Paush, Shukla Saptami
Makar Sankranti marks the sun's entry into Makara (Capricorn), which tradition holds to be the start of Uttarayana, and so follows the solar calendar. It is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Magh Bihu in Assam, with Lohri in Punjab just before it. In Maharashtra, til-gul, sweets of sesame and jaggery, are shared.
Festival calendar
Other festivals in the calendar.
Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja
Magh, Shukla Panchami
Vasant Panchami welcomes spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, who presides over learning, music and the arts. In Bengal and eastern India it is observed as Saraswati Puja. Devotees wear yellow, and many children are introduced to their letters on this day.
Read more →
Maha Shivratri
Magh, Krishna Chaturdashi
Maha Shivratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, is observed with fasting, abhishekam of the Shivalinga and a vigil with worship through all four watches of the night.
Read more →
Holika Dahan / Shimga
Phalgun, Purnima
Holika Dahan is the bonfire lit on the full moon of Phalgun, on the eve of the festival of colours, recalling Lord Vishnu's protection of Prahlad. In the Konkan it is celebrated as Shimga.
Read more →