February in India often feels like a bridge month: winter is still present in many regions, spring starts knocking in others, and the calendar stays busy with fasts, community commemorations, and big public-facing cultural festivals.
Below is a practical, date-first guide to the major festivals and events in February 2026—with a mix of religious, social, cultural, and a few historical/national observances that are commonly marked across the country.
At-a-glance calendar for February 2026 (India)
Magha Purnima (February 1, 2026)
Magha Purnima is one of the more spiritually significant full-moon days in the Hindu calendar. Many families mark it with early baths, charity, Satyanarayan puja/katha, and evening rituals linked to the moon. (moneycontrol.com)
If you’re planning family-friendly festival learning at home, this is also a good day to introduce children to stories of daan (giving) and gratitude—not as rules, but as values.
Vijaya Ekadashi (February 13, 2026) and Amalaki Ekadashi (February 27, 2026)
February 2026 includes two major Ekadashi fasts commonly highlighted in monthly Panchang round-ups:
- Vijaya Ekadashi on February 13, 2026 (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
- Amalaki Ekadashi on February 27, 2026 (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
Even if a household doesn’t fast, Ekadashi days are often treated as “lighter living” days—simple meals, calm routines, and a bit more reflection.
Maha Shivratri (February 15, 2026)
Maha Shivratri is the month’s biggest Hindu festival, observed across India with fasting, night vigils, temple visits, and home puja (often with Rudrabhishek in many traditions). In 2026, it falls on Sunday, February 15. (moneycontrol.com)
Because Shivratri is a night-long observance for many devotees, families often adapt it for kids by focusing on:
- simple Shiva stories (compassion, stillness, courage)
- short, age-friendly prayers
- a calmer evening routine instead of late-night vigils
Phalguna Amavasya (February 17, 2026)
Phalguna Amavasya falls on February 17, 2026, and is often used for remembrance rituals and family traditions tied to ancestors. (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
It also coincides with an annular solar eclipse date, but this particular eclipse is not visible from India. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Social and community commemorations
Guru Ravidas Jayanti (February 1–2 window; often marked on February 1, 2026)
Guru Ravidas Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, widely respected for teachings centered on equality and social dignity. It is associated with Magha Purnima, so some calendars place it on February 1 and others on February 2 depending on local practice. (m.economictimes.com)
In many cities and towns, the day is marked with satsangs, devotional singing, and community gatherings that emphasize inclusion.
Ramadan ( Around February 18–19, 2026)
Ramadan’s start date can differ based on methodology (local moon sighting vs. astronomical calculation) and region. Many global timetables place the beginning around February 17–19, 2026, and some sources list India in that same window. (islamic-relief.org)
If you’re publishing a local community calendar, it’s best to phrase it as:
- “Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18–19, 2026 (subject to moon sighting).”
Buddhist and Himalayan cultural observances
Losar (Tibetan New Year) (February 18, 2026)
Losar is widely celebrated by Tibetan Buddhist communities, including in parts of India (such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and diaspora communities). Many event calendars list Wednesday, February 18, 2026 as Losar. (drepung.org)
Losar celebrations typically include monastery ceremonies, community meals, music, and new-year greetings—an excellent time to explore cultural storytelling, food traditions, and “new year” meanings beyond the Gregorian calendar.
Major cultural festivals and public-facing events
Taj Mahotsav, Agra (February 18–27, 2026)
If you want a clear “travel-and-culture” highlight for February, Taj Mahotsav is the one to watch. It is an annual 10-day festival generally held February 18–27 at Shilpgram, Agra, showcasing crafts, cuisine, dance, and music. (en.wikipedia.org)
This event is especially useful for:
- cultural bloggers and photographers
- families planning educational trips
- anyone looking to buy directly from artisans
National and international observances commonly marked in India (useful for schools and workplaces)
These are not “festivals” in the religious sense, but they are widely used for assemblies, corporate calendars, brand campaigns, and school activities:
- Feb 2: World Wetlands Day
- Feb 4: World Cancer Day
- Feb 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
- Feb 13: National Women’s Day (India) (Sarojini Naidu birth anniversary)
- Feb 21: International Mother Language Day
- Feb 28: National Science Day (India)