Tamil Calendar 2026: Timekeeping, Tradition, and Cultural Continuity

Complete List of Tamil Festivals and Holidays for 2026

Plan your year with this comprehensive guide to Tamil festivals, vrats, and cultural observances in 2026 according to the traditional Tamil calendar.

Tamil Calendar 2026: January

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
03 January	Saturday	Aarudra Darshanam
07 January	Wednesday	Tyagarajar Aradhanai
11 January	Sunday	Koodaravalli
13 January	Tuesday	Bhogi
14 January	Wednesday	Pongal Festival
15 January	Thursday	Mattu Pongal
17 January	Saturday	Uzavar Thirunaal
18 January	Sunday	Thai Amavasai
23 January	Friday	Vasantha Panchami
25 January	Sunday	Ratha Sapthami

Tamil Calendar 2026: February

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
01 February	Sunday	Thai Poosam
15 February	Sunday	Maha Shivaratri

Tamil Calendar 2026: March

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
03 March	Tuesday	Maasi Magam
14 March	Saturday	Karadaiyan Nombu
19 March	Thursday	Ugadi - Telugu New Year
27 March	Friday	Sri Rama Navami

Tamil Calendar 2026: April

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
01 April	Wednesday	Panguni Uthiram
14 April	Tuesday	Puthandu
15 April	Wednesday	Vishu
19 April	Sunday	Akshaya Tritiya
21 April	Tuesday	Sankara Jayanti
22 April	Wednesday	Ramanuja Jayanti

Tamil Calendar 2026: May

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
01 May	Friday	Chitra Pournami
04 May	Monday	Agni Nakshatram Begins
28 May	Thursday	Agni Nakshatram Ends
30 May	Saturday	Vaikasi Visagam

Tamil Calendar 2026: June

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
26 June	Friday	Muharram

Tamil Calendar 2026: July

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
12 July	Sunday	Masa Shivratri, Pradosham
17 July	Friday	Sabarimala Nada Thurappu
30 July	Thursday	Thiruvona Vratham

Tamil Calendar 2026: August

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
03 August	Monday	Aadi Peruku
12 August	Wednesday	Aadi Amavasai
14 August	Friday	Aadi Pooram
17 August	Monday	Garuda Panjami
21 August	Friday	Varalakshmi Vratham
26 August	Wednesday	Onam
27 August	Thursday	Aavani Avittam / Rik / Yajurveda Upakarma
28 August	Friday	Gayathri Japam
31 August	Monday	Hara Chathurthi

Tamil Calendar 2026: September

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
04 September	Friday	Gokulashtami
12 September	Saturday	Avani Avittam
14 September	Monday	Ganesh Chathurthi / Pillaiyar Chaturthi
29 September	Tuesday	Maha Bharani

Tamil Calendar 2026: October

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
07 October	Wednesday	Magha Shraddha
10 October	Saturday	Mahalaya Amavasai
11 October	Sunday	Navarathiri Aarambam
19 October	Monday	Saraswathi Poojai / Ayudha Poojai
20 October	Tuesday	Vijaya Dasami
21 October	Wednesday	Vidyarambham

Tamil Calendar 2026: November

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
08 November	Sunday	Deepavali
10 November	Tuesday	Kandha Sashti Aarambam
15 November	Sunday	Maha Kandha Sashti
24 November	Tuesday	Karthigai Deepam

Tamil Calendar 2026: December

Date	Day	Tamil Festival/Holidays
15 December	Tuesday	Subrahmanaya Shasti
20 December	Sunday	Vaikunda Ekadashi
24 December	Thursday	Arudra Darshan

Tamil Calendar 2026: Timekeeping, Tradition, and Cultural Continuity

The Tamil Calendar 2026 represents a distinctive and time-tested system that reflects the cultural discipline, spiritual depth, and seasonal awareness of Tamil society. Unlike modern calendars that focus primarily on numerical dates, the Tamil calendar is based on solar movement, planetary transitions, and natural cycles. For centuries, it has guided religious observances, agricultural practices, and important social milestones across Tamil Nadu and Tamil-speaking communities worldwide. In 2026, the Tamil calendar continues to remain deeply relevant. It shapes temple rituals, festival planning, auspicious timings, and household traditions, offering a structured rhythm to life that harmonizes faith, nature, and social order.

