July 2026 Hindu Festivals & Pilgrimages in Review
July 2026 in review — the Jagannath Rath Yatra, the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, Devshayani Ekadashi and Chaturmas, and Guru Purnima, as Ashadha gives way to Shravan.
July 2026 in review — the Jagannath Rath Yatra, the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, Devshayani Ekadashi and Chaturmas, and Guru Purnima, as Ashadha gives way to Shravan.
In brief: July 2026 was rich with devotion: the Jagannath Rath Yatra began in Puri on 16 July, the Amarnath Yatra continued through the Himalayas from 3 July, Devshayani Ekadashi on 25 July began Chaturmas, and Guru Purnima was observed on 29 July.
July 2026 carried the sacred rhythm of Ashadha Masam into the start of Chaturmas, with two of the year’s great pilgrimages and festivals underway. Here is a devotional month-in-review of the verified highlights.
Jagannath Rath Yatra (16 July)
The Jagannath Rath Yatra began in Puri, Odisha, on 16 July 2026. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra emerged from the Srimandir and rode their traditional wooden chariots along the Bada Danda to the Gundicha Temple. The nine-day festival includes Hera Panchami, the Bahuda Yatra (the return journey), Suna Besha (the golden attire) and Niladri Bije, marking the deities’ return to the sanctum.
Amarnath Yatra continues
The Amarnath Yatra commenced on 3 July 2026 and runs for 57 days to 28 August, concluding on Raksha Bandhan. Pilgrims use the Pahalgam and the shorter Baltal routes to the Himalayan cave of the ice lingam, Baba Barfani. For the legend of the cave, read the Amar Katha.
Devshayani Ekadashi & the start of Chaturmas (25 July)
On 25 July 2026, devotees observed Devshayani Ekadashi (also Ashadhi or Hari Shayani Ekadashi). By tradition, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra for four months, beginning Chaturmas — a period of intensified spiritual practice, fasting and charity during which weddings and housewarmings are traditionally postponed, until Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartika.
Guru Purnima (29 July)
Guru Purnima (Ashadha Purnima / Vyasa Puja) was observed on 29 July 2026. Devotees paid homage to Maharishi Ved Vyasa and to their own gurus through special pujas, satsangs and charity, in India and across Hindu communities worldwide.
Looking ahead
With Shravan beginning, the focus now turns to intense Shiva worship and the vratams of Sravana Masam. See the August 2026 festivals calendar for what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Jagannath Rath Yatra in 2026?
The Jagannath Rath Yatra began in Puri on 16 July 2026 (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya), when Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra rode their chariots to the Gundicha Temple over a nine-day festival.
When did the Amarnath Yatra 2026 begin?
The Amarnath Yatra began on 3 July 2026 and runs for 57 days until 28 August, ending on Raksha Bandhan, via the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
What is Devshayani Ekadashi and when was it in 2026?
Devshayani Ekadashi, on 25 July 2026, marks the start of Chaturmas — when Lord Vishnu is said to enter Yoga Nidra for four months and auspicious ceremonies are traditionally postponed.
When was Guru Purnima 2026?
Guru Purnima 2026 was observed on 29 July, on Ashadha Purnima, honouring Maharishi Ved Vyasa and one’s gurus.
What comes after July in the 2026 Hindu calendar?
Shravan (Sawan) begins, bringing intense Shiva worship, the Sawan Somvars, Naga Panchami, Varalakshmi Vratam and Raksha Bandhan through August.
