Odisha Hindu Festivals 2026
| Sl. No. | Date | Day | Festival Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 January 2026 | Wednesday | Makara Sankranti |
| 2 | 23 January 2026 | Friday | Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja |
| 3 | 15 February 2026 | Sunday | Maha Shivaratri |
| 4 | 03 March 2026 | Tuesday | Holika Dahan / Chhoti Holi |
| 5 | 04 March 2026 | Wednesday | Dola Purnima / Holi |
| 6 | 27 March 2026 | Friday | Rama Navami |
| 7 | 02 April 2026 | Thursday | Hanuman Jayanti |
| 8 | 14 April 2026 | Tuesday | Maha Vishuba Sankranti / Pana Sankranti |
| 9 | 19 April 2026 | Sunday | Akshaya Tritiya |
| 10 | 01 May 2026 | Friday | Buddha Purnima |
| 11 | 16 May 2026 | Saturday | Vat Savitri Vrat / Sabitri Brata |
| 12 | 14 June 2026 | Sunday | Pahili Raja |
| 13 | 15 June 2026 | Monday | Raja Sankranti |
| 14 | 16 July 2026 | Thursday | Jagannath Ratha Yatra |
| 15 | 29 July 2026 | Wednesday | Guru Purnima |
| 16 | 28 August 2026 | Friday | Jhulan Purnima |
| 17 | 28 August 2026 | Friday | Raksha Bandhan |
| 18 | 04 September 2026 | Friday | Janmashtami |
| 19 | 14 September 2026 | Monday | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| 20 | 16 September 2026 | Wednesday | Nuakhai |
| 21 | 17 October 2026 | Saturday | Maha Saptami |
| 22 | 18 October 2026 | Sunday | Maha Ashtami / Durga Ashtami |
| 23 | 19 October 2026 | Monday | Maha Navami |
| 24 | 20 October 2026 | Tuesday | Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra |
| 25 | 25 October 2026 | Sunday | Sharad Purnima / Kojagara Puja |
| 26 | 26 October 2026 | Monday | Kumar Purnima |
| 27 | 08 November 2026 | Sunday | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja |
| 28 | 24 November 2026 | Tuesday | Kartika Purnima / Rahas Purnima |
About Odisha Hindu Festivals
Odisha, known for its rich cultural heritage, celebrates a plethora of Hindu festivals throughout the year. These festivals are deeply rooted in mythology, agriculture, and seasonal changes, reflecting the state's devotion to various deities and traditions.
Why are Hindu Festivals Celebrated in Odisha?
- Religious Devotion: Festivals like Ratha Yatra and Durga Puja honor deities such as Lord Jagannath and Goddess Durga, fostering spiritual growth and community bonding.
- Agricultural Significance: Events like Nuakhai and Raja Sankranti mark harvest seasons and the onset of monsoon, giving thanks for bountiful crops.
- Seasonal Transitions: Sankrantis signify the sun's movement through zodiac signs, symbolizing renewal and prosperity.
- Cultural Unity: These celebrations promote social harmony, with participation from all sections of society.
How are Hindu Festivals Celebrated in Odisha?
- Grand Processions: The Ratha Yatra in Puri involves pulling massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, attracting millions.
- Rituals and Fasting: Days like Maha Shivaratri involve night-long vigils, prayers, and fasting.
- Feasts and Sweets: Festivals feature special delicacies, such as pitha during Sankranti or sweets during Diwali.
- Dances and Music: Traditional performances like Odissi dance and folk songs enliven celebrations.
- Community Gatherings: Fairs, kite flying during Makar Sankranti, and boat festivals during Kartika Purnima are common.
- Regional Variations: Western Odisha emphasizes Nuakhai with family reunions, while coastal areas focus on Jagannath worship.