Real verified dates for every major Hindu festival · Daily panchang for Varanasi
Varanasi (25.32°N, 83.01°E) · IST
Four-day river-side worship of the Sun and Chhathi Maiya with fasting and arghya at sunrise and sunset.
One of the most rigorous festivals: Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, offered standing in water.
Festival of the gods on Kartik Purnima, when lakhs of diyas light up the ghats of Varanasi.
Celebrated fifteen days after Diwali. Also Tripurari Purnima, the day Lord Shiva is said to have defeated Tripurasura.
Solar festival marking the Sun's transit into Capricorn, observed with holy dips, til-gud and charity.
The Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayan). Ganga snan and daan on this day are considered especially meritorious.
Welcomes spring and honours Maa Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, music and learning.
Considered the ideal day to begin learning (Akshar Abhyasam) and to worship books and instruments.
The great night of Lord Shiva observed with fasting, jagran, and sacred abhishek throughout the night.
Devotees worship Shiva through four praharas seeking liberation, inner peace, and divine blessings.
Festival of colours celebrating devotion, joy, and the victory of good over evil.
Holika Dahan symbolizes Prahlad's protection and triumph of faith over negativity.
Nine nights of Maa Durga at the start of the Hindu new year, ending around Ram Navami.
A spring counterpart to Sharad Navratri, observed with fasting, Durga Saptashati path and worship of the nine forms of the Goddess.
Birth anniversary of Lord Shri Ram celebrated with Ramcharitmanas recitation and grand processions.
Marks the divine birth of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram in Ayodhya.
Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, symbol of devotion, courage, and strength.
Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand recitations take place across temples and homes.
One of the most auspicious days for charity, new beginnings, and spiritual merit.
Acts of charity and devotion performed today are believed to multiply endlessly.
Full moon of Vaishakha marking the birth, enlightenment and nirvana of Gautama Buddha.
Observed with prayer, meditation, charity and acts of compassion, especially at Sarnath and Bodh Gaya.
Celebrates the descent of Maa Ganga to Earth with holy bathing rituals and deepdaan.
Bathing in the Ganga on this day is believed to cleanse ten kinds of sins. The ghats of Varanasi, Haridwar, and Prayagraj overflow with devotees.
The sacred chariot festival of Lord Jagannath celebrated grandly in Puri.
Pulling the Rath of Lord Jagannath is considered spiritually liberating and highly meritorious. Lakhs gather at Puri each year.
Sacred full moon day dedicated to honoring gurus and spiritual teachers.
Disciples express gratitude toward gurus and seek spiritual wisdom. Birthdate of Maharishi Veda Vyasa who compiled the Vedas.
Day of worship of serpent deities with milk offerings, observed on Shravan Shukla Panchami.
Serpents are revered as protectors and are associated with Lord Shiva. Worship is also offered for relief from Naag and Kaal Sarp dosha.
Festival celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
Rakhi symbolizes protection, affection, and lifelong care between siblings.
Birth anniversary of Lord Krishna celebrated with midnight puja and fasting.
Marks the divine appearance of Krishna to restore dharma. Mathura and Vrindavan transform into a sea of devotion.
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha with idol worship and grand processions across 10 days.
Ganesha, Vighnaharta, removes obstacles and blesses all new beginnings. His 10-day festival ends with visarjan.
Nine sacred nights devoted to Maa Durga and her nine divine forms.
Represents the victory of divine energy over evil. Garba, fasting, and Durga Saptashati recitation fill every home.
Celebrates the victory of Shri Ram over Ravana and Maa Durga over Mahishasura.
The most auspicious day to begin new ventures. Ravana effigies burn across Bharat. Mysore Dussehra is legendary.
Fast observed by married women for the long life and well-being of their husbands, broken after moonrise.
Women observe a day-long fast, worship Shiva-Parvati and Chauth Mata, and break the fast on sighting the moon.
Festival of lights celebrating prosperity, purity, and the return of Shri Ram to Ayodhya.
Homes are illuminated with diyas to welcome Maa Lakshmi. The Amavasya night of Kartik is the most auspicious for Lakshmi puja.
Four-day river-side worship of the Sun and Chhathi Maiya with fasting and arghya at sunrise and sunset.
One of the most rigorous festivals: Nahay Khay, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya and Usha Arghya, offered standing in water.
Festival of the gods on Kartik Purnima, when lakhs of diyas light up the ghats of Varanasi.
Celebrated fifteen days after Diwali. Also Tripurari Purnima, the day Lord Shiva is said to have defeated Tripurasura.