Malayalam Calendar 2026 February And March

Malayalam Calendar 2026: Your Essential Guide to February and March

Are you a Malayali living in the USA, looking to stay connected with your cultural roots and plan for important festivals and auspicious days in 2026? Navigating two different calendar systems – the Gregorian and the traditional Malayalam Kollavarsham – can feel like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. This definitive guide will cut through the confusion, providing you with a clear, consolidated, and detailed breakdown of the Malayalam Calendar for February and March 2026, specifically tailored to help you maintain your heritage, no matter where you are.

Forget jumping between multiple sites or guessing dates. We’re diving deep into the heart of these two crucial months, offering you everything from major festivals and Vrutham (fasting days) to understanding the underlying astrological significance of each period. Let’s make your 2026 planning effortless and culturally rich.

Understanding the Malayalam Calendar: More Than Just Dates

Before we dive into the specifics of February and March 2026, let’s establish a foundational understanding of the Malayalam Calendar. It’s not just a collection of dates; it’s a profound system deeply intertwined with astrology, agriculture, and spiritual practices unique to Kerala.

The Kollavarsham Connection: February & March 2026 in Perspective

The Malayalam calendar, also known as Kollavarsham or Kollavarsham Era, is a solar calendar. It typically begins in the month of Chingam (August/September). This system works in parallel with the Gregorian calendar, so specific Gregorian months will span across two Malayalam months.

• February 2026: This month will primarily cover the tail end of Makaram (January/February) and then transition into the full month of Kumbham (February/March). Kumbham is often characterized by significant temple festivals and a shift in seasonal energies.
• March 2026: Following Kumbham, March will encompass the majority of Meenam (March/April). Meenam marks the end of the traditional Malayalam calendar year for some calculations, leading up to Vishu in Medam.

Understanding these overlaps is crucial for pinpointing festivals and auspicious days accurately.

Key Elements of the Malayalam Calendar

To truly appreciate the calendar, you need to understand its core components:

• Panchangam: This is the foundational astrological almanac, comprising five elements: Tithi (lunar day), Nakshatram (star or lunar mansion), Karanam (half of a Tithi), Yoga (planetary combination), and Vaaram (day of the week). Each plays a role in determining auspiciousness.
• Nakshatras (Stars): There are 27 Nakshatras, each spanning 13 degrees 20 minutes of the zodiac. They are crucial for determining birth charts, personal auspicious days, and the timing of rituals. Knowing the prevailing Nakshatra can guide your daily actions.
• Tithis (Lunar Days): The lunar calendar has 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into two pakshas (fortnights): Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha (waning moon). Important festivals are often tied to specific Tithis, such as Pournami (full moon) or Amavasya (new moon).
• Vrutham (Fasting/Observances): Many days are designated for Vrutham, where individuals observe specific fasts or spiritual disciplines to honor deities or seek blessings. These are often tied to Tithis, Nakshatras, or specific deity celebrations.
• Festivals and Utsavams: These are vibrant cultural and religious celebrations, ranging from major pan-Hindu festivals to unique regional temple utsavam (annual festivals). They are moments of community, devotion, and cultural expression.

Malayalam Calendar 2026 February: Festivals, Auspicious Days, and Key Observances

February 2026 is a month steeped in spiritual significance, primarily covering the Malayalam month of Kumbham. It’s a period for introspection, devotion, and celebrating divine energies.

Here’s a detailed look at February 2026, helping you mark your calendars for important dates.

