The month of January 2026 begins the year with sacred observances, spiritual renewal, and auspicious vrats across India. From Paush Purnima Snan and Makar Sankranti to Vaikunta Ekadashi, devotees engage in worship, charity, and fasting for prosperity and enlightenment.
📅 Major Hindu Festivals in January 2026
| Date | Day | Festival / Vrat | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | Safala Ekadashi | Fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu for success and removal of obstacles. |
| 3 January 2026 | Saturday | Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) | Observed for Lord Shiva’s blessings, usually after sunset. |
| 4 January 2026 | Sunday | Pausha Purnima Snan | Holy bath and charity mark the last full moon of Paush month. |
| 5 January 2026 | Monday | Chandra Darshan | First sighting of the moon after Amavasya brings prosperity. |
| 6 January 2026 | Tuesday | Sankashti Chaturthi | Devotees fast and worship Lord Ganesha to overcome difficulties. |
| 10 January 2026 | Saturday | Masik Shivratri | Monthly observance of Shiva Puja and meditation on the new moon. |
| 13 January 2026 | Tuesday | Bhogi Pongal | Marks the beginning of harvest festival across South India. |
| 14 January 2026 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan / Pongal | Sun enters Capricorn (Makar Rashi); celebrated with kites, sweets, and charity. |
| 15 January 2026 | Thursday | Kanuma Pongal | South Indian farmers honor cattle and agricultural prosperity. |
| 16 January 2026 | Friday | Kaanum Pongal / Mattu Pongal | Final day of Pongal dedicated to Sun God and family reunions. |
| 17 January 2026 | Saturday | Shattila Ekadashi | Fasting with sesame offerings believed to cleanse past karmas. |
| 18 January 2026 | Sunday | Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) | Evening puja for Lord Shiva; brings peace and happiness. |
| 19 January 2026 | Monday | Mauni Amavasya | Silent meditation and Ganga Snan on this Amavasya have great merit. |
| 20 January 2026 | Tuesday | Magh Month Begins | Commencement of the sacred Magh month marked by early morning dips and prayers. |
| 24 January 2026 | Saturday | Vinayaka Chaturthi (Vinayaka Ganesh Chaturthi) | Monthly Ganesh Puja for knowledge and good fortune. |
| 28 January 2026 | Wednesday | Ratha Saptami / Surya Jayanti | Worship of Surya Dev for vitality, health, and success. |
| 30 January 2026 | Friday | Bhoomi Puja / Vasant Panchami Begins | Early observances of Saraswati Puja and land blessings begin. |
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – January 2026 Hindu Festivals
Q1. What are the main Hindu festivals in January 2026?
Major festivals include Makar Sankranti, Pausha Purnima, Mauni Amavasya, Ratha Saptami, Safala Ekadashi, and Sankashti Chaturthi.
Q2. When is Makar Sankranti 2026?
Makar Sankranti 2026 will be observed on 14 January 2026, marking the Sun’s entry into Capricorn and the start of Uttarayan.
Q3. What is the significance of Mauni Amavasya?
Falling on 19 January 2026, Mauni Amavasya is a day for silence, meditation, and Ganga Snan to attain inner peace and cleanse sins.
Q4. When is Ratha Saptami 2026?
Ratha Saptami 2026 falls on 28 January 2026, celebrated as Surya Jayanti, honoring Lord Surya for light, energy, and prosperity.
Q5. What is Shattila Ekadashi and when is it in 2026?
Shattila Ekadashi, on 17 January 2026, emphasizes the use of sesame (til) in rituals and fasting for purification and merit.
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