Planning your February 2026 schedule in Madhya Pradesh? The MP Calendar 2026 February is your complete, one-stop reference for all the festivals, public holidays, bank holidays, and religious observances taking place across the state this month. Whether you are a government employee trying to plan leaves, a student tracking exam schedules, a devotee who wants to observe vrats on the correct dates, or a business owner managing bank visits — this guide covers everything you need.
Madhya Pradesh is a state deeply rooted in cultural traditions and spiritual observances. February 2026 is particularly eventful, featuring some of the year’s most important Hindu festivals — from Magha Purnima and Guru Ravidas Jayanti at the very start of the month to the grand night of Maha Shivaratri, the auspicious Somvati Amavasya, the joyful Phulera Dooj, and much more.
In this article, we present a complete, verified, and easy-to-read breakdown of the Madhya Pradesh Calendar February 2026, along with the cultural and religious significance of each occasion. Read on and bookmark this page for your month-long reference.
February 2026 at a Glance – MP Calendar Overview
February 2026 is the second month of the year. It begins on a Sunday (February 1) and ends on a Saturday (February 28). Since 2026 is not a leap year, this month has exactly 28 days.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Days | 28 |
| First Day of Month | Sunday, 1 February |
| Last Day of Month | Saturday, 28 February |
| Total Sundays | 4 (1, 8, 15, 22 February) |
| Total Saturdays | 4 (7, 14, 21, 28 February) |
| 2nd Saturday (Bank Holiday) | 14 February |
| 4th Saturday (Bank Holiday) | 28 February |
| Major Gazetted Holiday | Maha Shivaratri (15 February) |
| Total Festivals / Vrat Days | 11 |
MP Calendar 2026 February – Complete Festival & Holiday Table
Here is the comprehensive, day-by-day festival and holiday list for Madhya Pradesh in February 2026, organized in table format for quick reference:
| Date | Day | Festival / Holiday Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 February | Sunday | Magha Purnima / Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Festival / Special Day |
| 04 February | Wednesday | Sankashti Chaturthi | Religious Vrat |
| 12 February | Thursday | Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Special Day |
| 13 February | Friday | Vijaya Ekadashi | Religious Vrat |
| 14 February | Saturday | 2nd Saturday Bank Holiday / Pradosh Vrat (Krishna) | Bank Holiday / Vrat |
| 15 February | Sunday | Maha Shivaratri | Gazetted Holiday |
| 16 February | Monday | Somvati Amavasya | Highly Auspicious Day |
| 19 February | Thursday | Phulera Dooj / Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti | Festival / Special Day |
| 23 February | Monday | Skanda Sashti | Religious Vrat |
| 27 February | Friday | Amalaki Ekadashi | Religious Vrat |
| 28 February | Saturday | 4th Saturday Bank Holiday / Pradosh Vrat (Shukla) | Bank Holiday / Vrat |
Major Festivals & Holidays in Madhya Pradesh – February 2026 Explained
🌕 1. Magha Purnima & Guru Ravidas Jayanti – 1 February 2026 (Sunday)
February 2026 opens on a highly auspicious note with two significant observances falling on the same day.
Magha Purnima is the full moon (Purnima) of the sacred Hindu month of Magha — considered one of the holiest Purnimas of the year. Taking a ritual bath in a sacred river on this day, particularly at the Sangam (Prayagraj), Ujjain’s Shipra River, or Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, is believed to absolve sins and bestow spiritual merit. Many pilgrims from across MP travel to Ujjain and other tirtha kshetras on this day.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti (649th Prakash Utsav) is celebrated across Madhya Pradesh on this Magha Purnima. Sant Guru Ravidas Ji (c. 1377–1540 CE) was a revered saint, poet, and social reformer of the Bhakti movement. Born into a lower-caste family, he fearlessly challenged social inequalities and spread the universal message of love, humility, and devotion to God. His sacred hymns are enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Communities across MP celebrate with Nagar Kirtans (religious processions), langar seva (community meals), bhajan-kirtans, and special programmes at Ravidasia mandirs.
