Maharashtra Festivals 2027
Maharashtra’s 2027 festival calendar follows the traditional Amanta lunar system used across most Marathi homes. There is no Adhik Maas this year, so most major festivals fall roughly ten days earlier than in 2026. This guide lists confirmed dates and weekdays for the main Marathi festivals, Vrats and public holidays, along with how they are observed in the state and practical points for planning.
All dates have been cross-checked against recognised Panchang sources and public holiday lists. Tithi timings can still shift slightly by city because of sunrise differences, so a trusted local Panchang remains the final reference for Parana, Muhurat or exact ritual windows.
Major Festivals and Holidays in 2027
| Date | Day | Tithi / Marathi Month | Festival or Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14–15 Jan | Thu–Fri | Pausha | Makar Sankranti |
| 26 Jan | Tuesday | — | Republic Day |
| 19 Feb | Friday | Magha | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti |
| 6 Mar | Saturday | Magha Krishna Chaturdashi | Maha Shivaratri |
| 21 Mar | Sunday | Phalguna Purnima | Holika Dahan |
| 22 Mar | Monday | — | Holi / Dhulivandan |
| 7 Apr | Wednesday | Chaitra Shukla Pratipada | Gudhi Padwa |
| 1 May | Saturday | — | Maharashtra Day |
| 9 May | Sunday | Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya | Akshaya Tritiya |
| 14 Jul | Wednesday | Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi | Ashadhi Ekadashi / Pandharpur Wari |
| 6 Aug | Friday | Shravana Shukla Panchami | Nag Panchami |
| 17 Aug | Tuesday | Shravana Purnima | Raksha Bandhan |
| 25 Aug | Wednesday | Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami | Janmashtami |
| 4 Sep | Saturday | Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| 14 Sep | Tuesday | Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi | Anant Chaturdashi |
| 9 Oct | Saturday | Ashwin Shukla Dashami | Dussehra / Vijayadashami |
| 29 Oct | Friday | Kartik Amavasya | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja |
Month-Wise Marathi Festival Calendar 2027
January
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into Makara Rashi and the start of Uttarayan. Most India-based Panchangs place the main observance on 15 January (Friday) because the transit occurs after sunset on the 14th; some family traditions still observe the 14th. Til-gul sweets are exchanged and many households prepare special meals. Republic Day on 26 January (Tuesday) is a national public holiday.
February
Ganesh Jayanti (Magha Shukla Chaturthi), also called Maghi Ganeshotsav or Tilkund Chaturthi, falls on 10 February (Wednesday). It is observed mainly in Maharashtra and the Konkan with simple home puja and visits to local Ganesh temples. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on 19 February (Friday) is a state holiday and is marked with processions and cultural programmes in many towns.
March
Maha Shivaratri falls on 6 March (Saturday). Devotees keep a night-long vigil and offer bilva leaves. Holika Dahan is observed on the evening of 21 March (Sunday) and the colour play of Holi / Dhulivandan follows on 22 March (Monday). In Maharashtra, Rang Panchami is traditionally celebrated a few days later. Good Friday on 26 March is also a public holiday.
April
Gudhi Padwa, the Marathi New Year and the first day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, falls on 7 April (Wednesday). Families raise a gudi at the entrance, prepare a festive meal that often includes puran poli, and begin the new year with a sense of fresh start. Ram Navami is on 15 April and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April; both are public holidays. Chaitra Navratri begins on Gudhi Padwa itself.
May
Maharashtra Day on 1 May (Saturday) commemorates the formation of the state and is a public holiday. Akshaya Tritiya falls on 9 May (Sunday) and is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for beginning new ventures or purchasing gold. Buddha Purnima is on 20 May (Thursday).
June
Vat Purnima Vrat (also called Vat Savitri) is observed around the full moon of Jyeshtha, commonly on 18 or 19 June. Married women keep a fast and worship the banyan tree for the long life of their husbands. The exact date should be confirmed from a local Panchang.
July
Ashadhi Ekadashi (Devshayani Ekadashi) falls on 14 July (Wednesday). This is one of the most important days in Maharashtra because the Pandharpur Wari reaches Vithoba on this day. Chaturmas begins the following day. Guru Purnima is on 18 July (Sunday).
