February is an important month that focuses on health, science, language, social justice and cultural awareness. The Important Days in February 2026 include many national and international observances that highlight critical global and Indian issues, even though it is the shortest month of the year. In India, February is also the last month of winter and is marked by festivals, cultural events and historical commemorations that make it significant.
Important Days in February 2026
Important Days in February 2026 include several national, international, cultural and awareness days. These days are observed to educate people about health issues, scientific achievements, social equality, environmental protection and historical personalities. Major Festivals that fall in the month of February include: Mahashivaratri, Ramadan and other regional festive events.
List of Important Days in February 2026
The list of Important Days in February 2026 has been tabulated below:
| Important Days in February 2026 | ||
| Date | Event | Significance |
|
1 February |
Union Budget (India) |
Since 2017, the Government of India releases Union Budget on this day each year |
|
1 February |
Indian Coast Guard Day |
Marks the foundation day (Feb 1, 1977) of the Indian Coast Guard and its role in maritime security. |
|
1 February |
Guru Ravidas Jayanti |
Celebrates the birth of saint and social reformer Guru Ravidas. |
|
1-7 February |
International Development Week |
Highlights global development efforts and career opportunities in development sectors. |
|
2 February |
World Wetlands Day |
Raises awareness about the importance of wetlands and environmental conservation. |
|
2 February |
Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day |
Spreads awareness about Rheumatoid Arthritis and its impact on health. |
|
4 February |
World Cancer Day |
Promotes awareness, prevention and control of cancer worldwide. |
|
4 February |
Independence Day of Sri Lanka |
Celebrates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. |
|
6 February |
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation |
Educates about the harmful effects of female genital mutilation. |
|
9 February |
Baba Amte’s Death Anniversary |
Remembers the social reformer known for work with leprosy patients. |
|
9 February (Second Monday of the Month) |
International Epilepsy Day |
Raises awareness about epilepsy and the need for better treatment, observed on second Monday of February |
|
10 February |
National Deworming Day |
Government initiative to protect children from parasitic worm infections, celebrated biannually on Feb 10 and Aug 10. |
|
10 February |
World Pulses Day |
Highlights the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses. |
|
10 February |
Safer Internet Day |
Encourages safer and responsible use of the internet, especially for children. Observed on Second Tuesday of the Month |
|
11 February |
World Day of the Sick |
Observed to pray and care for people suffering from illness. |
|
11 February |
International Day of Women and Girls in Science |
Promotes gender equality in science and technology fields. |
|
12 February |
Darwin Day |
Commemorates the birth of Charles Darwin and his contribution to science. |
|
12 February |
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday |
Honors the former US President known for ending slavery. |
|
12 February |
National Productivity Day |
Promotes productivity awareness in India. |
|
13 February |
World Radio Day |
Highlights the importance of radio as a mass communication medium. |
|
13 February |
Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary |
Celebrates the birth of the Nightingale of India and freedom fighter. |
|
14 February |
Black Day |
Commemorates the sacrifice of Indian Soldiers in the Pulwama Attack of 2019 |
|
14 February |
World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day |
Raises awareness about congenital heart defects. |
|
15 February |
Mahashivratri |
Major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. |
|
18-27 February |
Taj Mahotsav |
Cultural festival showcasing India’s heritage at Agra. |
|
17 February |
Ramadan Begins |
Marks the beginning of the holy fasting month for Muslims. |
|
19 February |
World Anthropology Day |
Promotes awareness about anthropology and human societies. Observed on Third Thursday of the Month |
|
20 February |
Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day |
Celebrates the formation of Arunachal Pradesh. |
|
20 February |
Mizoram Foundation Day |
Marks Mizoram becoming a full fledged Indian state. |
|
20 February |
World Day of Social Justice |
Promotes equality, employment and social inclusion. |
|
21 February |
International Mother Language Day |
Encourages linguistic diversity and multilingual education. |
|
22 February |
World Thinking Day |
Observed by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the day. |
|
23 February |
World Peace and Understanding Day |
Promotes peace and international understanding. |
|
24 February |
Central Excise Day |
Encourages efficient functioning of the excise department in India. |
|
26 February |
Veer Savarkar’s Death Anniversary |
This day remembers freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. |
|
27 February |
World NGO Day |
Recognizes the contribution of non-governmental organizations. |
|
28 February |
National Science Day (India) |
Marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by C.V. Raman. |
|
28 February |
Rare Disease Day |
Raises awareness about rare diseases and affected individuals. Observed on the last day of February. |
Major Important Days in February 2026 Explained
The significance and background of the days celebrated in the month of February has been detailed below:
February 1: Union Budget and Indian Coast Guard Day
February 1 is important in India as the Union Budget is presented on this day. It outlines government policies, expenditure and development plans. The same day is also celebrated as Indian Coast Guard Day, honoring the force that protects India’s maritime boundaries.
February 4: World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is observed to spread awareness about cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. It encourages global efforts to reduce cancer related deaths.
February 6: Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
This international observance highlights the harmful effects of female genital mutilation and promotes human rights and women’s health.
February 10: National Deworming Day and World Pulses Day
National Deworming Day focuses on improving child health in India, while World Pulses Day promotes pulses as a sustainable and nutritious food source.
February 11: Women and Girls in Science
This day recognizes the achievements of women in science and encourages equal participation in scientific research and education.
February 12: Darwin Day
Darwin Day celebrates the birth of Charles Darwin and his contribution to evolutionary science through the theory of natural selection.
February 13: Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary
Sarojini Naidu was a freedom fighter, poet and the first woman Governor of an Indian state. Her birth anniversary honors her contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
February 15: Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasting and night long prayers.
February 20: State Foundation Days and Social Justice
Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram celebrate their foundation days on February 20. The same day is also observed as World Day of Social Justice, promoting equality and inclusion.
February 28: National Science Day
National Science Day commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect by C.V. Raman in 1928 and promotes scientific thinking among students and citizens.
Last updated on January, 2026
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Important Days in February 2026 FAQs
Q1. Why is February important for awareness campaigns?+
Q2. Which is the most important national day in February in India?+
Q3. Why is February 21 celebrated as International Mother Language Day?+
Q4. What is the significance of World Cancer Day?+
Q5. Which cultural festival is celebrated in February in Agra?+
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