Shravan, Krishna Ashtami – Navami
Krishna Janmashtami, also called Gokulashtami, marks the birth of Lord Krishna, observed with a midnight vigil and bhajans. The next day is celebrated in Maharashtra as Gopalkala, when teams form human pyramids to break the Dahi Handi.
Festival calendar
Other festivals in the calendar.
Ganeshotsav / Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi
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.
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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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