February Festivals 2026: Dates, Rituals & Celebration Guide

In the sacred month of February 2026, as the gentle embrace of Shishir Ritu transitions toward the awakening of spring, devotees immerse themselves in profound devotion to the Divine. This period, spanning the waning days of Magha and the early phase of Phalguna (as per the Purnimanta calendar widely followed in North India), offers auspicious opportunities for spiritual purification, knowledge-seeking, and surrender to Lord Shiva. Rooted in the eternal teachings of the Vedas and Puranas, these observances remind us of the transient nature of worldly existence and the eternal bliss of Bhakti.

February 2026 brings forth key festivals and vrats that purify the heart and align the soul with cosmic rhythms. Here is a detailed devotional guide to the major Hindu festivals and significant days in February 2026, with dates aligned to standard Indian panchang (New Delhi/India timezone), scriptural significance, and practical rituals to perform with faith and purity.

Magha Purnima – February 3, 2026

Magha Purnima, the full moon day of Magha month, is a highly auspicious occasion for holy baths, charity, and spiritual reflection.

Significance: The Padma Purana and Skanda Purana extol this day as ideal for Magh Snan (holy dip) in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or at home. It marks the culmination of the Magh month observances, where the merit of bathing, fasting, and dana multiplies immensely. Scriptures describe it as a day when the divine energies are potent for moksha-seeking sadhana, and acts of compassion wash away accumulated sins. It also commemorates the day when great saints attained enlightenment through devotion.

Rituals:

• Rise before sunrise for a holy bath (Magh Snan), preferably in a river or with Gangajal at home.
• Perform Surya Arghya and chant Surya mantras.
• Observe fast or consume sattvic food; donate food, clothes, sesame seeds, and blankets to the needy or Brahmins.
• Visit temples, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu or Shiva, and recite Vishnu Sahasranama or Shiva stotras.
• Perform tarpana for ancestors if applicable.

Practical Guide: In places like Prayagraj or Haridwar, millions gather for the sacred dip. At home, light a ghee lamp and meditate on the full moon’s calming light, symbolizing inner illumination.

Jaya Ekadashi – February 15, 2026 (approximate, confirm with local panchang)

Jaya Ekadashi falls on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Magha/Phalguna.

Significance: As described in the Padma Purana and Narada Purana, observing this Ekadashi grants victory (jaya) over enemies, obstacles, and inner vices. It is said to bestow the merit equivalent to performing great yajnas, leading to spiritual triumph and divine grace from Lord Vishnu.

Rituals:

• Strict fast from grains (partial or nirjala as per capacity).
• Worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, flowers, and sandalwood paste.
• Chant Vishnu mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or read Ekadashi katha.
• Break the fast on the next day (Dvadasi) after sunrise with sattvic food.

Practical Guide: This vrat is especially beneficial for those seeking success in endeavors, studies, or overcoming challenges. Maintain celibacy and avoid anger.

Maha Shivratri – February 15, 2026

The grand night dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi.

Significance: The Shiva Purana narrates this as the night when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic Tandava Nritya, manifesting creation, preservation, and destruction. It also marks the day Shiva consumed the Halahala poison during Samudra Manthan to protect the universe, and his auspicious marriage to Goddess Parvati. Devout worship on this night absolves even grave sins, granting spiritual liberation (moksha) and worldly blessings. The Linga Purana emphasizes that sincere abhishekam and japa on Maha Shivratri please Mahadeva immensely.

Rituals:

• Observe full-day fast (fruits, milk, or nirjala as per devotion).
• Perform Rudrabhishekam on Shiva Linga with panchamrita (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar), bel leaves (three leaflets symbolizing sattva, rajas, tamas), and cool water.
• Offer bilva patra, dhatura (if available), and chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 or more times.
• Stay awake all night (jagran) in temples or at home, listening to Shiva Purana katha or Shiva Tandava Stotra.
• Perform evening and midnight puja with lamps and incense.

Practical Guide: Decorate the home altar with flowers and rangoli. In major temples like Kashi Vishwanath or Somnath, special celebrations occur. Break the fast on February 16 morning after puja. This night is ideal for deep meditation and seeking Shiva’s grace for inner peace.

Ratha Saptami – February 27, 2026

Celebrated on Magha Shukla Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti or Arogya Saptami.

Significance: This marks the symbolic northward turn of Surya’s chariot (Uttarayan progression fully realized), as per the Rig Veda and Vishnu Purana. It honors Lord Surya as the source of health, vitality, and life force. Scriptures promise relief from ailments and prosperity through worship on this day.

Rituals:

• Wake early for Arunodaya (pre-dawn) bath.
• Offer Arghya to rising Sun with copper vessel, red flowers, and red sandalwood.
• Chant Aditya Hridayam Stotra or Gayatri Mantra.
• Fast or eat light sattvic food; donate wheat, jaggery, or red clothes.
• Perform Surya Namaskar 12 times.

Practical Guide: This day is excellent for health-related prayers. Avoid non-vegetarian food and anger.

Other Auspicious Days in February 2026

• Phalguna Amavasya (around February 18, 2026): Ideal for pitru tarpana, ancestor worship, and spiritual cleansing as per Garuda Purana.
• Monthly observances like Somvar vrat (Mondays for Shiva), Mangalvar vrat (Tuesdays for Hanuman), and Pradosh vrat (Trayodashi evenings for Shiva-Parvati).

February 2026 invites devotees to deepen their sadhana amid the lingering coolness of winter, preparing the heart for the vibrant spring ahead. These sacred days, drawn from the timeless wisdom of Sanatana Dharma, purify the atman and foster unwavering devotion to the Supreme. May Lord Shiva, Surya Bhagavan, and the Divine Mother shower Their infinite grace upon you, granting health, wisdom, victory over obstacles, and ultimate liberation.

Hari Om Tat Sat. Consult your local panchang or priest for precise tithi timings and regional variations, as lunar dates may shift slightly by location.

For More Devotional Journey, Follow

• Temples
  https://hindutone.com/temples/
• Tirumala Updates
  https://hindutone.com/tirumala/
• Sabarimala Yatra
  https://hindutone.com/category/sabarimala-yatra/
• Pooja, Slokas & Mantras
  https://hindutone.com/pooja-slokas-and-mantras/
• Hindu Gods
  https://hindutone.com/hindu-gods/