10 February 2026: Calendar, Festivals, Special Day, Public & Bank Holiday Updates in India

Today

Date - 10 February 2026
Day - Tuesday

1. Festivals & Observances

Today, 10 February 2026, India observes World Pulses Day, a global celebration designated by the United Nations to recognise the importance of pulses in human nutrition and sustainable agriculture.

Pulses such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas have been an integral part of Indian culture and cuisine for thousands of years. These humble seeds are not merely sources of protein and nutrition, but they also represent simplicity, sustainability, and harmony with nature.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasises the importance of food prepared with devotion and offered to the Supreme. Pulses, being sattvic in nature (pure and wholesome), align perfectly with this spiritual principle. They nourish the body without causing harm to any living being, embodying the concept of ahimsa (non-violence).

World Pulses Day reminds us that true wealth lies not only in material abundance but in sustainable living and sharing resources with compassion. Just as pulses enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, our actions rooted in devotion can enrich our lives and society with spiritual prosperity.

2. Special Day

While 10 February is not marked as a national civic celebration in India, the day holds importance due to the birth and death anniversaries of several distinguished personalities who contributed to the nation's literary, cultural, social, and spiritual life. Their lives remind us that service to humanity, regardless of background, is the highest form of devotion.

Birth Anniversary

Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara

Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara was born on 10 February 1805 in Kainakary, near Alappuzha, Kerala. A revered Catholic priest, educator, and social reformer, he dedicated his life to the upliftment of the poor and marginalised communities. He co-founded the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, the first indigenous religious congregation for men in India, and the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel for women. His vision extended beyond religious boundaries as he established the first Sanskrit school open to all communities and pioneered educational reforms in Kerala. He promoted printing and publishing in Malayalam, contributing significantly to the literary and cultural renaissance of Kerala. Saint Chavara championed the education of girls and worked tirelessly for the welfare of widows and orphans. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1986 and canonised by Pope Francis in 2014. His life exemplifies the principle that true devotion lies in selfless service to all, irrespective of caste, creed, or community.

Dr Kumar Vishwas

Distinguished Hindi poet, lecturer, and orator Dr Kumar Vishwas was born on 10 February 1970 in Pilkhuwa, Uttar Pradesh. Originally named Vishwas Kumar Sharma, he transformed his identity to reflect his poetic calling. Known for his mesmerising poetry recitals that blend traditional Hindi literature with contemporary social commentary, Kumar Vishwas has captivated audiences across India and internationally. His poetry collections, particularly "Koi Deewana Kehta Hai," have earned him immense popularity among the youth. He was also briefly associated with public life before returning his focus to literature and education. He has dedicated his life to teaching Hindi literature and promoting the beauty of the Hindi language through his eloquent performances. His work exemplifies how art and poetry can inspire social consciousness while maintaining cultural roots.

Death Anniversary

Shaani

Renowned Hindi fiction writer and novelist Shaani (born Gulsher Khan on 16 May 1933) passed away on 10 February 1995 in New Delhi. He was the founder-editor of prestigious Hindi literary magazines Sakshatkar and Samkaleen Bhartiya Sahitya. Born in Jagdalpur, the then princely Bastar state (now in Chhattisgarh), Shaani became the first major Muslim writer in modern Hindi literature. His works authentically depicted the ethos of Indian Muslim society, particularly through his celebrated novel Kala Jal, which was serialised on national television Doordarshan in the mid-1980s. As the secretary of Madhya Pradesh Sahitya Parishad from 1972, he contributed significantly to Hindi literature. He received the Shikhar Samman of Madhya Pradesh and was honoured by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. His writings have been translated into Russian, Lithuanian, Czech, and English, reflecting the universal appeal of his storytelling.

Raja Bakhtawar Singh

Freedom fighter Raja Bakhtawar Singh, the ruler of Amjhera town in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, was hanged on 10 February 1858. He fought courageously against British colonial forces during the 1857 War of Independence. Despite a long struggle against the British, he was captured through deceit and imprisoned. He was hanged on a neem tree on the premises of Maharaja Yashwant Hospital in Indore. His sacrifice represents the countless unknown heroes who laid down their lives for India's freedom, reminding us that true courage lies in standing for dharma (righteousness) even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

3. Holiday Updates

Public Holiday: Today, 10 February 2026, is not a nationally or state-declared public holiday in India. Government offices, educational institutions, and businesses operate normally across the country.

Bank Holiday: Today, 10 February 2026, is not a bank holiday as per Reserve Bank of India guidelines. Banks across India remain open, and all regular banking services operate as usual.