All faiths · 2079 · New Delhi
Festivals of All Faiths 2079
The main festivals of every faith in India — Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jain, Christian, Buddhist and Parsi — on one calendar, 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 2079
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10TueParkash Purab — Guru Gobind Singh Jiप्रकाश पुरब — गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जीThe tenth Sikh Guru, warrior and poet, who created the Khalsa and made the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal Guru. Story →
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14SatLohriलोहड़ीPunjab’s winter bonfire festival on the eve of Makar Sankranti. Story →
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14SatMaghi (Mela Maghi) · Chali Mukteमाघी (मेला माघी) · चाली मुक्तेThe memory of the Forty Liberated Ones who fell at the battle of Muktsar in 1705. Story →
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15SunMakar Sankranti · Pongal · Uttarayanमकर संक्रांति · पोंगल · उत्तरायणThe Sun enters Capricorn and begins its northward journey: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Bihu. Story →
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16MonEid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (12 Rabi al-Awwal)ईद-ए-मिलाद-उन-नबी (12 रबी-उल-अव्वल)The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), on 12 Rabi al-Awwal. Story →
February 2079
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6MonVasant Panchamiवसंत पंचमीThe arrival of spring and the worship of Saraswati, goddess of learning. Story →
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15WedMagha Puja (Magha Purnima)माघ पूजा (माघ पूर्णिमा)The day 1,250 enlightened monks gathered unannounced before the Buddha. Story →
March 2079
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1WedMaha Shivaratriमहाशिवरात्रिThe great night of Shiva: fasting, night-long worship and abhishek. Story →
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17FriHolika Dahanहोलिका दहनThe bonfire on the eve of Holi: Prahlad is saved and Holika burns. Story →
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18SatHoliहोलीThe festival of colours: spring, friendship and the love of Radha and Krishna. Story →
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18SatHola Mohallaहोला मोहल्लाThree days of martial arts, poetry and festivity at Anandpur Sahib, begun by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Story →
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21TueJamshedi Navroz (spring New Year, Fasli)जमशेदी नवरोज़ (वसंत नव वर्ष, फ़सली)The spring New Year on 21 March, named after the legendary King Jamshid. Story →
April 2079
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2SunChaitra 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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9SunRam Navamiराम नवमीThe birthday of Lord Rama, born at midday in Ayodhya. Story →
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14FriVaisakhi · Khalsa Sajna Divasवैसाखी · खालसा साजना दिवसThe birth of the Khalsa in 1699 and Punjab’s harvest festival. Story →
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14FriMahavir Janma Kalyanak (Mahavir Jayanti)महावीर जन्म कल्याणक (महावीर जयंती)The birth of Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi. Story →
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14FriDr. B. R. Ambedkar Jayantiडॉ. बी. आर. आंबेडकर जयंतीThe birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar (14 April), architect of the Constitution of India. Story →
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15SatMesha Sankranti · Baisakhiमेष संक्रांति · बैसाखीMesha Sankranti: the solar New Year — Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Pana Sankranti, Puthandu, Vishu. Story →
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16SunHanuman Jayantiहनुमान जयंतीThe birthday of Hanuman, Lord Rama’s devoted helper and the god of strength. Story →
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21FriGood Fridayगुड फ़्राइडेThe day of Jesus’s crucifixion, kept with prayer, fasting and the Way of the Cross. Story →
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23SunEaster Sunday — the Resurrectionईस्टर संडे — पुनरुत्थानThe Resurrection of Jesus on the third day after the crucifixion — the greatest Christian feast. Story →
May 2079
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4ThuAkshaya Tritiyaअक्षय तृतीयाThe “never-ending” day: what is begun or given today is believed to grow without end. Story →
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4ThuAkshaya Tritiya · Varshitap Parnaअक्षय तृतीया · वर्षीतप पारणाThe day Rishabhdev broke his year-long fast with sugarcane juice; the end of the varshitap. Story →
