Planning your month in advance is always a smart move — whether you are a student, a government employee, a business owner, or a homemaker. The MP Calendar 2026 March (मध्य प्रदेश कैलेंडर 2026 मार्च) is more than just a date sheet. It is a complete guide to religious observances, cultural celebrations, public holidays, and bank closures in Madhya Pradesh for the month of March 2026.
March 2026 is one of the most festival-rich months of the year in Madhya Pradesh. From the vibrant colors of Holi to the spiritually significant start of Chaitra Navratri, this month brings together people from all faiths and communities. The month also marks the celebration of Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id), Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, and many more important occasions.
In this article, we cover the complete Madhya Pradesh Calendar for March 2026, including every festival, vrat (fast), bank holiday, and public holiday — organized in a clean, day-by-day table format. Whether you need to plan a puja, apply for leave, or simply stay informed, this guide has everything you need.
Madhya Pradesh Calendar March 2026 – Day-by-Day Festival & Holiday Table
The table below provides the complete, accurate list of all festivals and holidays as per the official Madhya Pradesh government calendar for March 2026.
| Date | Day | Festival / Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 01 March 2026 | Sunday | Ravi Pradosh Vrat (Shukla) |
| 03 March 2026 | Tuesday | Holika Dahan |
| 04 March 2026 | Wednesday | Holi / Phalguna Purnima |
| 14 March 2026 | Saturday | 2nd Saturday – Bank Holiday / Papamochani Ekadashi |
| 16 March 2026 | Monday | Pradosh Vrat (Krishna) |
| 19 March 2026 | Thursday | Chaitra Navratri Starts / Gudi Padwa / Ghatasthapana |
| 20 March 2026 | Friday | Cheti Chand |
| 21 March 2026 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) |
| 23 March 2026 | Monday | Gangaur Puja |
| 26 March 2026 | Thursday | Durga Ashtami |
| 27 March 2026 | Friday | Ram Navami |
| 28 March 2026 | Saturday | 4th Saturday – Bank Holiday |
| 29 March 2026 | Sunday | Kamada Ekadashi |
| 30 March 2026 | Monday | Soma Pradosh Vrat (Shukla) |
| 31 March 2026 | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti |
Major Festivals in MP Calendar 2026 March – Detailed Guide
1. Ravi Pradosh Vrat – 1 March 2026 (Sunday)
Pradosh Vrat is a sacred Hindu fast observed twice a month — on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of both the waxing and waning phases of the moon. When Pradosh falls on a Sunday, it is called Ravi Pradosh, believed to bring good health, prosperity, and fulfilment of wishes. Devotees observe this vrat by worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the evening twilight hours.
2. Holika Dahan – 3 March 2026 (Tuesday)
Holika Dahan, also known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Deepak, is observed on the eve of Holi. A large bonfire is lit in the evening to symbolize the victory of good over evil — commemorating the story of Prahlad and the demon Holika. In Madhya Pradesh, communities gather around the fire, perform rituals, and pray for the destruction of negativity in their lives.
This is one of the most spiritually significant nights of the Hindu calendar year.
3. Holi / Phalguna Purnima – 4 March 2026 (Wednesday)
Holi is undoubtedly the most colorful festival in India, and it falls on Phalguna Purnima (the full moon day of the Phalguna month). On this day, people celebrate by playing with colors, visiting friends and family, and sharing sweets like gujiya and thandai.
In Madhya Pradesh, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm — especially in cities like Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, and Gwalior. The day is a public holiday across the state. Holi 2026 falls on a Wednesday, meaning many people will plan extended celebrations over the surrounding days.
Holi 2026 Date in MP: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
4. Papamochani Ekadashi – 14 March 2026 (Saturday)
Papamochani Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the Phalguna or Chaitra month. The name literally means “the Ekadashi that destroys sins.” Devotees observe a strict fast and spend the day in prayer, scriptural reading, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. This date also coincides with the 2nd Saturday Bank Holiday, so banks across Madhya Pradesh remain closed.
5. Pradosh Vrat (Krishna) – 16 March 2026 (Monday)
This is the Krishna Paksha Pradosh Vrat, observed on the 13th day of the waning phase of the moon in the Chaitra month. Devotees fast from sunrise and break the fast after performing Shiva puja during the pradosh kaal (evening twilight period). This vrat is especially recommended for those seeking health, marital harmony, and relief from debts.
