Hindu Festivals 2024

Marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn (Makara) and the start of Uttarayana, the auspicious northward journey of the Sun. Celebrated with kite flying, sweets, and harvest rituals.

Dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. Schools and households place books and instruments before her image; yellow is worn to mark the arrival of spring.

The Great Night of Shiva. Devotees fast, keep an all-night vigil, and offer bilva leaves and water to the Shivalinga.

The festival of colours, celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. People smear coloured powders, sing, dance, and visit friends and family.

The lunar new year of the Deccan — households raise the gudi flag at dawn to mark Brahma's creation of time. One of the sade-teen muhurat, the almanac tradition's three-and-a-half days held auspicious for any new beginning.

Nine nights dedicated to the nine forms of the goddess Durga, beginning the Hindu lunar new year. Marked by fasting, prayer, and devotional music.

The birthday of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Observed with readings from the Ramayana, temple visits, and devotional songs.

Celebrates the birth of Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Rama. Devotees read the Hanuman Chalisa and visit Hanuman temples.

Considered one of the most auspicious days of the year. Traditionally, any task begun, gift given, or gold bought on this day is believed to bring lasting prosperity.

Married women fast and tie threads around a banyan (vat) tree, praying for the long life of their husbands — recalling Savitri's devotion in saving her husband Satyavan.

A day to honour spiritual teachers and mentors. Devotees pay respects to their gurus and remember Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas.

Dedicated to the worship of serpent deities (nagas). Devotees offer milk and prayers at snake idols and anthills, seeking protection from harm.

Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists; brothers in turn promise to protect them. A celebration of the sibling bond.

Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. Devotees fast through the day, decorate cradles, sing bhajans, and break their fast after midnight aarti.

Marks the birth of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Clay idols are installed in homes and public pandals, worshipped for one to ten days, then immersed in water.

Nine autumn nights of devotion to the goddess Durga in her nine forms, ending with Dussehra. Marked by fasting, garba, and dandiya in many regions.

Celebrates Rama's victory over Ravana — the triumph of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana are burned in many cities; in others, the day marks the conclusion of Navratri.

Married women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for their husbands' long life. The fast is broken after sighting the moon through a sieve.

The first day of the Diwali festival. Considered auspicious for buying gold, silver, or new utensils, and for worshipping Dhanvantari, the deity of health.

The festival of lights, marking Rama's return to Ayodhya and the worship of Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity. Homes are lit with diyas; families perform Lakshmi puja and exchange sweets.

Commemorates Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill to shelter the villagers of Vrindavan. Devotees prepare an Annakut — a 'mountain of food' — offered to Krishna.

Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their wellbeing; brothers offer gifts in return. The closing day of the Diwali festivities.

The fifth day after Diwali, held in the Gujarati trade tradition as the day of labh (gain) — shops reopen, new account books are inaugurated and businesses make their first entries of the new year.

A four-day festival devoted to Surya, the Sun god, and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees observe strict fasts and offer arghya to the setting and rising sun at rivers and ponds.