Hindu · 2014 · New Delhi
Hindu Festival & Vrat Calendar 2014
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 2014
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1WedMargashirsha Amavasyaमार्गशीर्ष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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4SatVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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11SatPausha Putrada Ekadashiपौष पुत्रदा एकादशीKept for the blessing of a child. Story →
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13MonLohriलोहड़ीPunjab’s winter bonfire festival on the eve of Makar Sankranti. Story →
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13MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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14TueMakar Sankranti · Pongal · Uttarayanमकर संक्रांति · पोंगल · उत्तरायणThe Sun enters Capricorn and begins its northward journey: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Bihu. Story →
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16ThuPausha Purnimaपौष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19SunSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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27MonShattila Ekadashiषटतिला एकादशीSesame (til) is used in six ways — bathing, paste, havan, water, food and charity. Story →
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28TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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29WedMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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30ThuPausha Amavasyaपौष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
February 2014
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3MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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4TueVasant Panchamiवसंत पंचमीThe arrival of spring and the worship of Saraswati, goddess of learning. Story →
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10MonJaya Ekadashiजया एकादशीFrees from the fear of ghosts and evil. Story →
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12WedPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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13ThuKumbha Sankrantiकुंभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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14FriMagha Purnimaमाघ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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25TueVijaya Ekadashiविजया एकादशीGrants victory; Lord Rama kept it before crossing to Lanka. Story →
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27ThuMaha Shivaratriमहाशिवरात्रिThe great night of Shiva: fasting, night-long worship and abhishek. Story →
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27ThuPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
March 2014
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1SatMagha Amavasyaमाघ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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4TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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12WedAmalaki Ekadashiआमलकी एकादशीThe amla tree, where Vishnu is believed to dwell, is worshipped. Story →
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13ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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15SatMeena 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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16SunHolika Dahanहोलिका दहनThe bonfire on the eve of Holi: Prahlad is saved and Holika burns. Story →
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16SunPhalguna Purnimaफाल्गुन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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17MonHoliहोलीThe festival of colours: spring, friendship and the love of Radha and Krishna. Story →
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20ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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27ThuPapmochani Ekadashiपापमोचनी एकादशीReleases from sin: the last Ekadashi of the year. Story →
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28FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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29SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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30SunPhalguna Amavasyaफाल्गुन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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31MonChaitra 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 →
April 2014
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3ThuVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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8TueRam Navamiराम नवमीThe birthday of Lord Rama, born at midday in Ayodhya. Story →
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11FriKamada Ekadashiकामदा एकादशीGrants wishes; the first Ekadashi of the Hindu year. Story →
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12SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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14MonMesha Sankranti · Baisakhiमेष संक्रांति · बैसाखीMesha Sankranti: the solar New Year — Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Pana Sankranti, Puthandu, Vishu. Story →
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15TueHanuman Jayantiहनुमान जयंतीThe birthday of Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devoted helper and the god of strength. Story →
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15TueChaitra Purnimaचैत्र पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18FriSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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25FriVaruthini Ekadashiवरूथिनी एकादशीThe protecting armour: shields the devotee from harm. Story →
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26SatPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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27SunMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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29TueChaitra Amavasyaचैत्र अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
May 2014
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2FriAkshaya Tritiyaअक्षय तृतीयाThe “never-ending” day: what is begun or given today is believed to grow without end. Story →
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2FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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10SatMohini Ekadashiमोहिनी एकादशीNamed after Vishnu’s Mohini form, which shared the nectar with the gods. Story →
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12MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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14WedBuddha Purnimaबुद्ध पूर्णिमाThe birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha — all on Vaishakha Purnima. Story →
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14WedVaishakha Purnimaवैशाख पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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15ThuVrishabha Sankrantiवृषभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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17SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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24SatApara Ekadashiअपरा एकादशीBrings “boundless” merit and removes heavy sins. Story →
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26MonPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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26MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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28WedVaishakha Amavasyaवैशाख अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
June 2014
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1SunVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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9MonNirjala Ekadashiनिर्जला एकादशीThe hardest fast — without even water; said to equal all 24 Ekadashis. Story →
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10TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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13FriJyeshtha Purnimaज्येष्ठ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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15SunMithuna Sankrantiमिथुन संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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16MonSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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23MonYogini Ekadashiयोगिनी एकादशीHeals disease and removes curses. 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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25WedMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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27FriJyeshtha Amavasyaज्येष्ठ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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29SunJagannath Rath Yatraजगन्नाथ रथ यात्राLord Jagannath rides out of his temple in Puri on a giant chariot to meet his devotees. Story →
July 2014
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1TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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8TueDevshayani Ekadashiदेवशयनी एकादशीVishnu goes to sleep for four months; Chaturmas begins. Story →
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10ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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12SatGuru Purnimaगुरु पूर्णिमाA day to thank one’s gurus and teachers; also Vyasa Purnima. Story →
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12SatAshadha Purnimaआषाढ़ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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15TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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17ThuKarka Sankrantiकर्क संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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22TueKamika Ekadashiकामिका एकादशीWorship with tulsi; even seeing a tulsi plant today is held to bring merit. Story →
