Odia Calendar 2026: Your Complete Guide to February & March (Festivals, Auspicious Dates & More)
Are you looking to connect with your Odia heritage? Planning significant life events like a wedding or housewarming? Or simply curious about the rich traditions encapsulated in the Odia calendar for February and March 2026?
Table of Contents
- Odia Calendar 2026: Your Complete Guide to February & March (Festivals, Auspicious Dates & More)
- Quick Glance: Odia Calendar 2026 February & March Highlights
- Key Festivals & Auspicious Dates Summary: February 2026
- Key Festivals & Auspicious Dates Summary: March 2026
- Diving Deep into February 2026 Odia Panji
- Detailed Odia Calendar: February 2026 (Magha/Phalguna)
- Exploring March 2026 Odia Panji: Festivals & Auspicious Timings
- Detailed Odia Calendar: March 2026 (Phalguna/Chaitra)
- Understanding the Odia Calendar: Beyond the Dates
- What Exactly is an Odia Calendar (Panji)?
- Key Components of an Odia Panji Explained
- The Different Faces: Kohinoor, Radharaman, Jagannath & More
- Auspicious Dates in February & March 2026 for Key Life Events
- Marriage (Bibaha) Muhurat in Feb-Mar 2026
- Housewarming (Gruha Pravesh) Muhurat in Feb-Mar 2026
- Vehicle Purchase (Vahana Kraya) Muhurat in Feb-Mar 2026
- Naming Ceremony (Namakarana) Muhurat in Feb-Mar 2026
- How to Use the Odia Calendar for Personal Planning (USA Context)
You’ve come to the right place. Navigating the nuances of the Odia Panji, or almanac, can feel complex, especially when living outside Odisha. But I’m here to demystify it for you, providing clear, actionable information so you can confidently plan your year and observe important festivals.
This comprehensive guide delivers a detailed breakdown of the Odia Calendar for February and March 2026, highlighting key festivals, auspicious dates (Muhurats), and the cultural significance behind each one. Forget sifting through PDFs or confusing apps – let’s make these two months clear and culturally vibrant for you.
Quick Glance: Odia Calendar 2026 February & March Highlights
To start, here’s a quick summary of the major festivals and auspicious dates you’ll encounter in February and March 2026. This gives you an immediate snapshot before we dive into the daily specifics.
Key Festivals & Auspicious Dates Summary: February 2026
| Date | Event/Festival | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 4, 2026 | Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) | Worship of Goddess Saraswati, marking the arrival of spring and knowledge. Highly auspicious for new beginnings, education. |
| Feb 8, 2026 | Ratha Saptami | Celebrates the birth of Lord Surya (Sun God). Auspicious for health and new ventures. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Bhishma Ashtami | Homage paid to Bhishma Pitamah. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Maha Shivaratri | The Great Night of Shiva. Fasting and prayers to Lord Shiva. Extremely auspicious for spiritual pursuits. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | Amalaki Ekadashi | Worship of Lord Vishnu and the Amla tree for blessings. |
Key Festivals & Auspicious Dates Summary: March 2026
| Date | Event/Festival | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 5, 2026 | Holi (Dola Purnima) | Festival of colors, celebrating the victory of good over evil. In Odisha, also Dola Purnima, marking the swing festival of Lord Jagannath. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Rangwali Holi / Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti | The actual day of playing colors. Also the birth anniversary of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. |
| Mar 13, 2026 | Sheetala Saptami | Worship of Goddess Sheetala for protection against diseases. |
| Mar 17, 2026 | Papmochani Ekadashi | Observing fast on this day is believed to absolve one of sins. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Chaitra Amavasya | New moon day in the month of Chaitra, significant for ancestral rites. |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Rama Navami | Celebration of the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees fast and perform special prayers. |
Diving Deep into February 2026 Odia Panji
February 2026 in the Odia calendar largely falls under the lunar months of Magha and Phalguna. These months are rich with spiritual significance, marking transitions and setting intentions. From the celebration of knowledge during Basant Panchami to the profound observance of Maha Shivaratri, February offers numerous opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement.
Here’s a day-by-day look at the important dates, Tithis (lunar days), Nakshatras (lunar constellations), and significant events for February 2026.
