Odia Calendar 2026 February Month With Tithi

Odia Calendar 2026: Your Complete Guide to February Month with Tithi & Festivals

Are you searching for the intricate details of the Odia Calendar for February 2026? Perhaps you’re an Odia living in the USA, eager to maintain your cultural and spiritual connections, or simply curious about the specific Tithis and festivals that grace this month. You’ve landed in the right place.

Navigating traditional calendars can be complex, especially when seeking precise lunar day (Tithi) information and correlating it with the Gregorian calendar. Many online resources offer fragmented data or are not specific to the Odia tradition, leaving you sifting through various sources. My goal here is to provide you with a definitive, easy-to-understand resource, focusing specifically on February 2026, complete with a day-by-day breakdown of Tithis and important observances.

Whether you’re planning religious ceremonies, identifying auspicious dates, or simply enriching your understanding of Odia heritage, this guide will serve as your comprehensive go-to. Let’s dive into the heart of the Odia calendar for February 2026.

Understanding the Odia Calendar: More Than Just Dates

The Odia Calendar, known as the Odia Panji or Panjika, is far more than a simple date-tracking system. It’s a profound cultural and astronomical compendium, deeply rooted in Vedic astrology and the lunar cycle. For Odias globally, particularly those in the USA, it serves as a vital link to their heritage, guiding them through a year filled with festivals, rituals, and auspicious timings.

What is an Odia Panji?

A Panji is a traditional Hindu almanac, and the Odia Panji is specifically tailored for the Odisha region of India. It meticulously details astrological events, auspicious and inauspicious times (muhurats), Tithis (lunar days), Nakshatras (lunar mansions), Yogas (auspicious conjunctions), Karanas (half-Tithis), and the positions of planets and stars. It’s the blueprint for religious life, agrarian cycles, and even personal milestones like marriages and housewarmings.

Brief History and Cultural Significance

The Odia Panji’s origins can be traced back centuries, evolving from ancient astronomical observations and Vedic texts. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar, the Odia Panji operates primarily on a lunisolar system, meaning it considers both the sun and moon’s movements. This dual approach ensures that festivals and rituals align with specific celestial configurations, which are believed to maximize spiritual benefits.

For Odias in the USA, the Panji is an invaluable tool for maintaining cultural identity. It allows individuals and communities to observe festivals and perform rituals on the same dates as their counterparts in Odisha, fostering a sense of unity and preserving traditions across continents. It’s a living document that connects generations and reinforces the rich tapestry of Odia culture.

Key Components of the Odia Calendar

To fully appreciate the February 2026 Odia Calendar, it’s essential to understand its core elements:

• Tithi (Lunar Day): The most crucial component for tracking festivals and rituals. It’s 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.
• Paksha (Lunar Fortnight): A lunar month is divided into two Pakshas, each lasting approximately 15 Tithis:
  • Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight): The waxing phase of the moon, from New Moon (Amavasya) to Full Moon (Purnima). Generally considered auspicious.
  • Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight): The waning phase of the moon, from Full Moon (Purnima) to New Moon (Amavasya).
• Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion): The 27 divisions of the sky through which the moon passes. Each Nakshatra has unique characteristics and influences.
• Yoga (Auspicious Conjunction): Derived from the sum of the longitudes of the sun and moon. There are 27 Yogas, each with specific attributes.
• Karana (Half-Tithi): There are 11 Karanas, each covering half a Tithi. Five are fixed, and six are recurring.
• Rashi (Zodiac Sign): The 12 segments of the ecliptic, indicating the position of the sun and moon.
• Masa (Lunar Month): The Odia calendar follows twelve lunar months, with February 2026 primarily falling under the Magha and Phalguna Masas, transitioning into Chaitra at the very end.
• Ritu (Season): Six seasons are recognized, aligned with the solar year.

Decoding Tithi: The Lunar Day’s Significance

If you’re looking for an Odia calendar, chances are you’re keenly interested in the Tithi. This single element holds immense power in dictating the timing of virtually every Hindu festival, ritual, and auspicious undertaking.

What Exactly is a Tithi?

In Vedic astrology, a Tithi isn’t a fixed 24-hour period like a Gregorian day. Instead, it’s a measure of the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon. Specifically, one Tithi is completed when the longitudinal angle between the Sun and Moon changes by 12 degrees. Since the Moon’s speed varies, Tithis can be shorter or longer than a typical day, sometimes beginning or ending in the middle of a Gregorian calendar day.

