March 2026 Festivals

Chandra Grahan observance in Hindu panchang practice focuses on eclipse visibility, sutak considerations, mantra japa, bathing, and charity after the eclipse.

Lunar eclipse date and visibility depend on astronomy and location

Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, attempted to burn young Prahlada (devoted to Vishnu) while sitting in fire. Holika herself was burned because the boon of fire-immunity worked only when alone. Prahlada, protected by his bhakti, emerged unharmed. Krishna's color-play with the gopis at Vrindavan is the second layer.

Phalguna Purnima (March)

Holi Phagwa is an important Suriname observance connected with color, spring renewal, joy, Hindu heritage.

Observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar; listed in 2026 on March 3.

Phagwah is an important Guyana observance connected with spring renewal, color, devotion, community joy, and Indo-Guyanese heritage.

Guyana 2026 holiday calendars list Phagwah on March 3.

Sheetala Mata is the goddess who both causes and cures diseases like smallpox, chickenpox, and measles. Her name means 'the cool one' — she cools the burning fevers of disease. On Sheetala Ashtami (also called Basoda), no fire is lit for cooking — all food eaten on this day was prepared the night before and is offered cold (hence 'basoda' from 'bas' meaning stale/left overnight). This is the only festival where stale food is considered sacred. The goddess rides a donkey, carries a broom and waterpot, and is considered both fierce and benevolent.

Krishna Ashtami of Chaitra (March/April) — 8 days after Holi

Meena Sankranti is the monthly solar transition into Pisces. It is commonly observed through early bathing, Surya arghya, mantra japa, and dana.

Sun enters Meena rashi

Chaitra Navratri honours the nine forms of Durga across nine days. It overlaps with regional new-year observances such as Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, and culminates near Rama Navami in many calendars.

Chaitra Shukla Pratipada to Navami

(1) Brahma created the universe on this day; (2) Matsya saved Manu and the Vedas; (3) Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana; (4) Shalivahana defeated the Shakas (start of Shalivahana Shaka era). New year for many regions.

Chaitra shukla pratipada (March-April)

Gangaur is Rajasthan's most beloved festival — a celebration of marital bliss and the love between Gauri (Parvati, shortened to Gour/Gaur) and Isar (Shiva). Women make clay images of the divine couple and worship them for 18 days. Married women pray for the long life of their husbands; unmarried girls pray for a devoted husband like Isar. The festival begins on the day after Holi. The Jaipur Gangaur procession — with caparisoned elephants, folk dancers, and a palanquin carrying Gauri — is among Rajasthan's most spectacular parades.

Starting Chaitra Shukla Tritiya (3rd day of bright Chaitra) to Chaitra Purnima — 18 days

In Gangaur regions, Gauri is worshipped as Parvati with Isar-Shiva. Women offer flowers, mehndi, songs, and prayers for family wellbeing and marital harmony.

Chaitra Shukla Tritiya in Gangaur-related traditions

Yamuna Chhath celebrates Yamuna Devi. In Vraja and riverbank communities, devotees offer lamps and flowers, remember Krishna's lilas on the Yamuna, and pray for purification.

Chaitra Shukla Shashthi

Birth of Sri Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya and Queen Kausalya, at noon (madhyahna) on Chaitra shukla navami. Climax of nine days of Chaitra Navratri.

Chaitra shukla navami (March-April)

Swaminarayan Jayanti commemorates the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Mandirs mark the day with abhishek, kirtan, scriptural readings, processions, and community seva.

Chaitra Shukla Navami