Upcoming Holidays and Celebrations in India

New Year's Day

New Year's Day in India, also known as "Naya Saal," marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It's celebrated with enthusiasm and anticipation for the year ahead. People exchange greetings and make resolutions for personal growth and betterment. In a diverse country like India, it's a unifying celebration that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, symbolizing fresh starts and new opportunities.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, often referred to as the "Festival of Harvest," is celebrated across India with various names like Pongal, Lohri, and Uttarayan. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, signifying the arrival of longer days. Families come together to fly kites, cook traditional dishes, and offer prayers. This festival celebrates the harvest season, the end of winter, and the joy of abundance. It holds cultural significance, promoting unity and the sharing of blessings among communities.

Lohri

Lohri is a Punjabi festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Northern India. It marks the winter solstice and the onset of longer days. People gather around bonfires, sing folk songs, and toss offerings like popcorn, sesame seeds, and sugarcane into the fire. Lohri fosters a sense of community and serves as a reminder of the importance of warmth, togetherness, and gratitude during the chilly winter months.

Pongal

Pongal, celebrated primarily in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu, is a four-day harvest festival. It's a time for expressing gratitude to the sun god for a bountiful harvest. Traditional dishes like "Pongal" (a sweet rice dish) are prepared, and families come together to share the festive meal. Pongal reinforces the connection between agriculture and culture in India, highlighting the significance of farming in the country's heritage.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as the "Chinese New Year" or "Spring Festival," is celebrated by the Indian-Chinese community. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year with vibrant parades, dragon dances, and fireworks. The festival showcases India's cultural diversity and reflects the importance of cultural exchange and integration.

Republic Day

Republic Day, observed on January 26th, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. It's a national holiday marked by grand parades in the capital, New Delhi, and celebrations across the country. Republic Day reflects India's commitment to democracy, diversity, and unity. It instills a sense of pride in being part of a democratic nation that values its Constitution and the rights of its citizens.

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. It's celebrated with prayers, the worship of books and musical instruments, and wearing yellow attire. The festival highlights the importance of education and culture in Indian society and encourages the pursuit of wisdom and artistic talents.

Guru Ravidas Jayanti

Guru Ravidas Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, a revered saint and poet in the Bhakti movement. It's celebrated with devotional songs, prayers, and processions. The day emphasizes the teachings of Guru Ravidas, promoting equality, social justice, and love for humanity. It showcases the rich spiritual and philosophical heritage of India.

Hazarat Ali's Birthday

Hazarat Ali's Birthday, observed by the Shia Muslim community, commemorates the birth of Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. It's a time for prayers, lectures, and gatherings that focus on the life and teachings of Hazrat Ali. The celebration promotes unity among Muslims and highlights the importance of spiritual leaders in Islamic culture.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, celebrated worldwide, is a day of love and affection in India too. It's a time when people express their love for each other through cards, gifts, and romantic gestures. Although it has its roots in Western culture, Valentine's Day has gained popularity in India as a celebration of love and relationships, transcending cultural boundaries. It's a day to cherish the bonds of love, friendship, and compassion.

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti honors the birth anniversary of the founder of Arya Samaj, Swami Dayanand Saraswati. It's celebrated with prayers and discourses on his teachings, which emphasize monotheism, Vedic wisdom, and social reform. The day underscores the importance of religious reform and the pursuit of truth in Indian society.

Maha Shivaratri/Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a significant Hindu festival. Devotees fast, visit temples, and offer prayers to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. The festival celebrates the divine union of Shiva and Parvati and signifies the triumph of light over darkness. Maha Shivaratri holds cultural importance as it highlights the spiritual and mythological aspects of Indian heritage and encourages devotion and meditation.

Shivaji Jayanti

Shivaji Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a legendary Maratha warrior king. It's celebrated with processions, reenactments of his life, and homage to his contributions to the Maratha Empire. Shivaji Jayanti instills a sense of pride and identity among the Marathi-speaking population, highlighting the rich history and valor of their culture.

Dolyatra

Dolyatra, also known as Dol Purnima or Holi, is a spring festival celebrated by Hindus. It involves the playful throwing of colored powders and water at each other. The festival signifies the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the joy of unity. Dolyatra is a vibrant cultural celebration that promotes togetherness and happiness in India.

Holika Dahana

Holika Dahana, celebrated on the night before Holi, involves the symbolic burning of a demoness named Holika. It signifies the triumph of good over evil. People gather around bonfires, sing songs, and share stories. The festival reinforces the importance of moral values and righteousness in Indian culture, promoting the victory of truth over deception.

