Kartik, Shukla Pratipada
Govardhan Puja, observed on Kartik Shukla Pratipada just after Diwali, marks Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Vraj from Lord Indra's storm. Devotees prepare an Annakut, a large offering of food. The same day is also celebrated as Bali Pratipada, honouring King Bali.
Festival calendar
Other festivals in the calendar.
Skanda Sashti / Soorasamharam
Kartik, Shukla Pratipada – Shashthi
Skanda Sashti is six days of fasting and prayer at Murugan temples, closing with Soorasamharam, which marks Lord Murugan's victory over the asura Surapadman.
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Bhau Beej / Bhai Dooj / Bhai Phonta
Kartik, Shukla Dwitiya
Bhai Dooj, known in Maharashtra as Bhau Beej and in Bengal as Bhai Phonta, closes the Diwali festival. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers and pray for their wellbeing, and brothers offer gifts in return.
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Chhath Puja / Surya Shashthi
Kartik, Shukla Chaturthi – Saptami
Chhath Puja, also called Surya Shashthi, is a four-day festival honouring Surya Dev, the sun god, and Chhathi Maiya. It begins with Nahay Khay and Kharna, and on the third day, Kartik Shukla Shashthi, devotees offer arghya to the setting sun by a river or water body, closing with an offering to the rising sun the next morning.
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