FESTIVALS

Raksha Bandhan in 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, August 28. Purnima Tithi begins on August 27, but Bhadra Kaal makes it inauspicious. The safest time for tying the Rakhi is the morning of August 28. This ensures the ritual is performed after Bhadra ends and while Purnima Tithi is present. The auspicious Rakhi Muhurat in New Delhi is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM.

Onam celebrations in 2026 present an exciting opportunity for families to thoughtfully prepare for the festival honoring King Mahabali's return to his beloved Kerala. Diaspora communities cleverly blend traditions, such as crafting pookalam and enjoying sadya, while adjusting them to fit their local settings. Families can create meaningful rituals at home, embracing a spirit of hospitality and preserving the essence of welcoming Maveli without necessarily visiting a temple.

On August 19, 2026, Tulsidas Jayanti will mark the 529th birth anniversary of Goswami Tulsidas, the esteemed author of Ramcharitmanas. This revered occasion invites devotees to engage in sacred recitations and prayers dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman. Acts of charity, such as feeding Brahmins and the needy, play a significant role in the festivities, fostering moral values and enhancing devotion to Hindu philosophies.

Nag Panchami, which falls on August 17, 2026, is a cherished Hindu festival focusing on the veneration of snakes. On this day, devotees display their deep reverence by offering milk and various gifts to these sacred creatures. This celebration is particularly prevalent in North India and carries significant religious importance. The festival highlights the vital role that Nagas hold in Hindu mythology and their connection to the well-being of devotees.

Hariyali Teej signifies the arrival of the monsoon while honoring the sacred bond of marriage and devotion to Shiva and Parvati. Married women partake in solemn fasts wishing for prosperous family life, while unmarried girls invoke blessings for desirable husbands, emulating Parvati's dedication. With diverse traditions across North India, each region influences the festive atmosphere, culinary delights, and family rituals.

In 2026, Hariyali Teej coincides with Indian Independence Day on August 15. This vibrant monsoon celebration honors the lushness of nature and the devotion to Lord Shiva and Parvati. Women pray for marital happiness and strength, marking the day with traditional rituals, heartfelt songs, and family gift exchanges. The unusual pairing of this festival with a national holiday promises widespread attention in North India.

Celebrated on August 15, 2026, Hariyali Teej is a cherished Hindu festival focused on married women who engage in festive rituals with joy and devotion. Dressed in traditional attire, they participate in puja ceremonies honoring various deities. As they fast, they pray for health and harmony in their marriages, while unmarried women also express hopes for a perfect partner, making the festival a blend of blessings and celebration.

Andal Jayanti 2026 will be celebrated on August 14, honoring Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Lakshmi. This auspicious festival is observed during the Tamil month of Aadi under the Pooram Nakshatra. Devotees will offer prayers and worship Goddess Andal, who is believed to bless her followers. The festival commemorates the story of Saint Periyalwar finding the divine child.

August begins with monsoon and the sacred Shravana month, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This special month features numerous Hindu festivals and observances celebrated with great enthusiasm. Key celebrations include Kamika Ekadashi, Naga Panchami, and Raksha Bandhan throughout the month. Devotees will observe fasts and offer prayers to Lord Shiva during this auspicious period. People can plan their festival celebrations in advance with the provided list of dates.

Guru Purnima, a significant Hindu festival, will be celebrated on July 29, 2026. This auspicious day is dedicated to honoring all Gurus and mentors. The birth anniversary of Maharishi Veda Vyas Ji is also commemorated on this occasion. Rituals include seeking blessings from elders and spiritual guides. Devotees offer prayers and gifts to Brahmins and recite sacred mantras.

Sawan 2026 begins on Thursday, July 30th and concludes on Friday, August 28th. Devotees will observe four auspicious Sawan Somwar Vrats throughout the month. Sawan Shivratri falls on Tuesday, August 11th, a significant day for worship. Two Pradosh Vrats and two Ekadashi observances are scheduled during this period. The holy month culminates with Shravana Purnima on August 28th, also Raksha Bandhan.

Ashadha Chaudas Chaumasi falls on July 28, 2026, marking a day for spiritual preparation. Devotees observe prayers, self-restraint, and inner discipline before Chaturmas begins. This occasion encourages cleansing negative habits and correcting past mistakes for spiritual growth. Simple pujas involve offering water, flowers, and sattvik food to deities. Charity and good deeds are encouraged to lessen inner burdens and increase good karma.

Kokila Vrat 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Devotees worship Goddess Parvati for family peace and love life blessings. The vrat emphasizes purity of speech, food, thoughts, and behavior for enhanced devotion. Followers may consume fruits, milk, and light sattvik food while avoiding certain items. This observance promotes emotional stability and stronger family relationships through prayer.

Guru Purnima will be celebrated on July 29, 2026, honoring all spiritual guides. This significant Hindu festival commemorates Maharishi Veda Vyas Ji's birth anniversary. Devotees will worship their Gurus, mentors, and even parents for their guidance. Rituals include seeking blessings and offering gifts to Brahmins and Gurus. Chanting Guru mantras is considered highly meritorious on this auspicious day.

