By WFY Bureau | Art & Culture | The WFY Magazine, December, 2025 edition
Festivals 2026: A Year of Light, Community and Renewal
The winter season carries a special warmth for Indian families across the world. It is a time when communities gather, traditions return and familiar rituals bring comfort to a life lived far from home. December and January mark a period of festivals that celebrate gratitude, harvest, beginnings and togetherness. Here is a look at the key dates and the spirit behind them, for Indians everywhere, whether they live in Delhi, Dubai, Melbourne, Toronto or Nairobi.
December 2025
Christmas – 25 December 2025
Christmas continues to be one of the most widely celebrated global festivals among Indians of all faiths. For Christian families, it is a day of devotion, joy and thanksgiving. For others, it becomes a social celebration that brings neighbours and friends together. Across the diaspora, Indian churches lead midnight services, choirs sing in regional languages and community groups hold dinners that blend local traditions with Indian warmth. For many migrants, Christmas is the moment when loneliness softens and the idea of home feels closer than ever.
New Year’s Eve – 31 December 2025
The final night of the year is a universal celebration, but for Indians abroad it carries a deeper meaning. It becomes a quiet moment to count blessings, remember family across time zones and set new hopes for the year ahead. Indian associations in major cities host cultural evenings, music shows, community dinners and countdown gatherings that create a sense of belonging. New Year’s Eve is less about loud celebration and more about reflection, gratitude and shared anticipation of better days.
WFY FESTIVAL CALENDAR 2026
January 2026
January opens the year with festivals that celebrate renewal, warmth and gratitude. For the global Indian community, these days bring emotional connection across distances, linking migrant homes to memories of India.
New Year’s Day – 1 January 2026
The first day of the year marks renewal. Many Indian families begin the year with prayers at temples or quiet mornings at home, followed by phone calls or video messages to relatives in India. Across the diaspora, this day often carries a sense of recommitment to work, family, health and personal goals. For migrants who start the year away from home, it becomes a symbolic moment to anchor oneself emotionally before the rhythm of daily life returns.
Lohri – 13 January 2026
A Celebration of Warmth in the Heart of Winter
Lohri arrives each year as a gentle reminder that warmth is not only found in weather but in community. Traditionally celebrated in Punjab and among North Indian families, it marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. The bonfire remains its most iconic symbol, representing the burning away of old sorrows and the welcoming of new hope.
Among the Indian diaspora, Lohri has taken on an even deeper meaning. In places like Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States, families gather in parks, gurdwaras and community halls to recreate the joy of the tradition. Dance, music, roasted nuts, rewri, popcorn and laughter fill the air. For many young diaspora children, Lohri becomes a bridge between generations, helping them understand their heritage in a joyful and simple way.
Lohri abroad is more than a seasonal festival. It is a symbol of connection, to home, to culture and to one another.
Makara Sankranti – 14 January 2026
A Festival of Light, Flight and New Beginnings
Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transition into a new celestial path and is celebrated across India in distinct regional forms , as Uttarayan in Gujarat, Poush Sankranti in Bengal, Magh Bihu in Assam and Poush Parbon in eastern India. Despite regional diversity, the festival carries a shared message: movement towards light, renewal and positive change.
Diaspora communities embrace Makar Sankranti with enthusiasm. Kite-flying events take over beaches and open fields in cities such as Dubai, London, Toronto and Perth. Sweet dishes made with sesame and jaggery fill homes, and temples conduct special prayers calling for peace and prosperity. For many Indian migrants, the festival’s message resonates deeply: life may be in constant motion, but the direction can always be guided towards light and clarity.
Pongal – 14–15 January 2026
A Harvest Festival Rooted in Gratitude and Renewal
Pongal, one of Tamil Nadu’s most cherished festivals, celebrates the harvest season with thanksgiving and devotion. Spread across four meaningful days, Bhogi, Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal, it honours the sun, the land, cattle and family ties.
For Indian families abroad, Pongal brings a sense of grounding. In countries as varied as Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, the UAE and the UK, Tamil communities create vibrant celebrations that mirror those back home. Homes are decorated with kolams, traditional rice dishes are prepared, and community gatherings include cultural performances that keep language, music and tradition alive.
In diaspora life, Pongal represents stability. It reminds individuals that even in distant lands, gratitude for labour, food and family is universal. Celebrating Pongal becomes a way of saying: we remember where we come from, and we honour it wherever we go.
Republic Day (India) – 26 January 2026
For Indians abroad, Republic Day is a moment of patriotic connection. Embassies and consulates host flag-hoisting ceremonies, community organisations conduct cultural programmes and families introduce children to India’s constitutional story. It is a day of remembrance and pride, reminding diaspora communities of their roots and the democratic journey of the nation they still call home.
