Festival and gifting calendar 2027
In 2027 the festive season comes almost three weeks earlier than in 2026. Navratri begins on 30 September, Karwa Chauth falls on 18 October and Diwali on 29 October, so Diwali shopping really starts in early October. Holi and Mother's Day are a little later in the spring, and Akshaya Tritiya shares 9 May with Mother's Day, a good excuse for a silver or gold gift for mom.
January 2027
- 1Jan
New Year's Day
Friday, 1 January 2027
A fresh-start gift works best: a planner, a journal or something that supports a habit she wants to build.
New Year gifts - 14Jan
Lohri
Thursday, 14 January 2027
Punjab's bonfire night. Rewari, gajak, peanuts and dry fruits are the classic treats to share.
Gourmet gifts - 15Jan
Makar Sankranti / Pongal
Friday, 15 January 2027
The harvest festival of til-gud and kites. Sesame sweets and festive hampers suit the day.
Gift hampers
February 2027
- 11Feb
Vasant Panchami
Thursday, 11 February 2027
Dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning. Books, pens and journals, in yellow if you can, are the natural gift.
Books and stationery - 14Feb
Valentine's Day
Sunday, 14 February 2027
Roses and midnight cakes book up fast. Order by 10 February, or pick a keepsake that outlasts the day.
Valentine's gifts
March 2027
- 8Mar
International Women's Day
Monday, 8 March 2027
A day to appreciate the women at work and at home. Plants, journals and flowers keep it simple and sincere.
Women's Day gifts - 10Mar
Eid ul-Fitr Date may shift
Wednesday, 10 March 2027
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 - 22Mar
Holi
Monday, 22 March 2027
Skin-safe herbal gulal, gujiya and thandai, plus an after-Holi care kit to soothe hair and skin.
Holi gifts
April 2027
- 7Apr
Gudi Padwa / Ugadi
Wednesday, 7 April 2027
New Year for Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana. Brass, puja items and decor for a fresh start at home.
Home decor gifts
May 2027
- 9May
Akshaya Tritiya
Sunday, 9 May 2027
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 - 9May
Mother's Day
Sunday, 9 May 2027
Second Sunday of May. Personalised gifts need 3 to 5 days to make, so order early.
Mother's Day gifts
August 2027
- 1Aug
Friendship Day
Sunday, 1 August 2027
Celebrated in India on the first Sunday of August. Yellow roses, a caricature or an inside-joke mug say it best.
Gifts for friends - 17Aug
Raksha Bandhan
Tuesday, 17 August 2027
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 2027
- 4Sep
Ganesh Chaturthi
Saturday, 4 September 2027
Ten days of celebration, especially in Maharashtra. Modak boxes, pooja thalis and diyas make thoughtful visiting gifts.
Puja and decor gifts - 5Sep
Teacher's Day
Sunday, 5 September 2027
5 September, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Small, personal gifts with a handwritten card work best.
Teacher's Day gifts - 26Sep
Daughters' Day
Sunday, 26 September 2027
Marked in India on the fourth Sunday of September. A keepsake or a charm to start a yearly tradition.
Gifts for daughter - 30Sep
Sharad Navratri begins
Thursday, 30 September 2027
Nine nights of garba, dandiya and Durga Puja. Ethnic wear, potli bags and jhumkas are perfect for the season.
Ethnic wear gifts
October 2027
- 18Oct
Karwa Chauth
Monday, 18 October 2027
Give the gift before moonrise so she can wear it for the puja. Moonrise time varies by city.
Karwa Chauth gifts - 27Oct
Dhanteras
Wednesday, 27 October 2027
The first day of the Diwali festival, traditionally for buying gold, silver and new utensils. A silver coin is a classic.
Jewellery gifts - 29Oct
Diwali
Friday, 29 October 2027
The busiest gifting week of the year. Order hampers and decor at least a week ahead, especially for other cities.
Diwali gifts - 31Oct
Bhai Dooj
Sunday, 31 October 2027
Closes the Diwali week. After the festive rush, pick something that pampers her rather than more sweets.
Bhai Dooj gifts
December 2027
- 25Dec
Christmas
Saturday, 25 December 2027
Secret Santa season. Plum cakes and festive hampers sell out close to 25 December.
Christmas gifts