Hindu festivals in October 2026

In October 2026, major Hindu festivals including Sharadiya Navratri and Sharad Purnima are scheduled to take place.

Sharadiya Navratri is set to run from October 15 to October 24, involving nine days of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga. Devotees participate in spiritual practices and fasting, with specific auspicious timings noted for Kalash Sthapana on the first day, which is scheduled from 6:14 AM to 7:58 AM.

Following the Navratri period, Sharad Purnima (also known as Kojagari or Raas Purnima) will be observed on October 25. According to the Hindu calendar, the Purnima तिथि begins at 11:55 AM on October 25 and concludes at 9:41 AM on October 26. This festival focuses on the worship of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and the Moon. Traditions include staying awake through the night to receive blessings and placing rice pudding, or kheer, under moonlight to absorb its medicinal or nectar-like properties. It is believed that on this night, the moon reaches its full sixteen kalas (phases), and its rays possess medicinal and spiritual properties. For 2026, it is suggested to place the kheer under the sky after 8:00 PM.

Religious practices for Sharad Purnima include bathing early, wearing clean clothes, and performing rituals such as offering red flowers and reciting the Shri Sukta. Some traditions also suggest placing seven yellow cowrie shells and Gomti Chakras in the prayer area to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Astrological observations for the period suggest the formation of the ‘Lakshmi Narayan Rajyog’ and specific auspicious yogas, including Harshan, Ravi, and Sarvartha Siddhi. However, practitioners also note the influence of retrograde Mercury and Venus, as well as the Shani-Chandra Vishayoga, which may impact mental well-being and decision-making.