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January 14 : Posh Sud 9 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.
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January 26 : Posh Vad 8 Republic Day
The day the independent nation of India adopted its constitution.
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March 3 : 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
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March 19 : 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.
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March 20 : Fagan Vad 1 Dhuleti/Pushpadolotsav
This is a spring festival, in which people rejoice by spraying each other with colored water.
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April 12 : Chaitra Sud 9 Ramnavmi
The birthday of Bhagwan Ram.
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April 18 : Chaitra Sud 15 Hanuman Jayanti
The birthday of Hanumanji, devotee of Bhagwan Ram.
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May 15 : Vaishakh Sud 13 Nrusinh Jayanti
The birthday of Lord Nrusinh, conquerer of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu.
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May 17 : Vaishakh Sud 15 Buddha Jayanti
The birthday of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism.
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June 12 : Jeth Sud 11
Bhim Ekadashi
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July 3 : 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.
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July 11 : Ashadh Sud 11 Devpodhi Ekadashi
The first day of Chaturmas - the four holy months. During these months, extra devotional observances are undertaken.
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July 15 : 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.
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August 13 : 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.
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August 15 : Shravan Vad 2 Independence Day
The day on which India became an independent, democratic nation.
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August 22 : Shravan Vad 8 Janmashtami
The birthday of Bhagwan Krishna.
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August 30 : Bhadarvo Sud 2 Sam-Shravani
Sadhus and Samvedi Brahmins change their janoi (sacred thread) on this day.
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September 1 : Bhadarvo Sud 4 Ganesh Chaturthi
The birthday of Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiv and Shri Parvatiji.
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September 8 : Bhadarvo Sud 11 Jal Jhilani Ekadashi
The midpoint of chaturmas. The Lord is taken for a boat ride.
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September 8 : Bhadarvo Sud 11 Vaman Jayanti
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September 28 : 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.
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October 6 : 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.
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October 11 : 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.
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October 24 : Aso Vad 12 Vagh Baras
Cows, symbolizing Mother Nature, are worshipped on this day.
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October 25 : Aso Vad 13 Dhan Teras/Lakshmi Pujan
On this day, one's wealth is worshipped and prayers are offered to God for the wisdom to use one's wealth for noble and virtuous purposes only.
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October 26 : Aso Vad 15 Diwali
Diwali symbolizes the victory of Good over Evil. The goddess of wealth, Lakshmiji, is worshipped on this day to receive blessings for future prosperity.
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October 27 : Kartak Sud 1 Annakut and Bestu Varash
Offering of different varieties of food to the deities. The first day of the Hindu New Year.
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October 28 : Kartak Sud 2 Bhai Beej
The day on which brothers are invited to dine at their sister's house.
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October 31 : Kartak Sud 5 Labh Pancham
An auspicious day to commence any noble venture.
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November 6 : 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.
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November 10 : 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.
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