Hindu · 2017 · New Delhi
Hindu Festival & Vrat Calendar 2017
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 2017
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2MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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8SunPausha Putrada Ekadashiपौष पुत्रदा एकादशीKept for the blessing of a child. 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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12ThuPausha Purnimaपौष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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13FriLohriलोहड़ीPunjab’s winter bonfire festival on the eve of Makar Sankranti. Story →
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14SatMakar Sankranti · Pongal · Uttarayanमकर संक्रांति · पोंगल · उत्तरायणThe Sun enters Capricorn and begins its northward journey: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Bihu. Story →
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15SunSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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23MonShattila Ekadashiषटतिला एकादशीSesame (til) is used in six ways — bathing, paste, havan, water, food and charity. Story →
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25WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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26ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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27FriPausha Amavasyaपौष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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31TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
February 2017
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1WedVasant Panchamiवसंत पंचमीThe arrival of spring and the worship of Saraswati, goddess of learning. Story →
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7TueJaya Ekadashiजया एकादशीFrees from the fear of ghosts and evil. Story →
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8WedPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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10FriMagha Purnimaमाघ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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13MonKumbha Sankrantiकुंभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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14TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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22WedVijaya Ekadashiविजया एकादशीGrants victory; Lord Rama kept it before crossing to Lanka. Story →
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24FriMaha Shivaratriमहाशिवरात्रिThe great night of Shiva: fasting, night-long worship and abhishek. Story →
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24FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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26SunMagha Amavasyaमाघ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
March 2017
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2ThuVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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8WedAmalaki Ekadashiआमलकी एकादशीThe amla tree, where Vishnu is believed to dwell, is worshipped. Story →
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10FriPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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12SunHolika Dahanहोलिका दहनThe bonfire on the eve of Holi: Prahlad is saved and Holika burns. Story →
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12SunPhalguna Purnimaफाल्गुन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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13MonHoliहोलीThe festival of colours: spring, friendship and the love of Radha and Krishna. Story →
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14TueMeena 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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16ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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24FriPapmochani Ekadashiपापमोचनी एकादशीReleases from sin: the last Ekadashi of the year. Story →
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25SatPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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26SunMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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28TueChaitra 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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28TuePhalguna Amavasyaफाल्गुन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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31FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
April 2017
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4TueRam Navamiराम नवमीThe birthday of Lord Rama, born at midday in Ayodhya. Story →
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7FriKamada Ekadashiकामदा एकादशीGrants wishes; the first Ekadashi of the Hindu year. Story →
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8SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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11TueHanuman Jayantiहनुमान जयंतीThe birthday of Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devoted helper and the god of strength. Story →
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11TueChaitra Purnimaचैत्र पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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14FriMesha Sankranti · Baisakhiमेष संक्रांति · बैसाखीMesha Sankranti: the solar New Year — Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Pana Sankranti, Puthandu, Vishu. Story →
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14FriSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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22SatVaruthini Ekadashiवरूथिनी एकादशीThe protecting armour: shields the devotee from harm. Story →
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24MonPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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24MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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26WedChaitra Amavasyaचैत्र अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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29SatAkshaya Tritiyaअक्षय तृतीयाThe “never-ending” day: what is begun or given today is believed to grow without end. Story →
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29SatVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
May 2017
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6SatMohini Ekadashiमोहिनी एकादशीNamed after Vishnu’s Mohini form, which shared the nectar with the gods. Story →
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8MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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10WedBuddha Purnimaबुद्ध पूर्णिमाThe birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha — all on Vaishakha Purnima. Story →
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10WedVaishakha Purnimaवैशाख पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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14SunSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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15MonVrishabha Sankrantiवृषभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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22MonApara Ekadashiअपरा एकादशीBrings “boundless” merit and removes heavy sins. Story →
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23TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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24WedMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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25ThuVaishakha Amavasyaवैशाख अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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29MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
June 2017
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5MonNirjala Ekadashiनिर्जला एकादशीThe hardest fast — without even water; said to equal all 24 Ekadashis. Story →
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6TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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9FriJyeshtha Purnimaज्येष्ठ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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13TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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15ThuMithuna Sankrantiमिथुन संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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20TueYogini Ekadashiयोगिनी एकादशीHeals disease and removes curses. Story →
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21WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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22ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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24SatJyeshtha Amavasyaज्येष्ठ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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25SunJagannath 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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27TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
July 2017
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4TueDevshayani Ekadashiदेवशयनी एकादशीVishnu goes to sleep for four months; Chaturmas begins. Story →
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6ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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9SunGuru Purnimaगुरु पूर्णिमाA day to thank one’s gurus and teachers; also Vyasa Purnima. Story →
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9SunAshadha Purnimaआषाढ़ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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12WedSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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16SunKarka Sankrantiकर्क संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19WedKamika Ekadashiकामिका एकादशीWorship with tulsi; even seeing a tulsi plant today is held to bring merit. Story →
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21FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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21FriMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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23SunAshadha Amavasyaआषाढ़ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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26WedHariyali Teejहरियाली तीजThe green festival of the monsoon, celebrating the reunion of Shiva and Parvati. Story →
