April 2026 Hindu festival calendar: Full list of key dates from Hanuman Jayanti to Akshaya Tritiya

April 2026 is set to witness a series of significant religious observances across India, with multiple Hindu festivals, vrat days, and culturally important occasions lined up through the month.

Guided by the Hindu Panchang, which follows lunar phases, tithis, and nakshatras, these dates hold special importance for devotees planning rituals, fasting, and temple visits.

One of the key festivals, Hanuman Jayanti, has led to some confusion this year due to overlapping tithis. While the Purnima Tithi begins on the morning of April 1, the festival will be observed on April 2, 2026.

This follows the Udaya Tithi rule, where the date of celebration is determined by the tithi prevailing at sunrise. Devotees are expected to visit temples and perform Chaitra Purnima rituals on this day.

Another major highlight of the month is Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on April 19, 2026.

Considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, it is observed as an Abujh Muhurat, meaning the entire day is deemed favourable for new beginnings, investments, and purchases. Traditionally, buying gold on this day is believed to bring lasting prosperity and good fortune.

April 14 marks a significant cultural convergence, as several regions across India celebrate their traditional New Year on the same day.

Festivals including Baisakhi in Punjab and Haryana, Vishu in Kerala, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Maha Vishuba Sankranti in Odisha, and Bohag Bihu in Assam will be observed with regional customs and festivities.

The month also signals the end of the Kharmas period on April 14, after which auspicious wedding dates resume.

Several favourable dates have been identified for marriages, including April 15, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29, with April 20 and April 26 expected to see higher demand due to favourable planetary alignments.

In addition to Hindu observances, April also includes important dates in the Christian calendar.

Good Friday will be observed on April 3, followed by Easter Sunday on April 5, marking a significant period for Christian communities.

April 14 has also been declared a nationwide gazetted holiday on account of Dr Ambedkar Jayanti.

In several states, the day coincides with regional New Year celebrations, leading to closures of banks and government offices. Banks will also remain closed on April 1 for annual account closing.

With a packed calendar of religious and cultural events, April 2026 offers multiple opportunities for devotees to observe traditions, participate in rituals, and mark important occasions in line with the Hindu calendar.