Indian Festivals in April 2026: Dates, Calendar & Long Weekend Guide

Celebrate April with Festivals and Holidays

April 2026 is one of India’s most festive months — packed with harvest celebrations, regional New Year traditions, and long weekends that are ideal for travel and cultural experiences. Indian festivals in April 2026 span the country, from Baisakhi in Punjab to Vishu in Kerala, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, and the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya celebrated nationwide. National holidays like Good Friday and Ambedkar Jayanti add to an already rich calendar.

For families and travelers, April 2026 also brings school holidays and long weekends that are perfect for planning a heritage trip or a cultural getaway. Whether you’re looking for auspicious days in April 2026, bank holidays, or regional festival events, this guide covers everything you need to plan ahead.

— By Indrani Ghose | February 2026

Guide to Indian Festivals in April

Indian festivals in April 2026 Calendar at a Glance

April 2026 has something for every part of India — harvest festivals, temple events, regional New Year celebrations, and gazetted public holidays. Here is a clean, scannable festival calendar for April 2026 India to help you plan your dates, rituals, and travel in one place.

Travel tip: April 14 is arguably the most culturally significant date in the Indian calendar — it marks Baisakhi, Ambedkar Jayanti, Vishu, and the solar new year across multiple states simultaneously. If you’re planning a cultural trip, this long weekend is worth building your itinerary around.

This calendar reflects India’s extraordinary regional diversity. The same week sees farmers in Punjab celebrating the wheat harvest at Baisakhi, families in Kerala exchanging Vishu Kani gifts, and communities in Tamil Nadu welcoming Puthandu with kolam and temple visits.

Knowing these dates in advance helps you attend local events, book accommodations early, and make the most of April 2026 school holidays and bank holidays across India.

Thrissur Pooram festival in Kerala

Major Regional New Year and Harvest Festivals in India (April 14–15, 2026)

April 14–15, 2026 is one of the most culturally significant periods on the Indian calendar. Across multiple states, communities celebrate their regional New Year and harvest festivals — each with distinct rituals, temple traditions, food, and public celebrations. For travelers, this is a rare opportunity to witness authentic regional culture before peak summer tourism begins.

Baisakhi 2026 in Punjab (April 14) – Amritsar, the Golden Temple

Baisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and Punjab’s wheat harvest festival.
The epicenter is Amritsar, especially the Golden Temple, where devotees gather for dawn prayers, continuous kirtan, and round-the-clock langar.

Expect:

• Temple illumination after sunset
• Bhangra performances and village fairs
• Large crowds — book stays 3–4 weeks in advance

For first-time visitors, Baisakhi at the Golden Temple is one of the most moving spiritual experiences in North India.

Vishu 2026 in Kerala (April 15) – Thrissur, Kochi and Guruvayur

Vishu marks the Malayalam solar New Year. The day begins with Vishukkani, an auspicious arrangement of rice, fruits, coins, and a lit lamp viewed at sunrise.

Key experiences:

• Early morning temple visits (especially Guruvayur)
• Vishu Kaineettam (elders gifting money to younger family members)
• Festive meals and fireworks

Homestays in Thrissur or Fort Kochi offer an intimate way to experience Vishu traditions.

Puthandu 2026 in Tamil Nadu (April 15) – Chennai and Madurai

Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, is celebrated with temple visits, kolam decorations, and symbolic food rituals.

Highlights:

• Special pujas at Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Chennai)
• Mangai pachadi (six-taste raw mango dish symbolizing life’s emotions)
• Auspicious day for new ventures and financial beginnings

The celebrations are elegant and culturally rooted rather than large-scale public spectacles.

Pohela Boishakh 2026 in West Bengal (April 15) – Kolkata

The Bengali New Year brings music, food, and street celebrations across Kolkata.

Key traditions:

• Hal Khata (new accounting books blessed by Goddess Lakshmi)
• Cultural programs on Park Street and College Street
• Traditional red-and-white attire
• Sweets like sandesh and rasgulla

For a more authentic experience, explore North Kolkata neighborhoods like Shyambazar and Kumartuli.

Rongali Bihu 2026 in Assam (April 15) – Guwahati and Rural Assam

Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and the agricultural cycle.

Expect:

• Open-air Bihu dance and folk music performances
• Community feasts
• Gifting of gamosas
• Rural celebrations near Kaziranga and along the Brahmaputra

This is one of the best April festivals in India for experiential and cultural travel.

Rongali Bihu celebrations in Assam

Why April 14–15 Is Unique for Travelers

Within 48 hours, you can witness five distinct New Year and harvest festivals across India — Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam — each reflecting regional identity, food traditions, temple rituals, and community celebrations.