There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, equally divided between the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and Krishna Paksha (waning phase):

• Pratipada (1st)
• Dwitiya (2nd)
• Tritiya (3rd)
• Chaturthi (4th)
• Panchami (5th)
• Shashti (6th)
• Saptami (7th)
• Ashtami (8th)
• Navami (9th)
• Dashami (10th)
• Ekadashi (11th)
• Dwadashi (12th)
• Trayodashi (13th)
• Chaturdashi (14th)
• Purnima (Full Moon) / Amavasya (New Moon)

Types of Tithis and Their General Auspiciousness

While all Tithis are sacred, some are considered inherently more auspicious for certain activities:

• Nanda Tithis (Pratipada, Shashti, Ekadashi): Favorable for auspicious and joyous work.
• Bhadra Tithis (Dwitiya, Saptami, Dwadashi): Good for commencing new ventures.
• Jaya Tithis (Tritiya, Ashtami, Trayodashi): Excellent for gaining victory or success.
• Rikta Tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi): Generally considered inauspicious for new beginnings.
• Purna Tithis (Panchami, Dashami, Purnima/Amavasya): Powerful Tithis, often associated with major festivals and significant spiritual practices.

Understanding these classifications helps in planning events and rituals, ensuring they align with the most favorable lunar energies.

Why Tithi is Crucial for Rituals, Festivals, and Personal Planning

For anyone following the Odia calendar, the Tithi isn’t just a number; it’s a divine indicator. Festivals like Basant Panchami, Magha Purnima, and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated not on a fixed Gregorian date, but on the specific Tithi they are associated with. For instance, Maha Shivaratri always falls on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of the Phalguna month.

Beyond festivals, Tithis guide personal decisions:

• Vratas (Fasts): Many specific fasts, such as Ekadashi Vrat, are observed precisely on their designated Tithi.
• Muhurats: Auspicious timings for weddings, housewarmings (Gruha Pravesh), business inaugurations, or starting a journey are calculated based on Tithis, Nakshatras, and planetary positions.
• Spiritual Practices: Certain Tithis are considered especially potent for meditation, prayers, or offerings to specific deities.

Ignoring the Tithi means missing the spiritual and energetic alignments that are central to Odia traditions. That’s why having a reliable Odia calendar with Tithi details is so invaluable.

Odia Calendar 2026 February: Day-by-Day Tithi & Important Dates

Here is your comprehensive breakdown of the Odia Calendar for February 2026, complete with Tithis, Pakshas, and significant events. Please note that Tithis can transition during the day, so the Tithi listed is generally the predominant one for that Gregorian day. All timings are generalized for the USA and may vary slightly based on precise geographical location and specific Panji calculations.

Date	Day	Odia Month	Paksha	Tithi	Important Events / Festivals
Feb 1, 2026	Sunday	Magha	Shukla	Panchami	Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja)
Feb 2, 2026	Monday	Magha	Shukla	Shashti
Feb 3, 2026	Tuesday	Magha	Shukla	Saptami	Ratha Saptami (Surya Puja)
Feb 4, 2026	Wednesday	Magha	Shukla	Ashtami	Bhishmashtami
Feb 5, 2026	Thursday	Magha	Shukla	Navami
Feb 6, 2026	Friday	Magha	Shukla	Dashami
Feb 7, 2026	Saturday	Magha	Shukla	Ekadashi	Jaya Ekadashi (Vrat)
Feb 8, 2026	Sunday	Magha	Shukla	Dwadashi
Feb 9, 2026	Monday	Magha	Shukla	Trayodashi
Feb 10, 2026	Tuesday	Magha	Shukla	Chaturdashi
Feb 11, 2026	Wednesday	Magha	Shukla	Purnima Tithi
Feb 12, 2026	Thursday	Magha	Krishna	Pratipada	Magha Purnima (Snana, Dana, End of Magha Shukla Paksha)
Feb 13, 2026	Friday	Phalguna	Krishna	Dwitiya	Start of Phalguna Month (Krishna Paksha)
Feb 14, 2026	Saturday	Phalguna	Krishna	Tritiya
Feb 15, 2026	Sunday	Phalguna	Krishna	Chaturthi	Sankashti Chaturthi (Ganesh Puja, Chandra Darshan)
Feb 16, 2026	Monday	Phalguna	Krishna	Panchami
Feb 17, 2026	Tuesday	Phalguna	Krishna	Shashti
Feb 18, 2026	Wednesday	Phalguna	Krishna	Saptami
Feb 19, 2026	Thursday	Phalguna	Krishna	Ashtami
Feb 20, 2026	Friday	Phalguna	Krishna	Navami
Feb 21, 2026	Saturday	Phalguna	Krishna	Dashami
Feb 22, 2026	Sunday	Phalguna	Krishna	Ekadashi	Vijaya Ekadashi (Vrat)
Feb 23, 2026	Monday	Phalguna	Krishna	Dwadashi
Feb 24, 2026	Tuesday	Phalguna	Krishna	Trayodashi
Feb 25, 2026	Wednesday	Phalguna	Krishna	Chaturdashi
Feb 26, 2026	Thursday	Phalguna	Krishna	Amavasya Tithi	Maha Shivaratri (Chaturdashi may extend or be observed on this day/previous day)
Feb 27, 2026	Friday	Chaitra	Shukla	Pratipada	Phalguna Amavasya, Start of Chaitra Shukla Paksha
Feb 28, 2026	Saturday	Chaitra	Shukla	Dwitiya

