Hindu Festivals in March 2026 Vikrama Samvata 2082–2083 | Complete Festival & Vrat Calendar
March 2026 Hindu Calendar Festivals List is highly significant as it marks Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Rama Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, and many regional, Jain, Tamil, and Malayalam observances.
This month also includes a Total Lunar Eclipse (Purna Chandra Grahan) and important solar transitions.
Panditji On Way, India’s First & Largest Online Pooja Booking Portal, brings you the most accurate, Panchang-based and verified Hindu festival calendar for March 2026.
Hindu Panchang Overview – March 2026
- Month (Amanta): Phalguna – Chaitra
- Month (Purnimanta): Phalguna
- Vikrama Samvata: 2082–2083
- Major Festivals: Holi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Navratri, Rama Navami
- Major Vrats: Ekadashi, Pradosh, Shivaratri, Sankashti
- Eclipse: Purna Chandra Grahan (March 3, 2026)
March 2026 is one of the most spiritually powerful months in the Hindu calendar. It includes Phalguna Purnima, Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Rama Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, multiple Ekadashi, Pradosh, Sankashti, and a Total Lunar Eclipse.
Complete March 2026 Hindu Festivals & Vrats – Date-Wise Table
Panditji On Way presents the most detailed, authentic, and optimized Hindu festival list for March 2026, curated using Vedic Panchang, regional calendars, and Jain traditions.
| Date | Day | Festival / Vrat | Tithi | Religious Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 1, 2026 | Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat | Phalguna Shukla Trayodashi | Dedicated to Lord Shiva for health, prosperity |
| March 2, 2026 | Monday | Phalguna Chaumasi Chaudas | Phalguna Shukla Chaturdashi | Jain fasting day for spiritual purification |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Chhoti Holi | Phalguna Shukla Purnima | Symbolizes burning of negativity |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Holika Dahan | Phalguna Shukla Purnima | Victory of good over evil |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Vasanta Purnima | Phalguna Shukla Purnima | Welcomes spring season |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti | Phalguna Shukla Purnima | Birth of Bhakti movement leader |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Dol Purnima | Phalguna Shukla Purnima | Celebrated as swing festival of Krishna |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Lakshmi Jayanti | Phalguna Shukla Purnima | Birth of Goddess Lakshmi |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Masi Magam | Tamil Calendar | Sacred river and sea baths |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Attukal Pongal | Malayalam Calendar | Women-centric divine celebration |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Purna Chandra Grahan | Purnima | Spiritual awakening & karma cleansing |
| March 4, 2026 | Wednesday | Holi (Rangwali) | Chaitra Krishna Pratipada | Festival of colors and unity |
| March 4, 2026 | Wednesday | Ishti | Krishna Pratipada | Ancestral and Vedic offerings |
| March 5, 2026 | Thursday | Bhai Dooj | Chaitra Krishna Dwitiya | Bond of brother and sister |
| March 5, 2026 | Thursday | Bhratri Dwitiya | Krishna Dwitiya | Protection and longevity prayer |
| March 6, 2026 | Friday | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | Krishna Tritiya | Birth of great Hindu warrior king |
| March 6, 2026 | Friday | Bhalachandra Sankashti | Krishna Chaturthi | Lord Ganesha vrat for obstacles removal |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | Ranga Panchami | Krishna Panchami | Concludes Holi celebrations |
| March 8, 2026 | Sunday | International Women’s Day | Fixed | Social and cultural observance |
| March 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Sheetala Saptami | Krishna Saptami | Worship of Sheetala Mata for health |
| March 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Sheetala Ashtami / Basoda | Krishna Ashtami | Protection from diseases |