Holi

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is one of India's most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals. People play with colored powders and water, dance to music, and savor special sweets and snacks. Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It fosters unity and joy, transcending religious and social boundaries. Holi is a testament to the cultural diversity and exuberance of India.

Chaitra Sukhladi

Chaitra Sukhladi, also known as Hindu New Year or Ugadi in some regions, marks the beginning of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar. It's celebrated with prayers, special dishes, and traditional rituals. The day represents new beginnings, prosperity, and cultural continuity. Chaitra Sukhladi showcases the diversity of New Year traditions across India.

Ugadi

Ugadi, celebrated primarily in the South Indian states, marks the Telugu and Kannada New Year. Families come together for prayers and feasts, and the day is associated with the consumption of neem and jaggery, symbolizing life's bittersweet nature. Ugadi reinforces the cultural significance of regional New Year celebrations and the importance of traditions in Indian society.

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is the Marathi New Year celebrated in the state of Maharashtra. It involves raising a Gudi flag outside homes, special meals, and cultural performances. The festival signifies the victory of King Shalivahana and the importance of starting the year on a positive note. Gudi Padwa highlights the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra and promotes unity and optimism.

Ramadan Start

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, begins with devotion and prayer. It's a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and community bonding through shared fasting and prayer. Ramadan's cultural importance lies in fostering discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and strengthening the Muslim community's faith and unity in India.

Rama Navami

Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism. Devotees visit temples, recite scriptures, and participate in processions. The festival promotes the values of righteousness and the significance of Lord Rama's life in Indian mythology and culture. It reinforces the deep-rooted faith and devotion of Hindus in India.

Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Jains visit temples, offer prayers, and engage in charitable activities. The day emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and spiritual awakening. Mahavir Jayanti showcases the rich Jain heritage and the importance of compassion and ethical living in Indian culture.

First day of Passover

Passover, celebrated by the Jewish community in India, marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It involves special meals and rituals, including the Seder dinner. Passover reflects the diversity of faiths in India and the importance of preserving cultural and religious traditions.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, observed by Christians, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It's a time for reflection, prayer, and attending church services. Maundy Thursday underscores the importance of faith and the sacrifice of Jesus in Christian culture.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a solemn Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Devotees participate in church services and processions to remember Christ's sacrifice for humanity's sins. Good Friday symbolizes the depth of faith and the redemption of sins in Christian beliefs.

Easter Day

Easter Sunday, or Easter Day, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a joyous Christian holiday that includes church services, egg hunts, and festive meals. Easter signifies hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death. It emphasizes the central role of Christ in Christian faith and culture in India.

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi, celebrated predominantly by Sikhs, marks the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It's a time for religious processions, singing hymns, and communal meals. Vaisakhi reinforces the Sikh identity, the values of equality, and the importance of Sikhism in India's diverse cultural tapestry.

Ambedkar Jayanti

Ambedkar Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice. The day is marked by tribute ceremonies, discussions on social reform, and acts of kindness. Ambedkar Jayanti emphasizes the principles of equality, justice, and the eradication of caste discrimination in Indian society. It showcases the contributions of Dr. Ambedkar to India's social and political landscape.

Mesadi / Vaisakhadi

Mesadi or Vaisakhadi is celebrated by certain Hindu communities, especially in Bengal, as the Bengali New Year. It involves prayers, cultural programs, and the worship of deities. The festival reflects the diversity of New Year celebrations in India and the cultural richness of Bengal.

Jamat Ul-Vida (Tentative Date)

Jamat Ul-Vida, observed by Muslims, falls on the last Friday of Ramadan. It's a day of communal prayers and spiritual reflection. The day emphasizes the significance of prayer, forgiveness, and unity among Muslims during Ramadan.

Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar

Eid-ul-Fitar, also known as Ramzan Id, marks the end of Ramadan. It's a day of prayers, feasting, and giving gifts to the less fortunate. The festival promotes charity, forgiveness, and the celebration of the Muslim community's unity and faith in India.

International Worker's Day

International Worker's Day, commonly known as Labor Day, is celebrated worldwide to honor the labor movement and workers' rights. In India, it's a time for workers to rally, demand better working conditions, and celebrate their contributions to society. Labor Day underscores the importance of fair labor practices and social justice in the country's development.

Buddha Purnima/Vesak

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Buddhists visit temples, offer prayers, and engage in acts of kindness. The day promotes the teachings of Buddha, including compassion and the pursuit of enlightenment. Buddha Purnima reflects India's historical connection to Buddhism and the values of peace and mindfulness in society.