February 2026
February brings introspection, devotion and remembrance. The diaspora marks these days with community gatherings, temple visits and cultural events that keep history and tradition alive.
Maha Shivaratri – Sunday, 15 February 2026
On this night of devotion, temples across the world remain open for prayers and meditation. Indian families abroad observe fasting, chant hymns and join community gatherings that recreate the spiritual atmosphere of home. For many migrants, Maha Shivaratri offers a moment of stillness amid busy lives.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti – Thursday, 19 February 2026
Marathi communities across the globe celebrate the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with pride and cultural programmes. Diaspora groups organise history sessions, children’s events and gatherings that honour Shivaji’s legacy of courage, governance and cultural dignity.
March 2026
March is a vibrant month, filled with colour, new-year celebrations and spiritual renewal. It holds some of the most widely observed Indian festivals across the diaspora.
Holika Dahan – Tuesday, 3 March 2026
On the eve of Holi, families abroad join small bonfires in community spaces, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Even in colder countries, people gather warmly to mark the traditional ritual before the colourful celebrations begin.
Holi – Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Holi remains one of the most recognisable Indian festivals worldwide. Diaspora organisations hold large public events, music shows and colour gatherings in parks, campuses and cultural centres. For many migrants, it is the most joyous day of the year, a reminder of home, friendship and childlike freedom.
Gudi Padwa – Thursday, 19 March 2026
Marking the Marathi and Konkani New Year, Gudi Padwa is celebrated abroad with traditional cooking, home decorations and cultural performances. Families raise the gudi (decorated flag) at home, symbolising hope and auspicious beginnings. Community associations often hold shared lunches, helping migrants feel connected to their roots.
Eid al-Fitr – Friday, 20 March 2026 (confirm locally)
Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr brings community prayers, family feasts and acts of charity. Across the diaspora, Indian Muslim families gather with friends and neighbours, sharing meals that blend Indian flavours with local traditions. Even far from home, Eid becomes a day of closeness and blessing.
Ramadan Begins – Saturday, 21 March 2026 (confirm locally)
With the start of the holy month, Indian Muslim families abroad follow a rhythm of prayer, fasting and community iftars. Mosques, cultural organisations and Indian associations host nightly gatherings that strengthen bonds in foreign lands.
Rama Navami – Thursday, 26 March 2026
Celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, this day is marked with temple visits, devotional songs and readings from epic scriptures. Indian families abroad, especially those with young children, use the day to share stories of virtue, courage and moral clarity.
Mahavir Swami Janm Kalyanak – Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Jain communities across the world celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir with prayer, reflection and charitable acts. Many diaspora temples host lectures, children’s sessions and community meals to honour his message of peace and non-violence.
April 2026
April is a month of renewal and reflection for the Indian diaspora. Spring arrives in many parts of the world, and with it comes a sense of hope, gratitude and spiritual rebirth.
Good Friday – Friday, 3 April 2026
Indian Christian communities abroad observe this solemn day with church services, prayers and quiet reflection. Many families take part in passion plays and devotional gatherings. In diaspora cities, churches often hold multilingual services that bring together diverse Indian communities under one prayerful atmosphere.
Easter – Sunday, 5 April 2026
Easter represents joy, renewal and the message of hope. Indian families across the world celebrate with special prayers, community brunches and cultural programmes. For many migrant households, Easter becomes a reminder that new beginnings are possible even far away from home.
Baisakhi – Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Sikh and Punjabi communities abroad celebrate Baisakhi with vibrant processions, cultural music, bhangra performances and langar gatherings. Gurdwaras from Toronto to Nairobi host special prayers. For the diaspora, Baisakhi marks not only the harvest season but also community pride and unity.
May 2026
Buddha Purnima – Friday, 1 May 2026
Observed by Buddhist communities worldwide, this day honours the birth, enlightenment and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Indian diaspora temples and cultural centres organise meditation sessions, talks on compassion and small community meals. It becomes a moment of peace in the midst of hectic migrant life.
Maharana Pratap Jayanti – Saturday, 9 May 2026
Rajput and Rajasthani diaspora families commemorate the legacy of Maharana Pratap with cultural events, children’s history workshops and community meetings. His courage and resilience resonate strongly with Indians living abroad, who see his story as an example of dignity and leadership.
June 2026
International Yoga Day – Sunday, 21 June 2026
Across the world, Indian communities lead yoga sessions in parks, beaches, university campuses and cultural centres. These gatherings often attract global participants, making Yoga Day one of India’s most influential cultural exports. Diaspora organisations use this day to promote wellness, unity and the universal message of balance.