If you’re planning travel in April 2026, choosing one of these destinations allows you to experience living culture rather than curated tourist events.

Spiritual Significance: Hanuman Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya 2026

April 2026 features two of the most auspicious Hindu observances — Hanuman Jayanti (April 2, 2026) and Akshaya Tritiya (April 19, 2026). Both are widely celebrated across India and considered powerful for devotion, protection, prosperity, and new beginnings. If you’re planning around auspicious days in April 2026, these dates are essential.

Hanuman Jayanti 2026

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Tithi: Chaitra Purnima (Full Moon)

Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman, revered for strength, courage, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. It is one of the highest temple-footfall days of the year.

Spiritual Significance

• Worship is believed to remove obstacles and grant wisdom and protection
• Chaitra Purnima enhances the merit of prayers and charity

Key Rituals

• Recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa
• Abhishek (ritual bathing), sindoor offerings, jasmine flowers, laddoos
• Fasting until evening aarti

Where to Witness

• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Ayodhya
• Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place

Note: North India observes it on April 2 (Chaitra Purnima). Tamil Nadu and Karnataka follow different regional calendars.

Hanuman Jayanthi in April

Akshaya Tritiya 2026

Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Type: Swayamsiddha Muhurat (self-auspicious day)

“Akshaya” means “never diminishing.” The day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi and is considered ideal for investments, weddings, property purchases, and new ventures.

Muhurat (IST)

• Tritiya Begins: 10.49 AM (April 19)
• Puja Muhurat: 10.49 AM – 12.20 PM
• Tritiya Ends: 7.27 AM (April 20)

Key Traditions

• Gold buying (peak jewellery sales across India)
• Lakshmi-Narayan puja
• Charity (daan)
• Launching businesses or construction

Major Celebrations

• Vaishno Devi
• Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
• Mathura-Vrindavan

In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it also marks the start of the wedding season.

Akshaya Trithiya-Indian Festival in April

Why These April 2026 Festivals Matter

Hanuman Jayanti emphasizes devotion and inner strength, while Akshaya Tritiya symbolizes prosperity and auspicious action. Together, they make April 2026 one of the most spiritually significant months in the Hindu calendar — offering travelers authentic access to temple rituals, community celebrations, and living tradition across India.

Public Holidays and Long Weekends in April 2026

April 2026 is one of the best months for combining public holidays with travel in India. With gazetted holidays, regional observances, and strategic leave days, the month offers at least two strong long weekend opportunities — ideal for short trips, family travel, or festival tourism.

April 2026 Long Weekends — Plan Your Breaks

Key holidays to note:

• April 3 (Friday) — Good Friday: A national gazetted holiday. Combined with April 4–5 (Saturday–Sunday), this gives a clean 3-day weekend — good for a quick getaway to Goa, Coorg, or Pondicherry
• April 14 (Tuesday) — Baisakhi, Ambedkar Jayanti, Solar New Year: Taking April 13 (Monday) as leave creates a 4-day break from April 11–14 — one of the best long weekend opportunities of the month
• April 14–15 — Regional New Year cluster: States including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam observe consecutive holidays, making this a natural 2-day cultural break
• April 19 (Sunday) — Akshaya Tritiya: Not a gazetted holiday, but widely observed — adds spiritual weight to an otherwise regular weekend

Easter – India Festivals in April

Best Places to Visit in April 2026 During Long Weekends

April long weekends pair well with both cultural festivals and nature escapes. Here are the top picks by holiday window:

• Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir — Early April coincides with the Tulip Garden in full bloom; ideal for the Good Friday long weekend
• Amritsar, Punjab — Baisakhi at the Golden Temple (April 14) is a once-a-year experience; combine with Wagah Border for a full cultural trip
• Thrissur and Kochi, Kerala — Vishu temple rituals, Vishukkani at home, and Kerala’s famous sadya feast make April 15 worth planning around
• Guwahati and Majuli, Assam — Rongali Bihu performances and rural festivities; Majuli island adds a unique cultural dimension
• Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu — Puthandu temple visits, kolam displays, and festive meals; Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple is particularly vibrant
• Mathura-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh — Akshaya Tritiya (April 19) draws large devotional gatherings; a strong option for a spiritual weekend trip

April 2026 Bank Holidays in India

Planning financial tasks or travel around bank holidays in April 2026 India requires advance notice — several key dates fall mid-week. Here is the complete list:

Important note: Bank holiday observance varies by state. Regional holidays like Hanuman Jayanti (April 2), Vishu, and Puthandu apply to banks in specific states only. Always confirm with your local branch or the RBI holiday calendar for your state before planning financial transactions around these dates.

