20 January 2026: Calendar, Festivals, Special Day, Public & Bank Holiday Updates in India

Today

Date - 20 January 2026
Day - Tuesday

1. Festivals & Observances

Today, 20 January 2026, marks Chandra Darshana, which coincides with Magha Gupt Navratri (Day 2). This occurs on Magha, Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the waxing moon phase in the Hindu calendar.

Chandra Darshana literally means "moon viewing" and refers to the first sighting of the crescent moon after Amavasya (new moon day). This sacred moment holds deep spiritual significance across India. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Chandra (Moon) represents mental balance, emotional stability, and inner calmness. The reappearance of the moon after the darkness of Amavasya symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair, and renewal after silence.

The moon is revered as one of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) in Vedic astrology. Hindu scriptures identify Chandra with Soma, the Vedic lunar deity who is considered the lord of plants and vegetation. The moon governs our emotions, mind, and inner peace. When devotees sight the crescent moon for the first time after the new moon, they offer prayers, water, milk, and white flowers to Chandra Dev, seeking blessings for mental clarity, prosperity, and emotional harmony.

Many devotees observe a partial fast throughout the day, breaking it only after sighting the moon in the evening. The rituals include offering Arghya (water) to the moon while chanting mantras such as "Om Chandraya Namah" or "Om Somaaya Namah." White items like rice, milk, and white flowers are offered as symbols of purity. Some families also donate white clothes, grains, or sweets to Brahmins and the needy on this auspicious day.

Today also marks the second day of Magha Gupt Navratri. Unlike the more widely celebrated Chaitra and Sharad Navratri, Gupt Navratri is observed with inner spiritual practices, meditation, and mantra sadhana. Devotees worship Goddess Brahmacharini on this second day, seeking spiritual discipline and inner strength.

From a spiritual perspective, Chandra Darshana reminds us that even after the darkest night, light always returns. As Lord Krishna teaches in the Bhagavad Gita, "One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst miseries, nor elated in happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom." The gentle reappearance of the crescent moon encourages us to cultivate that same inner steadiness, calmness, and devotion in our daily lives.

2. Special Day

While today is not marked as a national special day in India, it holds historical significance as it marks the birth and death anniversaries of several distinguished personalities whose contributions continue to inspire society.

Birth Anniversary

Ajit Kumar Doval

Ajit Kumar Doval was born on 20 January 1945 in Ghiri Banelsyun village, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. He currently serves as India's National Security Advisor, a position he has held since 2014, making him one of the longest-serving National Security Advisors in India. A retired Indian Police Service officer from the Kerala cadre, Doval earned nationwide recognition for his extraordinary contributions to national security and counter-terrorism operations.

His distinguished career includes leading Operation Black Thunder in 1988, which successfully neutralized militants at the Golden Temple without extensive damage. For his courageous undercover work, he became the first police officer to receive the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, in 1989. He served as Director of the Intelligence Bureau and later founded the Vivekananda International Foundation, a prominent think tank.

As NSA, Doval played crucial roles in major operations, including the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes following the Pulwama attack. He was instrumental in securing the release of Indian hostages abroad and coordinating India's strategic responses to security threats. Reappointed multiple times, he holds Cabinet Minister rank and remains one of the most influential figures shaping India's national security policy. His dedication to duty embodies the spirit of selfless service and strategic wisdom.

Death Anniversary

Parveen Babi

Legendary actress Parveen Babi passed away on 20 January 2005 at the age of 50 in Mumbai. Born on 4 April 1954 in Junagadh, Gujarat, she became one of the highest-paid and most glamorous actresses of the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in over 70 films. She was the first Bollywood actress to feature on the cover of Time magazine in 1976, representing the changing face of Indian cinema.

Parveen redefined the image of the Hindi film heroine, portraying modern, independent, and confident characters at a time when such roles were rare. Her memorable performances alongside Amitabh Bachchan in films such as Deewar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Namak Halaal, and Shaan remain iconic. She brought a Western sophistication and bold screen presence that influenced an entire generation of actresses.

Her later years were marked by struggles with mental health challenges, including paranoid schizophrenia. She lived in isolation and was found dead in her Mumbai apartment after neighbours noticed uncollected newspapers for several days. Reports stated that the cause of death was multiple organ failure, with diabetes-related complications. Despite her tragic end, her contribution to Indian cinema remains unforgettable. Her life reminds us of the importance of compassion, mental health awareness, and supporting those who face inner battles.

Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru

Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru passed away on 20 January 1949. Born on 8 December 1875, he was a distinguished lawyer, freedom fighter, and political leader who played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. He served as a key figure in the Liberal Party during British rule and contributed to drafting constitutional reforms.

Known for his moderate approach and constitutional methods, Sapru worked tirelessly to bridge differences between various political factions. His legal acumen and dedication to constitutional dialogue earned him respect across political divides. His legacy continues to inspire those who believe in peaceful resolution and democratic values.

Thakkar Bappa

Thakkar Bappa, also known as Amritlal Vithaldas Thakkar, passed away on 20 January 1951. Born on 29 November 1869, he was a renowned social worker and close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He dedicated his life to the upliftment of tribal communities and marginalized sections of society across India.

After India's independence, Dr. Rajendra Prasad remembered him saying, "Whenever selfless servants are remembered, the image of Thakkar Bappa will stand before my eyes." He served as a member of Parliament briefly after independence. His dedication to uplifting the disadvantaged and his compassionate service embody the Gita's teaching of karma yoga—selfless action without attachment to results. His life exemplified the principle that true greatness lies in service to others.

Harvilas Sharda

Harvilas Sharda passed away on 20 January 1955. Born on 3 June 1867, he was an eminent educationist, politician, social reformer, jurist, and writer. He is best remembered as the architect of the historic Sharda Act, which aimed to prevent child marriage and protect young girls from this harmful practice.

Sharda served as secretary of the Arya Samaj's Paropkarini Sabha, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. His influential book, Hindu Superiority, highlighted ancient India's achievements across various fields. His reform work demonstrated how knowledge combined with compassion can transform society and protect the vulnerable.

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as Badshah Khan and the Frontier Gandhi, passed away on 20 January 1988. Born on 6 February 1890, he was a towering leader of the Pashtun community and a devoted follower of Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence.

Ghaffar Khan founded the Khudai Khidmatgar movement, a non-violent resistance organization that challenged British rule. Despite imprisonment and persecution, he remained committed to peace and unity. He was honored with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1987. His humility was evident when he simply called himself a "Soldier of Freedom Struggle," though admirers honored him as Badshah Khan. His life exemplified courage, conviction, and unwavering faith in non-violence as the path to justice.

Karam Singh

Karam Singh passed away on 20 January 1993. Born on 15 September 1915, he was a legendary Indian soldier and recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for valor. He displayed extraordinary courage during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48, defending strategic positions in the Tithwal sector despite being heavily outnumbered.

His bravery, leadership, and dedication to duty became the stuff of legend in the Indian Army. He served the nation with unwavering commitment and is remembered as one of India's greatest war heroes. His life embodied the warrior spirit guided by dharma—fighting not for personal glory, but for the protection of the motherland and its people.

3. Holiday Updates

Public Holiday: Today, 20 January 2026, is not a nationally or state-declared public holiday in India. Central and state government offices, educational institutions, and most businesses remain open and operational across the country.

Bank Holiday: Today, 20 January 2026, is not a bank holiday as per Reserve Bank of India guidelines. All banks across India remain open, and regular banking services are fully operational.