India's Sacred Festival Calendar

Birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru — warrior, poet, philosopher. Founder of the Khalsa Panth. Celebrated with Akhand Path, Nagar Kirtan processions and langar.

Punjabi harvest festival celebrated with a grand bonfire marking the end of winter. Dedicated to Agni, the fire god, and connected to the legend of Dulla Bhatti.

Harvest festival marking the Sun's entry into Capricorn. Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Lohri (Punjab), Bihu (Assam), Uttarayan (Gujarat).

Assam's harvest festival of feasting and community celebration. Meji (bamboo bonfires) are lit at dawn.

Festival of spring and Goddess Saraswati. Students worship their books and instruments.

Most auspicious bathing day of Magh Mela. Devotees observe complete silence and take a holy dip at sunrise.

Grand festival of Lord Murugan. Devotees carry decorated Kavadi as penance.

The Great Night of Lord Shiva. One of the most sacred all-night festival in the Hindu calendar.

Sikh martial arts festival initiated by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib.

Festival of Colors — celebrating Radha-Krishna's divine love and the joyful spring.

New Year for Maharashtra (Gudi Padwa) and South India (Ugadi).

Nine nights of Goddess Durga worship in spring.

Birth anniversary of Vardhamana Mahavira — the 24th Tirthankara.

Birth anniversary of Lord Rama. Falls on the 9th day of Chaitra Navratri.

Sikh New Year and harvest festival. Founding day of the Khalsa Panth.

Solar New Year celebrated across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Bengal.

Marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha.

Grand chariot procession of Lord Jagannath in Puri.

Sacred festival of the sibling bond.

Midnight celebration of Lord Krishna's birth.

10-day festival of Lord Ganesha.

Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.

The 5-day Festival of Lights.

Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.