By Krishna Arya | Network Bharat (https://networkbharat.com)
January 2026 Calendar India
January 2026 Calendar India : January marks more than just the beginning of a new year in India—it sets the emotional, cultural and social rhythm for the months ahead. From harvest festivals and national pride to religious observances and globally recognised awareness days, January 2026 arrives packed with meaning, celebration and reflection.
For families planning holidays, professionals mapping long weekends, students preparing for events, or devotees following fasting dates, having a clear view of the January 2026 calendar in India can make life smoother and more organised.
Here’s a complete, humanised and easy-to-follow guide covering public holidays, festivals, long weekends, religious dates and important national and international days in January 2026.
Why January 2026 Is Special in India
January is one of the most diverse months on the Indian calendar. It brings together:
- New beginnings with New Year celebrations
- Agricultural festivals celebrating harvest and gratitude
- National pride through Republic Day and Army Day
- Spiritual discipline with Ekadashi, Amavasya and Purnima
- Global awareness on education, youth, inclusion and health
This blend of culture, history and awareness makes January an ideal month to reconnect with traditions while planning ahead.
January 2026 Public Holidays in India
While public holidays may vary slightly by state, the following dates are widely observed across India or in multiple regions:
📅 List of Major Holidays
- January 1 (Thursday) – New Year’s Day
- January 6 (Tuesday) – Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
- January 13 (Tuesday) – Lohri (regional holiday, mainly North India)
- January 14 (Wednesday) – Makar Sankranti
- January 15 (Thursday) – Pongal / Indian Army Day
- January 23 (Friday) – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti
- January 26 (Monday) – Republic Day
- January 30 (Friday) – Martyrs’ Day (observed, not a full holiday in many states)
These holidays reflect India’s cultural diversity—from Sikh traditions and harvest festivals to national remembrance and constitutional pride.
January 2026 Long Weekends & Holiday Breaks
January is a favourite month for planners because it offers multiple long weekend opportunities, especially when combined with minimal leave.
🧳 Best Long Weekend Options
Republic Day Long Weekend
- January 24 (Saturday)
- January 25 (Sunday)
- January 26 (Monday)
➡️ Three-day break
Netaji Jayanti Weekend (where applicable)
- January 23 (Friday)
- January 24 (Saturday)
- January 25 (Sunday)
➡️ Three-day break
Extended New Year Break (with one leave)
- January 1 (Thursday)
- January 2 (Friday – leave)
- January 3–4 (Saturday–Sunday)
➡️ Four-day break
Pongal Break in Tamil Nadu (with one leave)
- January 15 (Thursday)
- January 16 (Friday – leave)
- January 17–18 (Saturday–Sunday)
➡️ Four-day break
These breaks are perfect for short vacations, family gatherings or simply unwinding after a busy year.
Festivals & Religious Observances in January 2026
January holds deep spiritual significance for millions across India. Many observe fasts, rituals and prayers aligned with lunar dates.
🕉️ Key Religious Dates
- January 3 – Paush Purnima
- January 6 – Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
- January 13 – Lohri
- January 14 – Makar Sankranti, Shattila Ekadashi
- January 15 – Pongal
- January 18 – Magha Amavasya
- January 29 – Jaya Ekadashi
Each of these dates carries unique rituals—from river dips and charity on Purnima to fasting and devotion on Ekadashi.
Major Festivals Explained
🔥 Lohri (January 13)
Celebrated mainly in Punjab, Haryana and parts of North India, Lohri marks the end of winter and the harvesting of rabi crops. Bonfires, folk songs and traditional foods define the night.
☀️ Makar Sankranti (January 14)
One of the most auspicious solar transitions, Makar Sankranti symbolises positivity, longer days and fresh beginnings. It’s celebrated as Uttarayan, Khichdi, Maghi or Pongal in different regions.
🌾 Pongal (January 15)
A four-day harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, Pongal is a thanksgiving to nature, cattle and the Sun God. Homes fill with kolams, sugarcane and festive meals.
Important National & International Days in January 2026
January is also rich in awareness days that highlight education, democracy, youth, language and social responsibility.
🌍 Key Observance Days
- January 1 – Global Family Day
- January 2 – World Introvert Day
- January 4 – World Braille Day
- January 9 – Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
- January 10 – World Hindi Day
- January 12 – National Youth Day
- January 15 – Indian Army Day
- January 24 – National Girl Child Day, International Day of Education
- January 25 – National Voters’ Day, National Tourism Day
- January 26 – Republic Day, International Customs Day
- January 30 – Martyrs’ Day, World Leprosy Day
These days are widely observed by schools, institutions, government bodies and civil society across India.
Republic Day 2026: A Moment of National Pride
Republic Day on January 26, 2026, falls on a Monday, making it both symbolic and convenient. The day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution and showcases India’s unity, military strength and cultural heritage.
From grand parades to flag hoisting ceremonies, Republic Day remains one of the most emotionally powerful days on the Indian calendar.
How to Use the January 2026 Calendar Effectively
- Plan travel early using long weekends
- Mark religious fasts and rituals in advance
- Schedule family events around public holidays
- Use awareness days for school or office activities
- Balance work and rest after the year-end rush
Being prepared helps turn a busy month into a balanced one.
Final Thoughts
The January 2026 calendar in India beautifully reflects the country’s diversity—where festivals meet patriotism, spirituality blends with awareness, and tradition walks alongside modern life.
Whether you’re welcoming the New Year, celebrating harvest festivals, honouring national heroes or planning your next break, January offers countless moments to pause, celebrate and move forward with purpose.
For more accurate calendars, national updates and culture-focused stories, stay connected with Network Bharat.
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