April 2026 Hindu April 2026 Hindu Festivals: Complete Day-Wise List as per South Indian Calendar

April 2026 is a spiritually significant month in the Hindu calendar, marking the transition from Chaitra to Vaishakha masa. In South India, devotees follow regional panchangams — Telugu (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana), Tamil (Tamil Nadu), Kannada (Karnataka), and Malayalam (Kerala) — which align closely but have unique regional celebrations.

This guide lists all important festivals, vrats, and auspicious days in April 2026 as per South Indian traditions. It includes temple-specific events like Tirumala Vasanthotsavam, regional New Year observances, and powerful tithis ideal for Vishnu, Hanuman, and Goddess worship.

Note: Dates are based on widely accepted South Indian panchangams (Amanta or Purnimanta variations). Minor tithi shifts may occur; always verify with local temple or official panchangam for your region.

Key Highlights of April 2026 in South India

• Early April: Saalakatla Vasanthotsavam at Tirumala (March 30 – April 1) and Panguni Uthiram (April 1).
• Mid-April: Solar New Year celebrations — Tamil New Year (Puthandu), Vishu (Kerala Malayalam New Year), and Mesha Sankranti.
• Major Auspicious Days: Akshaya Tritiya (April 19), Mohini Ekadashi (April 27), and Narasimha Jayanti (April 30).
• Vaishakha masa begins around April 3, emphasizing Vishnu worship.

Day-Wise Festivals in April 2026 (South Indian Calendar)

April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

• Chaitra Shukla Purnima / Chaitra Pournami
• Panguni Uthiram (Tamil tradition) — Celebrates divine marriages of Lord Murugan with Deivayanai and Lord Shiva with Parvati. Special pujas at Murugan and Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu.
• Last day of Vasanthotsavam at Tirumala (March 30–April 1) — Fragrant aromatic bath (sugandha snanam) to Lord Venkateswara and consorts for cooling relief in spring/summer. Highly auspicious for darshan and participation in the seva. Significance: Full moon day ideal for Satyanarayan Vrat and charity. In Telugu regions, it marks the start of Hanuman-related observances.

April 2, 2026 (Thursday)

• Hanuman Jayanti / Hanuman Janmotsava (Chaitra Purnima tithi observed) Significance (South India): In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, devotees often begin a 41-day Hanuman Deeksha from Chaitra Purnima. Recite Hanuman Chalisa, offer bananas and betel leaves. Special prayers at Hanuman temples grant strength, courage, and protection. Ideal day for Tirumala or Tirupati visit combined with Balaji darshan.

April 13, 2026 (Monday)

• Vaishakha Krishna Ekadashi – Varuthini EkadashiSignificance: Fasting on this day and Vishnu worship (especially at Tirumala or other Perumal temples) removes sins and brings prosperity. Observed across South India with strict vrat and temple visits.

April 14, 2026 (Tuesday)

• Mesha Sankranti / Solar New Year
• Tamil New Year (Puthandu / Chithirai Vishu) — Celebrated with kolam, mango pachadi, and temple visits. Marks the start of Tamil month Chithirai.
• Vishu (Kerala) — Malayalam New Year with Vishukkani (auspicious arrangement of items for prosperity).
• Ugadi / New Year related observances in some contexts (though main Ugadi was in March 2026). Significance: Sun enters Mesha rashi. New beginnings, charity, and special pujas for a prosperous year.

April 19, 2026 (Sunday)

• Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya – Akshaya Tritiya (also Parashurama Jayanti in some traditions) Significance: One of the most powerful Abhujha Muhurta days. No need to check panchangam — ideal for buying gold, starting new ventures, charity, and temple visits (especially Tirumala for Tulabharam or special pujas). “Akshaya” means never-ending; good deeds yield eternal benefits. Observed enthusiastically in all South Indian states.

April 23, 2026 (Thursday)

• Vaishakha Shukla Saptami – Ganga SaptamiSignificance: Commemorates Goddess Ganga’s descent. Bathing in rivers or performing Ganga puja for purification. In South India, prayers for mental and physical cleansing.

April 25, 2026 (Saturday)

• Vaishakha Shukla Navami – Sita NavamiSignificance: Birth anniversary of Goddess Sita. Worship of Goddess Padmavathi (at Tiruchanur near Tirupati) or Lakshmi for marital harmony and family happiness.

April 27, 2026 (Monday)

• Vaishakha Shukla Ekadashi – Mohini EkadashiSignificance: Lord Vishnu appeared as Mohini avatar. Fasting and darshan of Perumal (Vishnu) temples grant victory over desires and spiritual progress. Also linked to Thrissur Pooram celebrations in Kerala around this time.

April 30, 2026 (Thursday)

• Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi – Narasimha JayantiSignificance: Appearance day of Lord Narasimha (Vishnu’s 4th avatar). Special abhishekam, Narasimha mantras, and fasting till dusk for protection from fear and evil. Highly observed in Vishnu temples across South India, including those connected to Tirumala traditions.

Other Important Observances in April 2026

• Pradosh Vrat Days: April 9 & 24 (evening Shiva-Vishnu worship).
• Sankashti Chaturthi: April 5 (Vikata Sankashti – Ganesha worship).
• Regular Daily Sevas at Tirumala: Suprabhatham, Archana, Kalyanotsavam, Unjal Seva, etc.
• Vaishakha Masa benefits: Increased Vishnu puja, river baths, and charity from early April.

Tips for Observing April 2026 Festivals in South India

• Temple Visits: April offers pleasant-to-warm weather. Plan early morning darshan at Tirumala, Tiruchanur, or regional temples like Meenakshi (Madurai), Padmanabhaswamy (Thiruvananthapuram), or Chamundeshwari (Mysore).
• Vrat & Puja: Follow regional traditions — Telugu devotees emphasize Satyanarayan and Hanuman pujas; Tamilians focus on Murugan and Shiva on Panguni Uthiram.
• Auspicous Activities on Akshaya Tritiya: Gold purchase, investments, or starting new spiritual practices.
• Bookings: TTD sevas (including Vasanthotsavam) for April open early — check tirumala.org.

Om Namo Venkatesaya! May Lord Balaji, Hanuman, and all deities bless you with health, prosperity, and devotion this April 2026.