🕉️ 2. Sankashti Chaturthi – 4 February 2026 (Wednesday)
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the 4th day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of every lunar month and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the deity of auspicious beginnings and remover of obstacles. The word Sankashti means “deliverance during difficult times,” making this vrat particularly meaningful for those facing challenges.
Devotees fast from sunrise until moonrise, breaking their fast only after sighting the moon and offering prayers. The recitation of the Sankat Nashan Ganesh Stotra and offerings of Modak (Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet) are central to the observance. This monthly vrat is widely observed by families across Madhya Pradesh, especially women who fast for the prosperity and wellbeing of their households.
📖 3. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti – 12 February 2026 (Thursday)
February 12, 2026 marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati (1824–1883), one of India’s greatest social reformers, philosophers, and the founder of the Arya Samaj (founded 1875). Born Mool Shankar Tiwari in Tankara, Gujarat, he renounced worldly life at a young age in pursuit of truth and spiritual knowledge.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati championed the supremacy of the Vedas, opposed idol worship, casteism, child marriage, and untouchability, and passionately advocated for women’s education and equal social rights — revolutionary ideas for his era. His landmark work Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth) remains a guiding scripture for Arya Samaj followers worldwide. In Madhya Pradesh, Arya Samaj temples and educational institutions mark this day with Vedic hawans, pravachans (discourses), and public seminars celebrating his enduring legacy.
🌸 4. Vijaya Ekadashi – 13 February 2026 (Friday)
Vijaya Ekadashi falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month. The name Vijaya means victory, and it is firmly believed that observing this fast grants the devotee triumph over all adversities and eventually liberation (moksha). According to the Padma Purana, this is the very Ekadashi that Lord Rama observed before his battle against Ravana — following the sage Bakadalbhya’s advice — to ensure divine victory.
Devotees fast strictly, avoiding grains and beans throughout the day. Prayers and offerings to Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves are the key rituals. Listening to or reading the Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha is considered highly meritorious. This Ekadashi is observed by Vaishnava communities and devout families across Madhya Pradesh with great sincerity.
🏦 5. 2nd Saturday Bank Holiday & Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha) – 14 February 2026 (Saturday)
February 14, 2026 is the 2nd Saturday of the month. As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, all scheduled banks in Madhya Pradesh — including SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, and private sector banks — remain closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. Plan your banking tasks accordingly and use net banking or ATMs if needed on this day.
This day also marks the Pradosh Vrat of the Krishna Paksha — observed on the Trayodashi (13th day) of each lunar fortnight during the Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight, approximately 1.5 hours before and after sunset). This vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Worshipping the Shivalinga during Pradosh Kaal is said to dissolve sins, fulfil desires, and attract divine blessings. Devotees visit Shiva temples, offer milk, bilva leaves, flowers, and fruits to the Shivalinga.
🔱 6. Maha Shivaratri – 15 February 2026 (Sunday)
Maha Shivaratri — the Great Night of Lord Shiva — is undoubtedly the most important festival of February 2026 in Madhya Pradesh. It occurs on the Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month, and is one of the most sacred nights in the entire Hindu calendar.
Religious Significance: Maha Shivaratri commemorates the night when Lord Shiva performed his cosmic Tandava dance and is also revered as the night of his divine union with Goddess Parvati. Devotees observe strict fasts, keep an all-night jagran (vigil), and perform the Chaturprahar Puja — four rounds of worship performed at dusk, midnight, early morning, and dawn.
Sacred offerings: Milk, curd, honey, ghee, Ganga jal, Bilva (Bel) leaves, Dhatura, and Bhaang are offered to the Shivalinga. Chanting of Om Namah Shivaya and recitation of the Shiva Mahimna Stotra fills the air throughout the night.