Gregorian Date	Day	Malayalam Date / Month	Key Observance / Festival	Significance
February 1 (Sun)	Sunday	Makaram 18 / 1199 ME	Thai Pooyam (TBD)	Celebration dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya). Devotees carry Kavadi, fulfilling vows. Timing for this can vary slightly by region/calendar.
February 13 (Fri)	Friday	Kumbham 1 / 1199 ME	Kumbham Sankramam, Vijaya Ekadasi	Beginning of the Malayalam month of Kumbham. Vijaya Ekadasi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed for success and victory.
February 15 (Sun)	Sunday	Kumbham 3 / 1199 ME	Maha Shivaratri	One of the most significant Hindu festivals, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts, perform pujas, and stay awake all night meditating.
February 18 (Wed)	Wednesday	Kumbham 6 / 1199 ME	Ramadan Fasting Starts (Tentative)	Beginning of the holy month of Ramadan for the Islamic calendar, observed by fasting from dawn to dusk. (Dates are lunar, subject to sighting).
February 19 (Thu)	Thursday	Kumbham 7 / 1199 ME	Sree Ramakrishna Jayanti, Shivaji Jayanti	Birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a revered saint. Shivaji Jayanti celebrates the birth of the Maratha warrior king.
February 23 (Mon)	Monday	Kumbham 11 / 1199 ME	Kumbha Bharani, Shasti Vrutham	Bharani Nakshatra in Kumbham is significant for ancestral rites (Kumbha Bharani). Shasti Vrutham is observed for Lord Murugan.
February 25 (Wed)	Wednesday	Kumbham 13 / 1199 ME	Pradosham	Auspicious period for worshipping Lord Shiva, observed on the 13th Tithi of both lunar fortnights.

Deep Dive into February’s Major Festivals & Vrutham

February is undeniably dominated by Maha Shivaratri. This night of Shiva is observed with intense devotion. Many Malayalis in the USA will visit Shiva temples, participate in special pujas, or observe a rigorous fast, chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. It’s a powerful day for spiritual cleansing and meditation, believed to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings for prosperity and liberation.

Kumbha Bharani is another significant day, especially for rituals honoring ancestors. While not a public holiday, many families perform shraddha (post-death rituals) on this day. It’s a time to reflect on lineage and offer respect to those who came before us.

The commencement of Ramadan (tentative for February 18th) also marks a profound spiritual period for the Muslim community within Kerala and the Malayali diaspora. It emphasizes self-discipline, charity, and reflection.

Auspicious Times in February (Muhurthams)

Beyond specific festivals, February 2026, being the month of Kumbham, offers various auspicious windows. To identify a Muhurtham (auspicious time) for significant events like weddings, housewarmings, or new business ventures, you would typically consult a local astrologer or detailed Panchangam. However, days with favorable Nakshatras like Rohini, Uttara Phalguni, Uttarabhadrapada, and Revati, combined with auspicious Tithis and week-days, are generally considered propitious. The Shukla Paksha (waxing moon fortnight) is often preferred for new beginnings.

Malayalam Calendar 2026 March: Navigating Festivals and Spiritual Observances

As we transition from February to March 2026, the calendar moves into the Malayalam month of Meenam. This month, signifying the end of the traditional year, is vibrant with cultural activities and paves the way for Vishu in April.

Here’s what March 2026 has in store for you:

Gregorian Date	Day	Malayalam Date / Month	Key Observance / Festival	Significance
March 1 (Sun)	Sunday	Kumbham 17 / 1199 ME	Pradosham (Earlier date for March 1 could be from Kumbham)	Auspicious time for Shiva worship. (The March 1st Pradosham refers to the Tithi of the waning moon for the previous fortnight, as per some calendars. It’s often fluid around month transitions).
March 3 (Tue)	Tuesday	Kumbham 19 / 1199 ME	Pournami (Full Moon)	Full moon day. Auspicious for spiritual practices, meditation, and certain Vrutham.
March 13 (Fri)	Friday	Meenam 1 / 1199 ME	Meenam Sankramam	Beginning of the Malayalam month of Meenam. Signifies the transition of the Sun into Pisces.
March 14 (Sat)	Saturday	Meenam 2 / 1199 ME	Amavasya (New Moon)	New moon day. Significant for ancestral rites (Bali Tharpanam) and beginning new lunar cycles.
March 18 (Wed)	Wednesday	Meenam 6 / 1199 ME	Holi (Phalguna Purnima)	The vibrant ‘Festival of Colors,’ celebrated across India, marking the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
March 24 (Tue)	Tuesday	Meenam 12 / 1199 ME	Ekadasi (Amalaki Ekadasi)	Observance dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with fasting and prayers for spiritual purification.
March 26 (Thu)	Thursday	Meenam 14 / 1199 ME	Pradosham	Another sacred time for Lord Shiva’s worship.

