Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar—not the Gregorian one you see on most calendars. Each festival ties to a specific tithi (lunar day), nakshatra (constellation), or solar transition. This means dates shift every year, and timing varies by city based on when the sun and moon reach precise astronomical positions from your location.
Next 14 days of festivals and sacred observances
Monthly Shivratri fast. Quiet evening worship of Lord Shiva during Nishita Kaal.
New moon day, significant for ancestral worship and spiritual practices.
New moon day, significant for ancestral worship and spiritual practices.
Fasting day for spiritual discipline and devotion.
Cultural celebration observed across regions with joy and devotion.
Fasting day for spiritual discipline and devotion.
Fasting day for spiritual discipline and devotion.
Auspicious observance day observed regionally with simple prayers and charity.
Lord Shiva fasting day on Trayodashi (13th lunar day). Evening worship most auspicious.
Lord Shiva fasting day on Trayodashi (13th lunar day). Evening worship most auspicious.
Each vrat connects to specific lunar phases and deities. Here's what makes them significant and how to observe them.
एकादशी व्रत
Ekadashi falls on the 11th tithi of each lunar fortnight. Devotees fast to honor Lord Vishnu and seek spiritual merit. The Padma Purana describes Ekadashi as the most purifying day for removing past karmic burdens.
You fast from grains, beans, and certain vegetables. Some observe a complete water-only fast, while others eat fruits and milk. The fast begins at sunrise on Ekadashi and breaks after sunrise the next day (Parana time).
Regular Ekadashi observance is said to strengthen willpower, improve mental clarity, and deepen devotion. Many report feeling lighter and more focused.
प्रदोष व्रत
Pradosh occurs on Trayodashi (13th tithi) of each lunar fortnight. The Shiva Purana calls this the time when Shiva performed the cosmic dance (Tandava), making it highly auspicious for Shiva worship.
Fast during the day and break it after sunset during the Pradosh Kaal (1.5 hours spanning sunset). Visit a Shiva temple if possible and offer bilva leaves. Chant "Om Namah Shivaya."
Devotees believe Pradosh vrat helps remove obstacles, bring peace to troubled minds, and fulfill sincere wishes. It's particularly observed by those seeking marital harmony or relief from health issues.
पूर्णिमा
Purnima is the full moon day when lunar energy peaks. Different Purnimas honor different deities—Guru Purnima for teachers, Sharad Purnima for Lakshmi, Kartik Purnima for Vishnu and Shiva.
Many fast until moonrise, then break the fast with a simple meal. Meditation, charity, and holy dips in rivers are common. Some stay awake through the night in prayer (jaagaran).
Full moon nights are considered powerful for spiritual practices. The heightened lunar energy is thought to amplify meditation and prayer, bringing mental peace and clarity.
अमावस्या
Amavasya is the new moon day—when the moon is invisible. It's traditionally dedicated to ancestors. The Garuda Purana emphasizes that offerings made on Amavasya reach departed souls directly.
Perform tarpan (water offerings) for ancestors, light lamps at home, and avoid starting new ventures. Some fast until afternoon and eat only once. Holy dips in rivers like Ganga are considered especially purifying.
Honoring ancestors on Amavasya is believed to remove family afflictions (Pitru Dosha) and bring blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony. It's also a day for introspection.
When the Sun Changes Zodiac Signs
While most Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar, Sankranti follows the solar calendar. It marks the day the Sun transitions from one zodiac sign (rashi) to another—happening 12 times a year.
These transitions have deep agricultural significance. Makar Sankranti (Sun entering Capricorn) marks the end of winter and longer days ahead. Farmers across India celebrate harvest around this time.
Sankranti timings are precise down to the minute. Punya Kaal—the most auspicious window—occurs right when the Sun crosses the zodiac boundary. Donations, holy dips, and prayers during this window are considered especially meritorious.
Observing Sankranti with charity and gratitude aligns you with natural solar cycles. Many believe it purifies past karma and brings prosperity.
See all festivals, vrats, and sacred days month by month with city-specific timings.
Open Festival CalendarHindu festivals are tied to the lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. This means festival dates shift each year when viewed on a standard calendar.
Even within the same year, timing varies by city. Tithi (lunar day) endings depend on when the moon reaches specific angular positions from your location. In Mumbai, a tithi might end at 6:00 AM, but in Delhi at 6:25 AM.
PanchangBodh calculates these timings using precise astronomical data for your city's latitude, longitude, and timezone. We don't approximate—we compute the exact moment based on where you are.
