South India Festival Calendar & Long Weekends: October 2025 – April 2026
South India is a land of divine festivals, ancient temples, and cultural traditions that bring people together in celebration. From the sparkling lights of Diwali to the sacred fire of Thiruvannamalai Deepam, and from the harvest joy of Pongal to the divine rituals of Vaikunda Ekadesi, every festival here is an experience of spirituality and joy.
For travelers, festivals are also the best time to plan short holidays, as many align with long weekends. Here’s a complete guide to the major festivals from October 2025 to April 2026, along with travel-friendly long weekend opportunities.
October 2025
- Ayutha Pooja (Oct 1, Wednesday) – A day to worship tools, vehicles, and instruments, marking gratitude for work and prosperity.
- Vijaya Dasami (Oct 2, Thursday) – Celebrated as the triumph of good over evil, concluding Navaratri with processions and temple rituals.
- Diwali (Oct 20, Monday) – The Festival of Lights, celebrated with lamps, sweets, and fireworks, marking Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
- Kantha Sashti Begins (Oct 22, Wednesday) – A six-day fasting period for Lord Murugan devotees.
- Soorasamharam (Oct 27, Monday) – The dramatic re-enactment of Murugan’s victory over Surapadman, celebrated at Tiruchendur and other Murugan temples.
Long Weekend Tip:
- Oct 1–5 (Ayutha Pooja + Vijaya Dasami + weekend) = 5-day break.
- Oct 18–20 = Diwali long weekend.
November 2025
Annabhishekam (Nov 5, Wednesday) – At Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped with cooked rice offerings, symbolizing abundance.
No long weekend this month.
December 2025
- Thiruvannamalai Deepam (Dec 3, Wednesday) – The grand lighting of the giant lamp atop Annamalai Hills, symbolizing Shiva’s eternal flame.
- Hanuman Jayanthi (Dec 19, Friday) – The birth of Hanuman, celebrated with chanting and temple rituals.
- Vaikunda Ekadesi (Dec 30, Tuesday) – A holy day for Vishnu devotees, celebrated with temple processions, especially at Srirangam.
Long Weekend Tip:
- Dec 19–21 (Hanuman Jayanthi).
- Dec 25–28 (Christmas + weekend).
January 2026
- Aardudra Dharshan (Jan 3, Saturday) – Celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja.
- Boghi (Jan 14, Wednesday) – The first day of Pongal, celebrated by discarding the old and welcoming the new.
- Pongal (Jan 15, Thursday) – Tamil Nadu’s harvest festival, with special offerings to the Sun God.
- Mattu Pongal (Jan 16, Friday) – A day to honor cattle, decorated and worshipped.
- Kaanum Pongal (Jan 17, Saturday) – A day of family reunions and outdoor festivities.
- Thai Amavasai (Jan 18, Sunday) – A new moon day for ancestor worship.
- Ratha Sapthami (Jan 25, Sunday) – Dedicated to the Sun God, marking seasonal changes.
Long Weekend Tip:
- Jan 1–4 (New Year break).
- Jan 14–18 (Pongal holidays = 5 days).
- Jan 25–26 (Ratha Sapthami + Republic Day).
February 2026
- Thai Poosam (Feb 1, Sunday) – A Murugan festival with kavadi processions and prayers.
- Maha Shiv Ratri (Feb 15, Sunday) – The great night of Shiva, celebrated with all-night prayers and fasting.
- Mostly Sunday festivals, no extended weekends.
March 2026
- Masi Magam (Mar 2, Monday) – Celebrated with deity processions to rivers and seas for holy baths.
- Holi (Mar 3, Tuesday) – The festival of colors, celebrated with music, joy, and playfulness.
- Ugadi (Mar 19, Thursday) – The New Year for Telugu and Kannada communities.
- Rama Navami (Mar 27, Friday) – The birth of Lord Rama, marked with Ramayana recitals and temple festivities.
- Kabali 63 Festival (Mar 30, Monday) – At Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, honoring the 63 Nayanmars with rituals and processions.
Long Weekend Tip:
- Feb 28–Mar 2 (Masi Magam).
- Feb 28–Mar 3 (Add Holi for a 4-day break).
- Mar 27–29 (Rama Navami).
- Mar 28–30 (Kabali 63).
April 2026
- Panguni Uthiram (Apr 1, Wednesday) – Celebrates divine marriages including that of Lord Murugan with Deivayanai, and Lord Shiva with Parvati.
Long Weekend Tip:
- Apr 1–5 (Panguni Uthiram + Good Friday + weekend).
Celebrate South India’s Festivals with SouthGuru Holidays
Whether it’s the glowing lamps of Thiruvannamalai Deepam, the colorful harvest of Pongal, the divine rituals of Vaikunda Ekadesi, or the cultural splendor of Kabali 63, South Indian festivals are experiences of faith and joy.
At SouthGuru Holidays, we design customized packages so you can be part of these festivals while exploring South India’s heritage, temples, and traditions. From airport transfers and guided city tours to festival-special itineraries, we ensure your holiday is seamless and memorable.
Plan your festive journey with us and witness South India’s culture in its most vibrant form.
📞 Contact SouthGuru Holidays
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
📞 Call: +91-73565 07555
