August 2026 Festivals

Hariyali Teej celebrates the reunion of Parvati with Shiva after her 108 births of penance to be accepted as Shiva's wife. It falls at the onset of the monsoon when the earth turns green (hariyali = greenery). Married women fast and pray for the long life of their husbands. Swings are hung from trees; women dress in green, sing teej songs, and enjoy the monsoon weather. Young unmarried girls pray for a good husband like Shiva.

Shukla Tritiya of Shravan (July/August)

Nag Panchami is dedicated to the worship of serpents — naga devas — who are considered sacred guardians in Hindu tradition. Snakes are associated with Shiva (who wears serpents), Vishnu (who reclines on Ananta), and Ganesha (who wears a snake as a belt). The festival honours the five principal serpent deities: Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka, and Pingala. On this day it is believed that serpents do not cause harm. The story of Astika saving the serpents from Janamejaya's snake sacrifice (in Mahabharata) is central.

Shukla Panchami of Shravan (July/August)

Onam celebrates the annual homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali, a benevolent asura king who ruled Kerala in a golden age of equality and prosperity. Lord Vishnu, in the Vamana avatar, subdued Mahabali and sent him to the netherworld — but granted him the boon of returning to see his people once a year. The ten-day festival is Kerala's most important festival, combining harvest thanksgiving with the joy of the king's visit. Pookalam (floral carpets), Onasadya (26-course feast), and Vallamkali (snake boat races) are central traditions.

Thiruvonam nakshatra in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/September)

Multiple origins: (1) Yamuna's rakhi to brother Yama, granting him immortality; (2) Indrani tying a sacred thread to Indra in his battle with the asuras; (3) Krishna's promise to Draupadi after she tore her sari to bandage his injured finger; (4) Rani Karnavati's rakhi to Humayun seeking protection.

Shravan Purnima (July-August)

Kajari Teej is the third Teej festival (after Hariyali and Hartalika) and is associated with the monsoon rains. 'Kajari' refers to the dark rain clouds of the season. Women sing Kajari songs — melancholic, longing folk songs about separation from beloved ones — which is associated with Parvati's longing for Shiva. The festival is particularly popular in Bundelkhand, Varanasi, and the Braj region. It is more of a folk celebration than a religious fast — characterized by swings, songs, and the beauty of the monsoon season.

Krishna Tritiya of Bhadrapada (August)