Kalyana Vrata / Panguni Uttiram 2026 – Date, Rituals, Significance & Regional Celebrations

 

Date & Timing

• Festival Date: April 01, 2026 (Wednesday)
• Tamil Month: Phalguni (mid-March to mid-April)
• Astrological Alignment: Sun in Meena Rashi (Pisces), Utthara Nakshatram, Shukla Paksha Poornima

Scriptural Significance

• One of the eight Maha Vratas mentioned in the Skanda Purana.
• Marks the divine marriage of:
• Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati (Shakti)
• Lord Muruga & Devasena
• Observed as Panguni Uttiram in Tamil Nadu and southern states.
• In northern India, the same day coincides with Phalgun Poornima, celebrated as Holi in Braj, Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana, Kumaon.

Rituals of Kalyana Vrata

• Morning:
• Rise early, meditate on Lord Shiva in wedding posture with Parvati.
• Bath, wear clean clothes, prepare for puja.
• Idol Worship:
• Metal idols (gold if affordable) of Shiva & Parvati decorated with jewellery and flowers.
• Offerings of sweets, fruits, and sacred substances.
• Community Feast:
• Special feast prepared, shared with devotees and couples symbolizing marital bliss.
• Prasad distributed among all.
• Temple Visit:
• Visit nearby Shiva temple, perform prostrations and circumambulation (3 times).
• Fasting:
• Strict fast observed; only one meal of Payasam (milk-based sweet) and fruits.
• Sleep on dharbari grass as part of austerity.
• Next Day:
• Donate the golden idol of Shiva & Uma to a pious devotee.
• Belief: Brings health, happiness, prosperity, and ultimately liberation (Kailasa Dham).

Regional Celebrations

• Tamil Nadu: Madurai, Vedaranyam, Tiruvarur, Tirunelveli, Perur, Kanchipuram – grand Murugan temple festivities with divine marriage rituals.
• Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh: Panguni Uttiram celebrated with temple gatherings.
• North India: Phalgun Poornima as Holi.
• Other Names:
• Bengal – Basatotsav / Dol Poornima
• Bihar – Phagwah
• Odisha – Dolajatra
• Andhra Pradesh – Basant Panchami
• Kerala – Manjal Kuli
• Madhya Pradesh – Rangapanchami
• Nepal – Fagu Poornima

Beliefs & Benefits

• Young men: Blessed with righteous partners.
• Young women: Blessed with loving husbands.
• Couples: Blessed with good children.
• Gods themselves observed this Vrata:
• Vishnu–Lakshmi, Brahma–Saraswati, Indra–Indrani, Agastya–Lopamudra, Rama–Sita, Krishna–Jambhavati, Muruga–Valli & Devasena.
• Symbolizes marital harmony, prosperity, and divine grace.