Birthday of Rabindranath

The birthday of Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet, and Nobel laureate, is celebrated with cultural events, poetry recitations, and performances of his works. It honors his contributions to literature and music and underscores his cultural legacy in India and beyond.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a global celebration of mothers and maternal figures. In India, people express their love and gratitude to their mothers through gifts, cards, and special gestures. Mother's Day emphasizes the importance of mothers and the nurturing role they play in Indian families and society.

Father's Day

Father's Day is a day to honor fathers and father figures. Similar to Mother's Day, it's celebrated with gifts and appreciation for fathers' love and support. Father's Day underscores the significance of fathers in Indian families and their role in shaping the lives of their children.

Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra, celebrated primarily in the state of Odisha, involves the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra in chariots. It's a spectacular cultural event with devotees pulling the chariots through the streets. Rath Yatra highlights the devotion to Lord Jagannath and the cultural heritage of Odisha.

Bakrid/Eid ul-Adha

Bakrid, also known as Eid ul-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant Muslim holiday. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families sacrifice animals, distribute meat to the needy, and offer prayers. Bakrid reinforces the values of faith, sacrifice, and charity in the Muslim community and reflects India's religious diversity.

Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is dedicated to honoring spiritual and academic teachers. Devotees express gratitude to their gurus and seek their blessings. The day emphasizes the role of teachers and mentors in shaping individuals and preserving knowledge in Indian culture.

Muharram/Ashura

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, includes the observance of Ashura. It commemorates various events, including the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Muharram is marked by mourning, processions, and religious gatherings, reflecting the deep religious and historical significance of Shia Islam in India.

Friendship Day

Friendship Day celebrates the bonds of friendship. Friends exchange gifts and spend quality time together. It's a day to cherish and appreciate the importance of friends in one's life. Friendship Day transcends cultural boundaries, promoting the values of companionship and camaraderie.

Independence Day

Independence Day on August 15th commemorates India's freedom from British colonial rule in 1947. It's a national celebration with flag hoisting, parades, and cultural programs. Independence Day instills a sense of patriotism and unity, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and democracy in Indian culture.

Parsi New Year

Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz, marks the beginning of the Parsi calendar. It involves prayers, traditional feasts, and cultural events. Parsi New Year showcases the cultural diversity of India and highlights the significance of Parsi traditions and heritage.

Vinayaka Chathurthi

Vinayaka Chathurthi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom and prosperity. It's celebrated with the installation of Ganesha idols, prayers, and cultural festivities. The festival promotes devotion and the cultural significance of Lord Ganesha in Indian spirituality.

Onam

Onam, primarily celebrated in Kerala, is a harvest festival that honors the legendary king Mahabali. It involves traditional dance, music, and the preparation of a grand feast known as the Onam Sadhya. Onam reflects the cultural heritage of Kerala and the importance of unity, prosperity, and harmony in Indian society.

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists, and brothers offer gifts in return. The festival emphasizes the love and protection siblings share and underscores the significance of family bonds in Indian culture.

Janmashtami (Smarta)

Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great fervor. Devotees fast, sing devotional songs, and participate in cultural performances. Janmashtami showcases the enchanting life of Lord Krishna and the devotion of his followers.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Devotees engage in various festivities, including the Dahi Handi ritual, where young men form human pyramids to break a pot of curd suspended in the air. Janmashtami highlights the playful and divine aspects of Lord Krishna and his cultural significance in India.

Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayaka Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is celebrated with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public places. It involves prayers, cultural performances, and processions. The festival promotes devotion and the cultural significance of Lord Ganesha in Indian spirituality. Ganesh Chaturthi fosters community bonding and creativity in idol making and decorations.

Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad (Tentative Date)

Milad un-Nabi, also known as Id-e-Milad, celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Devotees offer prayers, participate in processions, and recite hymns. The festival highlights the importance of Prophet Muhammad's life and teachings in Islamic culture and reinforces the unity of the Muslim community in India.

Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti

Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, on October 2nd, commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation and a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence. It's a day of remembrance, prayer, and acts of non-violence. Gandhi Jayanti underscores the values of truth, non-violence, and social change in Indian society.

First Day of Sharad Navratri

Sharad Navratri marks the beginning of a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga. It involves fasting, prayer, and celebrations. Navratri showcases the cultural diversity of India, with various regions celebrating the festival in their unique ways. It emphasizes the importance of devotion and spirituality in Indian culture.

First Day of Durga Puja Festivities

Durga Puja, one of the most significant festivals in West Bengal, starts with elaborate idol installations and cultural performances. It celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Durga Puja reflects the rich cultural heritage of Bengal and fosters community bonding and artistic expression.