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9TueZarthost No Diso — Zarathushtra’s passingज़रथोश्त नो दीसो — ज़रथुश्त्र की पुण्यतिथिThe day of remembrance of Prophet Zarathushtra’s passing. Story →
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15MonBuddha Purnimaबुद्ध पूर्णिमाThe birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha — all on Vaishakha Purnima. Story →
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15MonBuddha Purnima (Vesak) — birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of the Buddhaबुद्ध पूर्णिमा (वेसाक) — बुद्ध का जन्म, बोधि और महापरिनिर्वाणThe birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of the Buddha — all on the full moon of Vaishakha. Story →
June 2079
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30FriJagannath Rath Yatraजगन्नाथ रथ यात्राLord Jagannath rides out of his temple in Puri on a giant chariot to meet his devotees. Story →
July 2079
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1SatRamadan begins — first rozaरमज़ान आरंभ — पहला रोज़ाThe month of fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, the Quran and charity. Story →
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14FriGuru Purnimaगुरु पूर्णिमाA day to thank one’s gurus and teachers; also Vyasa Purnima. Story →
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14FriAshadha Purnima — Dhammachakka Day (the first sermon)आषाढ़ पूर्णिमा — धम्मचक्क दिवस (पहला उपदेश)The Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath — the turning of the wheel of Dhamma. Story →
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30SunEid-ul-Fitrईद-उल-फ़ित्रThe festival of breaking the fast, on the first day of Shawwal after Ramadan. Story →
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31MonHariyali Teejहरियाली तीजThe green festival of the monsoon, celebrating the reunion of Shiva and Parvati. Story →
August 2079
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1TueNag Panchamiनाग पंचमीSerpents are worshipped and thanked; no digging or ploughing today. Story →
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1TuePateti — the last day of the yearपतेती — वर्ष का अंतिम दिनThe last day of the Parsi year: a day of repentance and reflection. Story →
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2WedParsi New Year — Navroz (Shahenshahi 1449 YZ)पारसी नव वर्ष — नवरोज़ (शहंशाही 1449 यज़्दगर्दी)The first day of Farvardin on the Shahenshahi calendar: the Parsi New Year in India. Story →
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7MonKhordad Sal — birth of Zarathushtraखोरदाद साल — ज़रथुश्त्र का जन्मदिनThe birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra, on the sixth day after Navroz. Story →
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12SatRaksha Bandhanरक्षा बंधनSisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists; brothers promise to protect them. Story →
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19SatKrishna Janmashtamiकृष्ण जन्माष्टमीThe birth of Lord Krishna at midnight in Mathura. Story →
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23WedParyushan Mahaparva begins (Shwetambar, 8 days)पर्युषण महापर्व आरंभ (श्वेतांबर, 8 दिन)Eight days (Shwetambar) of fasting, scripture and self-reflection, ending on Samvatsari. Story →
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29TueHartalika Teejहरतालिका तीजA strict fast by women, remembering Parvati’s penance to win Shiva. Story →
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30WedGanesh Chaturthiगणेश चतुर्थीThe birthday of Lord Ganesha; ten days of worship begin. Story →
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30WedSamvatsari (Shwetambar) — the day of forgiveness, Micchami Dukkadamसंवत्सरी (श्वेतांबर) — क्षमा का दिन, मिच्छामि दुक्कडम्The last day of Paryushan: the yearly confession and the day of forgiveness — “Micchami Dukkadam”. Story →
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31ThuDas Lakshan Parva begins (Digambar)दसलक्षण पर्व आरंभ (दिगंबर)Ten days (Digambar) devoted to the ten virtues, ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Story →
September 2079
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10SunAnant Chaturdashiअनंत चतुर्दशीWorship of Vishnu as Anant, and the farewell (visarjan) of Ganesha. Story →
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10SunAnant Chaturdashi — Das Lakshan ends (Digambar)अनंत चतुर्दशी — दसलक्षण समाप्त (दिगंबर)Ten days (Digambar) devoted to the ten virtues, ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Story →