August
Nag Panchami is on 6 August (Friday). Families offer milk and flowers to snake images or at anthills according to local custom. Independence Day on 15 August falls on a Sunday. Raksha Bandhan is observed on 17 August (Tuesday). Janmashtami falls on 25 August (Wednesday); Dahi Handi celebrations are held the next day in many places.
September
Ganesh Chaturthi begins on 4 September (Saturday) and the ten-day festival continues until Anant Chaturdashi on 14 September (Tuesday). Home and public pandals are set up across Maharashtra, and the final immersion processions take place on the 14th. This is one of the busiest periods for travel and local arrangements in the state.
October
Sharad Navratri begins around 30 September or 1 October. Dussehra / Vijayadashami falls on 9 October (Saturday). The five-day Diwali period is concentrated in late October: Dhanteras on 27 October, Naraka Chaturdashi on 28 October, Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali) on 29 October (Friday), and Bali Pratipada / Govardhan Puja on 30 October. Diwali is a major public holiday period.
November and December
Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on 14 November (Sunday). Christmas is on 25 December (Saturday). Both are public holidays. Kartiki Ekadashi and other later Vrats continue through the winter months according to the lunar calendar.
How Major Festivals Are Observed in Maharashtra
Gudhi Padwa is celebrated with the raising of a decorated gudi, rangoli, and a special lunch. Many households also begin new account books or mark the day as the start of the agricultural and business year.
Ashadhi Ekadashi centres on the Wari to Pandharpur. Even those who do not walk participate through bhajans, fasting and community gatherings. Local processions and temporary arrangements for pilgrims appear along the main routes in the days leading up to 14 July.
Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by the installation of clay idols, daily aarti, and community events. Eco-friendly idols and organised immersion points are now common in most cities. Crowds peak on the first day and on Anant Chaturdashi.
Diwali brings cleaning, lighting of diyas, Lakshmi Puja on the Amavasya evening, and the exchange of faral and sweets. In many Marathi homes the main emphasis remains on the home puja and family gatherings rather than large public displays.
Practical Planning Notes for 2027
Several important days fall on weekends or create long-weekend possibilities. Ganesh Chaturthi (Saturday), Dussehra (Saturday) and Diwali (Friday) allow easier travel and family gatherings. Independence Day and Guru Nanak Jayanti both fall on Sundays, so the corresponding holiday leave is not extended in the usual way.
During the Pandharpur Wari period in mid-July and the Ganesh festival in early September, road and rail traffic increases on major routes. Booking transport and accommodation early is advisable. Local municipal notices for immersion and processions should be checked closer to the dates.
Weather in Maharashtra during these months is generally monsoon-related in July–August and post-monsoon pleasant in September–October. Light clothing and rain protection remain useful for outdoor events in the earlier part of the festival season.
Important Variations and Cautions
Festival dates can differ by one day between Smarta and Vaishnava traditions or between cities because of the exact moment a Tithi begins or ends. Makar Sankranti, Holika Dahan and a few other observances show this variation in published calendars. When sources differ, the article follows the majority India-based Panchang reading commonly used in Maharashtra.
Exact Parana timings for Ekadashi, Muhurat windows for weddings or house entry, and Rahu Kaal are location-specific and are not listed here. Readers should consult a trusted local Panchang or family priest for personal decisions. People with health conditions should seek medical advice before observing any fast.
Public holiday lists are based on currently available government and state notifications. Final confirmation of gazetted holidays should be taken from the official Maharashtra government notification when it is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an Adhik Maas in 2027?
No. There is no intercalary month in 2027, which is why most festivals fall earlier than in 2026.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2027?
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Saturday, 4 September 2027, and Anant Chaturdashi (visarjan) is on Tuesday, 14 September 2027.
Is Ashadhi Ekadashi a public holiday in Maharashtra?
Ashadhi Ekadashi itself is not always declared a full public holiday across the state, but the Pandharpur Wari period sees large-scale local arrangements and many institutions adjust schedules. Official holiday status should be checked from the government notification.
What is the main Diwali date in 2027?
Lakshmi Puja, the principal Diwali observance, falls on Friday, 29 October 2027, according to India-based Panchangs.
Why do some calendars show different dates for the same festival?
Differences usually arise from the exact time a Tithi starts or ends, local sunrise calculations, or the distinction between Smarta and Vaishnava traditions. A local Panchang resolves the question for a particular city or family practice.
Which months have the highest number of major festivals in 2027?
March, April, August, September and October contain the densest cluster of important Marathi festivals and public holidays.