Significance of January 2026 Festivals
The month of January 2026 holds immense significance as it marks a plethora of festivals and religious observances. This initial month of the year is packed with various fasts and celebrations, each contributing to an atmosphere of joy, peace, and prosperity. These occasions not only enhance the spiritual ambiance in homes but also pave the way for personal growth and progress. Among the major festivals celebrated during this month are Sakat Chauth, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Rath Saptami, and Jaya Ekadashi. Engaging in worship, acts of charity, and fasting during these significant days not only fosters a connection with the divine but also invigorates the mind and body with positive energy.
To maximize the spiritual benefits derived from these occasions, adhering to the correct dates and auspicious timings is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the dates, days, and favorable times for worship for all the important fasts and festivals in January 2026, ensuring that devotees can perform their rituals at the right moment.
Festivals and Observances of January 2026
| Date | Day | Fast/Festival | Auspicious Time/Details |
| 01 January 2026 | Thursday | Pradosh Vrat (Shukla) | Pradosh Kaal: 04:55 AM – 06:35 AM |
| 03 January 2026 | Saturday | Paush Purnima | Morning 05:25 AM – 06:20 AM |
| 06 January 2026 | Tuesday | Sakat Chauth | Chaturthi date: 06 January 08:01 AM – 07 January 06:52 AM |
| 13 January 2026 | Tuesday | Lohri | Auspicious time to light bonfire after sunset: 05:42 PM – 06:09 PM (Gadhuli Muhurat) |
| 14 January 2026 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti | Donation time: 03:13 PM – 05:45 PM |
| 14 January 2026 | Wednesday | Shattila Ekadashi | Date: 13 January noon to 14 January 05:52 PM Brahma Muhurta for puja: 05:26 AM – 06:19 AM |
| 16 January 2026 | Friday | Monthly Shivratri | 10:21 PM (January 16) – 12:34 PM (January 17) Auspicious time: Nishit Kaal 12:04 AM – 12:58 AM |
| 16 January 2026 | Friday | Pradosh Vrat (Krishna) | 05:47 PM – 08:29 PM |
| 18 January 2026 | Sunday | Mauni Amavasya | Amavasya date: 18 January 12:03 AM |
| 23 January 2026 | Friday | Basant Panchami | 23 January 02:29 AM – 24 January 01:45 AM |
| 25 January 2026 | Sunday | Rath Saptami | Bath time: 05:26 AM – 07:13 AM |
| 26 January 2026 | Monday | Bhishma Ashtami | Brahma Muhurta: 05:26 AM – 06:19 AM Abhijit Muhurta: 12:12 PM – 12:55 PM |
| 29 January 2026 | Thursday | Jaya Ekadashi | Start: 28 January 04:35 PM End: 29 January 01:55 PM |
Deep Dive into Significant Festivals
Sakat Chauth (06 January 2026, Tuesday)
Sakat Chauth is a revered fast dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Observing this fast is believed to usher in happiness, peace, and prosperity within households. Primarily, devotees observe this fast to seek relief from life’s troubles and obstacles. On this day, worshipers express their wishes and aspirations through devotion to Lord Ganesha.
Makar Sankranti (14 January 2026, Wednesday)

Makar Sankranti signifies the Sun’s transition into Capricorn and is celebrated as a day of reverence for the Sun God. This festival is particularly noted for its emphasis on charity, kite flying, and the consumption of sesame seeds and jaggery. It is regarded as a time that infuses positive energy into the beginning of the new year, encouraging acts of goodwill and community spirit.
Basant Panchami (23 January 2026, Friday)

Basant Panchami is a festival dedicated to Mother Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts. On this day, devotees seek blessings for success in education and creative pursuits. The color yellow holds great significance during this festival, as many people adorn themselves in yellow attire, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the celebration of learning and wisdom.
Rath Saptami (25 January 2026, Sunday)
Rath Saptami is a festival that honors the Sun God. Engaging in worship and taking a holy bath on this auspicious day is believed to promote health, prosperity, and growth. Celebrated during the latter part of the spring season, Rath Saptami also heralds the agricultural cycle, marking the beginning of a new crop season.
Jaya Ekadashi (29 January 2026, Thursday)
Jaya Ekadashi is a significant fast devoted to Lord Vishnu, where devotees believe that observing it helps in eradicating sins and attaining spiritual virtues. On this day, followers engage in fasting and participate in bhajans and kirtans to express their devotion. This festival holds particular importance for those seeking spiritual progress and salvation.
In conclusion, the festivals and fasts of January 2026 not only represent deep-rooted religious traditions but also provide a meaningful opportunity for individuals to foster balance, spiritual growth, and positive energy in their lives. By observing these rituals at the appropriate times and with the right intentions, participants can invite happiness, prosperity, and spiritual advancement into their lives. If you found this information insightful, feel free to share and support this article. For more articles on similar topics, stay connected with Harzindagi.