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11MonKshamavani (Digambar) — the day of forgivenessक्षमावाणी (दिगंबर) — क्षमा का दिनThe Digambar day of forgiveness, after Das Lakshan Parva. Story →
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12TuePitru Paksha beginsपितृ पक्ष आरंभFifteen days to remember and feed one’s ancestors (shraddha). Story →
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25MonMahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru)महालया अमावस्या (सर्व पितृ)The last and most important day of Pitru Paksha, for all ancestors. Story →
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26TueSharad Navratri beginsशारदीय नवरात्रि आरंभNine nights of the Goddess: Durga is worshipped in her nine forms. Story →
October 2079
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3TueDurga Ashtamiदुर्गा अष्टमीThe eighth day of Navratri: Mahagauri puja and Kanya Pujan. Story →
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4WedMaha Navamiमहा नवमीThe ninth day of Navratri: Siddhidatri puja, Ayudha Puja and the Navratri havan. Story →
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5ThuDussehra (Vijayadashami)दशहरा (विजयादशमी)Vijayadashami: the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura. Story →
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5ThuDhammachakra Pravartan Din (Ashoka Vijayadashami, Deekshabhoomi)धम्मचक्र प्रवर्तन दिन (अशोक विजयादशमी, दीक्षाभूमि)The day in 1956 when Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar embraced Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, with lakhs of followers. Story →
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6FriEid-ul-Adha (Bakrid)ईद-उल-अज़हा (बक़रीद)The festival of sacrifice, remembering Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion; held during the Hajj. Story →
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10TueSharad Purnimaशरद पूर्णिमाThe brightest full moon of the year; kheer is left in the moonlight overnight. Story →
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13FriKarwa Chauthकरवा चौथMarried women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ long life. Story →
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17TueAhoi Ashtamiअहोई अष्टमीMothers fast for the well-being of their children until the stars appear. Story →
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22SunDhanterasधनतेरसThe first day of Diwali: Dhanvantari and Lakshmi are worshipped, and new utensils or gold are bought. Story →
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23MonNarak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)नरक चतुर्दशी (छोटी दिवाली)Chhoti Diwali: Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Story →
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24TueDiwali (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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24TueBandi Chhor Divas (Diwali)बंदी छोड़ दिवस (दिवाली)The day Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji returned to Amritsar after freeing 52 kings from Gwalior fort. Story →
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24TueMahavir Nirvan Kalyanak (Diwali)महावीर निर्वाण कल्याणक (दीपावली)Mahavir attained nirvana at Pavapuri on the night of Diwali; the lamps stand for the light of knowledge. Story →
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25WedGovardhan Pujaगोवर्धन पूजाKrishna lifted Govardhan hill to shelter Braj; the Annakut feast is offered. Story →
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25WedJain New Year (Vir Nirvan Samvat) · Gautam Swami Keval Gyanजैन नव वर्ष (वीर निर्वाण संवत्) · गौतम स्वामी केवलज्ञानThe Vir Nirvan Samvat begins; Gautam Swami, Mahavir’s chief disciple, attains omniscience. Story →
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26ThuBhai Doojभाई दूजSisters pray for their brothers’ long life; brothers visit and bring gifts. Story →
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27FriIslamic New Year (1 Muharram)इस्लामी नव वर्ष (1 मुहर्रम)The start of the Hijri year, counted from the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah. Story →
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30MonGyan Panchami (Saubhagya Panchami)ज्ञान पंचमी (सौभाग्य पंचमी)The day to honour knowledge and the scriptures, on Kartik Shukla Panchami. Story →
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31TueChhath Pujaछठ पूजाFour days of worship of the Sun god and Chhathi Maiya, with offerings at sunset and sunrise. Story →
November 2079
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5SunDevuthani Ekadashiदेवउठनी एकादशीVishnu wakes from his four-month sleep; weddings can begin again. Tulsi Vivah follows. Story →
