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

Today

Date - 13 February 2026
Day - Friday

1. Festivals & Observances

Today, 13 February 2026, marks an important spiritual observance in the Hindu calendar known as Vijaya Ekadashi. This sacred day falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in His Govinda form. Devotees across India observe fasting and offer prayers, seeking blessings for victory, success, and the removal of obstacles from their lives.

The word "Vijaya" means victory. According to the Padma Purana, Lord Brahma told Narada Muni that observing this Ekadashi brings success in all endeavours and helps eliminate hurdles on the path to spiritual progress. The devotion and discipline practised on this day purify the mind and body, preparing devotees for higher consciousness.

Today is also recognized globally as World Radio Day. This international observance celebrates radio as a powerful medium for communication, education, and cultural exchange, reminding us how voices can reach even the remotest corners of the world.

From a spiritual perspective, Vijaya Ekadashi teaches us that true victory comes not from external conquests but from conquering our own minds and senses. As Lord Krishna teaches in the Bhagavad Gita, self-control and devotion to the Supreme lead to real success and eternal peace. Fasting on Ekadashi helps us develop discipline, detach from material desires, and focus on spiritual growth.

2. Special Day

Today holds special significance as it is widely observed as National Women's Day in India, honouring the birth anniversary of the extraordinary Sarojini Naidu. This day celebrates women's contributions to society across all spheres of life.

Birth Anniversary

Sarojini Naidu

Sarojini Naidu was born on 13 February 1879 in Hyderabad to Bengali parents Dr. Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, a scientist and principal of Nizam's College, and Varada Sundari Devi, a poetess who wrote in Bengali. Growing up in a liberal and intellectually rich environment, young Sarojini showed exceptional talent from childhood, becoming proficient in multiple languages including English, Bengali, Urdu, Telugu, and Persian.

At just twelve years of age in 1891, she topped the matriculation examination at Madras University, earning the highest rank in the entire presidency and gaining nationwide recognition for her brilliance. Her father initially wanted her to pursue science and mathematics, but when she wrote a long poem titled "The Lady of the Lake" at thirteen, he recognized her exceptional literary gift. Her talent impressed the Nizam of Hyderabad, who awarded her a scholarship to study abroad.

At sixteen, she traveled to England to study, first at King's College London and later at Girton College, Cambridge. During this period, she actively participated in the suffragist movement and came into contact with prominent literary figures including Edmund Gosse and Arthur Symons, who encouraged her poetic pursuits. She did not complete a formal degree but gained invaluable exposure to Western literature and progressive ideas.

As a poet, Naidu earned the affectionate title "Nightingale of India" or "Bharat Kokila" from Mahatma Gandhi for the lyrical beauty, vivid imagery, and melodious quality of her poetry. Her published works include The Golden Threshold (1905), The Bird of Time (1912), and The Broken Wing (1917). Her poetry beautifully captured the essence of Indian life, weaving together themes of nature, love, patriotism, and deep spirituality. Edmund Gosse praised her as one of the most accomplished living poets in India.

In 1898, at nineteen years of age, she married Dr. Govindarajulu Naidu, a physician from Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in what was considered a groundbreaking inter-caste marriage for that era. Despite facing initial resistance from orthodox Hindu society, both families supported the union. The marriage was harmonious and happy, and the couple had five children: Jayasurya, Padmaja, Randheer, Leelamani, and Nilawar Naidu.

Naidu entered the Indian independence movement following the partition of Bengal in 1905. She came into contact with prominent nationalist leaders including Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Rabindranath Tagore, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Annie Besant, and most significantly, Mahatma Gandhi, whom she met in England in 1914. Gandhi's philosophy of swaraj (self-rule) and nonviolent resistance deeply influenced her, and she became a devoted follower of his principles.

From 1904 onwards, she traveled extensively across India, delivering powerful and passionate speeches on women's empowerment, youth welfare, national unity, and the dignity of labour. She championed women's rights and strongly advocated for their active participation in the independence movement. In 1917, she co-founded the Women's Indian Association with Annie Besant and Muthulakshmi Reddi, working tirelessly for female suffrage and empowerment.

Her social work during flood relief efforts in Hyderabad earned her the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal in 1911. However, she later returned this medal to the British government in 1919 as a protest against the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April of that year, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity.

In 1925, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to serve as President of the Indian National Congress. She participated actively in Mahatma Gandhi's Civil Disobedience Movement and accompanied him during the famous Salt March of 1930. She was arrested multiple times by British authorities for her participation in the freedom struggle. In 1942, during the Quit India Movement, she was again imprisoned alongside Gandhi and other prominent leaders, spending a total of over 21 months in various jails.

