Hindu Festival Calendar

Ahoi Ashtami is a fast observed by mothers for the longevity and well-being of their sons. The origin story involves a woman who accidentally killed a lion cub while digging clay from the forest. The lioness cursed her children. The woman repented and worshipped Ahoi Mata (a form of Parvati) on this day. Her children were restored. The word Ahoi is said to come from 'aho' (auspiciousness) or from the Hindi 'a-hoi' (not lost). Mothers fast throughout the day without water, breaking their fast only after seeing the stars at night.

Krishna Ashtami of Kartik (8 days before Diwali)

(1) Treta Yuga began this day; (2) Parashurama's birth; (3) Veda Vyasa began composing the Mahabharata; (4) Krishna gifted Sudama with eternal wealth; (5) Ganga descended; (6) Pandavas received the Akshaya Patra (inexhaustible vessel) from Surya.

Vaishakha shukla tritiya (April-May)

Anant Chaturdashi has dual significance. First, it is the day of Anant Vrat — the worship of Vishnu in his infinite (ananta) form, with a thread (Anant Sutra) tied on the right wrist of men. The Pandavas observed this vrat on Krishna's advice during their difficult forest years. Second, this is Ganesh Visarjan — the immersion of Ganesh idols on the 10th day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the day with the biggest processions. Across Maharashtra, Goa, and southern India, the Ganesh processions on this day are among India's most spectacular.

Shukla Chaturdashi of Bhadrapada (August/September)

Baisakhi marks the solar New Year and the beginning of the harvest season in Punjab and northern India. Hindu communities celebrate it as a harvest festival with thanksgiving to the sun. The Ganga Sagar fair at Haridwar on the same day draws millions of pilgrims.

Sun enters Aries (Mesha Sankranti) — April 13 or 14

Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond of brothers and sisters. On this day, Yamuna (the river goddess) worshipped her brother Yama (god of death) and invited him for a meal. Pleased, Yama blessed her that whoever receives a tilak from their sister on this day will be protected from untimely death. Sisters apply a tilak on their brother's forehead, offer aarti and gifts, and pray for their long life. Brothers give gifts in return. The festival parallels Raksha Bandhan in celebrating the sibling bond but is celebrated on a different occasion.

Shukla Dwitiya of Kartik — two days after Diwali

According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma chose the auspicious Uttarayana period for his departure. Devotees remember his teachings, offer water, and pray for clarity in dharma.

Magha Shukla Ashtami

Bohag Bihu (also called Rangali Bihu — the colourful Bihu) is Assam's most joyous festival marking the spring harvest and the Assamese New Year. The seven days each have a name: Goru Bihu (cattle), Manuh Bihu (humans), Gosai Bihu (ancestors and deities), Kutum Bihu (visiting relatives), Senehi Bihu (friendship), Mela Bihu (fair), and Chera Bihu (concluding). Bihu dances — with vigorous footwork and graceful hand movements — and Bihu songs (husori) performed by young people are the cultural heart of the festival.

Starts April 14 (Assamese New Year) — 7 days

Chaitra Navratri honours the nine forms of Durga across nine days. It overlaps with regional new-year observances such as Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, and culminates near Rama Navami in many calendars.

Chaitra Shukla Pratipada to Navami

Chandra Grahan observance in Hindu panchang practice focuses on eclipse visibility, sutak considerations, mantra japa, bathing, and charity after the eclipse.

Lunar eclipse date and visibility depend on astronomy and location

(1) Karna (Mahabharata), son of Surya, popularized Chhath; (2) Sita performed Chhath at Munger after returning from Lanka; (3) Draupadi performed Chhath. Worship of Surya as the visible Brahman.

Kartik shukla shashthi (October-November); 4-day festival starting from Kartik shukla chaturthi

Deepavali is an important Guyana observance connected with light over darkness, devotion, home blessing, family, and Indo-Guyanese heritage.

Guyana 2026 holiday calendars list Deepavali on November 8, with a public holiday on November 9.

Dev Shayani Ekadashi marks the day Vishnu goes to sleep on the cosmic serpent Ananta in the milk ocean, beginning his four-month Chaturmas. During these four months, religious ceremonies are limited. In Maharashtra, this day marks the Ashadhi Wari — the great pilgrimage of the Varkari saints to Pandharpur. Millions walk hundreds of kilometres to reach Pandharpur and have darshan of Lord Vitthal (a form of Vishnu-Krishna). The Varkari tradition begun by Sant Dnyaneshwar and later Sant Tukaram makes this one of Maharashtra's most significant spiritual events.

Shukla Ekadashi of Ashadha (June/July)