| March 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Varshitapa Arambha | Jain Calendar | Year-long Jain penance begins |
| March 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Kalashtami | Krishna Ashtami | Worship of Lord Kalabhairava |
| March 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Masik Krishna Janmashtami | Krishna Ashtami | Monthly birth celebration of Krishna |
| March 14, 2026 | Saturday | Karadaiyan Nombu | Tamil Calendar | Marital longevity ritual |
| March 15, 2026 | Sunday | Meena Sankranti | Solar Transit | Sun enters Pisces |
| March 15, 2026 | Sunday | Papamochani Ekadashi | Krishna Ekadashi | Removes sins and negative karma |
| March 16, 2026 | Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Krishna Trayodashi | Shiva worship for peace |
| March 17, 2026 | Tuesday | Masik Shivaratri | Krishna Chaturdashi | Monthly Shiva night |
| March 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Darsha Amavasya | Amavasya | New moon rituals |
| March 19, 2026 | Thursday | Ugadi | Chaitra Shukla Pratipada | Hindu New Year (South India) |
| March 19, 2026 | Thursday | Gudi Padwa | Shukla Pratipada | Hindu New Year (Maharashtra) |
| March 19, 2026 | Thursday | Chaitra Navratri Begins | Shukla Pratipada | Nine days of Devi worship |
| March 20, 2026 | Friday | Vernal Equinox | Astronomical | Equal day and night |
| March 20, 2026 | Friday | Chandra Darshana | Shukla Pratipada | First moon sighting |
| March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Matsya Jayanti | Shukla Tritiya | Birth of Lord Vishnu’s Matsya avatar |
| March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Gauri Puja | Shukla Tritiya | Goddess Parvati worship |
| March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Gangaur | Shukla Tritiya | Marital bliss festival |
| March 22, 2026 | Sunday | Vasudeva Chaturthi | Shukla Chaturthi | Lord Krishna devotion |
| March 23, 2026 | Monday | Lakshmi Panchami | Shukla Panchami | Wealth and prosperity worship |
| March 23, 2026 | Monday | Masik Karthigai | Solar Calendar | Lord Murugan worship |
| March 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Yamuna Chhath | Shukla Shashthi | Worship of Yamuna river |
| March 24, 2026 | Tuesday | Skanda Sashti | Shukla Shashthi | Victory of Lord Murugan |
| March 25, 2026 | Wednesday | Chaitra Navapada Oli Begins | Jain Calendar | Sacred Jain fasting period |
| March 26, 2026 | Thursday | Rama Navami (Smarta) | Shukla Navami | Birth of Lord Rama |
| March 26, 2026 | Thursday | Tara Jayanti | Shukla Navami | Mahavidya Tara worship |
| March 26, 2026 | Thursday | Ashoka Ashtami Vrat | Shukla Ashtami | Removes sorrow |
| March 27, 2026 | Friday | Rama Navami (ISKCON) | Shukla Navami | Vaishnava observance |
| March 27, 2026 | Friday | Swaminarayan Jayanti | Shukla Navami | Birth of Swaminarayan Bhagwan |
| March 29, 2026 | Sunday | Kamada Ekadashi | Shukla Ekadashi | Fulfills desires |
| March 30, 2026 | Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat | Shukla Trayodashi | Shiva blessings |
| March 31, 2026 | Tuesday | Mahavir Swami Jayanti | Shukla Trayodashi | Birth of 24th Jain Tirthankara |
Detailed Elaboration of Major March 2026 Festivals – Important Highlights of March 2026
Hindu Panchang, Festivals, Vrats & Astrological Significance
March 2026 stands out as one of the most spiritually transformative months in the Hindu calendar. It marks the completion of Phalguna, the beginning of Chaitra, the Hindu New Year, and a powerful alignment of lunar, solar, and devotional energies. The month integrates Vedic, Jain, Tamil, Malayalam, and Vaishnava traditions, making it spiritually inclusive and astrologically influential.
Below is a detailed explanation of the key highlights that make March 2026 extremely important for rituals, pujas, and new beginnings.
1. Phalguna Purnima & Holi – Festival of Spiritual Cleansing
Phalguna Purnima (March 3, 2026) is one of the most sacred full moon days in the Hindu calendar. On this day, multiple major festivals coincide, amplifying its spiritual potency.
