March 2026 brings major Hindu festivals, vrat dates, Navratri, and a rare lunar eclipse

March 2026 is set to be a spiritually significant month, marked by a series of major Hindu festivals and fasts including Holika Dahan, Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Hindu New Year, Ram Navami, Kamada Ekadashi, Papmochini Ekadashi, and Gudi Padwa.

Adding to the importance of the month, a lunar eclipse will occur on the day of Holi and will be visible in India. Apart from its religious relevance, March is also considered special due to seasonal changes in nature. It is believed that this period enhances positive energy, symbolizing spiritual growth and renewal. Here is a detailed look at the March 2026 festival calendar.

March 2026 Festival Calendar

• March 1, 2026: Ravi Pradosh Vrat
• March 2, 2026: Holika Dahan, Phalguna Purnima
• March 3, 2026: Lunar Eclipse
• March 4, 2026: Rangwali Holi, Beginning of Chaitra Month
• March 5, 2026: Holi Bhai Dooj
• March 6, 2026: Bhalchandra Sankashti
• March 8, 2026: Rang Panchami
• March 10, 2026: Sheetala Saptami
• March 11, 2026: Sheetala Ashtami, Basoda, Kalashtami, Monthly Krishna Janmashtami
• March 15, 2026: Papmochini Ekadashi, Meen Sankranti, Beginning of Kharmas
• March 16, 2026: Som Pradosh Vrat, Papmochini Ekadashi Parana, Raj Panchak Begins
• March 17, 2026: Chaitra Masik Shivratri
• March 18, 2026: Chaitra Amavasya
• March 19, 2026: Beginning of Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Hindu New Year, Yugadi
• March 20, 2026: Jhulelal Jayanti
• March 21, 2026: Matsya Jayanti, Gangaur Puja
• March 22, 2026: Vasudev Chaturthi
• March 23, 2026: Lakshmi Panchami, Monthly Karthigai
• March 24, 2026: Yamuna Chhath, Rohini Vrat, Skanda Shashthi
• March 26, 2026: Ram Navami, Conclusion of Chaitra Navratri
• March 29, 2026: Kamada Ekadashi
• March 30, 2026: Kamada Ekadashi Parana, Som Pradosh Vrat

Lunar Eclipse On March 3

The lunar eclipse on March 3 will occur from 3:20 PM to 6:47 PM (IST). Moonrise in Delhi will take place at 6:26 PM. The Sutak period will begin at 6:20 AM and end at 6:47 PM.

Chaitra Navratri 2026: Ghatasthapana Muhurat

Chaitra Navratri will begin on March 19. The auspicious time for Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) on the first day is approximately between 6:52 AM and 7:43 AM. The Abhijit Muhurat will be from 12:05 PM to 12:53 PM.

With a rare lunar eclipse coinciding with Holi and a series of major religious observances, March 2026 promises to be a spiritually vibrant and culturally significant month for devotees across the country