Festival and gifting calendar 2026
2026 was an unusual year in the Hindu calendar: an extra month, Adhik Jyeshtha (17 May to 15 June), pushed the second half's festivals later than usual. Raksha Bandhan fell at the end of August, and the festive season stretches from Navratri in mid-October to Bhai Dooj on 11 November, with Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras and Diwali packed into the two weeks between.
January 2026
- 1Jan
New Year's Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026
A fresh-start gift works best: a planner, a journal or something that supports a habit she wants to build.
New Year gifts - 13Jan
Lohri
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Punjab's bonfire night. Rewari, gajak, peanuts and dry fruits are the classic treats to share.
Gourmet gifts - 14Jan
Makar Sankranti / Pongal
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
The harvest festival of til-gud and kites. Sesame sweets and festive hampers suit the day.
Gift hampers - 23Jan
Vasant Panchami
Friday, 23 January 2026
Dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning. Books, pens and journals, in yellow if you can, are the natural gift.
Books and stationery
February 2026
- 14Feb
Valentine's Day
Saturday, 14 February 2026
Roses and midnight cakes book up fast. Order by 10 February, or pick a keepsake that outlasts the day.
Valentine's gifts
March 2026
- 4Mar
Holi
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Skin-safe herbal gulal, gujiya and thandai, plus an after-Holi care kit to soothe hair and skin.
Holi gifts - 8Mar
International Women's Day
Sunday, 8 March 2026
A day to appreciate the women at work and at home. Plants, journals and flowers keep it simple and sincere.
Women's Day gifts - 19Mar
Gudi Padwa / Ugadi
Thursday, 19 March 2026
New Year for Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana. Brass, puja items and decor for a fresh start at home.
Home decor gifts - 21Mar
Eid ul-Fitr Date may shift
Saturday, 21 March 2026
Celebrates the end of Ramadan. Dates, dry fruits, sweets and ethnic wear are popular Eidi gifts. The date depends on the moon sighting.
Gourmet gifts
April 2026
- 20Apr
Akshaya Tritiya
Monday, 20 April 2026
Considered one of the luckiest days to buy gold and silver. A silver coin or a small piece of jewellery fits the tradition.
Jewellery gifts
May 2026
- 10May
Mother's Day
Sunday, 10 May 2026
Second Sunday of May. Personalised gifts need 3 to 5 days to make, so order early.
Mother's Day gifts
August 2026
- 2Aug
Friendship Day
Sunday, 2 August 2026
Celebrated in India on the first Sunday of August. Yellow roses, a caricature or an inside-joke mug say it best.
Gifts for friends - 28Aug
Raksha Bandhan
Friday, 28 August 2026
She ties the rakhi, you bring the gift. If she lives in another city, order a week ahead so it arrives on the day.
Rakhi gifts for sister
September 2026
- 5Sep
Teacher's Day
Saturday, 5 September 2026
5 September, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Small, personal gifts with a handwritten card work best.
Teacher's Day gifts - 14Sep
Ganesh Chaturthi
Monday, 14 September 2026
Ten days of celebration, especially in Maharashtra. Modak boxes, pooja thalis and diyas make thoughtful visiting gifts.
Puja and decor gifts - 27Sep
Daughters' Day
Sunday, 27 September 2026
Marked in India on the fourth Sunday of September. A keepsake or a charm to start a yearly tradition.
Gifts for daughter
October 2026
- 12Oct
Sharad Navratri begins
Monday, 12 October 2026
Nine nights of garba, dandiya and Durga Puja. Ethnic wear, potli bags and jhumkas are perfect for the season.
Ethnic wear gifts - 29Oct
Karwa Chauth
Thursday, 29 October 2026
Give the gift before moonrise so she can wear it for the puja. Moonrise time varies by city.
Karwa Chauth gifts
November 2026
- 6Nov
Dhanteras
Friday, 6 November 2026
The first day of the Diwali festival, traditionally for buying gold, silver and new utensils. A silver coin is a classic.
Jewellery gifts - 8Nov
Diwali
Sunday, 8 November 2026
The busiest gifting week of the year. Order hampers and decor at least a week ahead, especially for other cities.
Diwali gifts - 11Nov
Bhai Dooj
Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Closes the Diwali week. After the festive rush, pick something that pampers her rather than more sweets.
Bhai Dooj gifts
December 2026
- 25Dec
Christmas
Friday, 25 December 2026
Secret Santa season. Plum cakes and festive hampers sell out close to 25 December.
Christmas gifts