6. Chaitra Navratri Starts / Gudi Padwa / Ghatasthapana – 19 March 2026 (Thursday)
19 March 2026 is one of the most important dates in the MP Calendar 2026 March, as three major events coincide:
- Chaitra Navratri Begins: The nine-day festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navdurga) begins on this day. It marks the Hindu New Year in many traditions and is observed with fasting, prayers, and devotion.
- Gudi Padwa: This is the Maharashtrian New Year and is widely celebrated in regions bordering Maharashtra, including parts of Madhya Pradesh. People decorate their homes and raise a Gudi (flag) as a symbol of victory and prosperity.
- Ghatasthapana: The ceremonial installation of the Kalash (sacred pot) that marks the official beginning of Navratri. This ritual is performed in the morning at an auspicious time.
7. Cheti Chand – 20 March 2026 (Friday)
Cheti Chand is the New Year celebration of the Sindhi community, observed on the first day of the Chaitra month. It marks the birth anniversary of Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhi Hindus. In Madhya Pradesh, the Sindhi community celebrates this day with processions (Jyot Jalao), prayers, and community feasts.
8. Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) – 21 March 2026 (Saturday)
Id-ul-Fitr, commonly known as Ramzan Id or Eid, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan — a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. It is one of the most important Islamic festivals and is a gazetted public holiday in Madhya Pradesh.
On this day, Muslims offer special Eid prayers in the morning, dress in new clothes, exchange greetings, distribute Zakat (charity), and enjoy festive foods like sevaiyan (vermicelli). The exact date may vary by one day depending on the sighting of the moon.
Note: Id-ul-Fitr 2026 in MP is expected on 21 March 2026 (Saturday), subject to moon sighting.
9. Gangaur Puja – 23 March 2026 (Monday)
Gangaur is a major festival for women in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Celebrated during Chaitra Navratri, Gangaur Puja honors Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and is observed particularly by married women for the long life of their husbands and by unmarried girls who pray for a good spouse. Women apply mehendi, dress in traditional attire, and carry idols of Gauri in colorful processions.
10. Durga Ashtami – 26 March 2026 (Thursday)
Durga Ashtami (also called Maha Ashtami) falls on the 8th day of Chaitra Navratri. It is one of the most significant days of the nine-day festival. Devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri, the 8th form of Navdurga, with special rituals, havans (fire offerings), and Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls as embodiments of the goddess).
11. Ram Navami – 27 March 2026 (Friday)
Ram Navami celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu, on the 9th day of Chaitra Navratri. It is both the culmination of Navratri and a major Hindu festival in its own right. Temples across Madhya Pradesh, especially the Ram temples in Ujjain and Orchha (which is the “City of Lord Ram”), hold grand celebrations.
Ram Navami 2026 is a gazetted public holiday in Madhya Pradesh.
Ram Navami 2026 Date in MP: Friday, 27 March 2026
12. 4th Saturday Bank Holiday – 28 March 2026 (Saturday)
The 4th Saturday of March 2026 falls on 28 March. As per RBI guidelines, all banks in India remain closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. Plan your banking tasks accordingly.
13. Kamada Ekadashi – 29 March 2026 (Sunday)
Kamada Ekadashi is the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) of Chaitra month. The word “Kamada” means “wish-fulfilling.” According to Hindu scriptures, observing this Ekadashi with devotion to Lord Vishnu can fulfil desires, remove sins, and even help ancestors attain liberation (moksha). This is considered one of the most powerful Ekadashis of the year.
14. Soma Pradosh Vrat (Shukla) – 30 March 2026 (Monday)
When Pradosh Vrat falls on a Monday, it is called Soma Pradosh — “Soma” being another name for the Moon and for Monday (Somavar). This is considered highly auspicious as both Lord Shiva (the deity of Pradosh) and the Moon are associated with Monday. Devotees fast and worship Lord Shiva in the evening for peace, prosperity, and family well-being.