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24ThuPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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24ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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26SatAshadha Amavasyaआषाढ़ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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30WedHariyali Teejहरियाली तीजThe green festival of the monsoon, celebrating the reunion of Shiva and Parvati. Story →
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30WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
August 2014
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1FriNag Panchamiनाग पंचमीSerpents are worshipped and thanked; no digging or ploughing today. Story →
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7ThuShravana Putrada Ekadashiश्रावण पुत्रदा एकादशीKept by couples praying for a child. Story →
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8FriPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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10SunRaksha Bandhanरक्षा बंधनSisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists; brothers promise to protect them. Story →
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10SunShravana Purnimaश्रावण पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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13WedSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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17SunKrishna Janmashtamiकृष्ण जन्माष्टमीThe birth of Lord Krishna at midnight in Mathura. Story →
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17SunSimha Sankrantiसिंह संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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21ThuAja Ekadashiअजा एकादशीRestores what was lost; the Ekadashi of King Harishchandra. 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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23SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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25MonShravana Amavasyaश्रावण अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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28ThuHartalika Teejहरतालिका तीजA strict fast by women, remembering Parvati’s penance to win Shiva. Story →
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29FriGanesh Chaturthiगणेश चतुर्थीThe birthday of Lord Ganesha; ten days of worship begin. Story →
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29FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
September 2014
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5FriParivartini Ekadashiपरिवर्तिनी एकादशीVishnu turns on his side in his sleep; Vamana is worshipped. Story →
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6SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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8MonAnant Chaturdashiअनंत चतुर्दशीWorship of Vishnu as Anant, and the farewell (visarjan) of Ganesha. Story →
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9TuePitru Paksha beginsपितृ पक्ष आरंभFifteen days to remember and feed one’s ancestors (shraddha). Story →
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9TueBhadrapada Purnimaभाद्रपद पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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12FriSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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17WedKanya Sankrantiकन्या संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19FriIndira Ekadashiइंदिरा एकादशीKept in Pitru Paksha to free one’s ancestors. Story →
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21SunPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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22MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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24WedMahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru)महालया अमावस्या (सर्व पितृ)The last and most important day of Pitru Paksha, for all ancestors. Story →
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24WedBhadrapada Amavasyaभाद्रपद अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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25ThuSharad Navratri beginsशारदीय नवरात्रि आरंभNine nights of the Goddess: Durga is worshipped in her nine forms. Story →
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28SunVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
October 2014
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2ThuMaha Navamiमहा नवमीThe ninth day of Navratri: Siddhidatri puja, Ayudha Puja and the Navratri havan. Story →
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2ThuDurga Ashtamiदुर्गा अष्टमीThe eighth day of Navratri: Mahagauri puja and Kanya Pujan. Story →
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3FriDussehra (Vijayadashami)दशहरा (विजयादशमी)Vijayadashami: the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura. Story →
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4SatPapankusha Ekadashiपापांकुशा एकादशीThe goad that controls sin: kept after Dussehra. Story →
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6MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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7TueSharad Purnimaशरद पूर्णिमाThe brightest full moon of the year; kheer is left in the moonlight overnight. Story →
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8WedAshvin Purnimaआश्विन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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11SatKarwa Chauthकरवा चौथMarried women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ long life. Story →
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11SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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15WedAhoi Ashtamiअहोई अष्टमीMothers fast for the well-being of their children until the stars appear. Story →
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18SatTula Sankrantiतुला संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19SunRama Ekadashiरमा एकादशीNamed after Goddess Lakshmi (Rama); comes just before Diwali. Story →
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21TueDhanterasधनतेरसThe first day of Diwali: Dhanvantari and Lakshmi are worshipped, and new utensils or gold are bought. Story →
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21TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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22WedNarak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)नरक चतुर्दशी (छोटी दिवाली)Chhoti Diwali: Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Story →
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22WedMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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23ThuDiwali (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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23ThuAshvin Amavasyaआश्विन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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24FriGovardhan Pujaगोवर्धन पूजाKrishna lifted Govardhan hill to shelter Braj; the Annakut feast is offered. Story →
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25SatBhai Doojभाई दूजSisters pray for their brothers’ long life; brothers visit and bring gifts. Story →
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27MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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29WedChhath Pujaछठ पूजाFour days of worship of the Sun god and Chhathi Maiya, with offerings at sunset and sunrise. Story →
November 2014
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3MonDevuthani Ekadashiदेवउठनी एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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3MonDevuthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashiदेवउठनी (प्रबोधिनी) एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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4TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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6ThuKartik 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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6ThuKartika Purnimaकार्तिक पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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10MonSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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17MonVrischika Sankrantiवृश्चिक संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18TueUtpanna Ekadashiउत्पन्ना एकादशीThe day Ekadashi herself was born to slay the demon Mura. Story →
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19WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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20ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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22SatKartika Amavasyaकार्तिक अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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26WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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27ThuVivah Panchamiविवाह पंचमीThe wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita. Story →
December 2014
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2TueGita Jayantiगीता जयंतीThe day Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. Story →
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2TueMokshada Ekadashiमोक्षदा एकादशीGrants liberation; also Gita Jayanti. 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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6SatMargashirsha Purnimaमार्गशीर्ष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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9TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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16TueDhanu 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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18ThuSaphala Ekadashiसफला एकादशीMakes every effort fruitful (saphala). Story →
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19FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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20SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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21SunPausha Amavasyaपौष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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25ThuVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. 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.