| Date |
Hindu Calendar Month |
Significance |
| January 14 |
Posh Vad 14
Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan) |
The day the sun begins to move northwards, heralding the gradual increase of daylight hours. It is a time to be charitable by giving grains, clothes and money. |
| January 20 |
Maha Sud 5
Vasant Panchmi |
Signifies the onset of spring. |
| January 26 |
Maha Sud 11
Republic Day |
The day the independent nation of India adopted its constitution. |
| February 12 |
Maha Vad 14
Shivratri |
This is a festival in honor of Lord Shiv whose marriage to Parvati took place on this day. People observe a fast on this day and stay awake throughout the night, praying to Lord Shiv. |
| February 28 |
Fagan Sud 15
Holi |
Celebrates the protection of Prahlad from his father, the demon-king Hiranyakashipu. Prahlad was seated in a fire with his aunt, Holika. She perished in the fire, but Prahlad survived. |
| March 1 |
Fagan Vad 1
Dhuleti/Pushpadolotsav |
This is a spring festival, in which people rejoice by spraying each other with coloured water. |
| March 24 |
Chaitra Sud 9
Ramnavmi |
The birthday of Bhagwan Shri Ram & Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan |
| March 28 |
Chaitra Sud 13
Mahavir Jayanti |
The birthday of Lord Mahavir, founder of Jainism. |
| March 30 |
Chaitra Sud 15
Hanuman Jayanti |
The birthday of Shri Hanumanji, greatest devotee of Bhagwan Shri Ram. |
| May 16 |
Vaishakh Sud 3
Akha Trij |
|
| May 26 |
Vaishakh Sud 13
Nrusinh Jayanti |
The birthday of Lord Shri Nrusinh, conquerer of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu. |
| May 27 |
Vaishakh Sud 15
Buddha Jayanti |
The birthday of Lord Shri Buddha, founder of Buddhism. |
| June 22 |
Jeth Sud 11 |
Bhim Ekadashi |
| July 13 |
Ashadh Sud 2
Rathyatra |
Annual festival in which murtis of the Lord are paraded in decorated chariots around the city. A mammoth festival is held in Jagannathpuri. |
| July 21 |
Ashadh Sud 11
Devpodhi Ekadashi |
The first day of Chaturmas - the four holy months. During these months, extra devotional observances are undertaken. |
| July 25 |
Ashadh Sud 15
Guru Purnima |
The day on which devotees honor their guru. They pay their respects and offer their gratitude for the spiritual guidance the guru gives. |
| August 15 |
Shravan Sud 6
Independence Day |
The day on which India became an independent, democratic nation. |
| August 24 |
Shravan Sud 15
Raksha Bandhan |
Sisters tie an amulet (called rakhi or raksha) around the wrist of their brothers, and pray for their protection from surrounding evil. |
| September 2 |
Shravan Vad 8
Janmashtami |
The birthday of Bhagwan Shri Krishna. |
| September 10 |
Bhadarvo Sud 3
Sam-Shravani |
Sadhus and Samvedi Brahmins change their janoi (sacred thread) on this day. |
| September 11 |
Bhadarvo Sud 4
Ganesh Chaturthi |
The birthday of Lord Shri Ganesh, son of Lord Shri Shiv and Shri Parvatiji. |
| September 19 |
Bhadarvo Sud 11
Jal Jhilani Ekadashi
Vaman Jayanti |
The birthday of Lord Shri Vaman |
| October 8 |
Aso Sud 1
Start of Navratri |
Festival of the nine nights. A period in which special prayers are offered to Shri Parvati, also called Goddess Durga. It celebrates her victory over the demon, Mahishasur. |
| October 17 |
Aso Sud 10
Vijaya Dashmi |
The 10th day celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur. On this day the murtis of the goddess Durga are taken on a victorious procession. On this day, Bhagwan Ram returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile and destroying Ravan. Today is an auspicious day to commence any academic activities. |
| October 22 |
Aso Sud 15
Sharad Punam |
The night Bhagwan Krishna graced the Gopis of Vrundavan by playing the Maha Raas with them on the banks of the sacred Yamuna. |
| November 3 |
Aso Vad 12
Vagh Baras
Dhan Teras/Lakshmi Pujan |
Cows, symbolizing Mother Nature, are worshipped on this day. |
| November 4 |
Aso Vad 13
Kali Chaudash |
|
| November 5 |
Aso Vad 14
Diwali |
Diwali (Festival of lights)
The return of Bhagwan Shri Ram to Ayodhya |
| November 6 |
Aso Vad 15
Annakut |
Annakut – serving of different 1008 dishes to the Lord |
| November 10 |
Kartak Sud 5
Labh Pancham |
An auspicious day to commence any noble venture. |
| November 17 |
Kartak Sud 11
Prabodhini Ekadashi |
The last day of Chaturmas, after which all extra spiritual observances undertaken over the previous four months may be relaxed. |
| November 21 |
Kartak Sud 15
Dev Diwali |
Signifies the return of God after spending Chaturmas with King Bali. Today is a day to resolve to free oneself of base instincts. |
