Hindu · 2016 · New Delhi
Hindu Festival & Vrat Calendar 2016
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 2016
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5TueSaphala Ekadashiसफला एकादशीMakes every effort fruitful (saphala). Story →
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7ThuPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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8FriMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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13WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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14ThuLohriलोहड़ीPunjab’s winter bonfire festival on the eve of Makar Sankranti. Story →
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15FriMakar Sankranti · Pongal · Uttarayanमकर संक्रांति · पोंगल · उत्तरायणThe Sun enters Capricorn and begins its northward journey: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Bihu. Story →
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20WedPausha Putrada Ekadashiपौष पुत्रदा एकादशीKept for the blessing of a child. Story →
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21ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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24SunPausha Purnimaपौष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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27WedSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
February 2016
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4ThuShattila Ekadashiषटतिला एकादशीSesame (til) is used in six ways — bathing, paste, havan, water, food and charity. Story →
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6SatPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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6SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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8MonPausha Amavasyaपौष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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11ThuVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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12FriVasant Panchamiवसंत पंचमीThe arrival of spring and the worship of Saraswati, goddess of learning. Story →
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13SatKumbha Sankrantiकुंभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18ThuJaya Ekadashiजया एकादशीFrees from the fear of ghosts and evil. Story →
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20SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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22MonMagha Purnimaमाघ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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26FriSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
March 2016
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5SatVijaya Ekadashiविजया एकादशीGrants victory; Lord Rama kept it before crossing to Lanka. Story →
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6SunPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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7MonMaha Shivaratriमहाशिवरात्रिThe great night of Shiva: fasting, night-long worship and abhishek. Story →
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9WedMagha Amavasyaमाघ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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12SatVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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14MonMeena 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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19SatAmalaki Ekadashiआमलकी एकादशीThe amla tree, where Vishnu is believed to dwell, is worshipped. Story →
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20SunPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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23WedHolika Dahanहोलिका दहनThe bonfire on the eve of Holi: Prahlad is saved and Holika burns. Story →
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23WedPhalguna Purnimaफाल्गुन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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24ThuHoliहोलीThe festival of colours: spring, friendship and the love of Radha and Krishna. Story →
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27SunSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
April 2016
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3SunPapmochani Ekadashiपापमोचनी एकादशीReleases from sin: the last Ekadashi of the year. Story →
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5TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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5TueMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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7ThuPhalguna Amavasyaफाल्गुन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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8FriChaitra 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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10SunVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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14ThuMesha Sankranti · Baisakhiमेष संक्रांति · बैसाखीMesha Sankranti: the solar New Year — Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Pana Sankranti, Puthandu, Vishu. Story →
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15FriRam Navamiराम नवमीThe birthday of Lord Rama, born at midday in Ayodhya. Story →
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17SunKamada Ekadashiकामदा एकादशीGrants wishes; the first Ekadashi of the Hindu year. Story →
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19TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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22FriHanuman Jayantiहनुमान जयंतीThe birthday of Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devoted helper and the god of strength. Story →
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22FriChaitra Purnimaचैत्र पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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25MonSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
May 2016
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3TueVaruthini Ekadashiवरूथिनी एकादशीThe protecting armour: shields the devotee from harm. Story →
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4WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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5ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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6FriChaitra Amavasyaचैत्र अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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9MonAkshaya Tritiyaअक्षय तृतीयाThe “never-ending” day: what is begun or given today is believed to grow without end. Story →
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10TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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14SatVrishabha Sankrantiवृषभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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17TueMohini Ekadashiमोहिनी एकादशीNamed after Vishnu’s Mohini form, which shared the nectar with the gods. Story →
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18WedPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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21SatBuddha Purnimaबुद्ध पूर्णिमाThe birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha — all on Vaishakha Purnima. Story →
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21SatVaishakha Purnimaवैशाख पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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25WedSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
June 2016
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1WedApara Ekadashiअपरा एकादशीBrings “boundless” merit and removes heavy sins. Story →
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2ThuPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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3FriMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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5SunVaishakha Amavasyaवैशाख अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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8WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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15WedMithuna Sankrantiमिथुन संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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16ThuNirjala Ekadashiनिर्जला एकादशीThe hardest fast — without even water; said to equal all 24 Ekadashis. Story →
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17FriPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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20MonJyeshtha Purnimaज्येष्ठ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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23ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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30ThuYogini Ekadashiयोगिनी एकादशीHeals disease and removes curses. Story →
July 2016
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2SatPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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2SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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4MonJyeshtha Amavasyaज्येष्ठ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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6WedJagannath 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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8FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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15FriDevshayani Ekadashiदेवशयनी एकादशीVishnu goes to sleep for four months; Chaturmas begins. Story →
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16SatKarka Sankrantiकर्क संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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17SunPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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19TueGuru Purnimaगुरु पूर्णिमाA day to thank one’s gurus and teachers; also Vyasa Purnima. Story →
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19TueAshadha Purnimaआषाढ़ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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23SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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30SatKamika Ekadashiकामिका एकादशीWorship with tulsi; even seeing a tulsi plant today is held to bring merit. Story →