Detailed Odia Calendar: February 2026 (Magha/Phalguna)
| Date | Tithi | Nakshatra | Key Events/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | Shukla Dwadashi | Punarvasu | Auspicious day for travel. |
| Feb 2 | Shukla Trayodashi | Pushya | Pradosh Vrat. |
| Feb 3 | Shukla Chaturdashi | Ashlesha | Auspicious for ceremonies. |
| Feb 4 | Magha Purnima | Magha | Basant Panchami / Saraswati Puja. |
| Feb 5 | Krishna Pratipada | Purva Phalguni | Starting of Phalguna month. |
| Feb 6 | Krishna Dwitiya | Uttara Phalguni | |
| Feb 7 | Krishna Tritiya | Hasta | |
| Feb 8 | Krishna Chaturthi | Chitra | Ratha Saptami. Auspicious for health. |
| Feb 9 | Krishna Panchami | Swati | |
| Feb 10 | Krishna Shashthi | Vishakha | |
| Feb 11 | Krishna Saptami | Anuradha | |
| Feb 12 | Krishna Ashtami | Jyeshtha | Bhishma Ashtami. |
| Feb 13 | Krishna Navami | Mula | |
| Feb 14 | Krishna Dashami | Purva Ashadha | Auspicious for new ventures. |
| Feb 15 | Krishna Ekadashi | Uttara Ashadha | Ekadashi Vrat. |
| Feb 16 | Krishna Dwadashi | Shravana | |
| Feb 17 | Krishna Trayodashi | Dhanishta | Pradosh Vrat. |
| Feb 18 | Krishna Chaturdashi | Shatabhisha | |
| Feb 19 | Amavasya | Purva Bhadrapada | New Moon. |
| Feb 20 | Shukla Pratipada | Uttara Bhadrapada | Maha Shivaratri. |
| Feb 21 | Shukla Dwitiya | Revati | Chandra Darshan. |
| Feb 22 | Shukla Tritiya | Ashwini | |
| Feb 23 | Shukla Chaturthi | Bharani | |
| Feb 24 | Shukla Panchami | Krittika | |
| Feb 25 | Shukla Shashthi | Rohini | Amalaki Ekadashi. |
| Feb 26 | Shukla Saptami | Mrigashira | |
| Feb 27 | Shukla Ashtami | Ardra | |
| Feb 28 | Shukla Navami | Punarvasu |
Exploring March 2026 Odia Panji: Festivals & Auspicious Timings
As we transition from February into March 2026, the Odia calendar ushers in the vibrant month of Phalguna, leading into Chaitra. March is famously marked by the joyous festival of Holi (Dola Purnima in Odisha), a time of immense cultural significance and community celebration. Beyond the colors, you’ll find other important dates for spiritual observances and planning.
Here’s your comprehensive daily guide to the Odia Panji for March 2026.
Detailed Odia Calendar: March 2026 (Phalguna/Chaitra)
| Date | Tithi | Nakshatra | Key Events/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1 | Shukla Dashami | Pushya | |
| Mar 2 | Shukla Ekadashi | Ashlesha | Ekadashi Vrat. |
| Mar 3 | Shukla Dwadashi | Magha | Pradosh Vrat. |
| Mar 4 | Shukla Trayodashi | Purva Phalguni | |
| Mar 5 | Shukla Chaturdashi | Uttara Phalguni | Dola Purnima / Holi. |
| Mar 6 | Chaitra Pratipada | Hasta | Rangwali Holi. Chaitra Mahaprabhu Jayanti. |
| Mar 7 | Krishna Dwitiya | Chitra | Starting of Chaitra month. |
| Mar 8 | Krishna Tritiya | Swati | |
| Mar 9 | Krishna Chaturthi | Vishakha | |
| Mar 10 | Krishna Panchami | Anuradha | |
| Mar 11 | Krishna Shashthi | Jyeshtha | |
| Mar 12 | Krishna Saptami | Mula | |
| Mar 13 | Krishna Ashtami | Purva Ashadha | Sheetala Saptami. |
| Mar 14 | Krishna Navami | Uttara Ashadha | |
| Mar 15 | Krishna Dashami | Shravana | |
| Mar 16 | Krishna Ekadashi | Dhanishta | |
| Mar 17 | Krishna Dwadashi | Shatabhisha | Papmochani Ekadashi. |
| Mar 18 | Krishna Trayodashi | Purva Bhadrapada | Pradosh Vrat. |
| Mar 19 | Krishna Chaturdashi | Uttara Bhadrapada | |
| Mar 20 | Amavasya | Revati | Chaitra Amavasya. |
| Mar 21 | Shukla Pratipada | Ashwini | Gudi Padwa, Ugadi. New Year in some regions. |
| Mar 22 | Shukla Dwitiya | Bharani | |
| Mar 23 | Shukla Tritiya | Krittika | Gauri Tritiya. |
| Mar 24 | Shukla Chaturthi | Rohini | |
| Mar 25 | Shukla Panchami | Mrigashira | |
| Mar 26 | Shukla Shashthi | Ardra | Yamuna Chhath. |
| Mar 27 | Shukla Saptami | Punarvasu | |
| Mar 28 | Shukla Ashtami | Pushya | Rama Navami. |
| Mar 29 | Shukla Navami | Ashlesha | |
| Mar 30 | Shukla Dashami | Magha | |
| Mar 31 | Shukla Ekadashi | Purva Phalguni | Kamada Ekadashi. |
Understanding the Odia Calendar: Beyond the Dates
To truly appreciate the Odia calendar, it helps to understand its foundation. It’s more than just a list of dates; it’s a profound system that intertwines astronomy, astrology, and cultural practices to guide life.