Key Odia Festivals & Auspicious Dates in February 2026

February 2026 is a spiritually significant month, hosting several important festivals and observances within the Odia tradition. Here’s a closer look at the key events highlighted in the calendar above:

Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) – February 1, 2026

Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring (Basant Ritu) and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. This festival is particularly important for students and artists, who offer prayers to the Goddess for intellectual prowess and creative inspiration. Schools and educational institutions often conduct special pujas, and children may begin their formal education (Akshar Arambh) on this auspicious day. People dress in yellow, a color associated with spring and prosperity, and offer yellow flowers and sweets to the deity. In many Odia homes, books, musical instruments, and tools are placed before the idol of Saraswati for blessings.

Ratha Saptami (Surya Puja) – February 3, 2026

Falling on the Saptami (seventh day) of the Shukla Paksha in the Magha month, Ratha Saptami celebrates Surya Dev, the Sun God. It is believed that on this day, Surya Dev began illuminating the world with his radiant light. Devotees observe a fast, offer prayers, and take a holy bath in rivers or at home, often facing the rising sun. The seven horses pulling Surya’s chariot are also revered, symbolizing the seven days of the week. This festival signifies health, vitality, and the dispelling of darkness, making it a powerful day for seeking blessings for well-being.

Bhishmashtami – February 4, 2026

Bhishmashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of Magha Shukla Paksha. It commemorates the passing of Bhishma Pitamah, a revered figure from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Bhishma, known for his unwavering vows and profound wisdom, had the boon of choosing the time of his death. After the Kurukshetra War, he waited on a bed of arrows until the auspicious period of Uttarayana (the sun’s northward journey) arrived. On Bhishmashtami, devotees offer ‘Tarpan’ (libations of water) to honor him, praying for noble qualities and spiritual liberation for their ancestors. It’s a day of remembrance and paying homage to righteousness.

Jaya Ekadashi (Vrat) – February 7, 2026

Ekadashi, the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a significant day for fasting (Vrata). Jaya Ekadashi, falling in the Magha Shukla Paksha, is believed to cleanse sins and bestow victory (Jaya) over negative forces. Devotees observe a strict fast, refrain from grains, and spend the day in prayer, meditation, and chanting the names of Lord Vishnu. It’s a powerful day for spiritual purification and seeking blessings for success and liberation.

Magha Purnima – February 12, 2026

Magha Purnima, the full moon day of the Magha month, is one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar. It marks a period of great spiritual significance, particularly for bathing in holy rivers (Snana) and performing acts of charity (Dana). It’s believed that taking a holy dip on this day can purify the soul and lead to salvation. Many pilgrims gather at sacred confluence points like the Triveni Sangam in India. For Odias, this day is often observed with special pujas and offerings to ancestors, concluding the month-long Magha Vrata for those who observe it. The transition from the Magha to Phalguna month often occurs around this Tithi.

Sankashti Chaturthi – February 15, 2026

Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every month on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Devotees fast throughout the day and break it after sighting the moon in the evening, after performing Ganesh Puja. This fast is believed to help overcome challenges and fulfill desires. Each Sankashti Chaturthi has a unique name and significance, and observing it offers blessings for prosperity and well-being.

Vijaya Ekadashi (Vrat) – February 22, 2026

Similar to Jaya Ekadashi, Vijaya Ekadashi falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month and is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The word ‘Vijaya’ means victory, and observing this fast is believed to bring success in endeavors and overcome adversities. It’s said that Lord Rama himself observed this fast before his victorious expedition to Lanka. Devotees follow similar fasting rituals, prayers, and meditations to seek divine blessings for triumph and spiritual strength.

Maha Shivaratri – February 26, 2026

Perhaps the most prominent festival in February 2026, Maha Shivaratri is a grand celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of the Phalguna month. Devotees observe a strict fast, chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, and perform elaborate pujas throughout the night (Jagarana). Temples are adorned, and special offerings like milk, water, Bael leaves (Bilwa Patra), and Dhatura flowers are made to the Shiva Lingam. This night is believed to be the darkest night of the year, symbolizing the overcoming of darkness and ignorance. Many believe it is the night Shiva performs his cosmic dance, Tandava, or when he consumed the poison Halahala to save the universe. It’s a powerful day for introspection, penance, and seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings for liberation and inner peace.

