Hindu · 2018 · New Delhi
Hindu Festival & Vrat Calendar 2018
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 2018
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2TuePausha Purnimaपौष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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5FriSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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12FriShattila Ekadashiषटतिला एकादशीSesame (til) is used in six ways — bathing, paste, havan, water, food and charity. Story →
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13SatLohriलोहड़ीPunjab’s winter bonfire festival on the eve of Makar Sankranti. Story →
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14SunMakar Sankranti · Pongal · Uttarayanमकर संक्रांति · पोंगल · उत्तरायणThe Sun enters Capricorn and begins its northward journey: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Bihu. Story →
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14SunPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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15MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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16TuePausha Amavasyaपौष अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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21SunVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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22MonVasant Panchamiवसंत पंचमीThe arrival of spring and the worship of Saraswati, goddess of learning. Story →
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28SunJaya Ekadashiजया एकादशीFrees from the fear of ghosts and evil. Story →
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29MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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31WedMagha Purnimaमाघ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
February 2018
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3SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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11SunVijaya Ekadashiविजया एकादशीGrants victory; Lord Rama kept it before crossing to Lanka. Story →
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13TueMaha Shivaratriमहाशिवरात्रिThe great night of Shiva: fasting, night-long worship and abhishek. Story →
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13TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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13TueKumbha Sankrantiकुंभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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15ThuMagha Amavasyaमाघ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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19MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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26MonAmalaki Ekadashiआमलकी एकादशीThe amla tree, where Vishnu is believed to dwell, is worshipped. Story →
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27TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
March 2018
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1ThuHolika Dahanहोलिका दहनThe bonfire on the eve of Holi: Prahlad is saved and Holika burns. Story →
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1ThuPhalguna Purnimaफाल्गुन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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2FriHoliहोलीThe festival of colours: spring, friendship and the love of Radha and Krishna. Story →
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5MonSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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13TuePapmochani Ekadashiपापमोचनी एकादशीReleases from sin: the last Ekadashi of the year. Story →
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14WedPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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15ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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15ThuMeena 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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17SatPhalguna Amavasyaफाल्गुन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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18SunChaitra 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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21WedVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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25SunRam Navamiराम नवमीThe birthday of Lord Rama, born at midday in Ayodhya. Story →
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27TueKamada Ekadashiकामदा एकादशीGrants wishes; the first Ekadashi of the Hindu year. Story →
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29ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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31SatHanuman Jayantiहनुमान जयंतीThe birthday of Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devoted helper and the god of strength. Story →
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31SatChaitra Purnimaचैत्र पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
April 2018
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3TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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12ThuVaruthini Ekadashiवरूथिनी एकादशीThe protecting armour: shields the devotee from harm. Story →
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13FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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14SatMesha Sankranti · Baisakhiमेष संक्रांति · बैसाखीMesha Sankranti: the solar New Year — Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Pana Sankranti, Puthandu, Vishu. Story →
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14SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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16MonChaitra Amavasyaचैत्र अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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18WedAkshaya Tritiyaअक्षय तृतीयाThe “never-ending” day: what is begun or given today is believed to grow without end. Story →
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19ThuVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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26ThuMohini Ekadashiमोहिनी एकादशीNamed after Vishnu’s Mohini form, which shared the nectar with the gods. Story →
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27FriPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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30MonBuddha Purnimaबुद्ध पूर्णिमाThe birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha — all on Vaishakha Purnima. Story →
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30MonVaishakha Purnimaवैशाख पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
May 2018
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3ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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11FriApara Ekadashiअपरा एकादशीBrings “boundless” merit and removes heavy sins. 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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13SunMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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15TueVaishakha Amavasyaवैशाख अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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15TueVrishabha Sankrantiवृषभ संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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18FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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25FriPadmini Ekadashiपद्मिनी एकादशीComes only in Adhik maas, about once in three years. Story →
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26SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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29TueAdhik Jyeshtha Purnimaअधिक ज्येष्ठ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
June 2018
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2SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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10SunParama Ekadashiपरमा एकादशीThe second Ekadashi of Adhik maas; removes poverty. Story →
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11MonPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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12TueMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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13WedAdhik Jyeshtha Amavasyaअधिक ज्येष्ठ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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15FriMithuna Sankrantiमिथुन संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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17SunVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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23SatNirjala Ekadashiनिर्जला एकादशीThe hardest fast — without even water; said to equal all 24 Ekadashis. Story →
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25MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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28ThuJyeshtha Purnimaज्येष्ठ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
July 2018
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1SunSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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9MonYogini Ekadashiयोगिनी एकादशीHeals disease and removes curses. Story →
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10TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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11WedMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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13FriJyeshtha Amavasyaज्येष्ठ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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14SatJagannath 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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16MonVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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17TueKarka Sankrantiकर्क संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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23MonDevshayani Ekadashiदेवशयनी एकादशीVishnu goes to sleep for four months; Chaturmas begins. Story →
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24TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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27FriGuru Purnimaगुरु पूर्णिमाA day to thank one’s gurus and teachers; also Vyasa Purnima. Story →
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27FriAshadha Purnimaआषाढ़ पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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31TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