After India achieved independence on 15 August 1947, Naidu was appointed the first woman Governor of United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh) on 15 August 1947, making her the first woman governor in independent India's history. She served with distinction, bringing her characteristic energy and dedication to the role.

Sarojini Naidu passed away on 2 March 1949 due to cardiac arrest at the Government House in Lucknow while still in office. Her legacy continues to inspire millions of Indians. Her childhood home in Hyderabad was renamed "Golden Threshold" and now houses the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication at the University of Hyderabad. In 1990, an asteroid was named 5647 Sarojininaidu in her memory. India widely observes her birth anniversary as National Women's Day, honouring her extraordinary contributions to literature, women's rights, and the freedom movement.

Pandit Gopal Prasad Vyas

Pandit Gopal Prasad Vyas was born on 13 February 1915 in Govardhan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. He became one of India's most renowned poets, writers, and litterateurs, particularly celebrated for combining patriotism with humorous expression. Known as 'Hasyarasavatar' (the embodiment of humorous sentiment), he was considered the originator of patriotic satire in Hindi literature. His works in social, literary, and political satire-humor made him immensely popular across India. He passed away on 28 May 2005, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.

Varun Bhati

Varun Bhati was born on 13 February 1995. He is an Indian high jumper who brought glory to the nation by winning the bronze medal in the men's high jump event at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His achievement came alongside fellow Indian athlete Mariyappan Thangavelu, who won the gold medal in the same event with a jump of 1.89 meters. Bhati won bronze with a jump of 1.86 meters, making India proud on the global stage.

Death Anniversary

Budhu Bhagat

Budhu Bhagat was a courageous tribal leader and freedom fighter who died on 13 February 1832. He was born on 17 February 1792 in Silagai village of Chanho block in Ranchi district (present-day Jharkhand) into an Oraon farming family. From his early years, he witnessed the oppression and exploitation of tribal communities under British colonial rule and the zamindari system.

Budhu Bhagat led significant tribal uprisings against British forces in the Chhotanagpur region. In 1831, he organized the Kol Rebellion, which spread across Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Palamu, and Manbhum districts. The rebellion arose from the displacement of tribal lands, imposition of high rents, forced labour, and the oppressive revenue systems implemented by the British East India Company. In 1832, he led the Larka Rebellion, rallying Oraon, Munda, Bhumij, Ho, and other tribal communities to fight against colonial tyranny.

Budhu Bhagat was highly skilled in guerrilla warfare tactics. He trained thousands of tribal fighters in combat, utilizing the dense forests and mountainous terrain to great advantage. His forces employed traditional weapons including bows, arrows, axes, swords, and spears. They conducted hit-and-run operations, ambushing British troops from concealed positions and withdrawing into the jungle, causing significant casualties among colonial forces who were unfamiliar with the difficult terrain.

Budhu Bhagat's leadership inspired widespread resistance throughout the region. Villagers recognized him as a people's leader and believed he possessed extraordinary courage and determination. His rebellion achieved several early victories, with his forces overrunning police stations, burning debt records, and disrupting colonial administration. The British authorities, alarmed by the scale and success of the uprising, deployed military reinforcements from Barrackpore, Danapur, and Patna, and announced a reward of 1,000 rupees for information leading to his capture.

On 13 February 1832, British military forces led by Captain Impey advanced toward Silagai village, where Budhu Bhagat and his followers had established a fortified position. A fierce battle ensued between the tribal forces armed with traditional weapons and the British troops equipped with firearms and explosives. During this confrontation, both of Budhu Bhagat's sons, Haldhar Bhagat and Giridhar Bhagat, were killed while fighting bravely alongside their father. Budhu Bhagat was killed during this battle on 13 February 1832.

Budhu Bhagat is remembered as a pioneer of India's tribal freedom struggle and a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression. His sacrifice came 25 years before the great uprising of 1857, making him one of the earliest heroes of India's independence movement. Even British officials acknowledged that his movement aimed to overthrow British rule and establish self-governance. Today, his legacy continues to inspire the people of Jharkhand and all of India, reminding us of the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom, justice, and dignity.

3. Holiday Updates

Public Holiday: Today, 13 February 2026, is not a nationally declared public holiday in India. Government offices, schools, and institutions remain open as per normal schedule.

Bank Holiday: As per Reserve Bank of India guidelines, 13 February 2026 is not a designated bank holiday. Banks across India remain open and provide regular banking services.