March 2026 Festival Highlights: Key Dates for Eid, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Chaitra Navratri
Late March 2026 brings a dense cluster of religious and cultural celebrations across India. Filmogaz.com reports the period will see Hindu New Year observances and Eid ul-Fitr within days of each other.
March 19: a major convergence
Thursday, March 19, 2026, is a pivotal date. Regions will mark Gudi Padwa, Ugadi and the first day of Chaitra Navratri.
Gudi Padwa is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa. Families hoist a decorated pole topped with a copper pot and silk cloth.
Ugadi is observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. The day features Ugadi Pachadi, a dish of six tastes symbolising life.
Chaitra Navratri: nine days of worship
Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19 and runs through March 27, 2026. The festival concludes with Rama Navami.
Devotees honour a different form of the Goddess each day. Many follow a traditional colour theme for daily worship.
Daily deities and colours
- March 19 — Maa Shailputri (yellow).
- March 20 — Maa Brahmacharini (green).
- March 21 — Maa Chandraghanta (grey).
- March 22 — Maa Kushmanda (orange).
- March 23 — Maa Skandamata (white).
- March 24 — Maa Katyayani (red).
- March 25 — Maa Kalaratri (royal blue).
- March 26 — Maa Mahagauri (pink).
- March 27 — Maa Siddhidatri (purple), followed by Rama Navami.
Eid ul-Fitr timing and moon sighting
Key Dates for Eid place Eid ul-Fitr on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in India. The date depends on the Shawwal crescent moon sighting on March 20.
The Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian one. That causes Eid to shift into mid-March this year.
Public holidays and travel notes
If you plan travel, note several holidays fall close together. Expect higher demand for trains and flights between March 19 and 21.
- March 19 (Thursday): Ugadi / Gudi Padwa — regional or restricted holiday.
- March 21 (Saturday): Eid ul-Fitr — gazetted holiday.
- March 26 (Thursday): Rama Navami — listed as a gazetted holiday in some public calendars.
- March 31 (Tuesday): Mahavir Jayanti — gazetted holiday.
Filmogaz.com advises booking tickets and accommodation early. Plan routes and check local holiday schedules.
These March 2026 Festival Highlights underline a week rich in ritual and celebration. Keep the key dates in mind while making plans.
