March 2026 competition calendar: the second half of March 2026 is shaping as much as be a time of intense non secular significance and cultural celebration throughout India. As the winter chill fades, the nation is getting ready for a uncommon cluster of major festivals, with the Hindu new yr and the Islamic celebration of Eid ul-Fitr falling inside simply days of one another. Also learn | Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Navratri: What you should know
From the colourful Gudi flags in Maharashtra to the pachadi (versatile South Indian dish) within the south and the nationwide conclusion of Ramadan, right here is your information to the important thing dates and significance of the festivals coming this week (and past), as per Drikpanchang.com:
March 19: a triple celebration
The center of the month marks a significant astrological and cultural milestone. On Thursday, March 19, 2026, a number of areas will mark the beginning of the lunar new yr based on the Hindu calendar.
⦿ Gudi Padwa: Primarily celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa, this competition marks the Marathi New Year. Households will hoist the standard Gudi (a adorned pole with a silk fabric and copper pot) to suggest victory and thrust back evil.
⦿ Ugadi (Yugadi): Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, Ugadi marks the start of the Telugu and Kannada New Year. It is famously characterised by the Ugadi Pachadi, a dish combining six tastes — bitter, candy, bitter, salty, tangy, and spicy — to symbolise the assorted feelings of the approaching yr.
⦿ Chaitra Navratri (day 1): The nine-night competition devoted to Goddess Durga additionally commences on this present day. The ghatsthapana (set up of the sacred pot) is scheduled for the morning of March 19, marking the beginning of a interval of fasting and prayer.
The 9 days of Chaitra Navratri
Following the beginning on March 19, the competition will proceed till Friday, March 27, 2026. The competition culminates on Rama Navami on March 27, a gazetted vacation throughout most of India. During the 9 days of Chaitra Navratri in 2026, devotees honour a distinct manifestation of Goddess Durga every day, typically reflecting the precise vitality by way of a conventional color.
The journey begins on March 19 with Maa Shailputri (yellow), adopted by Maa Brahmacharini (inexperienced) on the twentieth and Maa Chandraghanta (gray) on the twenty first. As the non secular vitality builds, the twenty second is devoted to Maa Kushmanda (orange), the twenty third to Maa Skandamata (white), and the twenty fourth to the fierce Maa Katyayani (purple).
The ultimate stretch of the competition options Maa Kalaratri (royal blue) on March 25, main into the excessive celebrations of Maa Mahagauri pink) for Ashtami on the twenty sixth, and at last concluding on March 27 with Maa Siddhidatri (purple) on Rama Navami. Wearing these colors and providing particular prayers every day is believed to align one’s life with the divine qualities of the Goddess, starting from peace and data to energy and prosperity.
Eid ul-Fitr: marking the top of Ramadan
This yr, the Islamic competition of Eid ul-Fitr is anticipated to be noticed on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in India. The precise date is topic to the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. If the moon is sighted on the night of March 20 (Chand Raat), Eid will likely be celebrated on March 21. Because the Islamic lunar calendar is 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Eid has moved into the mid-March window, creating an exquisite overlap with the Navratri festivities.
Key public holidays in March 2026
If you might be planning a protracted weekend or a go to to your house, preserve these dates in thoughts:
⦿ March 19 (Thursday): Ugadi / Gudi Padwa (restricted/regional Holiday)
⦿ March 21 (Saturday): Eid ul-Fitr (gazetted vacation)
⦿ March 26 (Thursday): Rama Navami (Gazetted Holiday)
⦿ March 31 (Tuesday): Mahavir Jayanti (Gazetted Holiday)
Note to travellers: with a number of festivals falling in the identical week (March 19–21), count on larger demand for rail and air journey. It is suggested to guide tickets and plan your journey prematurely.