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31SunPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
August 2016
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1MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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2TueAshadha Amavasyaआषाढ़ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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5FriHariyali Teejहरियाली तीजThe green festival of the monsoon, celebrating the reunion of Shiva and Parvati. Story →
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6SatVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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7SunNag Panchamiनाग पंचमीSerpents are worshipped and thanked; no digging or ploughing today. Story →
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14SunShravana Putrada Ekadashiश्रावण पुत्रदा एकादशीKept by couples praying for a child. Story →
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15MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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16TueSimha Sankrantiसिंह संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18ThuRaksha Bandhanरक्षा बंधनSisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists; brothers promise to protect them. Story →
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18ThuShravana Purnimaश्रावण पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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21SunSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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24WedKrishna Janmashtamiकृष्ण जन्माष्टमीThe birth of Lord Krishna at midnight in Mathura. Story →
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28SunAja Ekadashiअजा एकादशीRestores what was lost; the Ekadashi of King Harishchandra. Story →
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29MonPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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30TueMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
September 2016
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1ThuShravana Amavasyaश्रावण अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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4SunHartalika Teejहरतालिका तीजA strict fast by women, remembering Parvati’s penance to win Shiva. Story →
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5MonGanesh Chaturthiगणेश चतुर्थीThe birthday of Lord Ganesha; ten days of worship begin. Story →
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5MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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13TueParivartini Ekadashiपरिवर्तिनी एकादशीVishnu turns on his side in his sleep; Vamana is worshipped. Story →
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14WedPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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15ThuAnant Chaturdashiअनंत चतुर्दशीWorship of Vishnu as Anant, and the farewell (visarjan) of Ganesha. Story →
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16FriBhadrapada Purnimaभाद्रपद पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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17SatPitru Paksha beginsपितृ पक्ष आरंभFifteen days to remember and feed one’s ancestors (shraddha). Story →
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17SatKanya Sankrantiकन्या संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19MonSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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26MonIndira Ekadashiइंदिरा एकादशीKept in Pitru Paksha to free one’s ancestors. Story →
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28WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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29ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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30FriMahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru)महालया अमावस्या (सर्व पितृ)The last and most important day of Pitru Paksha, for all ancestors. Story →
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30FriBhadrapada Amavasyaभाद्रपद अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
October 2016
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1SatSharad Navratri beginsशारदीय नवरात्रि आरंभNine nights of the Goddess: Durga is worshipped in her nine forms. Story →
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5WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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9SunDurga Ashtamiदुर्गा अष्टमीThe eighth day of Navratri: Mahagauri puja and Kanya Pujan. Story →
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10MonMaha Navamiमहा नवमीThe ninth day of Navratri: Siddhidatri puja, Ayudha Puja and the Navratri havan. Story →
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11TueDussehra (Vijayadashami)दशहरा (विजयादशमी)Vijayadashami: the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura. Story →
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12WedPapankusha Ekadashiपापांकुशा एकादशीThe goad that controls sin: kept after Dussehra. 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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15SatSharad Purnimaशरद पूर्णिमाThe brightest full moon of the year; kheer is left in the moonlight overnight. Story →
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16SunAshvin Purnimaआश्विन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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17MonTula Sankrantiतुला संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19WedKarwa Chauthकरवा चौथMarried women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ long life. Story →
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19WedSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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22SatAhoi Ashtamiअहोई अष्टमीMothers fast for the well-being of their children until the stars appear. Story →
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26WedRama Ekadashiरमा एकादशीNamed after Goddess Lakshmi (Rama); comes just before Diwali. Story →
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27ThuDhanterasधनतेरसThe first day of Diwali: Dhanvantari and Lakshmi are worshipped, and new utensils or gold are bought. Story →
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27ThuPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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28FriMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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29SatNarak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)नरक चतुर्दशी (छोटी दिवाली)Chhoti Diwali: Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Story →
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30SunDiwali (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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30SunAshvin Amavasyaआश्विन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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31MonGovardhan Pujaगोवर्धन पूजाKrishna lifted Govardhan hill to shelter Braj; the Annakut feast is offered. Story →
November 2016
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1TueBhai Doojभाई दूजSisters pray for their brothers’ long life; brothers visit and bring gifts. Story →
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3ThuVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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6SunChhath Pujaछठ पूजाFour days of worship of the Sun god and Chhathi Maiya, with offerings at sunset and sunrise. Story →
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11FriDevuthani Ekadashiदेवउठनी एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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11FriDevuthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashiदेवउठनी (प्रबोधिनी) एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. 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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14MonKartik 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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14MonKartika Purnimaकार्तिक पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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16WedVrischika Sankrantiवृश्चिक संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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17ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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24ThuUtpanna Ekadashiउत्पन्ना एकादशीThe day Ekadashi herself was born to slay the demon Mura. 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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29TueKartika Amavasyaकार्तिक अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
December 2016
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3SatVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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4SunVivah Panchamiविवाह पंचमीThe wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita. Story →
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10SatGita Jayantiगीता जयंतीThe day Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. Story →
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10SatMokshada Ekadashiमोक्षदा एकादशीGrants liberation; also Gita Jayanti. Story →
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11SunPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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13TueMargashirsha Purnimaमार्गशीर्ष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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16FriDhanu 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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17SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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24SatSaphala Ekadashiसफला एकादशीMakes every effort fruitful (saphala). 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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27TueMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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29ThuMargashirsha Amavasyaमार्गशीर्ष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer 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.