July 2026 Panchang: Hindu Calendar
Hindu month: Ashadha-Shravan. Key events: Guru Purnima, Hariyali Teej, Dev Shayani Ekadashi, Shravan month begins, Rahu-Ketu axis change (July 18).
| Date | Festival / Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2 | Nirjala Ekadashi fast observance | For those observing the second Ekadashi of the fortnight |
| Jul 4 | Ashadha Purnima / Guru Purnima | Full moon, most auspicious for guru worship and Jupiter prayers |
| Jul 7 | Chandra Darshan (first sighting of new crescent) | First evening crescent after Amavasya |
| Jul 10 | Venus turns retrograde in Leo | Avoid major purchases and launches through Sep 6 |
| Jul 17 | Dev Shayani Ekadashi | Lord Vishnu goes to cosmic sleep, Chaturmas begins, wedding muhurats pause |
| Jul 18 | Rahu-Ketu axis shift: Rahu enters Aquarius, Ketu enters Leo | Major 18-month paradigm shift in collective themes |
| Jul 19 | Ashadha Amavasya | New moon, Pitru Tarpan day |
| Jul 21 | Shravan month begins (North Indian calendar) | Shravan: most auspicious month for Lord Shiva |
| Jul 24 | Shravan Shivratri | Masik Shivratri in Shravan, most powerful of all monthly Shivratris |
| Jul 27 | Hariyali Teej | Shravan Shukla Tritiya, Parvati-Shiva celebration, jhula swing festival |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guru Purnima 2026?
Guru Purnima 2026 falls on July 4, 2026 (Saturday). It is the full moon of Ashadha month, considered the most auspicious day to honor one's spiritual teacher (guru). In 2026, Guru Purnima has special significance because Jupiter (Guru) has recently entered exalted Cancer (from May), making the cosmic teacher especially powerful. Worshipping your guru, offering guru dakshina, and listening to spiritual teachings on this day brings exceptional blessings.
What happens on Dev Shayani Ekadashi 2026?
Dev Shayani Ekadashi 2026 falls on July 17, 2026 (Friday). This is the Ekadashi when Lord Vishnu 'goes to sleep' for the Chaturmas period (four sacred monsoon months). After this date: wedding muhurats, new business starts, and major auspicious events are traditionally paused. Chaturmas ends on Dev Uthani Ekadashi (November 22, 2026). The four months (Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, Kartik) are dedicated to fasting, spiritual practice, and restraint.
What is the Rahu-Ketu axis change on July 18, 2026?
On July 18, 2026, the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu shift signs: Rahu moves from Pisces to Aquarius, and Ketu moves from Virgo to Leo. This is a major 18-month shift in the collective energy. Previous Rahu in Aquarius (2010-2011) coincided with the Arab Spring and social media revolution. Now in 2026, Rahu in Aquarius activates themes of technology, collective action, and social movements. Most affected zodiac signs: Aquarius and Leo (fixed signs where Rahu and Ketu now sit).
What is Venus retrograde in July 2026?
Venus turns retrograde in Leo on approximately July 10, 2026, and remains retrograde until approximately September 6, 2026. During Venus retrograde: avoid major vehicle purchases, luxury purchases, starting new romantic relationships, and launching new beauty or entertainment ventures. Use this period instead for: reassessing existing relationships, reconnecting with old friends, redesigning plans, and internal reflection. The period of August 2026 (when Venus is closest to Earth) is the most intense phase.
What are the key Shravan 2026 dates?
Shravan 2026 (North India): July 21 to August 20, 2026. Key Shravan 2026 dates: Hariyali Teej: July 27 (Shravan Shukla Tritiya). Shravan Shivratri: August 2 (Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi). Nag Panchami: August 6 (Shravan Shukla Panchami). Raksha Bandhan: August 9 (Shravan Purnima). Note: South Indian calendar keeps Shravan as Ashada. In Shravan month, Lord Shiva is worshipped with special puja every Monday (Shravan Somvar).
What is the July 2026 panchang amavasya date?
July 2026 Amavasya falls on July 19, 2026 (Sunday). This is Ashadha Amavasya. Pitru Tarpan (offerings to ancestors) is performed on Amavasya. July 19, 2026 is the new moon day when the sky is darkest - good for meditation and ancestral prayers. The next Amavasya (Shravan Amavasya) will be on August 17, 2026 (Monday, which makes it Somvati Amavasya - especially sacred).
What festivals fall in Shravan month 2026?
Shravan 2026 festivals (North India): Hariyali Teej (July 27), Nag Panchami (August 6), Raksha Bandhan (August 9), Shravan Shivratri (August 2). Every Monday of Shravan (Shravan Somvar) is auspicious for Shiva puja. Kanwar Yatra: Millions of devotees carry Ganga water to offer to Shiva temples in July-August. Shravan is the month with the highest concentration of Hindu sacred observances.
When does Chaturmas 2026 start and end?
Chaturmas 2026: Start: Dev Shayani Ekadashi, July 17, 2026 (Lord Vishnu goes to sleep). End: Dev Uthani Ekadashi, November 22, 2026 (Lord Vishnu wakes). During Chaturmas (4 months): Wedding muhurats are generally avoided (Tulsi Vivah on Nov 23 marks the reopening of the marriage season). Monks and ascetics traditionally stay in one place. Fasting, reading of Puranas, and spiritual practice are emphasized.
What is Rahu Kalam in July 2026?
Rahu Kalam is the approximately 1.5-hour inauspicious period on each weekday: Sunday: 4:30-6:00 PM. Monday: 7:30-9:00 AM. Tuesday: 3:00-4:30 PM. Wednesday: 12:00-1:30 PM. Thursday: 1:30-3:00 PM. Friday: 10:30 AM-12:00 PM. Saturday: 9:00-10:30 AM. These times are based on a 12-hour daylight period (6 AM to 6 PM). Actual Rahu Kalam for your location adjusts based on local sunrise. Avoid starting important activities during Rahu Kalam.