Maha Shivaratri in Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh holds a uniquely exalted place in Maha Shivaratri celebrations as it is home to two of the twelve Jyotirlingas — the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain and the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga near Khandwa. Ujjain’s Maha Shivaratri celebrations are legendary, drawing lakhs of devotees from across India for the Bhasmarti (sacred ash ceremony), midnight Abhishek, and massive Nagar Pradakshina. The ancient Bhojeshwar Temple near Bhopal and temples across Khajuraho, Chitrakoot, and Pachmarhi also witness extraordinary gatherings on this night.
Holiday Note: Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, February 15, 2026. As Sunday is already a weekly off, the compensatory gazetted holiday may be observed on Monday, February 16, subject to the official Madhya Pradesh Government Gazette notification. Verify with your department’s holiday circular.
🌑 7. Somvati Amavasya – 16 February 2026 (Monday)
Somvati Amavasya is a rare and deeply auspicious occasion when the new moon day (Amavasya) falls on a Monday (Somvar). Monday is Lord Shiva’s sacred day, making this Amavasya doubly significant for spiritual practices.
On this day, devotees:
- Perform Pind Daan and Tarpan (ancestral offerings) for the peace of departed souls.
- Take a holy dip in sacred rivers such as the Narmada, Chambal, Betwa, or Shipra in Madhya Pradesh.
- Worship the Peepal (Ashvattha) tree, believed to be Lord Vishnu’s dwelling place, by offering water and performing 108 circumambulations (parikrama).
- Married women fast and pray for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands.
Somvati Amavasya is considered especially powerful for mitigating Pitru Dosha (ancestral afflictions) in one’s birth chart. Pilgrimage sites like Ujjain, Chitrakoot, Amarkantak, and Omkareshwar witness large gatherings of devotees on this day.
🌺 8. Phulera Dooj & Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti – 19 February 2026 (Thursday)
Phulera Dooj falls on the 2nd day (Dwitiya) of the Shukla Paksha of the Phalguna month. In Braj tradition, this is the day when Lord Krishna is said to have played Holi with flowers (phool), unofficially beginning the weeks-long Holi festivities of the Braj region. In Vrindavan and Mathura, Phulera Dooj is celebrated with elaborate flower-based Holi programs, drawing pilgrims and tourists. In Madhya Pradesh, especially in Krishna temples, the day is observed with devotional colour-play and festive bhajans.
February 19 is also the birth anniversary of the legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (born February 19, 1630), whose 396th Jayanti is observed across India in 2026. Known as the father of the Indian Navy and the founder of the Maratha Empire, Shivaji Maharaj’s extraordinary military genius, administrative excellence, and commitment to the welfare of his people continue to inspire generations. Schools, colleges, and cultural organisations across MP hold patriotic programs and tributes to honour his memory.
🙏 9. Skanda Sashti – 23 February 2026 (Monday)
Skanda Sashti is observed on the 6th day (Sashti) of the Shukla Paksha each month and is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (Skanda / Murugan) — the elder son of Lord Shiva, commander of the divine army (Deva Sena), and the deity of valor and wisdom. Devotees observe fasts, recite the Kanda Sashti Kavacham, and offer special prayers to Lord Murugan. While Skanda Sashti holds particular importance in South India, it is also observed by Tamil communities and devout Shaivite households across Madhya Pradesh’s major cities like Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur.
🌿 10. Amalaki Ekadashi – 27 February 2026 (Friday)
Amalaki Ekadashi — also known as Rangbhari Ekadashi in the Braj region — falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha of the Phalguna month. It is one of the most spiritually potent Ekadashis in the Vaishnava tradition.
On this Ekadashi, the Amla (Amalaki / Indian Gooseberry) tree is worshipped as a form of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to reside in its roots, trunk, and fruit during this period. Devotees worship the Amla tree, water its roots, light a lamp beneath it, and circumambulate it. Observing this fast is said to confer the merit of performing the Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice) and grants liberation to the devotee. In Vrindavan, this Ekadashi marks the beginning of Holi celebrations at Banke Bihari temple, and the tradition resonates across many MP temples as well.
