January 2026 Hindu Calendar: Festivals, Shubh Muhurats & Vrat Dates
January 2026 Hindu Calendar: Festivals, Shubh Muhurats & Vrat Dates
Namaste and Happy New Year 2026!
As we step into the new year, the celestial energies are shifting significantly. January 2026 marks the beginning of Uttarayan—the Sun’s six-month northward journey. In Vedic tradition, this period is known as the “Day of the Gods” and is considered the most auspicious time for spiritual growth and material success.
Whether you are planning a Griha Pravesh, observing Ekadashi fasts, or celebrating the harvest festival, accurate timing (Muhurat) is key to success.
Here is your complete SmartPuja Vedic Guide for January 2026, covering all festivals from Paush Purnima to Vasant Panchami.
(Planning for the rest of the year? View our comprehensive Hindu Festival Calendar 2026).
📅 January 2026: The Complete Vedic Guide
Bookmark this page to track all Tithis, Vrats, and Festivals for this month.
| Date | Festival / Tithi | Significance & Rituals |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 03 (Saturday) |
Passed Paush Purnima |
End of Paush month. Holy bath (Snan) and Satyanarayan Puja. |
| Jan 07 (Wednesday) |
Passed Sankashti Chaturthi |
Lambodara Sankashti. Fasting for Lord Ganesha. |
| Jan 13 (Tuesday) |
Upcoming Lohri / Bhogi |
Bonfire festival celebrating the end of winter solstice. |
| Jan 14 (Wednesday) |
🔥 Major Event Makar Sankranti + Shattila Ekadashi |
Sun enters Capricorn. Also Pongal, Uttarayan, and Magh Bihu. Best day for Surya Puja and Daan. |
| Jan 16 (Friday) |
Upcoming Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) |
Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sunset Puja (Pradosh Kaal) is highly auspicious. |
| Jan 18 (Sunday) |
Upcoming Mauni Amavasya |
The most silent and powerful Amavasya. Ideal for Pitri Tarpan (Ancestor worship). |
| Jan 23 (Friday) |
🔥 Major Event Vasant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) |
Birthday of Goddess Saraswati. Best day for Vidyarambham (Education initiation). |
| Jan 26 (Monday) |
Upcoming Ratha Saptami |
Worship of Lord Surya on his chariot. Known as “Surya Jayanti”. |
| Jan 29 (Thursday) |
Upcoming Jaya Ekadashi |
Fasting on this day is believed to absolve one of past sins and guilt. |
| Jan 30 (Friday) |
Upcoming Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) |
Evening Rudrabhishek for family health and peace. |
1. Makar Sankranti 2026: The Great Transition
In 2026, the Sun enters Makara Rashi (Capricorn) on the afternoon of January 14. This unique timing means the auspicious rituals extend into the afternoon.
- Sankranti Moment: 03:13 PM (IST)
- Punya Kaal (Holy Period): 03:13 PM to 05:45 PM
This transit brings the Sun and Saturn together, making it the most powerful time to perform Surya Puja to resolve career issues, health problems, and father-son relationship conflicts.
Read Complete Sankranti Guide »
2. Vasant Panchami: The Day of Wisdom
Falling on January 23, Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of Spring and is dedicated to Maa Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and art.
- For Students: It is the chosen day for Aksharabhyasam (Writing first letters).
- For Professionals: Placing books, laptops, or instruments before the deity on this day invites creativity and focus.
Many families book a Saraswati Puja at home to bless their children’s academic year.
🏡 Griha Pravesh Muhurats in January 2026
“Can I do Griha Pravesh in January?”
Technically, the month falls under Dhanurmas (Kharmas) until Jan 14, a period where auspicious works are typically paused. However, post-Jan 14, the “Abujh Muhurats” (Naturally Auspicious Days) open the gateway for new beginnings.
You can perform Griha Pravesh on these powerful festival days:
- January 14 / 15 (Makar Sankranti) – The start of Uttarayan.
- January 23 (Vasant Panchami) – The day of wisdom and new starts.
Note: These dates are so auspicious that they override minor planetary flaws (Doshas).
3. Why Follow the Vedic Calendar?
Aligning your daily activities with the Panchang ensures you are swimming with the cosmic current, not against it. Whether it is donating Til-Gud on Sankranti or observing silence on Mauni Amavasya, these ancient rituals cleanse the mind and body for the year ahead.
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