School Holidays in April 2026 India

April 2026 is a busy month for schools across India, with several public holidays and regional festivals leading to breaks that families can use for travel and cultural experiences. While exact schedules vary by state and board, most schools align their holidays with gazetted national holidays and major regional observances.

• April 2 (Thursday) – Hanuman Jayanti: Observed in many states, often declared a school holiday.
• April 3 (Friday) – Good Friday: Nationwide holiday, creating a 3-day weekend with Saturday and Sunday.
• April 5 (Sunday) – Easter Sunday: Weekly holiday, but Christian schools may extend breaks around this time.
• April 14 (Tuesday) – Baisakhi, Ambedkar Jayanti, Solar New Year: Schools in Punjab, Delhi, and other states remain closed.
• April 15 (Wednesday) – Vishu (Kerala), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Pohela Boishakh (West Bengal), Rongali Bihu (Assam): Regional school holidays across multiple states.
• April 19 (Sunday) – Akshaya Tritiya: While not a gazetted holiday, some schools in northern states may observe closures.
• Regular weekly closures: All Sundays, plus second and fourth Saturdays (April 11 and April 25).

Why It Matters for Families

For parents, April 2026 offers multiple short breaks and long weekends, making it ideal for planning family trips. Popular options include:

• Srinagar for the Tulip Festival during early April.
• Amritsar for Baisakhi celebrations at the Golden Temple.
• Kerala for Vishu rituals and temple visits.
• Assam for Rongali Bihu cultural programs.

By combining school holidays with public holidays, families can maximize travel opportunities while ensuring children experience India’s cultural richness firsthand.

April Holidays Travel

FAQ: Your Guide to India’s April 2026 Celebrations

Q. What are the most important Indian festivals in April 2026?

The major festivals in April 2026 include Hanuman Jayanti (April 2), Baisakhi (April 14), Vishu and Puthandu (April 14), Poila Baisakh (April 15), and the highly auspicious Akshaya Tritiya (April 19). The month is primarily characterized by the Solar New Year and harvest festivals celebrated across different states.

Q. When is Akshaya Tritiya 2026, and what is the best time for puja?

Akshaya Tritiya 2026 falls on Sunday, April 19. The most auspicious window for Puja (Muhurat) is from 10.49 AM to 12.21 PM. This day is considered “Swayam Siddha,” meaning any new venture, gold purchase, or marriage ceremony started on this day is believed to bring eternal prosperity.

Q. How many long weekends are there in April 2026?

There are two primary long weekends in April 2026:

1. April 3 – April 5: A 3-day weekend due to Good Friday (Friday) and Easter Sunday.
2. April 11 – April 14: A potential 4-day break for many, as Ambedkar Jayanti and Baisakhi fall on Tuesday (April 14), meaning taking a leave on Monday (April 13) connects the weekend.

Q. Is April 14, 2026, a public holiday in India?

Yes, April 14, 2026, is a Gazetted Holiday in most Indian states. It marks a triple celebration: Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti, Baisakhi, and the Solar New Year (Vishu in Kerala and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu). Most government offices, banks, and schools remain closed on this day.

Q. What are the regional New Year dates in April 2026?

The regional New Years in April 2026 are split across two days:

• April 14: Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Vishu (Kerala), and Baisakhi (Punjab).
• April 15: Poila Baisakh (West Bengal) and Bohag Bihu (Assam).

Q. When is Hanuman Jayanti celebrated in 2026?

Hanuman Jayanti 2026 will be observed on Thursday, April 2. It coincides with the Chaitra Purnima (full moon day). Devotees typically visit temples at sunrise, as Lord Hanuman is believed to have been born at dawn.

Plan Your April 2026 Around India’s Festivals

April 2026 is not just a month on the calendar — it is a front-row seat to India’s most diverse cultural moment. Within 30 days, you get harvest celebrations, five simultaneous New Year traditions, two of Hinduism’s most auspicious observances, and multiple long weekends built for travel.

Whether you are planning a spiritual pilgrimage to Amritsar or Varanasi, a cultural trip to Kerala or Assam, or simply want to observe auspicious days like Akshaya Tritiya from home — April rewards those who plan ahead.

Use this guide to lock in your travel dates, mark your bank holidays, and make the most of every long weekend April 2026 has to offer.

Bookmark this page and share it with family or fellow travelers planning their April calendar. Have a festival experience from a previous April worth sharing? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.

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About the Author

Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.