Chithirai: Beginning of the Tamil Year
The Tamil year begins with Chithirai, marking a symbolic transition toward renewal and clarity. The New Year is observed with temple visits, special prayers, and family gatherings, reflecting hope for stability, prosperity, and spiritual balance. Viewing the Panchangam on this day is considered auspicious, as it provides guidance for the year ahead. Cultural activities such as devotional music, classical dance, and literary programs often accompany New Year observances, reinforcing Tamil society’s long-standing emphasis on knowledge, discipline, and artistic expression.

Thai Month: Prosperity and Social Progress
The month of Thai holds special importance in the Tamil calendar, as it signifies progress, prosperity, and positive change. Traditionally associated with agricultural abundance, this period reflects gratitude toward nature and collective effort. Social celebrations in Thai emphasize family unity, sharing of food, and respect for farming traditions. The belief that “Thai brings new beginnings” continues to influence social customs and community events in 2026.

Devotional Months: Aadi and Margazhi
Certain months in the Tamil calendar are dedicated to heightened spiritual discipline. Aadi is closely associated with the worship of the Divine Mother and is observed through fasting, temple visits, and community rituals. Devotees seek protection, harmony, and well-being during this period, making it spiritually significant. Margazhi, on the other hand, is considered a sacred month of devotion and introspection. Early morning prayers, recitation of devotional hymns, and temple processions mark this time. Margazhi in 2026 continues to symbolize purity, discipline, and spiritual refinement.

Vinayaka Chaturthi and Shaivite Observances
Vinayaka Chaturthi holds a prominent place in the Tamil religious calendar. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the festival emphasizes wisdom, humility, and the removal of obstacles. Homes and temples conduct special prayers, reflecting values of ethical living and inner clarity. Shaivite observances such as Pradosham and Maha Shivaratri are equally important. These occasions involve fasting, temple worship, and night-long prayers, reinforcing spiritual discipline and devotion within everyday life.

Navaratri: Spiritual and Cultural Expression
Navaratri in Tamil culture is a blend of devotion and artistic celebration. The tradition of Golu, where decorative displays of dolls depict mythological stories and social themes, plays a central role. Families invite visitors, exchange knowledge, and participate in devotional gatherings. Classical music concerts, dance performances, and spiritual discourses form an integral part of Navaratri celebrations. Navaratri 2026 once again highlights Tamil Nadu’s ability to integrate spirituality with cultural creativity.

Karthigai: Festival of Light and Awareness
The month of Karthigai is associated with light, knowledge, and spiritual awakening. Lamps are lit in homes and temples to symbolize the removal of ignorance and the presence of divine wisdom. Major temples observe special rituals during this month, attracting devotees from across regions. This period emphasizes inner purification, devotion, and moral discipline, reinforcing the symbolic importance of light in Tamil spiritual thought.

Auspicious Days and Social Customs
The Tamil calendar plays a crucial role in determining auspicious days for weddings, naming ceremonies, housewarmings, and other life events. Planetary positions, lunar phases, and traditional calculations are carefully considered. Observances such as Amavasai and Pournami promote spiritual balance and remembrance of ancestors.

Contemporary Relevance of the Tamil Calendar
Despite rapid urbanization and digital lifestyles, the Tamil Calendar 2026 continues to guide both personal and community life. Digital almanacs and mobile applications have modernized access, enabling younger generations and the global Tamil diaspora to remain connected to traditional practices with ease.

Conclusion
The Tamil Calendar 2026 is far more than a traditional timekeeping system, it is a structured cultural framework that sustains Tamil identity, spirituality, and social values. By aligning human activity with nature, ethical discipline, and devotion, it preserves a way of life that remains meaningful in contemporary society. Rooted in continuity, balance, and tradition, the Tamil calendar continues to serve as a timeless guide for Tamil culture and heritage.

We hope this detailed guide from Starzspeak helps you navigate the auspicious year of 2026. Thank you for reading! Feel free to share this valuable resource with your family and friends.