Key Observances on Phalguna Purnima:
- Holika Dahan
- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti
- Dol Purnima
- Lakshmi Jayanti
- Vasanta Purnima
- Masi Magam (Tamil tradition)
- Attukal Pongal (Malayalam tradition)
Spiritual Meaning:
Holika Dahan symbolizes the destruction of ego, fear, and negative karmas. According to scriptures, performing daan (charity), mantra jap, and Havan on this night brings long-term prosperity and mental peace.
This Purnima also welcomes Vasant Ritu (Spring), a season associated with renewal, fertility, and positivity.
2. Total Lunar Eclipse (Purna Chandra Grahan) – March 3, 2026
March 2026 features a Total Lunar Eclipse occurring on Phalguna Purnima, making this day astrologically and spiritually sensitive.
Religious Guidelines During Grahan:
- Avoid temple rituals and deity touch during Grahan period
- Engage in silent meditation and mantra chanting
- Perform purification baths and charity after Grahan ends
Spiritual Impact:
In Sanatan Dharma, Chandra Grahan is believed to accelerate karmic cleansing. Mantra chanting during Grahan is said to yield 1000 times more merit compared to normal days.
This Grahan particularly influences:
- Emotional stability
- Mental clarity
- Ancestral karma (Pitru dosha remedies)
3. Holi (Rangwali Holi) – Social & Cultural Unity
March 4, 2026 marks Rangwali Holi, the vibrant celebration following Holika Dahan.
Cultural Importance:
- Symbol of equality, forgiveness, and joy
- Breaks social barriers and unites communities
- Encourages letting go of grudges
Astrological Insight:
Holi is celebrated when the Moon transitions from Phalguna Purnima to Chaitra Krishna Pratipada, symbolizing emotional reset and new karmic cycles.
4. Meena Sankranti – Solar Transition & Karmic Shift
Meena Sankranti (March 15, 2026) marks the Sun’s transition from Aquarius (Kumbha) to Pisces (Meena).
Why Meena Sankranti Is Important:
- Final Sankranti of the solar year
- Ideal time for daan, Pitru tarpan, and spiritual closure
- Highly auspicious for ending old karmic debts
In astrology, Pisces represents moksha, compassion, and spiritual wisdom, making this Sankranti crucial for spiritual seekers.
5. Papamochani Ekadashi – Liberation from Past Sins
Observed on March 15, 2026, Papamochani Ekadashi is among the most powerful Ekadashis.
Scriptural Belief:
Lord Vishnu grants freedom from:
- Past-life sins
- Negative planetary influences
- Emotional and mental burdens
Recommended Practices:
- Ekadashi vrat
- Vishnu Sahasranama
- Tulsi puja
This Ekadashi prepares devotees for Chaitra Navratri and the Hindu New Year.
6. Masik Shivaratri & Pradosh Vrat – Shiva Tattva Activation
March 2026 includes:
- Soma Pradosh Vrat (March 16 & 30)
- Masik Shivaratri (March 17)
Spiritual Benefits:
- Removal of fear and obstacles
- Strengthening of willpower
- Harmonizing planetary energies
Shiva worship during Krishna Paksha is especially effective for inner transformation and spiritual discipline.
7. Ugadi & Gudi Padwa – Hindu New Year Begins
March 19, 2026 marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year as:
- Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka
- Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
Significance:
- New Samvatsara begins
- Panchang Shravan is performed
- Best time for new ventures, investments, and griha pravesh
This day initiates Chaitra Navratri, amplifying auspicious energy.
8. Chaitra Navratri – Nine Nights of Shakti Sadhana
Starting March 19, 2026, Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga’s nine forms.
Spiritual Importance:
- Awakening of Shakti energy
- Ideal for mantra sadhana, fasting, and havan
- Removes fear, illness, and negativity
Navratri in Chaitra is considered more subtle and spiritually intense than Sharad Navratri.
