Hindu · 2009 · New Delhi
Hindu Festival & Vrat Calendar 2009
Every major festival, and each Ekadashi, Purnima, Amavasya, Pradosh, Chaturthi, Shivaratri and Sankranti of the year — worked out day by day from the Panchang for New Delhi.
Tap any festival or vrat to read why it is celebrated, the story behind it and how to celebrate. You can also listen to the stories.
Choose a faith
January 2009
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7WedPausha Putrada Ekadashiपौष पुत्रदा एकादशीKept for the blessing of a child. Story →
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9FriPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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11SunPausha Purnimaपौष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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13TueLohriलोहड़ीPunjab’s winter bonfire festival on the eve of Makar Sankranti. Story →
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14WedMakar Sankranti · Pongal · Uttarayanमकर संक्रांति · पोंगल · उत्तरायणThe Sun enters Capricorn and begins its northward journey: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Bihu. Story →
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14WedSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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21WedShattila Ekadashiषटतिला एकादशीSesame (til) is used in six ways — bathing, paste, havan, water, food and charity. Story →
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23FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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24SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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26MonPausha Amavasyaपौष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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30FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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31SatVasant Panchamiवसंत पंचमीThe arrival of spring and the worship of Saraswati, goddess of learning. Story →
February 2009
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6FriJaya Ekadashiजया एकादशीFrees from the fear of ghosts and evil. Story →
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7SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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9MonMagha Purnimaमाघ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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12ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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13FriKumbha Sankrantiकुंभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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20FriVijaya Ekadashiविजया एकादशीGrants victory; Lord Rama kept it before crossing to Lanka. Story →
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22SunPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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23MonMaha Shivaratriमहाशिवरात्रिThe great night of Shiva: fasting, night-long worship and abhishek. Story →
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24TueMagha Amavasyaमाघ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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28SatVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
March 2009
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7SatAmalaki Ekadashiआमलकी एकादशीThe amla tree, where Vishnu is believed to dwell, is worshipped. Story →
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8SunPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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11WedHoliहोलीThe festival of colours: spring, friendship and the love of Radha and Krishna. Story →
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11WedHolika Dahanहोलिका दहनThe bonfire on the eve of Holi: Prahlad is saved and Holika burns. Story →
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11WedPhalguna Purnimaफाल्गुन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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14SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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14SatMeena Sankranti (Kharmas begins)मीन संक्रांति (खरमास आरंभ)The Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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22SunPapmochani Ekadashiपापमोचनी एकादशीReleases from sin: the last Ekadashi of the year. Story →
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24TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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24TueMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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26ThuPhalguna Amavasyaफाल्गुन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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27FriChaitra Navratri begins · Gudi Padwa · Ugadiचैत्र नवरात्रि आरंभ · गुड़ी पड़वा · उगादिThe Hindu New Year: Navratri of spring begins, with Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in the South. Story →
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30MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
April 2009
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3FriRam Navamiराम नवमीThe birthday of Lord Rama, born at midday in Ayodhya. Story →
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5SunKamada Ekadashiकामदा एकादशीGrants wishes; the first Ekadashi of the Hindu year. Story →
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7TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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9ThuHanuman Jayantiहनुमान जयंतीThe birthday of Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devoted helper and the god of strength. Story →
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9ThuChaitra Purnimaचैत्र पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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13MonSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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14TueMesha Sankranti · Baisakhiमेष संक्रांति · बैसाखीMesha Sankranti: the solar New Year — Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Pana Sankranti, Puthandu, Vishu. Story →
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21TueVaruthini Ekadashiवरूथिनी एकादशीThe protecting armour: shields the devotee from harm. Story →
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22WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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23ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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25SatChaitra Amavasyaचैत्र अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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27MonAkshaya Tritiyaअक्षय तृतीयाThe “never-ending” day: what is begun or given today is believed to grow without end. Story →
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28TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
May 2009
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5TueMohini Ekadashiमोहिनी एकादशीNamed after Vishnu’s Mohini form, which shared the nectar with the gods. Story →
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6WedPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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9SatBuddha Purnimaबुद्ध पूर्णिमाThe birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha — all on Vaishakha Purnima. Story →
