Bhadrapad, Shukla Chaturthi – Chaturdashi
Ganeshotsav begins on Ganesh Chaturthi, known in South India as Vinayaka Chaturthi, with the installation of Lord Ganesha's idol, continues with daily aarti, and closes on Anant Chaturdashi with immersion. It is celebrated on a large scale in Maharashtra.
Festival calendar
Other festivals in the calendar.
Navratri / Sharad Navratri
Ashwin, Shukla Pratipada – Navami
Sharad Navratri is nine nights of worship of Goddess Durga in her different forms, beginning with Ghatasthapana and leading to Dasara. It is celebrated with garba and dandiya in Gujarat and with Golu in South India, and its final days coincide with Durga Puja in Bengal.
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Dasara / Vijayadashami / Dussehra
Ashwin, Shukla Dashami
Dasara, or Vijayadashami, celebrates both Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, with processions and effigy burning. In Maharashtra, apta leaves are exchanged as symbolic gold.
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Kojagiri Purnima / Sharad Purnima
Ashwin, Purnima
Sharad Purnima, the full moon night of Ashwin, is associated with Lord Krishna's raas leela and is marked with moonlit prayers and kheer offerings. In Maharashtra it is celebrated as Kojagiri Purnima, with a night vigil and saffron milk shared under the moon.
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