Important Hindu Festivals

A family-friendly reference for major festivals. Exact dates vary by Panchangam, region, and local practice, so this page uses general timing.

Ugadi

Chaitra month, around March or April

New year for many Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi families.

Common practices: Panchanga sravanam, Ugadi pachadi, prayers, new clothes, and family visits.

Chaitra month, around March or April

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.

Common practices: Temple visits, Rama kalyanam, panakam, vadapappu, and reading Ramayana stories.

Shravana month, usually July or August

A vratam for Goddess Lakshmi, observed for family welfare and prosperity.

Common practices: Kalasham decoration, Lakshmi puja, toram, prasadam, and women visiting relatives.

Bhadrapada month, usually August or September

Celebrates Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles.

Common practices: Clay idol puja, undrallu, modakam, family prayers, and immersion after the puja period.

Ashwayuja month, usually September or October

Celebrates the victory of dharma and worship of Goddess Durga.

Common practices: Devi alankaram, bommala koluvu, Ayudha puja, Saraswati puja, and Vijayadashami blessings.

Ashwayuja or Kartika period, usually October or November

Festival of lights, associated with auspicious beginnings and the victory of light.

Common practices: Oil bath, Lakshmi puja, lamps, sweets, family greetings, and remembering elders.

Kartika month, usually October or November

A sacred month for Shiva and Vishnu worship.

Common practices: Deepam, temple visits, vanabhojanam, fasting, and family devotional routines.

Solar transition into Makara, around January

Harvest festival and a major family gathering season.

Common practices: Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma, rangoli, sesame sweets, new harvest food, and honoring cattle.

Magha or Phalguna period, usually February or March

A night dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Common practices: Fasting, jagaranam, Shiva abhishekam, bilva leaves, and temple visits.