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9SatVaishakha Purnimaवैशाख पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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12TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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15FriVrishabha Sankrantiवृषभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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20WedApara Ekadashiअपरा एकादशीBrings “boundless” merit and removes heavy sins. Story →
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22FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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22FriMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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24SunVaishakha Amavasyaवैशाख अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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27WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
June 2009
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3WedNirjala Ekadashiनिर्जला एकादशीThe hardest fast — without even water; said to equal all 24 Ekadashis. Story →
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4ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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7SunJyeshtha Purnimaज्येष्ठ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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11ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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15MonMithuna Sankrantiमिथुन संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19FriYogini Ekadashiयोगिनी एकादशीHeals disease and removes curses. Story →
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20SatPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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21SunMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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22MonJyeshtha Amavasyaज्येष्ठ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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24WedJagannath Rath Yatraजगन्नाथ रथ यात्राLord Jagannath rides out of his temple in Puri on a giant chariot to meet his devotees. Story →
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26FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
July 2009
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2ThuDevshayani Ekadashiदेवशयनी एकादशीVishnu goes to sleep for four months; Chaturmas begins. Story →
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4SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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7TueGuru Purnimaगुरु पूर्णिमाA day to thank one’s gurus and teachers; also Vyasa Purnima. Story →
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7TueAshadha Purnimaआषाढ़ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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11SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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16ThuKarka Sankrantiकर्क संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18SatKamika Ekadashiकामिका एकादशीWorship with tulsi; even seeing a tulsi plant today is held to bring merit. Story →
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19SunPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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20MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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22WedAshadha Amavasyaआषाढ़ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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24FriHariyali Teejहरियाली तीजThe green festival of the monsoon, celebrating the reunion of Shiva and Parvati. Story →
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25SatVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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26SunNag Panchamiनाग पंचमीSerpents are worshipped and thanked; no digging or ploughing today. Story →
August 2009
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1SatShravana Putrada Ekadashiश्रावण पुत्रदा एकादशीKept by couples praying for a child. Story →
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3MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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5WedRaksha Bandhanरक्षा बंधनSisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists; brothers promise to protect them. Story →
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5WedShravana Purnimaश्रावण पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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9SunSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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13ThuKrishna Janmashtamiकृष्ण जन्माष्टमीThe birth of Lord Krishna at midnight in Mathura. Story →
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16SunAja Ekadashiअजा एकादशीRestores what was lost; the Ekadashi of King Harishchandra. Story →
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17MonSimha Sankrantiसिंह संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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18TueMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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20ThuShravana Amavasyaश्रावण अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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23SunGanesh Chaturthiगणेश चतुर्थीThe birthday of Lord Ganesha; ten days of worship begin. Story →
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23SunHartalika Teejहरतालिका तीजA strict fast by women, remembering Parvati’s penance to win Shiva. Story →
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23SunVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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31MonParivartini Ekadashiपरिवर्तिनी एकादशीVishnu turns on his side in his sleep; Vamana is worshipped. Story →
September 2009
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1TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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3ThuAnant Chaturdashiअनंत चतुर्दशीWorship of Vishnu as Anant, and the farewell (visarjan) of Ganesha. Story →
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4FriBhadrapada Purnimaभाद्रपद पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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5SatPitru Paksha beginsपितृ पक्ष आरंभFifteen days to remember and feed one’s ancestors (shraddha). Story →
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8TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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15TueIndira Ekadashiइंदिरा एकादशीKept in Pitru Paksha to free one’s ancestors. Story →
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16WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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17ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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17ThuKanya Sankrantiकन्या संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18FriMahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru)महालया अमावस्या (सर्व पितृ)The last and most important day of Pitru Paksha, for all ancestors. Story →
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18FriBhadrapada Amavasyaभाद्रपद अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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19SatSharad Navratri beginsशारदीय नवरात्रि आरंभNine nights of the Goddess: Durga is worshipped in her nine forms. Story →
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22TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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26SatDurga Ashtamiदुर्गा अष्टमीThe eighth day of Navratri: Mahagauri puja and Kanya Pujan. Story →