15. Mahavir Jayanti – 31 March 2026 (Tuesday)
Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. It is one of the most important festivals for the Jain community and is a national public holiday across India, including Madhya Pradesh.
In cities like Indore, Sagar, and Jabalpur, which have significant Jain populations, Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with processions (Rath Yatras), prayers, charitable activities, and discourses on Jain philosophy — non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and compassion.
Bank Holidays in Madhya Pradesh – March 2026
Here is a quick summary of the bank holidays in MP for March 2026:
| Date | Day | Bank Holiday Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 01 March 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Off |
| 04 March 2026 | Wednesday | Holi (Public Holiday) |
| 08 March 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Off |
| 14 March 2026 | Saturday | 2nd Saturday |
| 15 March 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Off |
| 21 March 2026 | Saturday | Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) |
| 22 March 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Off |
| 27 March 2026 | Friday | Ram Navami (Public Holiday) |
| 28 March 2026 | Saturday | 4th Saturday |
| 29 March 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Off |
| 31 March 2026 | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti (Public Holiday) |
⚠️ Note: Bank holiday dates may slightly vary based on the individual bank’s circular and RBI notifications. Always confirm with your local bank branch.
Public Holidays in Madhya Pradesh – March 2026
The following are the official gazetted public holidays in Madhya Pradesh for March 2026:
- 4 March 2026 – Holi
- 21 March 2026 – Id-ul-Fitr (Eid-ul-Fitr / Ramzan Id) (subject to moon sighting)
- 27 March 2026 – Ram Navami
- 31 March 2026 – Mahavir Jayanti
Government offices, schools, and many businesses remain closed on these days.
Vrats and Fasts in MP Calendar March 2026
For those who observe Hindu fasts and vrats, here is the complete list of vrats in March 2026 as per the Madhya Pradesh Panchang:
| Date | Vrat / Fast Name |
|---|---|
| 01 March | Ravi Pradosh Vrat (Shukla) |
| 04 March | Phalguna Purnima / Holi |
| 14 March | Papamochani Ekadashi |
| 16 March | Pradosh Vrat (Krishna) |
| 19–27 March | Chaitra Navratri (9 Days of Fasting) |
| 29 March | Kamada Ekadashi |
| 30 March | Soma Pradosh Vrat (Shukla) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – MP Calendar 2026 March
Q1. What are the public holidays in Madhya Pradesh in March 2026? The public holidays in MP during March 2026 are Holi (4 March), Id-ul-Fitr (21 March), Ram Navami (27 March), and Mahavir Jayanti (31 March).
Q2. When is Holi in 2026 in Madhya Pradesh? Holi 2026 falls on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 in Madhya Pradesh. Holika Dahan will be observed on the previous evening, 3 March 2026 (Tuesday).
Q3. When does Chaitra Navratri start in 2026? Chaitra Navratri 2026 begins on Thursday, 19 March 2026 with Ghatasthapana and concludes on Ram Navami, Friday, 27 March 2026.
Q4. Is Ram Navami a public holiday in MP in 2026? Yes. Ram Navami falls on Friday, 27 March 2026, and it is a gazetted public holiday in Madhya Pradesh.
Q5. When is Id-ul-Fitr (Eid) in 2026 in Madhya Pradesh? Id-ul-Fitr is expected on Saturday, 21 March 2026, subject to the official moon sighting announcement.
Q6. How many bank holidays are there in MP in March 2026? There are approximately 11 bank holidays in Madhya Pradesh during March 2026, including Sundays, 2nd and 4th Saturdays, and gazetted public holidays.
Q7. What is Kamada Ekadashi and when does it fall in March 2026? Kamada Ekadashi is a wish-fulfilling Ekadashi fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In March 2026, it falls on Sunday, 29 March 2026.
Q8. When is Mahavir Jayanti in 2026? Mahavir Jayanti 2026 is on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 and is a national public holiday across India, including Madhya Pradesh.
Conclusion
The MP Calendar 2026 March is packed with significant festivals, sacred vrats, and public holidays that reflect the beautiful cultural and religious diversity of Madhya Pradesh. From the joyful colors of Holi at the start of the month to the spiritually uplifting celebrations of Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami, and Mahavir Jayanti, March 2026 offers something meaningful for every household.