Quick answer: August 2026 falls deep in the sacred month of Shravan (Sawan). Key dates: Sawan Somvars (3, 10, 17, 24 Aug), Naga Panchami (17 Aug), Tulsidas Jayanti (19 Aug), Varalakshmi Vratam (21/28 Aug), Onam-Thiruvonam (26 Aug) and Raksha Bandhan with Shravana Purnima (28 Aug).

August 2026 sits at the heart of Shravana Masam — the holiest month for Shiva worship — with Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays each carrying special vratams, alongside major festivals from Naga Panchami to Raksha Bandhan and Kerala’s Onam. Here is the full month’s calendar with links to detailed guides.

August 2026 festival calendar

DateFestival / Vrat
2 Aug (Sun)Sankashti Chaturthi
3 Aug (Mon)1st Sawan Somvar
9 Aug (Sun)Kamika Ekadashi
10 Aug (Mon)2nd Sawan Somvar · Pradosh
11 Aug (Tue)Sawan Shivratri
12 Aug (Wed)Hariyali/Ashadha Amavasya · Total Solar Eclipse (not visible in India)
15 Aug (Sat)Hariyali Teej
17 Aug (Mon)Naga Panchami · 3rd Sawan Somvar · Simha Sankranti
19 Aug (Wed)Tulsidas Jayanti
21 Aug (Fri)Varalakshmi Vratam (Telugu/Tamil/Kannada)
23 Aug (Sun)Putrada / Pavitra Ekadashi
24 Aug (Mon)4th Sawan Somvar
26 Aug (Wed)Onam (Thiruvonam)
28 Aug (Fri)Raksha Bandhan · Shravana Purnima · Gayatri Jayanti · (Varalakshmi, some panchangams)
31 Aug (Mon)Kajari Teej

Festival highlights

  • Naga Panchami (17 Aug): serpent worship in Shravan; this year it coincides with a Monday. Full Naga Panchami guide →
  • Varalakshmi Vratam (21 Aug; some 28 Aug): Lakshmi kalasam puja for family prosperity. Varalakshmi guide →
  • Onam / Thiruvonam (26 Aug): Kerala’s harvest festival — pookalam, Onasadya and boat races, welcoming King Mahabali.
  • Raksha Bandhan · Shravana Purnima (28 Aug): sisters tie rakhi; also Gayatri Jayanti and Upakarma. Raksha Bandhan guide →

The 12 August solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse occurs on 12 August 2026 (total over Iceland and northern Spain), but it is not visible from India — so no sutak applies there. See the Surya Grahan 12 August 2026 guide for region-wise timings and eye-safety.

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Coming next

Krishna Janmashtami falls on 4 September and Ganesh Chaturthi on 14 September 2026. See the Krishna Janmashtami 2026 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main Hindu festivals in August 2026?

The main August 2026 festivals are the four Sawan Somvars, Naga Panchami (17 Aug), Tulsidas Jayanti (19 Aug), Varalakshmi Vratam (21/28 Aug), Onam-Thiruvonam (26 Aug) and Raksha Bandhan with Shravana Purnima (28 Aug).

When is Raksha Bandhan 2026?

Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on Friday, 28 August, on Shravana Purnima. The rakhi is tied during the clear window, avoiding Bhadra kaal — confirm the local muhurat with your panchang.

When is Naga Panchami 2026?

Naga Panchami 2026 is on Monday, 17 August. It coincides with the third Sawan Somvar this year, which many consider especially auspicious.

Does the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse affect festivals in India?

No. The total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 is not visible from India, so sutak restrictions do not apply there by tradition. It is total over Iceland and northern Spain.

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When is Onam 2026?

The main day of Onam, Thiruvonam, falls on 26 August 2026 in Kerala, within a ten-day celebration that begins around 16 August.