Maha Saptami

Maha Saptami is the seventh day of Durga Puja and involves elaborate rituals, prayers, and cultural events. It's a time for devotees to seek the blessings of goddess Durga. Maha Saptami showcases the grandeur and devotion associated with the festival in West Bengal and other regions.

Maha Ashtami

Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja, is marked by special rituals, including the Kumari Puja, where young girls are worshiped as incarnations of the goddess. It's a day of fervent devotion and celebration. Maha Ashtami underscores the significance of goddess Durga and the cultural traditions of Durga Puja in India.

Maha Navami

Maha Navami, the ninth day of Durga Puja, involves prayers, processions, and cultural performances. Devotees bid farewell to goddess Durga with a sense of devotion and gratitude. Maha Navami highlights the emotional connection and cultural richness associated with Durga Puja in India.

Dussehra

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the culmination of the Navratri festival and celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Effigies of Ravana are burned in grand processions. Dussehra signifies the triumph of good over evil and upholds the cultural and mythological significance of Lord Rama in Indian society.

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of Sage Valmiki, the author of the epic Ramayana. Devotees read and recite Valmiki's works and engage in charitable activities. The day underscores the cultural importance of the Ramayana and the values it imparts in Indian society.

Halloween

Halloween, though not traditionally Indian, is increasingly celebrated by urban communities. It involves costume parties, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations. Halloween highlights the global influence of popular culture and the spirit of fun and creativity among Indian youth.

Karaka Chaturthi (Karva Chauth)

Karaka Chaturthi, also known as Karva Chauth, is a fasting ritual observed by married Hindu women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. It involves a day-long fast, prayers, and rituals. Karaka Chaturthi underscores the cultural significance of marital bonds and the devotion of Indian wives.

Naraka Chaturdasi

Naraka Chaturdasi, also known as Choti Diwali, is celebrated on the day before Diwali. It involves rituals, oil baths, and festive meals. The day signifies the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Naraka Chaturdasi showcases the cultural diversity of India's Diwali celebrations and promotes the triumph of good over evil.

Diwali/Deepavali

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India's most significant festivals. It involves the lighting of lamps, fireworks, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of this festival in Indian traditions and symbolizes the triumph of knowledge over ignorance.

Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated a day after Diwali. It involves the worship of Lord Krishna and the offering of various food items. The festival signifies gratitude for the Earth's bounty and reinforces the cultural importance of agricultural traditions in India.

Bhai Duj

Bhai Duj, also known as Bhai Phota in some regions, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform rituals and pray for the well-being of their brothers. Bhai Duj emphasizes the love and protection siblings share and underscores the significance of family bonds in Indian culture. It follows Diwali and showcases the continued celebration of familial relationships.

Chhat Puja (Pratihar Sashthi/Surya Sashthi)

Chhat Puja, primarily celebrated in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand, honors the sun god, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals at riverbanks. Chhat Puja reinforces the cultural significance of nature worship and river traditions in India, promoting spiritual devotion and environmental awareness.

Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day

Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day commemorates the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who stood up for religious freedom and was martyred. It's a day of remembrance and prayer. The day highlights the importance of religious tolerance and the sacrifices made by Sikh Gurus in India's history.

Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Devotees visit gurdwaras, participate in processions, and engage in acts of kindness. Guru Nanak Jayanti promotes the teachings of Guru Nanak, including equality, service, and devotion. It showcases the cultural and spiritual significance of Sikhism in India.

First Day of Hanukkah

Hanukkah, observed by the Jewish community, begins with the lighting of the first candle on the menorah. It's a festival of lights, celebrating the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Hanukkah highlights the cultural diversity and religious traditions of India's Jewish community.

Last day of Hanukkah

Hanukkah, observed by the Jewish community, culminates on the eighth day with the lighting of all the candles on the menorah. It's a time for prayer, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. Hanukkah underscores the importance of faith and the cultural traditions of India's Jewish community.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the night before Christmas, celebrated by Christians with midnight church services, carol singing, and festive gatherings. It signifies the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Eve reflects the joy and spiritual significance of Christmas in Indian Christian communities.

Christmas

Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It involves church services, the exchange of gifts, and festive feasts. Christmas signifies love, goodwill, and the birth of the Savior. It highlights the cultural and spiritual importance of Christianity in India.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve marks the end of the year with parties, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight. It's a time for reflection on the year gone by and hope for the year ahead. New Year's Eve reflects the global celebration of new beginnings and serves as a universal moment of joy and anticipation for people of all backgrounds in India.