or public places, offering prayers, and immersing the idols in water.

Krishna Janmashtami

• When: August (Shravana month)
• Significance: Marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the 8th avatar of Vishnu.
• Celebrations: Fasting, midnight prayers, reenactments of Krishna’s life, and Dahi Handi competitions.

Raksha Bandhan

• When: August (Shravana month, full moon day)
• Significance: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love and protection.
• Celebrations: Exchanging gifts, tying rakhis, and sharing sweets.

Makar Sankranti

• When: January 14th (solar calendar)
• Significance: Marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara), heralding longer days and the harvest season.
• Celebrations: Flying kites, feasting on sesame sweets (tilgul), and performing rituals.

Pongal (in Tamil Nadu)

• When: January (same period as Makar Sankranti)
• Significance: A harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God.
• Celebrations: Preparing Pongal (sweet rice dish), decorating homes with kolams, and worshiping farm animals.

Vasant Panchami

• When: January-February (Magha month)
• Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, knowledge, and arts.
• Celebrations: Wearing yellow clothes, offering prayers, and starting new educational or artistic ventures.

Mahashivratri

• When: February-March (Phalguna or Magha month)
• Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolizing meditation, prayer, and self-realization.
• Celebrations: Fasting, staying awake all night, offering prayers, and performing abhishekam with milk and honey.

Onam (in Kerala)

• When: August-September (Chingam month)
• Significance: Celebrates the return of the mythical King Mahabali and the harvest season.
• Celebrations: Pookalams (floral rangolis), boat races, traditional dances, and grand feasts.

Karwa Chauth

• When: October-November (Kartika month)
• Significance: A fasting ritual observed by married women for the long life and well-being of their husbands.
• Celebrations: Women fast from sunrise to moonrise, performing rituals and breaking the fast after sighting the moon.