January 26
Updated November 6, 2026 · Edited by the JanuaryCalendar.com team
January 26 is a national day in two countries. Australia marks the First Fleet's arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788, and India celebrates Republic Day, the anniversary of its constitution taking effect in 1950. The date is also International Customs Day.
January 26 is the 26th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. 339 days remain in the year (340 in leap years). In 2027, January 26 falls on a Tuesday.
- Day of year
- 26
- Days left
- 339 (340 in leap years)
- Zodiac sign
- Aquarius ♒︎
- Birthstone
- Garnet
- ISO week (2027)
- Week 4
- Weekday (2027)
- Tuesday
Holidays and observances on January 26
- Public holiday Australia Day (Australia) — Marks the First Fleet's arrival at Sydney Cove in 1788.
- Public holiday Republic Day (India) — Marks the Constitution of India taking effect in 1950.
- Official International Customs Day (Worldwide) — Marks the first session in 1953 of the body now called the World Customs Organization.
- Cultural Lunar New Year falls on January 26 in 2028 (Monkey)
Events on January 26 in history
- 1788 – Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove, founding the first permanent European settlement in Australia.
- 1808 – Officers of the New South Wales Corps deposed Governor William Bligh in the Rum Rebellion.
- 1837 – Michigan was admitted to the Union as the 26th US state.
- 1841 – British naval forces landed on Hong Kong Island and raised the Union Jack at Possession Point.
- 1885 – Mahdist forces captured Khartoum, Sudan, ending a long siege and killing British General Charles Gordon.
- 1905 – The 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, was discovered near Pretoria, South Africa.
- 1926 – John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of a working television system in London.
- 1950 – The Constitution of India took effect, making India a republic with Rajendra Prasad as its first president.
- 1980 – Egypt and Israel established full diplomatic relations following their 1979 peace treaty.
- 1986 – The Chicago Bears beat the New England Patriots 46–10 in Super Bowl XX in New Orleans.
Famous birthdays on January 26
- 1763 – Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte (Charles XIV John), French marshal who became King of Sweden
- 1880 – Douglas MacArthur, American five-star general
- 1892 – Bessie Coleman, Pioneering African American aviator
- 1925 – Paul Newman, American actor and philanthropist
- 1944 – Angela Davis, American activist and scholar
- 1955 – Eddie Van Halen, Dutch-American rock guitarist
- 1958 – Ellen DeGeneres, American comedian and talk show host
- 1961 – Wayne Gretzky, Canadian ice hockey player, NHL career points leader
- 1963 – José Mourinho, Portuguese football manager
What day is January 26?
Frequently asked questions
Why is Australia Day on January 26?
It marks January 26, 1788, when Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove. Many Indigenous Australians regard the date as a day of mourning, and some call it Invasion Day.
Why does India celebrate Republic Day on January 26?
On January 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj, or complete independence. The Constitution of India was brought into force on the same date in 1950 to honor that declaration.
What is International Customs Day?
It is an annual day promoted by the World Customs Organization to recognize the work of customs officials. It marks the first session of the Customs Co-operation Council, held in Brussels on January 26, 1953.
What day of the week is January 26, 2027?
January 26, 2027 is a Tuesday. In 2028 it falls on a Wednesday.
What zodiac sign is January 26?
People born on January 26 are Aquarians (January 20 – February 18) in Western astrology.