Deep Dive into March’s Major Festivals & Vrutham

March brings the colorful festival of Holi, particularly significant for North Indian communities but celebrated with gusto by many across India, including parts of Kerala. While not a traditional Malayalam festival in the same vein as Onam or Vishu, it’s widely observed and celebrated, especially by younger generations and in cosmopolitan areas. In the USA, community organizations often host Holi events, making it a vibrant cultural touchstone.

Meenam Sankramam marks the Sun’s transit into the Pisces zodiac sign. This transition is astrologically important, and for many, it signals the final phase before the new year of Medam (Vishu).

The Amavasya (New Moon) in March (Meenam 2) is a potent day for Bali Tharpanam, offering prayers and food to ancestors. Many Malayalis consider this a crucial day to remember and honor their forefathers, often performing these rituals by riverbanks or at home.

Auspicious Times in March (Muhurthams)

March, especially during the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) of Meenam, will have several favorable Muhurthams. As the year draws to a close (in terms of the traditional astrological calendar before Vishu), people often look for auspicious days to complete pending tasks, sign important documents, or embark on spiritual journeys. Nakshatras such as Ashwini, Bharani, and Punarvasu, when aligned with beneficial Tithis and weekdays, can present excellent opportunities.

February vs. March 2026: A Comparative Glance

While both February and March 2026 are spiritually significant, they carry distinct energies and focal points. Here’s a quick comparison:

Category	February 2026	March 2026
Dominant Malayalam Months	Makaram (part), Kumbham (full)	Kumbham (part), Meenam (full)
Major Spiritual Focus	Lord Shiva (Maha Shivaratri), Ancestral rites (Kumbha Bharani), Lord Murugan (Thai Pooyam, Shasti)	Ancestor worship (Amavasya), Community celebration (Holi), Vishnu observances (Ekadasi)
Key Festivals	Maha Shivaratri, Sree Ramakrishna Jayanti, Kumbha Bharani, beginning of Ramadan	Holi, Meenam Sankramam, Pournami Vrutham, Ekadasi Vrutham
Overall Theme	Introspection, Shiva devotion, ancestral remembrance, seasonal transition (Kumbham)	Renewal, spring celebration, ancestral reverence, year-end culmination (Meenam)

February, particularly with Shivaratri, offers a more intense, devotional period. March, while still spiritual, leans towards celebration and preparation for the new year, embracing community and renewal, epitomized by Holi.

Practical Planning for Malayalis in the USA: Maximizing Your 2026 Calendar

Living far from Kerala doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the rhythm of the Malayalam calendar. Here’s how you can make these insights actionable:

Bridging the Time Zone Gap: Tips for Observances Abroad

This is often the biggest hurdle for Malayalis in the USA. Here are some tips:

• Consult a USA-Specific Panchangam: Many online Malayalam calendars or apps allow you to set your location (city and country). This will automatically adjust Tithi, Nakshatra, and festival timings to your local time zone. Drik Panchang and similar apps are great resources.
• Community Centers: Most Malayali cultural associations or Hindu temples in the USA publish their annual calendars adjusted for local timings. They will often organize collective observances for major festivals like Shivaratri.
• Lunar Day vs. Sunrise: For fasting (Vrutham) and many rituals, the *timing* of the Tithi or Nakshatra is crucial. For example, if a Tithi begins after sunrise on one day and ends before sunrise the next, the observance might shift to the previous day or be observed on the day it predominantly falls. Always double-check with a reliable local source.

