Dates for 2026, what each festival means, and how to celebrate — even if you're just getting started. No prior knowledge needed.
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Everything is written in plain English, with Sanskrit terms explained as you go.
Every major festival in 2026 — when it falls, what it celebrates, and how to observe it.
Step-by-step instructions for common pujas (worship rituals), from a simple morning prayer to a housewarming ceremony.
Short verses from the Gita and Upanishads — the original Sanskrit, what it says, and when it helps.
All festival and fasting dates, month by month. Add any of them to your phone calendar in one tap.
Three foundational mantras (sacred chants) — their meaning, and a syllable-by-syllable pronunciation guide.
The Satyanarayan Katha (a popular devotional story) told as an illustrated, easy-to-follow visual story.
Punditji is an AI guide to Hindu festivals, rituals and daily practice, grounded in classical sources like the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the Puranas. It's not a substitute for your family priest — think of it as a friendly first stop.
Every guide cites where its steps and verses come from, and festival dates are checked against established panchang (Hindu calendar) sources. Spotted something off? Tell us — corrections are welcome.
More about Punditji.ai →The next dates on the Hindu calendar, with a short note on what each one means.
Hariyali Teej arrives when the monsoon turns everything green, and celebrates the reunion of Shiva and Parvati. Women dress in green, apply mehendi, enjoy decorated swings, and pray for happy marriages and family wellbeing.
Independence Day marks India's freedom from British rule on 15 August 1947. The national flag is hoisted across the country, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort, and people honour those who sacrificed for the country's freedom.
Nag Panchami is the day to honour serpents, who in Hindu tradition are guardians of water, fields, and hidden treasure. People offer milk and flowers at snake shrines and draw serpent images at their doorways, asking for protection for their families.
Onam is Kerala's biggest festival, welcoming the beloved king Mahabali, who is said to visit his people once a year. Families lay flower carpets (pookalam) at their doors, wear new clothes, enjoy snake-boat races, and share the grand Onam sadya feast on banana leaves.
Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most cherished festivals for women across South India, observed on the last Friday before the Shravana full moon. Married women dress a kalash (sacred pot) as Goddess Lakshmi with a face, silk, and jewellery, keep a fast, and pray for the health and prosperity of the whole family — worshipping Varalakshmi on this one day is said to equal worshipping all eight forms of the goddess.
On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists, and brothers promise to protect and stand by them. It is a warm family day of sweets, gifts, and renewing the bond between siblings — by blood or by love.
Get an email a few days before each festival, with the date and a simple guide on how to prepare.
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