How to Use Your Odia Calendar for Planning in the USA

Living thousands of miles away from Odisha doesn’t diminish the importance of the Odia Panji. In fact, for the Odia diaspora in the USA, it becomes an even more precious tool for preserving cultural identity and spiritual practices. Here’s how you can effectively use this February 2026 Odia calendar:

Connecting with Cultural Roots

The calendar is a tangible link to your heritage. By observing festivals and auspicious days, you connect with the traditions of your ancestors and teach them to younger generations. Share the stories behind Basant Panchami or Maha Shivaratri with your family. Cook traditional Odia dishes for these festivals. This keeps the cultural flame alive, even far from home.

Planning Pujas, Ceremonies, and Fasts

Knowing the precise Tithis allows you to plan your religious observances accurately. If you intend to observe an Ekadashi fast, the calendar clearly indicates the date. For more elaborate pujas, like those for Saraswati or Shiva, you’ll know exactly when to prepare. This level of planning ensures that your spiritual practices are performed with precision and devotion.

Identifying Auspicious Times for New Beginnings

While a full muhurat calculation requires a priest or astrologer, the general auspiciousness of Tithis can guide your planning. For instance, avoiding Rikta Tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi) for significant new ventures is a common practice. Nanda, Bhadra, and Jaya Tithis, particularly in Shukla Paksha, are generally considered more favorable. Use the calendar to align important personal or professional starts with days that traditionally carry positive energy.

Understanding the Spiritual Rhythm

The Odia calendar helps you attune to the natural ebb and flow of lunar energy. Observing the progression from Shukla Paksha to Krishna Paksha, understanding the significance of the Full Moon (Purnima) and New Moon (Amavasya), can deepen your spiritual awareness. It’s a way to live in harmony with cosmic cycles, fostering a sense of peace and balance in your daily life.

Beyond February: A Glimpse into the Odia Year 2026

While February 2026 holds its unique spiritual significance, the Odia year is a continuous cycle of devotion and celebration. After the vibrant festivals of Magha and Phalguna, the calendar moves into Chaitra, heralding the Odia New Year (Maha Vishuva Sankranti) and Chaitra Navaratri, a period of nine days dedicated to Goddess Durga. This will be followed by Akshay Tritiya, Rath Yatra, Raja Parba, and a myriad of other festivals that define the Odia cultural landscape.

Each month brings new opportunities for spiritual growth, communal celebration, and connection to your roots. The Odia Panji serves as your constant guide through this rich journey, ensuring you stay connected, informed, and spiritually aligned throughout the year.

I hope this detailed guide has demystified the Odia Calendar for February 2026, providing you with clarity on Tithis, Pakshas, and the vibrant tapestry of festivals. By using this information, you can seamlessly integrate these ancient traditions into your life in the USA, fostering a stronger connection to your heritage and enriching your spiritual journey.

Embrace the wisdom of the Odia Panji, and may your February 2026 be filled with blessings, joy, and deep cultural connection!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Odia Calendar (Panji) and why is it important?

The Odia Calendar, or Panji, is a traditional lunisolar Hindu almanac specific to Odisha, India. It’s crucial for guiding religious life, determining auspicious timings (muhurats) for events, tracking festivals, and connecting Odias globally with their cultural and spiritual heritage through Tithis, Nakshatras, and other astronomical data.

What is a Tithi and how does it differ from a regular day?

A Tithi is a lunar day, defined by the 12-degree angular distance between the Sun and Moon. Unlike a fixed 24-hour Gregorian day, Tithis vary in length, sometimes beginning or ending in the middle of a calendar day. They are fundamental for determining the precise timing of Hindu festivals, fasts, and rituals.

What major Odia festivals occur in February 2026?

February 2026 is rich with festivals. Key observances include Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) on Feb 1, Ratha Saptami on Feb 3, Jaya Ekadashi on Feb 7, Magha Purnima on Feb 12, Sankashti Chaturthi on Feb 15, Vijaya Ekadashi on Feb 22, and the highly significant Maha Shivaratri around Feb 26.

How do I use this Odia Calendar information if I live in the USA?

You can use this calendar to plan your spiritual practices, identify auspicious days for personal events, and observe festivals in sync with Odia traditions globally. It helps connect with your cultural roots, teach heritage to children, and understand the lunar rhythms for well-being, even while residing in the USA.

What is the difference between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha?

Shukla Paksha is the bright fortnight, the waxing phase of the moon from New Moon (Amavasya) to Full Moon (Purnima), generally considered auspicious. Krishna Paksha is the dark fortnight, the waning phase from Full Moon (Purnima) to New Moon (Amavasya).

Where does the Odia month transition in February 2026?

February 2026 primarily falls within the Magha and Phalguna Odia months. The transition from Magha to Phalguna occurs shortly after Magha Purnima, around February 12-13. Towards the end of February, after Phalguna Amavasya, the Chaitra month begins.