Guru Purnima 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 29th, honoring all who impart knowledge. The Purnima Tithi begins on July 28th and concludes on July 29th, 2026. Observances include early bathing, cleansing prayer spaces, and offering various items to gurus. Chanting specific mantras like "Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu" is recommended for invoking blessings. Donating yellow items and study materials to the needy is encouraged on this day.

Jayaparvati Vrat will be observed on Monday, July 27, 2026, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women undertake this religious fast for marital harmony and their husband's long life. The puja involves specific rituals and offerings to deities for blessings and peace. Devotees should avoid anger, harsh words, and negative behaviors during this sacred observance. This vrat emphasizes devotion, self-control, and rectifying household misunderstandings for a harmonious life.

Sawan Somwar Vrat 2026 begins on July 30, with four Mondays for observing the fast. Devotees observe this fast for emotional strength and family harmony. The fast involves waking early, bathing, and taking a sankalp before puja. Offerings like water and milk are made to the Shivling while chanting mantras. Vrat food rules and controlled speech are essential parts of the observance.

The first Sawan Somwar in 2026 falls on August 3, marking a sacred time for devotees. Lord Shiva worship involves offering clean water for peace and milk for health. Bilva leaves and white flowers are significant offerings for divine protection and purity. Honey and Panchamrit are also offered to bring sweetness and prosperity. Devotees should avoid offering Tulsi leaves and stale items to Lord Shiva.

Sawan 2026 offers devotees specific astrological remedies for financial and personal well-being. Each zodiac sign can offer unique items to Lord Shiva for desired outcomes. These traditional practices aim for financial security and debt freedom. Devotees can also seek job security and a sense of inner calm. Simple worship with faith brings real wealth and peace.

Sawan 2026 begins on July 30 and concludes on August 28, featuring four Mondays. This holy month includes significant observances like Sawan Somwar Vrat and Nag Panchami. Astrology indicates special blessings for Taurus, Cancer, and Capricorn during this period. These blessings may bring financial relief, career progress, and peace. Devotees can offer prayers and specific items for Lord Shiva's favor.

Millions of people travel to this sacred city to take part in the Rath Yatra and celebrate the event with great joy and happiness. Today, June 16, 2026, marks the start of the Jagannatha Puri Rath Yatra in Puri, the holy city of Odisha.

The Jagannatha Rath Yatra festival will occur on July 16, 2026, in Odisha. This significant Hindu celebration honors Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Massive chariots are constructed annually for the deities' procession to Gundicha Temple. The gods will stay for nine days before their return journey to the main temple. Devotees participate in rituals and pull the chariots, believing it brings good fortune.

Ashadha Gupt Navratri begins on July 15, 2026, marking an auspicious period. Devotees will worship Goddess Durga and the nine Mahavidhya forms with purity. The festival involves specific puja rituals and chanting of powerful mantras for blessings. Ghatasthapana Muhurat is scheduled for July 15, 2026, from 05:33 AM to 10:09 AM. This period is considered highly potent for mantra and tantra sadhana.

July promises a delightful blend of monsoon showers and vibrant festivities. Devotees will observe Dev Shayani Ekadashi, marking Lord Shri Hari's slumber, followed by Guru Purnima, a day to honor spiritual guides. The month also features Krishna Pingak Sankashti Chaturthi, Kalashtami, and the auspicious Jagannatha Rath Yatra, offering numerous opportunities for spiritual engagement and celebration.

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for July 5, 2026. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Our astrologer has analyzed the movements of the planets and the alignment of the stars to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date horoscope predictions for the day ahead. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.

Ashadha Gupt Navratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, commences on July 15, 2026. Devotees will observe fasts and perform pujas for nine days, worshipping nine distinct forms of the Goddess. This period is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices and seeking divine blessings. The article details the dates, timings, and daily schedule of the festival, along with essential puja rituals and mantras.

Jagannatha Puri's renowned Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, is set for July 16, 2026. This significant Hindu celebration honors Lord Jagannatha, an avatar of Vishnu. Devotees worldwide flock to Puri, Odisha, to witness the grand procession where deities' idols are pulled on massive chariots. The festival involves elaborate rituals including chariot construction, the Pahandi procession, and the deities' nine-day stay at Gundicha Temple before their return journey.

Today, June 29, 2026, marks the grand celebration of Snana Purnima in Puri, Odisha. This auspicious festival features a ceremonial bathing of the holy trinity – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra – at the Jagannath Temple. This ritual signifies the commencement of the much-anticipated Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Married Hindu women across the nation are observing Vat Purnima on June 29, 2026, a significant festival dedicated to the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The day involves a strict fast and prayers offered to the sacred banyan tree, symbolizing immortality and divine presence.

Muharram, the sacred first month of the Islamic calendar, marks the beginning of the new year. This year, celebrations commenced on June 16th in some Gulf nations, with India and South Asia observing it on June 17th. The month holds deep religious significance, particularly the first ten days which are dedicated to mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.