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5SunAshura (10 Muharram)आशूरा (10 मुहर्रम)The day of the martyrdom of Imam Husain at Karbala, and a day of fasting. Story →
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9ThuKartik 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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9ThuParkash Purab — Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Gurpurab)प्रकाश पुरब — गुरु नानक देव जी (गुरपुरब)The first Sikh Guru, who taught one God, honest work, sharing and the equality of all. Story →
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9ThuKartik Purnima · Siddhachal (Palitana) yatra opensकार्तिक पूर्णिमा · सिद्धाचल (पालीताणा) यात्रा आरंभThe end of Chaturmas: the Shatrunjaya (Palitana) yatra reopens. Story →
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28TueVivah Panchamiविवाह पंचमीThe wedding anniversary of Rama and Sita. Story →
December 2079
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5TueGita Jayantiगीता जयंतीThe day Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna at Kurukshetra. Story →
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5TueMaun Ekadashiमौन एकादशीA day of silence and fasting on which 150 kalyanaks of the Tirthankaras fell. Story →
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25MonChristmas — the birth of Jesusक्रिसमस — यीशु का जन्मThe birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, celebrated on 25 December (Christmas Eve on the 24th). Story →
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30SatParkash Purab — Guru Gobind Singh Jiप्रकाश पुरब — गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जीThe tenth Sikh Guru, warrior and poet, who created the Khalsa and made the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal Guru. Story →
How the dates are worked out
☬ Sikh. Most Gurpurabs are kept on a fixed day of a solar month, as in the calendar of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). A month begins on Sangrand — the day the Sun enters the next sidereal sign; when that happens before sunrise, the day before is counted. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab (Kartik Purnima), Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Parkash (Poh Sudi 7), Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali), Hola Mohalla and a few others follow the moon, so their dates move each year. The original Nanakshahi calendar of 2003, still followed by some gurdwaras abroad, fixes every Gurpurab to a Common Era date instead (for example Vaisakhi on 14 April, Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 5 January).
☪️ Muslim. For each new moon we work out, for your city, how high the young crescent stands and how wide it is just after sunset (Yallop’s test), and take the first evening it is clearly visible to the eye; the month begins the next day, and no month runs longer than 30 days. In India a month starts only when the crescent is actually seen, and haze or cloud can delay it — so treat these as expected dates and follow your local announcement. The Islamic day begins at sunset: Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Miraj and Shab-e-Qadr are the nights before the dates shown.
🙏 Jain. Jain festivals follow the tithi at sunrise, on the same Panchang as our Hindu calendar. Shwetambar Paryushan is the eight days ending on Samvatsari (Bhadrapada Shukla 4); the Digambar Das Lakshan Parva runs from Bhadrapada Shukla 5 to Anant Chaturdashi, and Kshamavani is the day after. Gachchhas and sanghs can differ by a day when a tithi is lost or repeated — follow your own sangh’s calendar.
✝️ Christian. Easter is the first Sunday after the church’s full moon on or after 21 March (the Gregorian rule followed by the Catholic, Protestant and most Indian churches); Lent, Holy Week, Ascension and Pentecost are counted from it. Orthodox and Syrian churches of Kerala that keep the Julian Easter may celebrate it on a different Sunday.
☸️ Buddhist. The full-moon days come from the Panchang for your city; Buddha Purnima is Vaishakha Purnima, as observed in India. Theravada countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand use their own lunar calendars and may keep Vesak on another full moon; Tibetan Losar follows the Tibetan calendar and is not shown.
🔥 Parsi. Most Parsis in India follow the Shahenshahi calendar: twelve months of 30 days and five Gatha days, 365 days with no leap day, so Navroz comes a day earlier every four years. Irani Zoroastrians follow the Kadmi calendar (a month earlier), and the Fasli calendar keeps Navroz on 21 March — Jamshedi Navroz, celebrated by all.
This page shows only the main festivals of each faith — open a faith above for all its days.

















































