Why India's Hindu Festival Season Is Running Late in 2026

A leap month (Adhik Jyeshtha, 17 May-15 Jun) pushed 2026's festivals 2-3 weeks later than usual

Nirjala Ekadashi falls on 25 June; one waterless fast is said to equal all 24 Ekadashis

Jagannath Rath Yatra is on 16 July; Devshayani Ekadashi on 25 July starts the four-month Chaturmas

Sawan begins 30 July in North India, with Sawan Somwars on 3, 10, 17 and 24 August

Raksha Bandhan lands on 27 August; Hariyali Teej shares 15 August with Independence Day