Muharram – Friday, 26 June 2026 (confirm locally)
Indian Muslim families abroad observe Muharram with reverence, remembrance and prayer. Community centres and mosques hold gatherings that reflect on the values of sacrifice, justice and peace. For diaspora communities, these ceremonies also reinforce family bonds and cultural continuity.
July 2026
Jagannath Rath Yatra – Thursday, 16 July 2026
Odisha diaspora communities recreate the spirit of Rath Yatra abroad with small-scale chariot processions, devotional singing and temple gatherings. In cities like London, Dubai, Sydney and New Jersey, temples often host elaborate celebrations that bring together Indians from all backgrounds.
Kargil Vijay Diwas – Sunday, 26 July 2026
Across the diaspora, Indian associations conduct remembrance events, patriotic gatherings and discussions about India’s defence history. It becomes a moment to honour bravery and sacrifice, and to pass these stories to younger generations born abroad.
Guru Purnima – Wednesday, 29 July 2026
This day celebrates teachers, mentors and guides. Indian families living abroad often call or message elders and teachers back home. Temples and cultural centres hold special satsangs and lectures. For many migrants, Guru Purnima represents gratitude, one of the strongest emotional bonds with India.
August 2026
Independence Day – Saturday, 15 August 2026
One of the biggest diaspora celebrations worldwide. Indian missions organise flag-hoisting ceremonies, children’s performances, art exhibitions and community gatherings. Whether in Muscat, Melbourne or Chicago, Independence Day becomes a moment of pride and identity for every Indian abroad.
Parsi New Year – Sunday, 16 August 2026
Zoroastrian Indian communities around the world celebrate with prayer, traditional meals and gatherings. Fire temples in global cities organise special services. Even in small diaspora groups, this festival is cherished for its warmth and cultural richness.
Onam – Wednesday, 26 August 2026
One of the most colourful festivals celebrated abroad, especially in Gulf countries, Europe and North America. Malayalee communities host grand Onam sadyas, cultural shows, pookalam competitions and boat race recreations. Onam becomes a powerful symbol of Kerala’s unity and hospitality, even thousands of miles from home.
Raksha Bandhan – Friday, 28 August 2026
Rakhi carries deep emotional significance for Indians overseas. Sisters who cannot be physically present send rakhis through global courier services, while brothers respond with blessings and gifts. Diaspora families recreate the ritual with modern convenience but unchanged affection.
September 2026
Janmashtami – Friday, 4 September 2026
Temples across the world hold midnight festivities, devotional singing and cultural programmes depicting the life of Krishna. Many diaspora families observe fasting and decorate small cradles at home. For children born abroad, Janmashtami becomes a joyful introduction to timeless stories.
Paryushan Samvatsari – Monday, 14 September 2026
Jain communities abroad mark this period with introspection, fasting, forgiveness and prayer. Samvatsari, the final day, emphasises compassion and reconciliation. Diaspora temples conduct sermons that bring the community together in a spirit of peace.
Ganesh Chaturthi – Monday, 14 September 2026
From Dubai to Detroit, Ganesh Chaturthi has become a major diaspora festival. Cultural groups create temporary pandals, organise visarjan processions, conduct bhajans and hold art workshops for children. It is one of the strongest symbols of Indian cultural identity abroad.
October 2026
Navratri – Sunday, 11 October 2026
Garba and dandiya events dominate October. Diaspora communities in the USA, UK, Canada and the Gulf host large-scale Navratri nights with thousands attending. For migrants, it is the closest experience to an Indian festive night, colourful, musical and deeply communal.
Durga Ashtami – Monday, 19 October 2026
Bengali diaspora families celebrate with cultural performances, community feasts and devotional rituals during Durga Puja. Pandal celebrations in cities like London, New Jersey, Singapore and Melbourne have become iconic fixtures of diaspora culture.
Dussehra – Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Dussehra abroad is marked through symbolic Ramlila performances, community gatherings and teachings on courage, integrity and the victory of good over evil. Indian schools and cultural centres abroad use this festival to share India’s heritage with younger generations.
Karwa Chauth – Thursday, 29 October 2026
Among North Indian families abroad, Karwa Chauth is observed with fasting, cultural gatherings and evening community rituals. Women meet for sargi meals, share stories and offer prayers for well-being. Even far from home, the emotional strength of this tradition remains intact.
November 2026
Dhanteras – Friday, 6 November 2026
Diaspora families mark Dhanteras with purchases of gold, utensils or symbolic items representing prosperity. Temples and associations conduct small ceremonies, and the day sets the tone for the Diwali celebrations to come.
