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Festivals in March 2026: Check dates for Chaitra Navratri, Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya and other important vrat

March 2026 brings several important Hindu festivals including Chaitra Navratri, Holi, Ekadashi, Purnima and Amavasya. Check the complete March 2026 Hindu festival calendar with dates and significance.
March 05, 2026 / 10:03 IST
Festivals in March 2026: Check dates for Chaitra Navratri, Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya and other important vrat (image: canva)
Snapshot AI
  • Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19, 2026.
  • Mahavir Swami Jayanti is on March 31, 2026.

The month of March 2026 is filled with many important Hindu festivals and vrat observances according to the Hindu calendar. Several significant occasions such as Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya, and Ram Navami fall during this period, making it spiritually important for devotees.

These festivals are deeply rooted in Hindu traditions and sacred texts. Devotees observe fasts, perform puja rituals, visit temples and participate in community celebrations to seek blessings for prosperity, peace and happiness. The Hindu calendar for March 2026 also marks the beginning of Chaitra month, which is considered highly auspicious.

From the vibrant celebrations of Holi to the nine sacred days of Chaitra Navratri, the month offers many opportunities for prayer, devotion and spiritual reflection. Knowing the correct festival dates helps devotees plan rituals and vrat observances properly.

Complete list of hindu festivals in March 2026

Date (March 2026)Festival / Event
March 1, SundayRavi Pradosh Vrat
March 2, MondayPhalguna Chaumasi Chaudas (Jain Calendar)
March 3, TuesdayChhoti Holi
March 3, TuesdayHolika Dahan
March 3, TuesdayVasanta Purnima
March 3, TuesdayChaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti
March 3, TuesdayDol Purnima
March 3, TuesdayLakshmi Jayanti
March 3, TuesdayMasi Magam (Tamil Calendar)
March 3, TuesdayAttukal Pongal (Malayalam Calendar)
March 3, TuesdayChandra Grahan (Purna)
March 3, TuesdayPhalguna Ashtahnika Ends (Jain Calendar)
March 3, TuesdayPhalguna Purnima Vrat
March 3, TuesdayPhalguna Purnima
March 3, TuesdayAnvadhan
March 3, TuesdaySavarni Manvadi
March 4, WednesdayChaitra Begins (North India)
March 4, WednesdayHoli
March 4, WednesdayIshti
March 5, ThursdayBhai Dooj
March 5, ThursdayBhratri Dwitiya
March 6, FridayChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti
March 6, FridayBhalachandra Sankashti
March 8, SundayRanga Panchami
March 8, SundayInternational Women's Day
March 10, TuesdaySheetala Saptami
March 11, WednesdaySheetala Ashtami
March 11, WednesdayBasoda
March 11, WednesdayVarshitapa Arambha (Jain Calendar)
March 11, WednesdayKalashtami
March 11, WednesdayMasik Krishna Janmashtami
March 14, SaturdayKaradaiyan Nombu (Tamil Calendar)
March 15, SundayKrishna Narasimha Dwadashi
March 15, SundayMeena Sankranti
March 15, SundayPapamochani Ekadashi
March 16, MondaySoma Pradosh Vrat
March 17, TuesdayMasik Shivaratri
March 18, WednesdayDarsha Amavasya
March 18, WednesdayAnvadhan
March 19, ThursdayUgadi
March 19, ThursdayGudi Padwa
March 19, ThursdayChaitra Navratri Begins
March 19, ThursdayChaitra Amavasya
March 19, ThursdayIshti
March 20, FridayJhulelal Jayanti
March 20, FridayVernal Equinox
March 20, FridayChandra Darshana
March 21, SaturdayMatsya Jayanti
March 21, SaturdayGauri Puja
March 21, SaturdayGangaur
March 21, SaturdaySwayambhuva Manvadi
March 22, SundayVasudeva Chaturthi
March 23, MondayLakshmi Panchami
March 23, MondayMasik Karthigai
March 23, MondayShaheed Diwas
March 24, TuesdayYamuna Chhath
March 24, TuesdayRohini Vrat (Jain Calendar)
March 24, TuesdaySkanda Sashti
March 25, WednesdayChaitra Navapada Oli Begins (Jain Calendar)
March 26, ThursdayRama Navami (Smarta)
March 26, ThursdayTara Jayanti
March 26, ThursdayAshoka Ashtami Vrat
March 26, ThursdayMasik Durgashtami
March 27, FridayRama Navami (ISKCON)
March 27, FridaySwaminarayan Jayanti
March 29, SundayVamana Dwadashi
March 29, SundayKamada Ekadashi
March 30, MondaySoma Pradosh Vrat
March 31, TuesdayMahavir Swami Jayanti

Why March 2026 is spiritually important

March 2026 holds special significance because many major religious events fall in the same month. Holika Dahan and Holi mark the victory of good over evil, while Chaitra Navratri celebrates the divine power of Goddess Durga.

In addition, important fasting days such as Papamochani Ekadashi, Pradosh Vrat, Masik Shivaratri and Purnima Vrat are observed during this time. These occasions encourage spiritual discipline, prayer and charitable acts. The Hindu New Year in several regions of India also begins in this period with festivals like Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, making the month even more auspicious.

Top FAQs

1. What are the major Hindu festivals in March 2026?

Major festivals in March 2026 include Holika Dahan, Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami, Ekadashi vrat, Purnima, Amavasya, Pradosh Vrat and Masik Shivaratri.

2. When does Chaitra Navratri begin in 2026?

Chaitra Navratri will begin on March 19, 2026, marking the start of the Chaitra month and the Hindu New Year in many regions.

3. When is Holi in 2026?

Holi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, while Holika Dahan will be observed on March 3, 2026.

4. Which Ekadashi falls in March 2026?

Papamochani Ekadashi, one of the important Ekadashi fasts, will be observed on March 15, 2026.

5. Why is Chaitra month considered important?

Chaitra is considered the beginning of the Hindu lunar year in many traditions. Important festivals like Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami fall during this sacred month.

6. What rituals are commonly performed during these festivals?

Devotees usually perform puja, observe fasts, chant mantras, visit temples, donate to the needy and participate in traditional celebrations with family and community.

March 2026 is a spiritually vibrant month filled with important Hindu festivals, sacred vrat days and auspicious celebrations. From the joyful festival of Holi to the powerful devotion of Chaitra Navratri, each occasion carries deep religious significance.

Observing these festivals according to the Hindu calendar allows devotees to strengthen their faith, follow traditional rituals and seek divine blessings for health, prosperity and spiritual growth.

Neha Mewari
Neha Mewari is a dedicated sub-editor with over a year of experience in refining digital content for clarity, accuracy, and audience engagement. She excels in creating polished and impactful narratives that connect with readers while maintaining high editorial standards.

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