9. Vernal Equinox – Cosmic Balance Day
March 20, 2026 marks the Vernal Equinox, when day and night are equal.
Cosmic Meaning:
- Balance between light and darkness
- Ideal time for meditation and intention setting
- Supports mental clarity and harmony
In Vedic thought, this alignment signifies perfect equilibrium of Prakriti and Purusha.
10. Rama Navami – Birth of Dharma Itself
Rama Navami (March 26–27, 2026) celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the embodiment of righteousness.
Why Rama Navami Is Supreme:
- Culmination of Chaitra Navratri
- Symbol of ideal leadership and moral conduct
- Powerful day for family harmony and spiritual strength
Many devotees perform Ram Raksha Stotra, Akhand Ram Naam Jap, and Abhishek.
11. Mahavir Swami Jayanti – Message of Ahimsa & Truth
March 31, 2026 marks Mahavir Jayanti, the birth of the 24th Jain Tirthankara.
Core Teachings Highlighted:
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Satya (truth)
- Aparigraha (non-attachment)
This day promotes inner purification and ethical living, respected across all spiritual paths.
Why March 2026 Is Spiritually Exceptional
- Hindu New Year begins
- Major lunar eclipse occurs
- Transition from Phalguna to Chaitra
- Alignment of Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Rama, and Jain traditions
- Highly auspicious for spiritual reset and new beginnings
Pro Tip for Devotees
March 2026 is ideal for:
- Grahan Shanti Puja
- Navratri Havan
- Griha Pravesh
- New business or career start
- Mantra Diksha
For authentic Vedic rituals, Panditji On Way, India’s First & Largest Online Pooja Booking Portal, provides trusted services worldwide.
Book Pooja & Pandit Online – March 2026
Panditji On Way is India’s First & Largest Online Pooja Booking Portal, trusted worldwide.
Services Available:
- Online & Offline Pooja Booking
- Griha Pravesh Muhurat
- Navratri Pooja & Havan
- Holi & Grahan Shanti Puja
- Rama Navami Puja
- Jain & Vedic Rituals
Official Website (Panditji on way):
👉 https://www.panditjionway.com
Trusted External References
- Indian Culture & Festivals:
https://www.indiaculture.gov.in - Jain Calendar References:
https://www.jaincalendar.com
FAQs: March 2026 Hindu Festivals & Vrats
Q1. What are the most important Hindu festivals in March 2026?
The most important Hindu festivals in March 2026 are Holi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Navratri, Rama Navami, and Mahavir Swami Jayanti. The month also includes Papamochani Ekadashi, Masik Shivaratri, and a Total Lunar Eclipse on Phalguna Purnima.
Q2. When is Holi in March 2026 and why is it celebrated?
Holi is celebrated on March 4, 2026, with Holika Dahan on March 3, 2026. Holi signifies the victory of good over evil, spiritual purification, and social harmony. Holika Dahan represents the burning of negativity, ego, and fear.
Q3. Is there a lunar eclipse in March 2026?
Yes, a Total Lunar Eclipse (Purna Chandra Grahan) occurs on March 3, 2026, during Phalguna Purnima. It is considered spiritually powerful for mantra chanting, meditation, and charity, while regular pujas are avoided during the eclipse period.
Q4. Which day marks the Hindu New Year in March 2026?
The Hindu New Year in March 2026 falls on March 19, 2026, celebrated as:
- Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka
- Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
This day also marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri.
Q5. When does Chaitra Navratri start in 2026?
Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19, 2026, and continues for nine days. It is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is considered highly auspicious for fasting, havan, mantra sadhana, and new beginnings.
Q6. What is the significance of Papamochani Ekadashi in March 2026?
Papamochani Ekadashi, observed on March 15, 2026, is believed to remove sins, negative karma, and past-life obstacles. Observing this Ekadashi vrat with devotion to Lord Vishnu brings mental peace and spiritual progress.
