Top Christian Festivals in India 2026

Christianity is among the world’s major religions, with a significant and devoted following, including in India. Its followers uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ, seeking to live according to the values he imparted.

The Bible serves as Christianity’s sacred text, and the cross is its holy symbol. Read on to explore the Christian festivals and holidays celebrated in 2026.

Here are the popular Christian festival holidays

Day  

Date 

Holiday 

Tuesday 

6 January 2026 

Epiphany  

Sunday 

11 January 2026 

The Baptism of Jesus  

Monday 

02 February 2026 

Candlemas  

Saturday 

14 February 2026 

St. Valentine's Day  

Wednesday 

18 February 2026 

Ash Wednesday  

Tuesday 

17 March 2026 

St. Patrick's Day  

Thursday 

19 March 2026 

St. Joseph's Day  

Sunday 

29 March 2026 

Palm Sunday  

Thursday 

02 April 2026 

Maundy (Holy) Thursday  

Friday 

03 April 2026 

Good Friday  

Sunday 

05 April 2026 

Easter 

Monday 

06 April 2026 

Easter Monday  

Thursday 

23 April 2026 

St. George's Day  

Thursday 

14 May 2026 

Ascension of Jesus  

Sunday 

24 May 2026 

Pentecost  

Sunday 

31 May 2026 

Trinity Sunday  

Thursday 

04 June 2026 

Corpus Christi  

Monday 

29 June 2026 

Saints Peter and Paul  

Wednesday 

15 July 2026 

Saint Vladimir  

Saturday 

25 July 2026 

St. James the Great Day  

Saturday 

01 August 2026 

Lammas  

Saturday 

15 August 2026 

The Assumption of Mary  

Monday 

14 September 2026 

Holy Cross Day  

Tuesday 

29 September 2026 

Michael and All Angels  

Saturday  

31 October 2026 

All Hallows Eve  

Sunday 

01 November 2026 

All Saints' Day  

Monday 

02 November 2026 

All Souls' Day  

Sunday 

22 November 2026 

Christ the King  

Thursday 

26 November 2026 

Thanksgiving (USA)  

Sunday 

29 November 2026 

Advent – first Sunday 

Monday 

30 November 2026 

St. Andrew’s Day 

Sunday 

06 December 2026 

St. Nicholas Day  

Thursday 

24 December 2026 

Christmas Eve  

Friday 

25 December 2026 

Christmas  

Monday 

28 December 2026 

Holy Innocents  

Thursday 

31 December 2026 

Watch Night 

Significance of Christian Festivals

List of Christian Festivals in India

The majority of Christian festivals are centred around an important instance or occasion in Jesus' life.  

Candle Mass: The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is another name for Candle Mass. The occasion is observed in the 40 days following the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, this occasion is observed. This festival honours the day that Mary and Joseph brought the Lord Jesus to Jerusalem and is observed as a merry and joyous occasion. 

Valentine's Day: Every year on 14 February, Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is observed all over the world. This day evolved from its original Christian feast day honouring a martyr called Valentine to become a major global celebration of love and romance in many spheres of society. Valentine's Day was declared a festival by Pope Galasius in the fifth century in Rome, and people have been celebrating it ever since. 

Good Friday: Christians commemorate Good Friday as the day that Lord Jesus was crucified. Through the observation of numerous religious practices and customs, such as a 40-day fast, scripture reading, sacrifice, and penance, the people strengthen their bodies and minds.  

Easter: One of the main feasts or festivals in Christianity is Easter. It commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus, which occurred three days following his crucifixion. Easter marks the joyous conclusion of Lent, a time of fasting and introspection, for many Christian churches. In certain cultures, Easter is a part of the Holy Week. The Holy Week includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.  

Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving Day was first observed as a harvest festival. On this day, people typically express their gratitude to God and thank him for a bountiful harvest. It is observed by Americans on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family get together for a meal and other festivities. Turkey, pumpkin pie, and cranberries are common items in American traditional cuisine. Thanksgiving has long been associated with football games and parades. 

Christmas: Christmas is a global religious and cultural celebration that takes place every year on 25 December to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by billions of people worldwide. It is recognised as the most significant Christian festival. Christmas is a Christian holiday, but it is observed globally, even in nations where Christianity is not practised. On this day, people exchange cards and gifts with loved ones, enjoy Christmas dinner together, sing carols, and engage in other festivities.  

Halloween: Halloween, also known as Hallowe'en, is celebrated on 31 October which is the eve of the Western Christian feast day of All Hallows' Day. This festival is primarily observed in the United States, England, and European countries. Nowadays, people consider Halloween to be a fun holiday for dressing up. Beginning in the 20th century, trick-or-treating became a popular tradition in the US, where kids would dress up in costumes and ask neighbours for candy.

FAQs on Christian Festivals

  • Which Christian festivals are the most important in India?

    In India, the most important festivals are Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas.

  • What is the other name for Good Friday?

    The day of Jesus Christ's crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday. This day is also known as Great Friday, Holy Friday, and Black Friday. 

  • On which day does Christmas fall in 2026?

    Christmas falls on Wednesday, 25 December every year.

  • Where is Christianity most popular in India?

    Kerala has the highest number of Christians in India at 6.14 million (18.4% of the state population) followed by Nagaland at 87%, and Mizoram at 86%.

  • What is Candle Mass, and why is it significant?

    Candle Mass, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrates the day Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. It takes place 40 days after Jesus' birth and is marked with joy and devotion, highlighting Jesus' dedication to God. 

  • Why do Christians observe Good Friday, and what traditions are associated with it?

    Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christians observe this day with various religious practices, including a 40-day fast, scripture reading, acts of penance, and reflection on Jesus' sacrifice.

  • What is Easter, and how is it related to Lent?

    Easter celebrates Jesus' Resurrection three days after his crucifixion and is one of the most important Christian festivals. It marks the joyful end of Lent, a period of fasting and self-reflection for many Christians, and is often part of the Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. 

  • Why is Christmas considered the most significant Christian festival?

    Christmas, celebrated on 25 December, marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is recognized as the most important Christian holiday. It's a global celebration, with people exchanging gifts, singing carols, and gathering with loved ones to honour the spirit of the season. 

Disclaimer
Display of any trademarks, tradenames, logos and other subject matters of intellectual property belong to their respective intellectual property owners. Display of such IP along with the related product information does not imply BankBazaar's partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or issuer/manufacturer of such products.