August 2018
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7TueKamika Ekadashiकामिका एकादशीWorship with tulsi; even seeing a tulsi plant today is held to bring merit. Story →
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9ThuPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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9ThuMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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11SatAshadha Amavasyaआषाढ़ अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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13MonHariyali Teejहरियाली तीजThe green festival of the monsoon, celebrating the reunion of Shiva and Parvati. Story →
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14TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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15WedNag Panchamiनाग पंचमीSerpents are worshipped and thanked; no digging or ploughing today. Story →
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17FriSimha Sankrantiसिंह संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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21TueShravana Putrada Ekadashiश्रावण पुत्रदा एकादशीKept by couples praying for a child. Story →
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23ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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26SunRaksha Bandhanरक्षा बंधनSisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists; brothers promise to protect them. Story →
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26SunShravana Purnimaश्रावण पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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30ThuSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
September 2018
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2SunKrishna Janmashtamiकृष्ण जन्माष्टमीThe birth of Lord Krishna at midnight in Mathura. Story →
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6ThuAja Ekadashiअजा एकादशीRestores what was lost; the Ekadashi of King Harishchandra. Story →
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7FriPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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8SatMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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9SunShravana Amavasyaश्रावण अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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12WedHartalika Teejहरतालिका तीजA strict fast by women, remembering Parvati’s penance to win Shiva. Story →
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13ThuGanesh Chaturthiगणेश चतुर्थीThe birthday of Lord Ganesha; ten days of worship begin. Story →
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13ThuVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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17MonKanya Sankrantiकन्या संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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20ThuParivartini Ekadashiपरिवर्तिनी एकादशीVishnu turns on his side in his sleep; Vamana is worshipped. Story →
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22SatPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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23SunAnant Chaturdashiअनंत चतुर्दशीWorship of Vishnu as Anant, and the farewell (visarjan) of Ganesha. Story →
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25TueBhadrapada Purnimaभाद्रपद पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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26WedPitru Paksha beginsपितृ पक्ष आरंभFifteen days to remember and feed one’s ancestors (shraddha). Story →
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28FriSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
October 2018
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5FriIndira Ekadashiइंदिरा एकादशीKept in Pitru Paksha to free one’s ancestors. 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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7SunMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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9TueMahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru)महालया अमावस्या (सर्व पितृ)The last and most important day of Pitru Paksha, for all ancestors. Story →
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9TueBhadrapada Amavasyaभाद्रपद अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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10WedSharad Navratri beginsशारदीय नवरात्रि आरंभNine nights of the Goddess: Durga is worshipped in her nine forms. Story →
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12FriVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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17WedMaha Navamiमहा नवमीThe ninth day of Navratri: Siddhidatri puja, Ayudha Puja and the Navratri havan. Story →
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17WedDurga Ashtamiदुर्गा अष्टमीThe eighth day of Navratri: Mahagauri puja and Kanya Pujan. Story →
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18ThuTula Sankrantiतुला संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19FriDussehra (Vijayadashami)दशहरा (विजयादशमी)Vijayadashami: the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura. Story →
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20SatPapankusha Ekadashiपापांकुशा एकादशीThe goad that controls sin: kept after Dussehra. Story →
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22MonPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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24WedSharad Purnimaशरद पूर्णिमाThe brightest full moon of the year; kheer is left in the moonlight overnight. Story →
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24WedAshvin Purnimaआश्विन पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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27SatKarwa Chauthकरवा चौथMarried women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ long life. Story →
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27SatSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
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31WedAhoi Ashtamiअहोई अष्टमीMothers fast for the well-being of their children until the stars appear. Story →
November 2018
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3SatRama Ekadashiरमा एकादशीNamed after Goddess Lakshmi (Rama); comes just before Diwali. Story →
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5MonDhanterasधनतेरसThe first day of Diwali: Dhanvantari and Lakshmi are worshipped, and new utensils or gold are bought. Story →
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5MonPradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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5MonMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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6TueNarak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)नरक चतुर्दशी (छोटी दिवाली)Chhoti Diwali: Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Story →
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7WedDiwali (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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7WedAshvin Amavasyaआश्विन अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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8ThuGovardhan Pujaगोवर्धन पूजाKrishna lifted Govardhan hill to shelter Braj; the Annakut feast is offered. Story →
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9FriBhai Doojभाई दूजSisters pray for their brothers’ long life; brothers visit and bring gifts. Story →
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11SunVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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13TueChhath Pujaछठ पूजाFour days of worship of the Sun god and Chhathi Maiya, with offerings at sunset and sunrise. Story →
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17SatVrischika Sankrantiवृश्चिक संक्रांतिThe Sun enters a new zodiac sign; a day for a holy dip and charity. Story →
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19MonDevuthani Ekadashiदेवउठनी एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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19MonDevuthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashiदेवउठनी (प्रबोधिनी) एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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20TuePradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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23FriKartik 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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23FriKartika Purnimaकार्तिक पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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26MonSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. Story →
December 2018
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3MonUtpanna Ekadashiउत्पन्ना एकादशीThe day Ekadashi herself was born to slay the demon Mura. Story →
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4TuePradosh Vrat (Krishna)प्रदोष व्रत (कृष्ण)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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5WedMasik Shivaratriमासिक शिवरात्रिThe monthly night of Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi. Story →
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7FriKartika Amavasyaकार्तिक अमावस्याThe new moon: a day for the ancestors, quiet prayer and charity. Story →
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11TueVinayaka Chaturthiविनायक चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha vrat on the fourth day of the bright fortnight. Story →
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12WedVivah Panchamiविवाह पंचमीThe wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita. Story →
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16SunDhanu 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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19WedGita Jayantiगीता जयंतीThe day Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. Story →
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19WedMokshada Ekadashiमोक्षदा एकादशीGrants liberation; also Gita Jayanti. Story →
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20ThuPradosh Vrat (Shukla)प्रदोष व्रत (शुक्ल)Shiva is worshipped at twilight on Trayodashi, twice a month. Story →
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22SatMargashirsha Purnimaमार्गशीर्ष पूर्णिमाThe full moon: Satyanarayan katha, a holy dip and charity. Story →
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25TueSankashti Chaturthiसंकष्टी चतुर्थीThe monthly Ganesha fast in the dark fortnight, broken after moonrise. 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.