Festival calendar
Upcoming festivals
The auspicious days ahead, what each one means, and the poojas families book for them. Dates follow the Tamil calendar (Chennai).
Navratri
On nowSunday, 11 October 2026 – Tuesday 20 October
Nine nights of the Goddess as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Saraswati Puja 17 Oct, Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami 19 Oct.
Families pray for: Strength, prosperity and learning for the family
Vijayadashami and Ayudha Pooja
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
The victorious tenth day: the most auspicious day of the year to begin something new: learning, a business, a home.
Families pray for: New beginnings, children's first lessons
Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Trayodashi)
Friday, 6 November 2026
The day of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer, and of welcoming prosperity into the home before Deepavali.
Families pray for: Health and prosperity
Deepavali and Lakshmi Puja
Sunday, 8 November 2026
The festival of lights. Lamps are lit and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for abundance and harmony at home.
Families pray for: Wealth, harmony, a fresh start
Kanda Sashti
Tuesday, 10 November 2026 – Sunday 15 November
Six days of devotion to Lord Murugan, ending with Soorasamharam on 15 Nov, the victory of good over evil.
Families pray for: Courage, removing obstacles
Karthigai Deepam
Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Rows of lamps are lit at dusk in honour of Lord Shiva as an infinite column of light.
Families pray for: Light, clarity, family wellbeing
Vaikunta Ekadashi
Sunday, 20 December 2026
The day the gates of Vaikuntham are said to open. Devotees fast and pray to Lord Vishnu.
Families pray for: Spiritual merit, protection
Thai Pongal
Friday, 15 January 2027
The harvest festival of thanksgiving to the Sun God, celebrated with the first rice of the season.
Families pray for: Gratitude, abundance
Thaipusam
Friday, 22 January 2027
A day of devotion to Lord Murugan, marking the Goddess giving him the Vel (spear).
Families pray for: Strength, removing obstacles
Never miss an auspicious day
Get a short reminder before each festival, with what it means and which pooja to book.