As August begins, several important festivals, national observances and major events are set to take place across India and around the world. Here's a quick look at everything happening this month.
The month kicks off with National Handloom Day on August 7, celebrating India's rich weaving traditions and supporting local artisans. A day later, August 8 marks Quit India Movement Day, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's historic call for British rule to end in 1942.
The biggest event of the month arrives on August 15, when India celebrates its 80th Independence Day with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural programmes and patriotic events across the country.
August 2026 Event Calendar
August 7 (Friday): National Handloom Day
August 8 (Saturday): Quit India Movement Day
August 15 (Saturday): Independence Day
August 16 (Sunday): Hariyali Teej
August 17 (Monday): Nag Panchami
August 19 (Wednesday): Tulsidas Jayanti
August 20 (Thursday): Sadbhavana Diwas
August 25 (Tuesday): Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Gazetted Holiday)
August 26 (Wednesday): Onam
August 28 (Friday): Raksha Bandhan
August 29 (Saturday): National Sports Day
Long Weekend Alert
A long weekend is possible in the last week of August:
August 22: Saturday
August 23: Sunday
August 24: Take one day of leave
August 25: Eid Milad-un-Nabi holiday
Whether you're planning a vacation, preparing for exams or looking forward to festivals, August 2026 has something for everyone.