Indian (Hindu) Calendar 2024 with Holidays and Festivals List

Key Hindu Festivals in 2024

Here’s a closer look at some of the significant Hindu festivals in 2024:

1. Makar Sankranti: Celebrates the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign, often observed on January 14 or 15. It marks the end of winter solstice and is celebrated with rituals like holy dips and kite flying.
2. Vasant Panchami: Welcomes spring and honours Saraswati, the goddess of learning. Celebrated in late January or early February, devotees dress in yellow, offer prayers, and engage in cultural events.
3. Maha Shivaratri: A day dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated in February or March. Devotees fast, offer prayers to Shiva linga, and engage in rituals to seek his blessings.
4. Diwali: Also known as Deepavali, this festival of lights symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Celebrated between October and November, it involves cleaning homes, lighting oil lamps, and exchanging gifts.
5. Holi: Known as the Festival of Colours, it celebrates the arrival of spring. Observed in March, people play with colors, engage in cultural activities, and share joy with loved ones.

These festivals not only hold cultural significance but also foster a sense of unity and joy among communities. They are occasions for prayer, celebration, and reflection, enriching the cultural tapestry of Hindu tradition.

6. Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Telugu New Year: Celebrated as the New Year in the Deccan region of India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. It marks the beginning of the Chaitra month, typically falling in March or April. People engage in cleaning rituals, decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli, and make resolutions for the coming year.
7. Rama Navami: Commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, typically observed in March or April. Devotees fast, recite the Ramayana, and participate in processions to honour the life and deeds of Lord Rama.
8. Ganesh Chaturthi: Honours the beloved elephant-headed deity, Lord Ganesha, celebrated with fervour across India. The festival begins with the installation of Ganesha’s clay idols in homes and public pandals, accompanied by prayers, music, and cultural activities.
9. Shardiya Navratri: An auspicious nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, celebrated with fervour across India, particularly in the autumnal season. The tenth day, known as Dussehra, symbolizes the victory of good over evil, culminating in grand processions and rituals.
10. Karthika Purnima: Celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartika month, usually in November or December. It is a time for lighting lamps, offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness.
11. Dhanu Sankranti: Marks the transition of the Sun into the Sagittarius sign, celebrated with prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Surya. It signifies the beginning of auspicious periods for new ventures and endeavors.
12. Mahalaya Amavasya: A significant day for honouring ancestors and performing tarpanam or shraddha ceremonies. It marks the beginning of the Pitru Paksha, a period of reverence for departed souls, fostering a deep connection between the living and the deceased.

These festivals not only serve as occasions for religious observance but also bring communities together in joyous celebration, reinforcing cultural traditions and values passed down through generations.

13. Maha Navami: The ninth day of the Navratri celebration, dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga and celebrating her various manifestations. It typically falls in September or October, culminating the Navratri festivities with extensive rituals and ceremonies.
14. Diwali: Also known as Deepavali, Diwali is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Hindus worldwide. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Typically observed between October and November, Diwali involves cleaning and decorating homes, lighting oil lamps (diyas), fireworks, and sharing meals and gifts with loved ones.
15. Bhai Dooj: Celebrated on the fifth day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj honors the bond between siblings. Sisters perform special ceremonies to pray for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers offer gifts and promises of protection in return, strengthening familial ties and affection.
16. Chhath Puja: A festival dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, Surya, celebrated predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Chhath Puja involves rigorous rituals, fasting, and offerings to the sun, emphasizing the deep spiritual connection with nature and the elements.
17. Karthika Purnima: Also known as Deva-Deepavali or Tripurari Purnima, Kartika Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartika month. It involves lighting lamps to dispel darkness and symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and renewal.

These festivals reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Hinduism and serve as occasions for spiritual reflection, familial bonding, and communal harmony. They embody timeless traditions and values that continue to resonate with devotees worldwide.