Your Essential Guide to the Nanakshahi Calendar 2026: February Dates & Tithi Insights
Are you looking to connect with your spiritual heritage, plan significant events, or simply understand the rhythm of the Nanakshahi Calendar for February 2026? Perhaps you’re specifically seeking the corresponding Tithi information, which can often be a source of confusion. You’ve landed in the right place. We understand the importance of precise, reliable calendar data, especially when it intertwines with cultural and religious observances.
Table of Contents
- Your Essential Guide to the Nanakshahi Calendar 2026: February Dates & Tithi Insights
- Instant Access: Nanakshahi Calendar February 2026 at a Glance
- The Nanakshahi Calendar 2026 February: A Day-by-Day Breakdown (Including Tithi Perspectives)
- Understanding the Nanakshahi Calendar: More Than Just Dates
- What is the Nanakshahi Calendar?
- Why the Nanakshahi Calendar Matters for Sikhs Worldwide
- Key Differences: Nanakshahi vs. Bikrami (and Hindu) Calendars
- Important Nanakshahi Events in February 2026
- Parkash Purab Bhagat Ravidas Ji (February 1, 2026 / 19 Magh, 557 NS)
- Navigating the Cultural Significance of Calendars in the USA
This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise, offering you a clear, day-by-day breakdown of the Nanakshahi Calendar for February 2026. We’ll not only provide the key dates but also address the nuances of Tithi in this context, giving you a truly definitive resource. Let’s dive in and unlock the wisdom of this unique calendar.
Instant Access: Nanakshahi Calendar February 2026 at a Glance
February 2026 marks a transition between the Nanakshahi months of Magh and Phagun. The month begins in Magh (ਮਾਘ), a significant period in the Sikh calendar, and transitions into Phagun (ਫੱਗਣ). While the Nanakshahi Calendar primarily follows a solar system, aligning with the Gregorian calendar, understanding the lunar Tithi (a concept from Hindu calendars) can provide a richer, albeit distinct, perspective for those accustomed to lunisolar systems.
Here’s a quick overview of key observances for February 2026:
| Gregorian Date | Nanakshahi Date (Day, Month, Year) | Key Event / Observation |
|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2026 (Sunday) | 19 Magh, 557 Nanakshahi | Parkash Purab Bhagat Ravidas Ji (observed by Sikhs and others) |
| February 12, 2026 (Thursday) | 30 Magh, 557 Nanakshahi | End of Nanakshahi month Magh |
| February 13, 2026 (Friday) | 1 Phagun, 557 Nanakshahi | Beginning of Nanakshahi month Phagun |
| February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) | 5 Phagun, 557 Nanakshahi | Masya (Amavasya) (New Moon, based on lunisolar alignment) |
The Nanakshahi Calendar 2026 February: A Day-by-Day Breakdown (Including Tithi Perspectives)
You asked for a Nanakshahi Calendar with Tithi, and that’s precisely what we’re delivering, with an important clarification. The Nanakshahi Calendar, as established by Pal Singh Purewal and adopted by the SGPC, is a solar calendar. This means its months are fixed in length and align consistently with the Gregorian calendar. Gurpurabs and other historical dates are fixed on specific Nanakshahi dates, which in turn correspond to fixed Gregorian dates each year.
Tithi, on the other hand, is a concept derived from lunisolar calendars, predominantly the Hindu and Bikrami calendars. Tithis are lunar days, calculated based on the angular distance between the sun and the moon. They vary daily and don’t align directly with the fixed solar days of the Nanakshahi system. While Nanakshahi itself doesn’t use Tithi, many individuals who follow Sikh traditions also have an understanding of lunisolar calendar concepts.
To provide you with the most comprehensive resource, we’ve created a unique table. This table presents the Nanakshahi dates for February 2026 alongside the corresponding Gregorian dates and, where relevant, the Hindu Tithi for that Gregorian day. This allows you to cross-reference and understand the lunar phase progression, even while adhering to the solar Nanakshahi system for Sikh observances. Think of it as having two lenses to view the same period.