Integrating the Malayalam Calendar into Your Modern Life

Your calendar is a tool for connection and planning:

• Family Events: Use the calendar to plan family gatherings around festivals. If you have children, explaining the significance of each festival helps pass on cultural knowledge.
• Spiritual Practices: Mark your personal calendar for Ekadasi, Pradosham, or Pournami Vrutham. Even if you can’t observe a full fast, a day of introspection, prayer, or simple vegetarian meal can honor the tradition.
• Community Gatherings: Stay informed about local temple events or cultural organization activities. Participating in these is a powerful way to celebrate your heritage collectively.
• Personal Milestones: If you follow astrological advice, identify auspicious Nakshatras and Tithis for starting new ventures, signing important documents, or celebrating personal milestones.

Beyond February and March: Resources for the Full Year

Don’t stop at just two months! For a complete year of cultural immersion:

• Reliable Apps: Download reputable Malayalam calendar apps like Manorama Calendar, Mathrubhumi Calendar, or Drik Panchang. Ensure they allow location settings for accurate timings.
• Online Portals: Websites like Prokerala or Drikpanchang offer comprehensive digital calendars.
• Physical Calendars: Many Malayali stores or community centers in the USA sell traditional physical calendars. There’s a special charm to flipping through the pages!

Conclusion: Embracing Your Heritage in 2026

The Malayalam Calendar for February and March 2026 offers a rich tapestry of spiritual observances, cultural celebrations, and auspicious timings. For Malayalis in the USA, it’s more than just a scheduling tool; it’s a vital link to your heritage, a way to connect with your roots, and a guide for living a life rich in tradition and meaning.

By understanding the nuances of Kollavarsham, recognizing the significance of festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Holi, and actively planning your observances, you can ensure that 2026 is a year filled with cultural pride and spiritual growth. Embrace this knowledge, share it with your family, and keep the vibrant spirit of Kerala alive, no matter where you call home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Malayalam months do February and March 2026 primarily cover?

February 2026 predominantly covers the Malayalam month of Kumbham, transitioning from the tail end of Makaram. March 2026 primarily covers the Malayalam month of Meenam, concluding the traditional calendar year for some calculations and transitioning from Kumbham.

What is the most significant festival in February 2026 according to the Malayalam Calendar?

The most significant festival in February 2026 is Maha Shivaratri, observed on February 15th. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is marked by fasting, prayers, and staying awake all night in devotion.

Is Holi celebrated as a major Malayalam festival in March 2026?

While Holi (March 18th, 2026) is widely celebrated across India, and by many Malayalis, especially younger generations and in cosmopolitan areas, it is not traditionally one of the core Malayalam festivals like Onam or Vishu. However, community organizations often host vibrant Holi celebrations.

How can Malayalis in the USA accurately follow the Malayalam Calendar and observe festivals?

Malayalis in the USA should use reliable online Malayalam calendar apps (like Drik Panchang, Manorama, Mathrubhumi) that allow location settings to adjust timings for their local time zone. Consulting local Malayali cultural associations or Hindu temples can also provide accurate, localized information and community event schedules.

What is the importance of ‘Sankramam’ in the Malayalam Calendar?

Sankramam refers to the Sun’s transit from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to another. For example, Kumbham Sankramam (February 13th) marks the Sun entering Aquarius, and Meenam Sankramam (March 13th) signifies the Sun entering Pisces. These transitions are astrologically significant and mark the beginning of new Malayalam months, influencing agricultural and spiritual cycles.

What are ‘Vrutham’ and how are they observed?

Vrutham refers to fasts or specific spiritual observances undertaken on particular days (like Ekadasi, Pradosham, or certain festival days) to honor deities, seek blessings, or for self-purification. Observances can range from complete fasting, partial fasting (e.g., abstaining from certain foods), or dedicated prayers and rituals.

Where can I find a full Malayalam Calendar for 2026?

You can find comprehensive Malayalam Calendars for 2026 on reputable online portals like Prokerala and Drikpanchang, or by downloading popular Malayalam calendar apps such as Manorama Calendar or Mathrubhumi Calendar. Many Malayali community centers and temples in the USA also provide physical calendars.