Here is a detailed list of Hindu festivals for the year 2024, including the dates, day of the week, muhurat (auspicious time), and information about the significance of each festival. It also includes both major and smaller festivals.
Hindu Festivals List for 2024
| Festival Name | Date (2024) | Day of the Week | Muhurat (Auspicious Time) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makar Sankranti | January 14 | Sunday | 07:30 AM – 09:30 AM | Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn. It is celebrated with kite flying and bonfires. |
| Republic Day | January 26 | Friday | N/A | Celebrates India’s Republic and its Constitution. |
| Mahashivaratri | March 9 | Saturday | 06:00 PM – 06:00 AM (next day) | A night devoted to Lord Shiva, celebrated with fasting and night vigils. |
| Holi | March 25 | Monday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Celebrates the arrival of spring, with colors and festivities. |
| Ram Navami | April 11 | Thursday | 12:00 PM (Noon) | Birth anniversary of Lord Rama. Rituals include recitations from the Ramayana. |
| Good Friday | April 12 | Friday | N/A | Christian observance of the crucifixion of Jesus. |
| Vaisakhi | April 13 | Saturday | 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM | Harvest festival, particularly important in Punjab, also marks the formation of the Khalsa in Sikhism. |
| May Day / Labour Day | May 1 | Wednesday | N/A | International day to honor workers. |
| Eid al-Fitr | May 10 | Friday | Depends on moon sighting | Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. |
| Ganga Dussehra | June 7 | Friday | 05:30 AM – 06:30 AM | Commemorates the descent of the Ganges river to the Earth. |
| Guru Purnima | July 21 | Sunday | 05:00 AM – 07:00 AM | A day to honor spiritual gurus and teachers. |
| Raksha Bandhan | August 19 | Monday | 06:00 AM – 05:30 PM | A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. |
| Janmashtami | August 29 | Thursday | 11:58 PM – Midnight | The birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated with fasting and devotional singing. |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | September 7 | Saturday | 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM | The birthday of Lord Ganesha, celebrated with idol immersion and prayers. |
| Onam | September 11 | Wednesday | 06:00 AM – 08:00 AM | Celebrates the harvest and homecoming of King Mahabali in Kerala. |
| Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | October 12 | Saturday | 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM | Marks the victory of good over evil, celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. |
| Karva Chauth | October 22 | Tuesday | 05:45 PM – 07:15 PM | A fasting ritual by married Hindu women for the well-being of their husbands. |
| Diwali (Deepavali) | November 1 | Friday | 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM | The Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. |
| Govardhan Puja | November 2 | Saturday | 06:00 AM – 08:00 AM | Celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees. |
| Bhai Dooj | November 5 | Tuesday | 06:00 AM – 07:30 PM | A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. |
| Gita Jayanti | December 25 | Wednesday | 07:00 AM – 08:30 AM | Marks the day Lord Krishna narrated the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. |
| Christmas | December 25 | Wednesday | N/A | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. |
Smaller Festivals in 2024
| Festival Name | Date (2024) | Day of the Week | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | March 9 | Saturday | Worship of Lord Shiva through fasting and night vigils. |
| Vasant Panchami | February 14 | Wednesday | Marks the arrival of spring, and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. |
| Mahavir Jayanti | April 17 | Wednesday | Birth of Lord Mahavir, founder of Jainism. |
| Baisakhi | April 13 | Saturday | Harvest festival, especially in Punjab. |
| Lohri | January 13 | Saturday | Festival of harvest, celebrated mainly in Punjab and northern India. |
| Nag Panchami | August 5 | Monday | A day to worship snakes and seek protection from them. |
| Teej | August 14 | Wednesday | Celebrates the monsoon and is important for women’s well-being. |
| Buddha Purnima | May 15 | Wednesday | Marks the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Lord Buddha. |
| Anant Chaturdashi | September 15 | Sunday | Marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi, with the immersion of Ganesha idols. |
| Karva Chauth | October 22 | Tuesday | A fasting ritual for the well-being of married women. |
| Sharad Purnima | October 17 | Thursday | A harvest festival, and also associated with Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela. |
| Pradosh Vrat | Monthly (15th day) | Varies | A fasting ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva. |
This table includes major festivals and several smaller or regional celebrations. Many of these festivals follow lunar calendars, so the dates may slightly differ depending on regional variations or local traditions. Some festivals also have specific muhurats or auspicious times for performing rituals, which are crucial to follow for maximum benefit and blessings.
Continuing the list of Hindu festivals for the remainder of 2024:
Additional Hindu Festivals for 2024 (Post-November)
| Festival Name | Date (2024) | Day of the Week | Muhurat (Auspicious Time) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kartik Purnima | November 15 | Friday | 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM | Celebrates the full moon day in the month of Kartik. It is important for bathing in holy rivers like the Ganges, and for the worship of Lord Vishnu. |
| Chhath Puja | November 12-13 | Tuesday-Wednesday | 05:30 AM – 06:00 AM | A major festival in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand to honor the Sun God, with rituals performed on the banks of rivers. |
| Sankashti Chaturthi | November 24 | Sunday | 06:00 AM – 07:00 AM | A day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, especially for devotees who observe a fast. |
| Ayyappa Swamy Deeksha | December 14 | Saturday | N/A | Marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season to the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. |
| Maha Dwadashi | December 12 | Thursday | 06:00 AM – 08:00 AM | The 12th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha. Devotees observe fasting and chanting of Vishnu’s names. |
| Vaikuntha Ekadashi | December 25 | Wednesday | 06:00 AM – 07:30 AM | The auspicious day for fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu. It is considered the most important Ekadashi in the Hindu calendar. |
| Christmas | December 25 | Wednesday | N/A | Celebrated by Christians, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. |
| New Year (Hindu) | December 31 | Tuesday | N/A | Celebrates the arrival of the new year in some Hindu communities, particularly in regions following regional lunar calendars (like Gujarat, Maharashtra). |
Smaller Regional Festivals in December 2024
| Festival Name | Date (2024) | Day of the Week | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prabodhini Ekadashi | December 1 | Sunday | Marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu after a period of rest. |
| Kartik Snan Dwadashi | December 1-2 | Sunday-Monday | A day for ritual bathing in holy rivers, especially in the month of Kartik. |
| Hanuman Jayanti | December 20 | Friday | Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, with recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa and other devotional activities. |
| Tulsi Vivah | December 7 | Saturday | The ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi (holy basil) plant with Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the onset of the marriage season. |
| Naraka Chaturdashi | December 27 | Friday | Commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Celebrated with early morning oil baths. |
Additional Notes:
- Ekadashi Fasts: Every month, two Ekadashi days are considered important for fasting, particularly for devotees of Lord Vishnu. These are:
- Sankashti Chaturthi (often occurs every month)
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi in December, considered the most auspicious.
- Festival Dates May Vary: Dates for some festivals, particularly those based on lunar calendars, may vary by region or community. Always refer to local panchang (Hindu calendar) for accurate dates in your area.
- Regional Festivals: Many festivals like Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Baisakhi, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti vary in significance across different parts of India, with each state adding its unique traditions and customs.
This list provides a broad overview of Hindu festivals for the entire year of 2024. Whether major or minor, each festival has its unique rituals and significance, contributing to the cultural and religious diversity in the Hindu community.