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26WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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28FriNag Panchamiनाग पंचमीSerpents are worshipped and thanked; no digging or ploughing today. Story →
August 2017
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3ThuShravana Putrada Ekadashiश्रावण पुत्रदा एकादशीKept by couples praying for a child. Story →
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4FriPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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7MonRaksha Bandhanरक्षा बंधनSisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists; brothers promise to protect them. Story →
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7MonShravana Purnimaश्रावण पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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11FriSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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14MonKrishna Janmashtamiकृष्ण जन्माष्टमीThe birth of Lord Krishna at midnight in Mathura. Story →
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17ThuSimha Sankrantiसिंह संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18FriAja Ekadashiअजा एकादशीRestores what was lost; the Ekadashi of King Harishchandra. Story →
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19SatPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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20SunMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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21MonShravana Amavasyaश्रावण अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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24ThuHartalika Teejहरतालिका तीजA strict fast by women, remembering Parvati’s penance to win Shiva. Story →
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25FriGanesh Chaturthiगणेश चतुर्थीThe birthday of Lord Ganesha; ten days of worship begin. Story →
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25FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
September 2017
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2SatParivartini Ekadashiपरिवर्तिनी एकादशीVishnu turns on his side in his sleep; Vamana is worshipped. Story →
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3SunPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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5TueAnant Chaturdashiअनंत चतुर्दशीWorship of Vishnu as Anant, and the farewell (visarjan) of Ganesha. Story →
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6WedBhadrapada Purnimaभाद्रपद पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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7ThuPitru Paksha beginsपितृ पक्ष आरंभFifteen days to remember and feed one’s ancestors (shraddha). Story →
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9SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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16SatIndira Ekadashiइंदिरा एकादशीKept in Pitru Paksha to free one’s ancestors. Story →
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17SunPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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17SunKanya Sankrantiकन्या संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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20WedMahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru)महालया अमावस्या (सर्व पितृ)The last and most important day of Pitru Paksha, for all ancestors. Story →
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20WedBhadrapada Amavasyaभाद्रपद अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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21ThuSharad Navratri beginsशारदीय नवरात्रि आरंभNine nights of the Goddess: Durga is worshipped in her nine forms. Story →
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23SatVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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28ThuDurga Ashtamiदुर्गा अष्टमीThe eighth day of Navratri: Mahagauri puja and Kanya Pujan. Story →
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29FriMaha Navamiमहा नवमीThe ninth day of Navratri: Siddhidatri puja, Ayudha Puja and the Navratri havan. Story →
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30SatDussehra (Vijayadashami)दशहरा (विजयादशमी)Vijayadashami: the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura. Story →
October 2017
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1SunPapankusha Ekadashiपापांकुशा एकादशीThe goad that controls sin: kept after Dussehra. Story →
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3TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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5ThuSharad Purnimaशरद पूर्णिमाThe brightest full moon of the year; kheer is left in the moonlight overnight. Story →
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5ThuAshvin Purnimaआश्विन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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8SunKarwa Chauthकरवा चौथMarried women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ long life. Story →
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8SunSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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12ThuAhoi Ashtamiअहोई अष्टमीMothers fast for the well-being of their children until the stars appear. Story →
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15SunRama Ekadashiरमा एकादशीNamed after Goddess Lakshmi (Rama); comes just before Diwali. Story →
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17TueDhanterasधनतेरसThe first day of Diwali: Dhanvantari and Lakshmi are worshipped, and new utensils or gold are bought. Story →
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17TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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17TueTula Sankrantiतुला संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18WedNarak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)नरक चतुर्दशी (छोटी दिवाली)Chhoti Diwali: Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Story →
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18WedMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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19ThuDiwali (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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19ThuAshvin Amavasyaआश्विन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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20FriGovardhan Pujaगोवर्धन पूजाKrishna lifted Govardhan hill to shelter Braj; the Annakut feast is offered. Story →
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21SatBhai Doojभाई दूजSisters pray for their brothers’ long life; brothers visit and bring gifts. Story →
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23MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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26ThuChhath Pujaछठ पूजाFour days of worship of the Sun god and Chhathi Maiya, with offerings at sunset and sunrise. Story →
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31TueDevuthani Ekadashiदेवउठनी एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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31TueDevuthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashiदेवउठनी (प्रबोधिनी) एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
November 2017
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1WedPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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4SatKartik 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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4SatKartika Purnimaकार्तिक पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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7TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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14TueUtpanna Ekadashiउत्पन्ना एकादशीThe day Ekadashi herself was born to slay the demon Mura. Story →
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15WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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16ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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16ThuVrischika Sankrantiवृश्चिक संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18SatKartika Amavasyaकार्तिक अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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22WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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23ThuVivah Panchamiविवाह पंचमीThe wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita. Story →
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30ThuGita Jayantiगीता जयंतीThe day Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. Story →
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30ThuMokshada Ekadashiमोक्षदा एकादशीGrants liberation; also Gita Jayanti. Story →
December 2017
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1FriPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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3SunMargashirsha Purnimaमार्गशीर्ष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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6WedSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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13WedSaphala Ekadashiसफला एकादशीMakes every effort fruitful (saphala). Story →
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15FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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16SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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16SatDhanu 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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18MonMargashirsha Amavasyaमार्गशीर्ष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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22FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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29FriPausha Putrada Ekadashiपौष पुत्रदा एकादशीKept for the blessing of a child. Story →
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30SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. 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.