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27SunMaha Navamiमहा नवमीThe ninth day of Navratri: Siddhidatri puja, Ayudha Puja and the Navratri havan. Story →
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28MonDussehra (Vijayadashami)दशहरा (विजयादशमी)Vijayadashami: the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura. Story →
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29TuePapankusha Ekadashiपापांकुशा एकादशीThe goad that controls sin: kept after Dussehra. Story →
October 2009
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1ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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3SatSharad Purnimaशरद पूर्णिमाThe brightest full moon of the year; kheer is left in the moonlight overnight. Story →
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4SunAshvin Purnimaआश्विन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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7WedKarwa Chauthकरवा चौथMarried women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ long life. Story →
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7WedSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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11SunAhoi Ashtamiअहोई अष्टमीMothers fast for the well-being of their children until the stars appear. Story →
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14WedRama Ekadashiरमा एकादशीNamed after Goddess Lakshmi (Rama); comes just before Diwali. Story →
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15ThuDhanterasधनतेरसThe first day of Diwali: Dhanvantari and Lakshmi are worshipped, and new utensils or gold are bought. Story →
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15ThuPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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16FriMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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17SatDiwali (Lakshmi Puja)दीपावली (लक्ष्मी पूजा)The festival of lights: Lakshmi puja on the new moon of Kartik, and Rama’s return to Ayodhya. Story →
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17SatNarak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)नरक चतुर्दशी (छोटी दिवाली)Chhoti Diwali: Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Story →
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17SatTula Sankrantiतुला संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18SunAshvin Amavasyaआश्विन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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19MonGovardhan Pujaगोवर्धन पूजाKrishna lifted Govardhan hill to shelter Braj; the Annakut feast is offered. Story →
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20TueBhai Doojभाई दूजSisters pray for their brothers’ long life; brothers visit and bring gifts. Story →
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21WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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24SatChhath Pujaछठ पूजाFour days of worship of the Sun god and Chhathi Maiya, with offerings at sunset and sunrise. Story →
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29ThuDevuthani Ekadashiदेवउठनी एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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29ThuDevuthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashiदेवउठनी (प्रबोधिनी) एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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31SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
November 2009
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2MonKartik Purnima · Dev Deepawaliकार्तिक पूर्णिमा · देव दीपावलीDev Deepawali: the gods’ own Diwali on the ghats of Varanasi; also Guru Nanak’s birthday. Story →
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2MonKartika Purnimaकार्तिक पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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5ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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12ThuUtpanna Ekadashiउत्पन्ना एकादशीThe day Ekadashi herself was born to slay the demon Mura. Story →
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14SatPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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15SunMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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16MonKartika Amavasyaकार्तिक अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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16MonVrischika Sankrantiवृश्चिक संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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20FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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21SatVivah Panchamiविवाह पंचमीThe wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita. Story →
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28SatGita Jayantiगीता जयंतीThe day Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. Story →
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28SatMokshada Ekadashiमोक्षदा एकादशीGrants liberation; also Gita Jayanti. Story →
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29SunPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
December 2009
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2WedMargashirsha Purnimaमार्गशीर्ष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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5SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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12SatSaphala Ekadashiसफला एकादशीMakes every effort fruitful (saphala). Story →
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13SunPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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14MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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16WedMargashirsha Amavasyaमार्गशीर्ष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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16WedDhanu Sankranti (Kharmas begins)धनु संक्रांति (खरमास आरंभ)The Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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20SunVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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28MonPausha Putrada Ekadashiपौष पुत्रदा एकादशीKept for the blessing of a child. Story →
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29TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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31ThuPausha Purnimaपौष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
How the dates are worked out
The calendar is computed, not copied from a list: for every day of the year we find the tithi at sunrise, midday, afternoon, evening (pradosh), moonrise and midnight for your city, on the same ephemeris as our Kundali.
A festival falls on the day its tithi prevails at sunrise (udaya tithi), except where tradition looks at another time: Diwali, Dhanteras, Pradosh and Holika Dahan in the evening; Janmashtami and Shivaratri at midnight; Karwa Chauth and Sankashti at moonrise; Ram Navami and Ganesh Chaturthi at midday; Dussehra and Maha Navami in the afternoon. Holika Dahan moves to the next evening when Bhadra covers the Purnima evening.
Months are amanta (new moon to new moon); a month with no Sankranti is Adhik. North India names the dark half by the next month (purnimanta) — the festival dates are the same. Vaishnava Ekadashi and local custom can differ by a day; for a vow or a ceremony, confirm with your family priest.