The Hindu festival calendar is rich with vibrant celebrations, each rooted in deep cultural and spiritual significance. As we step into 2024, let’s take a look at some of the key Hindu festivals, their dates, days, and auspicious timings.
2024 Hindu Festival Calendar: Dates, Days, and Timings
January
Makar Sankranti
Date: January 14, 2024
Day: Sunday
Punya Kaal Muhurat: 7:15 AM to 12:30 PM
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in North India, with kite flying and traditional sweets.
February
Maha Shivaratri
Date: February 8, 2024
Day: Thursday
Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:09 AM to 1:00 AM (February 9)
Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated with night-long vigils and fasting. Devotees offer Bael leaves, milk, and honey to Shiva Lingams.
March
Holi
Date: March 24, 2024
Day: Sunday
Holika Dahan: March 23, 2024, 6:25 PM to 8:45 PM
Holi, the festival of colors, celebrates the arrival of spring. It’s a time for joyous gatherings, playing with colors, and enjoying festive sweets and savories.
April
Ram Navami
Date: April 13, 2024
Day: Saturday
Madhyahna Muhurat: 11:10 AM to 1:40 PM
Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees observe fasts, recite the Ramayana, and visit temples to celebrate this auspicious day.
May
Akshaya Tritiya
Date: May 6, 2024
Day: Monday
Tritiya Tithi Begins: 7:48 AM
Tritiya Tithi Ends: 5:36 AM (May 7)
Akshaya Tritiya is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that any venture started on this day will bring success and good fortune.
August
Raksha Bandhan
Date: August 19, 2024
Day: Monday
Raksha Bandhan Muhurat: 5:53 AM to 6:21 PM
Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) around their brothers’ wrists, and in return, brothers promise to protect them and offer gifts.
Janmashtami
Date: August 27, 2024
Day: Tuesday
Nishita Puja Time: 12:03 AM to 12:48 AM (August 28)
Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and enact episodes from Krishna’s life, especially his childhood.
September
Ganesh Chaturthi
Date: September 7, 2024
Day: Saturday
Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Time: 11:04 AM to 1:30 PM
Ganesh Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It involves installing Ganesha idols at home and in public, followed by ten days of worship and festivities.
October
Navratri
Date: October 3 – October 11, 2024
Day: Thursday to Friday
Ghatasthapana Muhurat: October 3, 2024, 6:17 AM to 7:42 AM
Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the goddess Durga. It involves fasting, dancing (Garba and Dandiya), and worship.
Dussehra
Date: October 12, 2024
Day: Saturday
Vijay Muhurat: 2:04 PM to 2:50 PM
Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. It is celebrated with grand processions and the burning of effigies.
November
Diwali
Date: November 1, 2024
Day: Friday
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:02 PM to 8:10 PM
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and feasting. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Bhai Dooj
Date: November 3, 2024
Day: Sunday
Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time: 1:10 PM to 3:23 PM
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and brothers give gifts in return.
December
Gita Jayanti
Date: December 25, 2024
Day: Wednesday
Gita Jayanti Muhurat: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Gita Jayanti marks the day when Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Devotees read and reflect on the teachings of the Gita.
This comprehensive guide to Hindu festivals in 2024 will help you plan your celebrations and make the most of these auspicious occasions. May the year be filled with joy, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
