Hindu Festivals Calendar
During year 2009, various Hindu festivals will be celebrated on the following dates.
Lohri/Makar Sankranti/Pongal 13-14 Jan
Lohri/Makar Sankranti/pongal are harvest festivals of India. It is celebrated on the 13th-14th of January every year.
Basant Panchami/Saraswati Puja 31 Jan
Maha Shivratri 23 Feb
Holi 11 Mar
The festival of colors is celebrated on the last day of Falgun month which marks the end of winter season in India. Read more about festival of Holi.
Baisakhi 13 Apr
Raksha Bandhan 05 Aug
On Raksha Bandhan day, sisters tie Rakhis (sacred threads) on their brothers' wrists to express their love. By accepting a Rakhi, a brother gladly takes on the responsibility of protecting his sister. Thus a frail thread of Rakhi binds brothers and sisters in an inseparable bond of love and trust.
Janmashtami 14 Aug
Janmastami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, the re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu who gave us the vital message of Bhagwad Gita - the guiding principles for every Hindu. Janmastami is observed on the eight day of the dark half (Krishna Paksh) of the month of Bhadrapad in the Hindu calendar. Usual practice in this religious celebration includes keeping fast, singing devotional songs (bhajan - kirtan) and offering prayers.
Ganesh Chaturthi 23 Aug
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapad in Hindu calendar.
It's a period of remembrance. Forefathers are remembered, paid homage, and donations made in their names.
Durga Puja 21-28 Sep
Durga Puja and Dussehra are based on legendry tales victory of good over evil. Read more about these festivals.
Deepawali 16-19 Oct
Diwali (also called Deepawali) is a Hindu festival of lights. It's significance lies in removal of darkness (ignorance) through the means of lights (knowledge). Read more about Diwali.
About Upcoming Hindu Festivals
Note : Please see our HindiLearner blog entries for details of upcoming Hindu festivals.