Pilgrimage calendar

Jul 3 – Fri, Aug 28, 2026

Shri Amarnath Shiva Cave, Kashmir· India · Hinduism

The annual Himalayan pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave to worship the naturally forming ice lingam of Shiva, running through the month of Shravan and concluding on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). The dates shift annually with the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Wed, Jul 29, 2026

Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh· India · Buddhism

Commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, delivered to his five disciples at the Deer Park in Sarnath after his enlightenment, marked by teachings and processions at the Dhamekh Stupa. Observed on the Ashadha full moon; the date shifts annually.

Mon, Aug 17, 2026

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh· India · Hinduism

The Nagchandreshwar shrine atop the Mahakaleshwar temple opens to devotees only once a year, on Nag Panchami, for a 24-hour darshan of Shiva seated upon the serpent king. The date shifts annually with the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Sep 15 – Wed, Sep 23, 2026

Venkateswara temple, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh· India · Hinduism

The grandest annual festival at Tirumala: a nine-day celebration of Lord Venkateswara with daily processions of the deity on different vahanas, the famous Garuda Seva, and the Rathotsavam chariot festival. The date shifts annually with the Hindu lunisolar calendar (2026 falls in an extra lunar month, so it is observed twice).

Tue, Sep 22, 2026

Badrinath· India · Hinduism

A fair honoring Mata Murti, mother of Lord Badrinath, commemorating the descent of the Ganga. Celebrated on Bhadrapada Dwadashi in September; the date shifts annually with the Hindu calendar.

Oct 31 – Mon, Jul 24, 2028

Trimbakeshwar Jyotir Linga Shiva Temple, Trimbak, Maharashtra· India · Hinduism

The Simhastha Kumbh, held once every twelve years when Jupiter enters Leo, centers on sacred bathing at Kushavarta Kund. The 2027-28 Mela opens with the Dhwajarohan flag-hoisting on 31 Oct 2026; principal Shahi Snans fall in 2027-28. A twelve-yearly event, not annual.

Wed, Nov 11, 2026

Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand· India · Hinduism

The ceremonial closing of Kedarnath for winter, traditionally on Bhai Dooj after Diwali, when worship moves down to Ukhimath for six months. The date shifts annually with the Hindu calendar.

Sun, Nov 15, 2026

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh· India · Hinduism

The "Diwali of the gods" on the ghats of Varanasi; the riverfront steps are lit with lakhs of oil lamps on Kartik Purnima. Date is lunar.

Tue, Nov 24, 2026

Somnath Jyotir Linga Shiva Temple, Somnath, Gujarat· India · Hinduism

A fair on the full-moon day of Kartik with cultural programs, special Archana and a midnight Mahaarati; tradition holds the moon god takes his seat on the temple spire. The date shifts annually with the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Tue, Nov 24, 2026

Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab· India · Sikhism

Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, observed on Kartik Purnima, with continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib and a 48-hour Akhand Path at the Golden Temple. Lunar; the date shifts each year.

Wed, Apr 14, 2027

Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab· India · Sikhism

Vaisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 and the spring harvest. At the Golden Temple it culminates a 48-hour Akhand Path with Nagar Kirtan processions and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Near-fixed in the solar Nanakshahi calendar (Apr 13-14).

Tue, Apr 20, 2027

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu· India · Hinduism

Madurai's grand temple festival celebrating the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, with vast processions through the city. Date is lunar (month of Chithirai).

Sun, May 23, 2027

Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya, Bihar· India · Buddhism

Commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha; observed with intensity at the Mahabodhi Temple where the enlightenment occurred. Date is lunar (full moon of Vaisakha).

Mon, Nov 15, 2027

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh· India · Hinduism

The "Diwali of the gods" on the ghats of Varanasi; the riverfront steps are lit with lakhs of oil lamps on Kartik Purnima. Date is lunar.