What Exactly is an Odia Calendar (Panji)?
The Odia Panji (or Panjika) is the traditional almanac followed in Odisha, India. Rooted in Vedic astrology and Siddhanta (astronomical treatises), it’s a lunisolar calendar that tracks both the sun’s and moon’s movements. For centuries, it has been the authoritative guide for determining auspicious times (Muhurats) for weddings, housewarmings, business ventures, festivals, and religious ceremonies. It’s a cultural cornerstone, passed down through generations, reflecting Odisha’s unique spiritual and social fabric.
Unlike a Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar, the Odia Panji integrates lunar phases, making it highly specific for religious observances that often depend on the Tithi (lunar day).
Key Components of an Odia Panji Explained
Ever wondered what terms like Tithi or Nakshatra mean? Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential components:
- Tithi (Lunar Day): A Tithi is a lunar day, defined by the time it takes for the longitudinal angle between the sun and moon to increase by 12 degrees. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into two fortnights: Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha (waning moon). Each Tithi has its own unique characteristics and auspiciousness.
- Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion/Constellation): The zodiac is divided into 27 Nakshatras, each representing a specific constellation. The moon’s position in a particular Nakshatra is crucial for astrological predictions and determining Muhurats. Each Nakshatra spans 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac.
- Yoga (Combination): There are 27 Yogas formed by the sum of the longitudes of the sun and moon. They signify various celestial influences and are considered when determining auspiciousness.
- Karana (Half Tithi): A Karana is half a Tithi. There are 11 Karanas in total, and their influence also contributes to the overall auspiciousness of a given time.
- Rashi (Zodiac Sign): Similar to Western astrology, the Odia system uses 12 Rashis (zodiac signs) based on the position of the moon and sun.
The Different Faces: Kohinoor, Radharaman, Jagannath & More
You might have heard of various names associated with Odia calendars – Kohinoor, Radharaman, Jagannath. These are essentially different publications or schools of thought (Siddhanta) that produce Odia Panjis. While they share the core principles, minor differences can arise in specific timings of Tithis, festivals, or Muhurats due to variations in astronomical calculations or local traditions.
- Kohinoor Panji: One of the most popular and widely followed Odia Panjis. Known for its clear presentation and reliable calculations.
- Radharaman Panji: Another highly respected and traditional Panji, often used interchangeably with Kohinoor by many.
- Shree Jagannath Panji: Closely associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, this calendar is considered highly authoritative, especially for rituals and festivals connected to the temple.
For most practical purposes, especially for general festival observance, the differences are minimal. However, for highly precise astrological consultations or intricate religious ceremonies, a specific Panji might be preferred.
Auspicious Dates in February & March 2026 for Key Life Events
The true power of the Odia Panji lies in its ability to pinpoint Muhurats – auspicious timings for starting new ventures or performing significant life events. Choosing the right Muhurat is believed to bring success, harmony, and positive energy. Here’s a general guide for February and March 2026:
Please Note: For highly personalized and precise Muhurats, especially for events like weddings, it’s always recommended to consult with a qualified Odia astrologer (Jyotishi) who can consider your specific birth details and location.
Marriage (Bibaha) Muhurat in Feb-Mar 2026
Finding the perfect wedding date is paramount. Here are some generally auspicious dates in February and March 2026, keeping in mind the absence of specific ‘Guru Tara Astha’ or ‘Shukra Tara Astha’ (inauspicious periods for Jupiter and Venus) which are considered for marriages:
- February: Feb 2, 3, 13, 14, 26, 28
- March: Mar 1, 2, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25
These dates typically align with favorable Tithis and Nakshatras for commencing marital life. However, planetary positions relative to the couple’s birth charts must be considered for final selection.
Housewarming (Gruha Pravesh) Muhurat in Feb-Mar 2026
Moving into a new home is a significant milestone. Here are some auspicious dates for Gruha Pravesh (entering a new home) in these months:
- February: Feb 1, 14, 21, 28
- March: Mar 1, 7, 10, 22
These dates avoid certain inauspicious astrological conditions and align with energies believed to bring prosperity and peace to the new dwelling.
