March 2026 Hindu Calendar: Holi, Chaitra Navratri & Hindu…
March 2026 Hindu Calendar: Holi, Navratri & The Hindu New Year
Welcome to the Month of Colors and Divine Beginnings!
If February was about Shiva, March 2026 is about celebration, victory, and renewal. This auspicious month hosts two of India’s biggest festivals: the vibrant Holi and the commencement of the Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat 2083).
From the burning of Holika to the arrival of Goddess Durga during Chaitra Navratri, the planetary energies shift significantly this month, making it a powerful time for Shakti Puja and new ventures.
Here is your complete SmartPuja Vedic Guide for March 2026, covering the dates for Holika Dahan, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Ram Navami.
📅 March 2026: The Complete Vedic Guide
Bookmark this page to track the Tithis for the Hindu New Year.
| Date | Festival / Tithi | Significance & Rituals |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 01 (Sunday) |
Pradosh Vrat (Ravi) | Sunday Pradosh dedicated to Lord Shiva. Best for health and longevity. |
| Mar 03 (Tuesday) |
🔥 Major Holika Dahan (Phalguna Purnima) |
Victory of Bhakt Prahlad over Holika. Bonfire rituals are performed to burn negativity. |
| Mar 04 (Wednesday) |
🎨 Festival Holi (Dhulandi) |
The Festival of Colors. Celebrating the love of Radha-Krishna. |
| Mar 15 (Sunday) |
Papmochani Ekadashi | The Ekadashi that “Releases Sins.” Dedicated to Lord Vishnu. |
| Mar 16 (Monday) |
Pradosh Vrat (Soma) | Highly auspicious Monday Pradosh. Fulfills all desires through Shiva Puja. |
| Mar 18 (Wednesday) |
Chaitra Amavasya | Last day of the Hindu Lunar Year. Ideal for Pitru Tarpan. |
| Mar 19 (Thursday) |
🚩 Hindu New Year Chaitra Navratri Begins (Ugadi / Gudi Padwa) |
Vikram Samvat 2083 Begins. Ghatasthapana for Navratri, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in South India. |
| Mar 27 (Friday) |
🏹 Jayanti Rama Navami |
Birth of Lord Rama. Marks the conclusion of Chaitra Navratri. |
| Mar 29 (Sunday) |
Kamada Ekadashi | First Ekadashi of the Hindu New Year. Fulfills all worldly desires. |
1. Holi 2026: Dates & Muhurat
The festivities begin with Holika Dahan on March 3rd (Phalguna Purnima). This ritual symbolizes the triumph of Bhakt Prahlad’s devotion over the demoness Holika. The following day, March 4th, is celebrated as Rangwali Holi (Dhulandi).
It is considered highly auspicious to perform a Satyanarayan Puja on the morning of Purnima to bring peace to the household before the celebrations begin.
2. Hindu New Year (March 19)
March 19, 2026, marks the first day of the Chaitra month, celebrated as the Hindu New Year across India under different names:
- Gudi Padwa: Maharashtra & Goa
- Ugadi: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
- Chaitra Navratri (Day 1): North India
This is the most powerful day to start new ventures, business accounting years, or perform a Griha Pravesh. Devotees establish the Kalash (Ghatasthapana) to welcome Goddess Durga for the 9-day festival.
🔱 Book Pandit for Chaitra Navratri & New Year
Start Vikram Samvat 2083 with divine blessings.
SmartPuja provides experienced Vedic Pandits for Ghatasthapana, Durga Saptashati Paath, and Ugadi Pujas.
3. Ram Navami (March 27)
The ninth day of Navratri is celebrated as the birth of Lord Rama. It is a day of immense piety. Reading the Ramcharitmanas or performing a Akhand Ramayan Path at home brings harmony and removes family disputes.
Need a Pandit for Holi or Navratri?
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