| Gregorian Date | Weekday | Nanakshahi Date (Day, Month, Year) | Corresponding Tithi (Hindu Calendar Perspective) | Key Events / Observations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2026 | Sunday | 19 Magh, 557 NS | Magha Purnima (Full Moon) | Parkash Purab Bhagat Ravidas Ji |
| February 2, 2026 | Monday | 20 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Pratipada | |
| February 3, 2026 | Tuesday | 21 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Dwitiya | |
| February 4, 2026 | Wednesday | 22 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Tritiya | |
| February 5, 2026 | Thursday | 23 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Chaturthi | |
| February 6, 2026 | Friday | 24 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Panchami | |
| February 7, 2026 | Saturday | 25 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Shashthi | |
| February 8, 2026 | Sunday | 26 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Saptami | |
| February 9, 2026 | Monday | 27 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Ashtami | |
| February 10, 2026 | Tuesday | 28 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Navami | |
| February 11, 2026 | Wednesday | 29 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Dashami | |
| February 12, 2026 | Thursday | 30 Magh, 557 NS | Krishna Ekadashi | End of Magh (Nanakshahi) |
| February 13, 2026 | Friday | 1 Phagun, 557 NS | Krishna Dwadashi | Beginning of Phagun (Nanakshahi) |
| February 14, 2026 | Saturday | 2 Phagun, 557 NS | Krishna Trayodashi | |
| February 15, 2026 | Sunday | 3 Phagun, 557 NS | Krishna Chaturdashi | Maha Shivaratri (Hindu observance) |
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | 4 Phagun, 557 NS | Amavasya (New Moon) | |
| February 17, 2026 | Tuesday | 5 Phagun, 557 NS | Amavasya (New Moon, Masya) | |
| February 18, 2026 | Wednesday | 6 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Pratipada | |
| February 19, 2026 | Thursday | 7 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Dwitiya | |
| February 20, 2026 | Friday | 8 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Tritiya | |
| February 21, 2026 | Saturday | 9 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Chaturthi | |
| February 22, 2026 | Sunday | 10 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Panchami | |
| February 23, 2026 | Monday | 11 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Shashthi | |
| February 24, 2026 | Tuesday | 12 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Saptami | |
| February 25, 2026 | Wednesday | 13 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Ashtami | |
| February 26, 2026 | Thursday | 14 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Navami | |
| February 27, 2026 | Friday | 15 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Dashami | |
| February 28, 2026 | Saturday | 16 Phagun, 557 NS | Shukla Ekadashi |
Understanding the Nanakshahi Calendar: More Than Just Dates
To truly appreciate the Nanakshahi Calendar, it helps to understand its history, purpose, and the unique place it holds for Sikhs globally. It’s not just a system for tracking days; it’s a vital link to Sikh history and identity.
What is the Nanakshahi Calendar?
The Nanakshahi Calendar is a solar calendar used by Sikhs. It was designed to accurately commemorate the Gurpurabs (birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus) and other significant historical events in Sikhism. The calendar is named after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and its epoch (start year) is the year of his birth, 1469 CE. Thus, the year 2026 CE corresponds to 557 Nanakshahi.
Proposed by the renowned Sikh scholar Pal Singh Purewal, the Nanakshahi Calendar was officially adopted by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 2003. Its primary objective was to standardize the dates of Sikh festivals, which previously fluctuated due to reliance on the lunisolar Bikrami calendar.
Why the Nanakshahi Calendar Matters for Sikhs Worldwide
For Sikhs, especially those in the diaspora, the Nanakshahi Calendar is more than just a chronological tool; it’s a pillar of their distinct identity and heritage. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Standardization of Observances: Before Nanakshahi, Gurpurab dates varied, causing confusion and disunity in celebrations across the global Sikh community. The fixed solar dates of the Nanakshahi calendar ensure that all Sikhs observe important events on the same day globally, fostering unity.
- Connection to History: By fixing dates based on the solar year, the calendar aims to align commemorations with the actual historical Gregorian dates of events, making them more consistent and historically accurate.
- Distinct Identity: It provides Sikhs with their own unique calendar system, separate from the Hindu Bikrami calendar, affirming a distinct religious and cultural identity.
- Educational Tool: It serves as an educational instrument, helping younger generations and those unfamiliar with Sikh traditions to learn about the significance of Gurpurabs and other historical milestones.
Key Differences: Nanakshahi vs. Bikrami (and Hindu) Calendars
Understanding the distinction between the Nanakshahi, Bikrami, and Hindu calendars is crucial, especially when discussing “Tithi.”
- Nanakshahi Calendar:
- System: Purely solar.
- Months: Fixed length (30 or 31 days).
- Gurpurabs: Fixed to specific Gregorian dates each year, ensuring consistency.
- Tithi: Does not natively use the concept of Tithi (lunar days). It focuses on solar dates.
- Bikrami & Hindu Calendars:
- System: Predominantly lunisolar.
- Months: Determined by lunar cycles, leading to fluctuating lengths. An extra month (Adhik Maas) is added periodically to synchronize with the solar year.
- Festivals: Dates often vary year to year on the Gregorian calendar because they are based on specific lunar phases (Tithis).
- Tithi: A fundamental concept, representing a lunar day (approximately 19 to 24 hours), critical for determining festival dates and auspicious timings.