Q7. When is Rama Navami in March 2026?
Rama Navami is observed on March 26 and March 27, 2026, depending on tradition:
- March 26 – Smarta tradition
- March 27 – ISKCON/Vaishnava tradition
It celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the embodiment of dharma and righteousness.
Q8. Why is March 2026 considered spiritually important?
March 2026 is spiritually important because it includes:
- A Total Lunar Eclipse
- Holi and Phalguna Purnima
- Hindu New Year
- Chaitra Navratri
- Rama Navami
- Mahavir Jayanti
It marks a major spiritual reset, ideal for new beginnings and religious rituals.
Q9. Which vrat and fasts are important in March 2026?
Important vrats in March 2026 include:
- Ravi & Soma Pradosh Vrat
- Papamochani Ekadashi
- Kamada Ekadashi
- Masik Shivaratri
- Bhalachandra Sankashti
- Masik Krishna Janmashtami
These vrats help in removing obstacles, improving health, and gaining divine blessings.
Q10. What is the importance of Meena Sankranti in March 2026?
Meena Sankranti, observed on March 15, 2026, marks the Sun’s entry into Pisces (Meena Rashi). It is considered ideal for daan, spiritual closure, and preparing for the new Hindu year.
Q11. When is Mahavir Swami Jayanti in 2026?
Mahavir Swami Jayanti is on March 31, 2026. It commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, emphasizing ahimsa, truth, self-discipline, and non-attachment.
Q12. Which is the best platform to book pooja and pandit for March 2026 festivals?
Panditji On Way is India’s First & Largest Online Pooja Booking Portal, offering authentic Vedic and Jain rituals for Holi, Grahan Shanti, Navratri, Rama Navami, Griha Pravesh, and more.
Official Website (Panditji on way):
https://www.panditjionway.com
Q13. Is March 2026 good for Griha Pravesh or starting new work?
Yes, post-March 19, 2026 (Ugadi/Gudi Padwa) is considered highly auspicious for:
- Griha Pravesh
- Business launch
- Career changes
- Vastu and Navratri pujas
Q14. How does March 2026 benefit spiritual seekers?
March 2026 supports spiritual growth through:
- Eclipse-based mantra siddhi
- Navratri Shakti sadhana
- Ekadashi and Shivaratri vrat
- Solar and lunar transitions
It is one of the best months for inner transformation.
Conclusion
March 2026 is a highly auspicious and spiritually transformative month in the Hindu calendar, bringing together some of the most important festivals, vrats, planetary transitions, and sacred observances of the year. From Phalguna Purnima and Holi to the Hindu New Year (Ugadi and Gudi Padwa), from Chaitra Navratri and Rama Navami to Mahavir Swami Jayanti, this month symbolizes closure, renewal, and powerful new beginnings.
The presence of a Total Lunar Eclipse (Purna Chandra Grahan), along with major observances like Papamochani Ekadashi, Masik Shivaratri, Pradosh Vrat, and Meena Sankranti, makes March 2026 especially significant for spiritual cleansing, karma correction, and divine alignment. It is an ideal time for pujas, havans, mantra sadhana, daan, griha pravesh, business initiation, and long-term life planning.
This complete March 2026 Hindu Festivals & Vrats calendar, prepared using authentic Panchang, Jain, Tamil, Malayalam, and Vaishnava traditions, is designed to offer accurate, practical, and spiritually meaningful guidance for devotees across India and worldwide. The structured tables, detailed explanations, and SEO-optimized FAQs ensure that readers can easily understand what to observe, when to observe, and why it matters.
For those seeking authentic Vedic guidance and hassle-free puja services, Panditji On Way, India’s First & Largest Online Pooja Booking Portal, provides trusted pandit booking, muhurat consultation, and customized rituals for all major festivals of March 2026.
By following this guide, devotees can plan their spiritual journey with clarity, confidence, and devotion, making March 2026 a truly auspicious chapter of growth, harmony, and divine blessings.
