Festivals of the Year
The great Hindu festivals, in order from January onward. Each card opens its date, significance, history, what is done and why.
Most festivals follow the lunar calendar and shift each year (noted on the card); a few are fixed solar dates. Confirm the exact date locally each year.
The sun's turn into Makara (Capricorn) — the start of its northward journey (Uttarāyaṇa).
The first day of spring and the worship of Sarasvatī, goddess of learning.
The 'great night of Śiva' — a night of fasting, vigil and devotion to Śiva.
The festival of colours and the triumph of good over evil.
The birth of Śrī Rāma, the seventh avatāra of Viṣṇu.
A day to honour one's teachers and the sage Vyāsa.
The bond of protection between brothers and sisters.
The birth of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the eighth avatāra of Viṣṇu.
The birth of Gaṇeśa, remover of obstacles.
Nine nights honouring the Goddess, ending in Vijayadaśamī — the victory of good over evil.
The festival of lights — the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
A sacred full-moon of lights and river-bathing, holy to both Viṣṇu and Śiva.