Diwali & Lakshmi Puja – Sunday, 8 November 2026
The biggest festival for Indians around the world. Homes are lit with lamps, diaspora temples conduct Lakshmi Puja, and community centres organise large Diwali melas. For migrants, Diwali carries deep nostalgia, a reminder that light can be created anywhere, even when far from home.
Govardhan Puja – Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Celebrated with devotional singing and simple offerings, this day highlights gratitude for nature and nourishment. Diaspora communities mark it with shared meals and temple gatherings.
Bhai Dooj – Wednesday, 11 November 2026
A day celebrating sibling bonds. Indian families abroad keep the tradition alive through video calls, home celebrations and cultural events. It reinforces emotional ties stretched across continents.
Chhath Puja – Sunday, 15 November 2026
One of the most significant diaspora celebrations among families from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. In cities like Dubai, London and New York, large community gatherings take place near rivers, beaches or artificial water bodies. Chhath represents devotion, discipline and purity.
Guru Nanak Jayanti – Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Gurdwaras worldwide celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak with kirtan, langar and community processions. It is a day of devotion and service, and it reinforces the values of equality and compassion.
December 2026
Christmas – Friday, 25 December 2026
One of the most widely celebrated festivals among Indians abroad. Churches host multilingual services, families decorate homes, and community groups organise gatherings. Christmas becomes a moment of warmth and connection for Indians living in distant lands.
Central Government Holiday List 2026 — Revised Overview
The Central Government has issued the official list of public holidays for the year 2026. The holiday schedule consists of compulsory (gazetted) holidays as well as a set of optional (restricted) holidays that government employees may choose from.
For the year 2026, central government offices will observe 14 mandatory holidays. In addition, there are 12 restricted holidays from which employees may select specific days as per departmental rules.
Holiday Rules for Employees Inside & Outside Delhi
Employees posted outside Delhi / New Delhi follow a slightly different pattern. They must observe the 14 compulsory holidays and may choose three additional days from the 12 restricted holidays. Apart from this, employees may select any two additional restricted holidays of their choice, as noted in the government notification.
For offices located in Delhi and New Delhi, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) finalizes three restricted holidays for the region. For offices in other states, the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee of the respective state capital selects three restricted holidays—after consulting other coordination committees in the state where required.
Gazetted (Compulsory) Holidays – 2026
- Republic Day – January 26
- Holi – March 4
- Id-ul-Fitr – March 21
- Ram Navami – March 26
- Mahavir Jayanti – March 31
- Good Friday – April 3
- Buddha Purnima – May 1
- Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) – May 27
- Muharram – June 26
- Independence Day – August 15
- Milad-un-Nabi / Id-e-Milad – August 26
- Janmashtami – September 4
- Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday – October 2
- Dussehra (Vijay Dashami) – October 20
- Diwali (Deepavali) – November 8
- Guru Nanak’s Birthday – November 24
- Christmas Day – December 25
Restricted (Optional) Holidays – 2026
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- Hazarat Ali’s Birthday – January 3
- Makar Sankranti – January 14
- Magh Bihu / Pongal – January 14
- Sri Panchami / Basant Panchami – January 23
- Guru Ravidas’s Birthday – February 1
- Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti – February 12
- Maha Shivratri – February 15
- Shivaji Jayanti – February 19
- Holika Dahan – March 3
- Dolyatra – March 3
- Chaitra Sukladi / Gudi Padwa / Ugadi / Cheti Chand – March 19
- Jamat-ul-Vida – March 20
- Easter Sunday – April 5
- Vaisakhi / Vishu / Meshadi (Tamil New Year) – April 14
- Vaisakhadi (Bengal) / Bohag Bihu (Assam) – April 15
- Rabindranath Tagore’s Birthday – May 9
- Rath Yatra – July 16
- Parsi New Year / Navroz – August 15
- Onam / Thiru Onam – August 26
- Raksha Bandhan – August 28
- Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayak Chaturthi – September 14
- Dussehra (Saptami) – October 18
- Dussehra (Mahashtami) – October 19
- Dussehra (Mahanavami) – October 20
- Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti – October 26
- Karaka Chaturthi (Karwa Chauth) – October 29
- Naraka Chaturdashi – November 8
- Govardhan Puja – November 9
- Bhai Dooj – November 11
- Chhath Puja (Pratihar/Surya Shashthi) – November 15
- Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day – November 24
- Hazarat Ali’s Birthday – December 23
- Christmas Eve – December 24
Editorial note: Several festivals follow lunar or regional calendars. Please confirm locally for lunar-observed dates such as Eid, Ramadan and Muharram, and for regionally varied observances.