Vehicle Purchase (Vahana Kraya) Muhurat in Feb-Mar 2026
Purchasing a new vehicle often involves finding a good Muhurat to ensure safe journeys and longevity of the asset:
- February: Feb 6, 7, 16, 21, 26
- March: Mar 7, 14, 23, 26, 27
Naming Ceremony (Namakarana) Muhurat in Feb-Mar 2026
The naming ceremony is a crucial event, marking a child’s entry into the world with an auspicious start. The following dates are generally favorable:
- February: Feb 2, 3, 6, 12, 13, 16, 21, 26, 28
- March: Mar 1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27
How to Use the Odia Calendar for Personal Planning (USA Context)
Living in the USA, you might wonder how to practically apply the Odia calendar. It’s simpler than you think!
- Connect with Your Roots: Use the calendar to observe festivals like Basant Panchami or Maha Shivaratri. Many Odia communities in the USA organize events on these dates, offering a chance to connect culturally.
- Plan Family Gatherings: If you’re planning a puja, a special meal, or a family video call for a festival, use the calendar to pick the exact date.
- Consider Time Zones: Most Odia Panjis are calculated for Indian Standard Time (IST). When using them in the USA, you’ll need to adjust for your local time zone. For example, if a Tithi ends at 10 AM IST, and you are on Eastern Standard Time (EST, which is 9.5 hours behind IST), that Tithi would end at 12:30 AM EST. Many online panchang services allow you to set your location, which helps with this adjustment.
- Consult for Big Decisions: For major life events (like weddings, starting a business, or housewarming), always consult with an astrologer who can calculate a precise Muhurat based on your exact location in the USA and your birth details. While these guides provide general auspicious dates, personalized astrology offers the highest accuracy.
- Daily Awareness: Even if you don’t observe every Tithi, knowing the moon phases and daily Nakshatras can foster a deeper connection to cosmic rhythms and traditional wisdom.
Embracing the Odia calendar is a beautiful way to maintain cultural ties, infuse your life with spiritual meaning, and plan your significant moments with intention. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or embarking on a new journey, the ancient wisdom of the Panji offers invaluable guidance.
I hope this detailed guide for Odia Calendar 2026 February and March empowers you to make informed decisions and celebrate your heritage with confidence and joy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major Odia festivals in February 2026?
February 2026 features significant Odia festivals such as Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) on February 4th, Ratha Saptami on February 8th, and Maha Shivaratri on February 20th. These dates mark celebrations of knowledge, the Sun God, and Lord Shiva, respectively.
What are the major Odia festivals in March 2026?
March 2026 is highlighted by Holi, also known as Dola Purnima in Odisha, on March 5th, followed by Rangwali Holi on March 6th. Other important observances include Sheetala Saptami on March 13th and Rama Navami on March 28th, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
How do I find auspicious dates (Muhurats) for weddings or housewarmings in the Odia Calendar for February and March 2026?
General auspicious dates for weddings (Bibaha) in Feb-Mar 2026 include Feb 2, 3, 13, 14, 26, 28 and Mar 1, 2, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25. For housewarmings (Gruha Pravesh), Feb 1, 14, 21, 28 and Mar 1, 7, 10, 22 are generally favorable. For personalized and precise Muhurats, it’s always recommended to consult a qualified Odia astrologer.
What is the difference between Kohinoor, Radharaman, and Jagannath Odia Calendars?
Kohinoor, Radharaman, and Jagannath are popular traditional Odia Panjis (almanacs) from different publishing houses or astrological schools. While they share core Vedic principles, minor variations in the precise timings of Tithis, Nakshatras, or specific festival dates can occur due to differing astronomical calculations or regional traditions. For most general purposes, their information aligns closely.
How do I use an Odia calendar effectively if I live in the USA?
When using an Odia calendar in the USA, remember to adjust for your local time zone (most calendars are calculated for Indian Standard Time). Many online panchang apps or websites allow you to set your specific location for accurate timings. For major life events, consulting an Odia astrologer who can factor in your precise location and birth details for personalized Muhurats is highly recommended.
What do terms like Tithi, Nakshatra, and Yoga mean in an Odia Panji?
These are fundamental components of Vedic astrology. A Tithi is a lunar day, based on the angular distance between the sun and moon. A Nakshatra is a lunar mansion or constellation, one of 27 divisions of the zodiac. Yoga refers to specific planetary combinations formed by the sun and moon’s longitudes. All three are crucial for determining the astrological quality and auspiciousness of a given day.