Welcome to the 2026 Tamil calendar with holidays, festivals, auspicious dates, and regional observances designed for planning work, travel, and family events. This guide combines traditional Tamil month details with public holidays and astrologically favorable time slots to support your daily decisions.
Use this resource to coordinate business deadlines, school schedules, and cultural ceremonies around key Tamil festivals and government gazetted holidays across Tamil Nadu.
| Month | Gregorian Range | Major Festivals | Auspicious Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chittirai | 14 Apr – 14 May | Tamil New Year, Chittirai Vishu | Early morning on New Year Day |
| Vaikasi | 15 May – 14 Jun | Brahmotsavam, Murugan Skanda Shashti | Friday evenings in May |
| Aadi | 15 Jul – 16 Aug | Aadi Perukku, Varalakshmi Vratam | First Friday of Aadi |
| Purattasi | 17 Sep – 16 Oct | Purattasi Sani, Navaratri start | Evenings for prayers |
| Aippasi | 17 Oct – 15 Nov | Deepavali, Karthigai Deepam | Sunrise to mid-morning |
| Karthigai | 16 Nov – 15 Dec | Karthigai Deepam, Guru Puja | Night before full moon |
| Margazhi | 16 Dec – 14 Jan | Margazhi Tiruvadhirai, Pongal prep | Early morning during Tiruvadhirai |
| Thai | 15 Jan – 14 Feb | Pongal, Mattu Pongal | Sunrise on Pongal day |
| Maasi | 15 Feb – 15 Mar | Maha Shivaratri, Panguni Uthiram | Night of Shivaratri |
| Panguni | 16 Mar – 14 Apr | Ram Navami, Mesha Pirappu | Daytime on Ram Navami |
Tamil New Year and Regional Public Holidays 2026
Key Government Gazetted Holidays
Tamil New Year on 14 April 2026 marks the start of the calendar year with bank and government holidays across Tamil Nadu. Additional regional observances include Puthandu holiday arrangements in major districts and special local holidays declared by corporations and municipalities.
Extended Festival Breaks
Long weekends occur during Deepavali, Pongal, and Vinayagar Chathurthi, enabling family travel and cultural participation. Employers often align leave with these periods, so planning ahead reduces scheduling conflicts for schools and businesses.
Local Festival Observances
Temple festivals such as Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi and Aadi Perukku bring regional holidays and public holiday adjustments in specific taluks. Check district notifications for transport and market operating hours during these events.
Festivals Calendar with Auspicious Dates for 2026
Deepavali and Lighting Ceremonies
Deepavali typically falls in October or November, with auspicious timings for Lakshmi Puja in the evening. Use these windows for new account openings, property-related rituals, and gifting.
Pongal and Harvest Traditions
Pongal celebrations in Thai month include Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal, with specific muhurtham timings for boiling rice and offering prayers. These moments are considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures related to agriculture and home improvements.
Vinayagar and Murugan Festivals
Vinayagar Chathurthi and Murugan Skanda Shashti feature processions and special prayers. Choosing favorable muhurtham for installing idols or commencing educational activities enhances spiritual and academic outcomes according to traditional beliefs.
Auspicious Dates for Weddings and Naming Ceremonies
Wedding Muhurtham Windows
Certain Tamil months offer highly favorable timings for weddings, taking into account star alignments and planetary positions. Consult a priest to match these windows with your horoscope for harmony and prosperity.
Naming Ceremony Planning
Namakaranam is often scheduled within the first few weeks after birth, guided by nakshatra and janma nakshtram compatibility. Selecting an auspicious day helps align positive planetary influences with the child’s future.
Planning Travel and Business Around Tamil Festivals
Transport and Market Schedules
Transport services and market timings may change during major festivals, with reduced hours on festival eves and extended hours during festive sales. Booking tickets early ensures smoother movement across districts.
Business Deadlines and Work Planning
Plan critical project milestones around long weekends and regional holidays to maintain workflow continuity. Align launch dates with auspicious days in the Tamil calendar to leverage traditional beliefs for enhanced acceptance.
Key Takeaways for 2026 Planning
- Mark Tamil New Year, Pongal, Deepavali, and Vinayagar festivals in your calendar for timely celebrations.
- Use the provided auspicious windows for weddings, naming ceremonies, and new business launches.
- Check local district notifications for transport and market changes during major festivals.
- Cross-check muhurtham timings with a priest or reliable panchangam source for precise planning.
- Align important decisions with favorable nakshatras to harmonize traditional beliefs with modern schedules.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which days in 2026 are best for starting a new business according to the Tamil calendar?
Days ruled by favorable nakshatras such as Uthiram, Rohini, and Ashwini during the Tamil months of Chittirai and Vaikasi are traditionally preferred for new business initiatives.
How can I find the exact muhurtham for wedding ceremonies in 2026?
Consult a qualified priest or panchangam app, providing your location and preferred date range, to receive precise muhurtham timings aligned with your star chart for 2026 weddings.
Are government offices closed on regional Tamil festivals in 2026?
Central and state government offices usually remain closed on Pongal, Deepavali, and Tamil New Year, while local bodies may adjust hours for festivals like Aadi Perukku and Vinayagar Chathurthi.
What are the auspicious timings for property purchase in 2026?
Property signing and registration are often conducted during daytime hours on days with strong benefic planetary positions, avoiding Rahu Kalam, and aligning with stars like Mrigashira or Hasta.