🏦 11. 4th Saturday Bank Holiday & Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha) – 28 February 2026 (Saturday)
February closes with two important observances on February 28, 2026 (Saturday). As the 4th Saturday of the month, all banks in Madhya Pradesh remain closed as per RBI guidelines. February 28 is also celebrated as National Science Day across India, commemorating the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of the Raman Effect by physicist Dr. C.V. Raman on this date in 1928. Schools and science institutions hold exhibitions, seminars, and science competitions.
In the religious calendar, this day carries the Pradosh Vrat of the Shukla Paksha — the second Pradosh Vrat of the month, observed on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of the bright fortnight. Devotees perform Shiva puja during the evening Pradosh Kaal to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, prosperity, and liberation.
Bank Holidays in Madhya Pradesh – February 2026
All banks across MP will remain closed on the following days in February 2026 as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations:
| Date | Day | Reason for Bank Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 01 February | Sunday | Weekly Off |
| 08 February | Sunday | Weekly Off |
| 14 February | Saturday | 2nd Saturday – RBI Mandate |
| 15 February | Sunday | Maha Shivaratri / Weekly Off |
| 22 February | Sunday | Weekly Off |
| 28 February | Saturday | 4th Saturday – RBI Mandate |
Tip: For time-sensitive financial transactions, avoid the 2nd and 4th Saturdays and all Sundays. Use NEFT/RTGS/IMPS for online transfers on bank holidays. Branches in some districts may also observe additional local holidays — always confirm with your specific branch.
Understanding Holiday Types in the MP Government Calendar
| Holiday Type | Meaning & Application |
|---|---|
| Gazetted Holiday (GH) | Officially declared by the Madhya Pradesh Government. All state government offices, schools, and courts remain closed. |
| Restricted Holiday (RH) | Optional holiday. Employees may choose from a government-approved list. Not compulsory. |
| Bank Holiday (NI Act) | Applicable under the Negotiable Instruments Act and RBI rules. Banks and financial institutions are closed. |
| Religious Vrat / Festival | Culturally observed day. Not necessarily a gazetted holiday; government offices may remain open. |
| National / Special Day | Nationally significant date; usually celebrated but offices remain functional. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – MP Calendar 2026 February
Q1. When is Maha Shivaratri in Madhya Pradesh in 2026?
Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, February 15, 2026. As it coincides with the weekly off, the gazetted public holiday may be observed on Monday, February 16, 2026, as per the official MP Government Gazette notification.
Q2. Is Guru Ravidas Jayanti a gazetted holiday in MP in February 2026?
Guru Ravidas Jayanti falls on Sunday, February 1, 2026 (Magha Purnima). Being a Sunday, no additional weekday holiday is required. However, some state departments may issue a formal holiday notification — check the official circular from the Madhya Pradesh General Administration Department (GAD) for confirmation.
Q3. What is Somvati Amavasya and when does it fall in February 2026?
Somvati Amavasya is the new moon day (Amavasya) that falls on a Monday. In 2026, it occurs on Monday, February 16. It is considered highly auspicious for performing pind daan (ancestral rituals) and worshipping the Peepal tree.
Q4. How many bank holidays are there in Madhya Pradesh in February 2026?
There are 6 bank holiday days in February 2026 — 4 Sundays (1, 8, 15, 22 Feb), the 2nd Saturday (14 Feb), and the 4th Saturday (28 Feb). Maha Shivaratri on Sunday (Feb 15) coincides with the weekly off.
Q5. What is the significance of Amalaki Ekadashi in February 2026?
Amalaki Ekadashi on Friday, February 27, 2026, involves worship of the Amla tree as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most meritorious Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar and is also called Rangbhari Ekadashi as it marks the beginning of Holi celebrations in the Braj region.