The user’s query for “Nanakshahi Calendar 2026 February With Tithi” highlights this intersection. While the Nanakshahi calendar provides the fixed solar dates, the inclusion of Tithi offers a way to understand the underlying lunar phases that are often considered in broader Indian cultural contexts, even if not strictly part of the Nanakshahi system itself.
Important Nanakshahi Events in February 2026
February 2026, though a shorter month in the Gregorian calendar, holds one particularly significant event within the Nanakshahi framework: the Parkash Purab of Bhagat Ravidas Ji.
Parkash Purab Bhagat Ravidas Ji (February 1, 2026 / 19 Magh, 557 NS)
This sacred day commemorates the birth anniversary of Bhagat Ravidas Ji, a revered saint, mystic, poet, and philosopher who lived in the 15th to 16th centuries. He was a prominent figure of the Bhakti movement and a spiritual teacher whose devotional hymns are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Bhagat Ravidas Ji championed equality, condemned the caste system, and preached a message of universal brotherhood and devotion to God.
For Sikhs, his teachings are a testament to the idea that true devotion transcends social status and that all humans are equal in the eyes of the Divine. Observance of his Parkash Purab often involves Kirtan (devotional singing), Katha (discourse), Langar (community meal), and processions, reflecting on his profound contributions to spirituality and social justice. This day, falling on 19 Magh in the Nanakshahi calendar, consistently aligns with February 1st in the Gregorian calendar.
While Maha Shivaratri (February 15, 2026) is a major Hindu festival with its own significant Tithi, it is not an event formally observed within the Nanakshahi calendar system. Similarly, the ‘Masya’ or ‘Amavasya’ (New Moon, February 17, 2026) is a lunar phase recognized in lunisolar calendars but does not trigger a specific Nanakshahi observance.
Navigating the Cultural Significance of Calendars in the USA
For Sikhs living in the United States, managing multiple calendar systems is a common reality. You’re likely navigating the Gregorian calendar for work, school, and daily life, while simultaneously holding onto the Nanakshahi Calendar for spiritual and cultural observances. This blend isn’t just about dates; it’s about maintaining a connection to heritage in a multicultural landscape.
Using the Nanakshahi Calendar in the USA helps to:
- Preserve Cultural Identity: It’s a tangible link to Punjabi language, Sikh history, and the collective memory of the community.
- Facilitate Community Cohesion: When Gurpurabs and other events are celebrated on consistent dates, it allows Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and community organizations to plan events that unify congregants across different states and time zones.
- Educate and Share: By understanding and using their unique calendar, Sikhs can also educate their non-Sikh friends and colleagues about their traditions, fostering interfaith understanding.
- Personal Planning: Knowing the exact dates of important religious days allows individuals and families to plan holidays, travel, and personal commitments well in advance, balancing their spiritual needs with their secular lives.
The ability to reference both the Nanakshahi dates and related Tithi information, as provided in this guide, empowers you to maintain these connections and engage deeply with both your religious traditions and the broader cultural context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nanakshahi Calendar?
The Nanakshahi Calendar is a solar calendar used by Sikhs to determine the dates of Gurpurabs (Sikh festivals) and other historical events. It was adopted by the SGPC in 2003, starts from the birth year of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 CE), and aims to standardize observances.
Why is ‘Tithi’ mentioned with the Nanakshahi Calendar, and what is the difference?
The Nanakshahi Calendar is solar and does not natively use Tithi. Tithi refers to a lunar day from lunisolar calendars (like Hindu or Bikrami calendars). This guide provides Tithi information for February 2026 as a cross-reference for users familiar with lunar phases, clarifying that Nanakshahi itself follows fixed solar dates.
What significant Nanakshahi events occur in February 2026?
The most significant Nanakshahi event in February 2026 is the Parkash Purab of Bhagat Ravidas Ji, observed on February 1, 2026 (19 Magh, 557 Nanakshahi). Other dates mark the transition between Nanakshahi months like Magh and Phagun.
How does the Nanakshahi Calendar differ from the Bikrami Calendar?
The Nanakshahi Calendar is purely solar with fixed month lengths and fixed Gurpurab dates. The Bikrami Calendar is lunisolar, meaning its dates for festivals fluctuate annually relative to the Gregorian calendar due to its reliance on lunar cycles and periodic intercalation of extra months.
What Nanakshahi months are covered in February 2026?
February 2026 encompasses the latter part of the Nanakshahi month of Magh (ending Feb 12, 2026) and the beginning of the Nanakshahi month of Phagun (starting Feb 13, 2026).
Is Maha Shivaratri a Nanakshahi observance?
No, Maha Shivaratri (February 15, 2026) is a major Hindu festival observed according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is not a formal observance within the Nanakshahi calendar system.