Hindu festivals are vibrant celebrations filled with spirituality, rituals, and cultural significance. They mark important events in the Hindu calendar and bring families and communities together. If you are planning your year ahead or want to stay connected with Hindu traditions, here’s a comprehensive list of major Hindu festival dates in 2025.
January 2025
- Makara Sankranti / Pongal – January 14, Tuesday
Celebrated as a harvest festival, marking the sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara). - Shattila Ekadashi – January 24, Friday
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ekadashi fasts are considered highly auspicious. - Mauni Amavasya – January 28, Tuesday
A day of silence and fasting, observed on the no-moon day of Magha month.
February 2025
- Vasant Panchami – February 2, Sunday
Festival of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. - Maha Shivaratri – February 25, Tuesday
Night dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by fasting and night-long vigils.
March 2025
- Holi – March 14, Friday
The festival of colors celebrating the arrival of spring and victory of good over evil. - Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Telugu New Year – March 30, Sunday
New Year celebrations in various regions of India with traditional rituals.
April 2025
- Hanuman Jayanti – April 12, Saturday
Birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, the symbol of strength and devotion. - Mesha Sankranti – April 13, Sunday
Marks the beginning of the solar year, celebrated with religious fervor. - Parashurama Jayanti – April 29, Tuesday
Commemorates the birth of Lord Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu. - Akshaya Tritiya – April 29, Tuesday
Considered one of the most auspicious days for starting new ventures.
May 2025
- Ganga Saptami – May 3, Saturday
Celebrates the worship of Goddess Ganga. - Sita Navami – May 5, Monday
Birth anniversary of Goddess Sita, consort of Lord Rama. - Mohini Ekadashi – May 7, Wednesday
Ekadashi dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Mohini avatar. - Narasimha Jayanti – May 10, Saturday
Celebrates Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar. - Buddha Purnima – May 12, Monday
Marks the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Lord Buddha. - Apara Ekadashi – May 23, Friday
Another important Ekadashi for spiritual cleansing. - Vat Savitri Vrat & Shani Jayanti – May 26, Monday
Vat Savitri celebrates marital devotion; Shani Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Shani.
June 2025
- Ganga Dussehra – June 4, Wednesday
Celebrates the descent of the Ganges River to Earth. - Rath Yatra – June 27, Friday
Famous chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
July 2025
- Devshayani Ekadashi – July 6, Sunday
Marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu’s cosmic sleep. - Guru Purnima – July 10, Thursday
Day to honor spiritual teachers and gurus. - Karka Sankranti – July 15, Tuesday
Solar transition festival celebrated in many parts of India. - Nag Panchami – July 29, Tuesday
Worship of serpent gods for protection and prosperity.
August 2025
- Raksha Bandhan – August 8, Friday
Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. - Janmashtami (Smarta) – August 15, Friday
Birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated with devotional fervor. - Janmashtami (ISKCON) – August 16, Saturday
ISKCON’s special celebrations of Lord Krishna’s birth. - Simha Sankranti – August 16, Saturday
Marks the sun’s entry into Leo. - Aja Ekadashi – August 18, Monday
Another significant Ekadashi fast. - Ganesh Chaturthi – August 26, Tuesday
Festival honoring Lord Ganesha’s birth. - Rishi Panchami – August 27, Wednesday
Observed to honor the Sapta Rishis (seven sages). - Radha Ashtami – August 31, Sunday
Celebrates the birth of Radha, beloved consort of Lord Krishna.
September 2025
- Anant Chaturdashi – September 6, Saturday
Final day of Ganesh Chaturthi festival. - Pitrupaksha Begins – September 7, Sunday
Period to honor ancestors through rituals. - Vishwakarma Puja & Kanya Sankranti – September 16, Tuesday
Worship of the divine architect Vishwakarma and celebration of solar transition. - Indira Ekadashi – September 17, Wednesday
Another sacred Ekadashi day. - Sarva Pitru Amavasya – September 20, Saturday
Day to honor all ancestors. - Navratri Begins – September 22, Monday
Nine nights of worship of Goddess Durga. - Durga Ashtami – September 29, Monday
The eighth day of Navratri, celebrated with great enthusiasm. - Saraswati Puja – September 30, Tuesday
Worship of Goddess Saraswati for wisdom and learning.
October 2025
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami) – October 2, Thursday
Marks the victory of good over evil, celebrating Lord Rama’s triumph. - Sharad Purnima – October 6, Monday
Celebrated on full moon night, associated with fertility and prosperity. - Valmiki Jayanti – October 7, Tuesday
Birth anniversary of Sage Valmiki, author of Ramayana. - Karwa Chauth – October 10, Friday
Fasting ritual observed by married women for their husbands’ longevity. - Dhanteras – October 18, Saturday
Marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. - Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) – October 20, Monday
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. - Govardhan Puja – October 22, Wednesday
Celebrates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. - Bhaiya Dooj – October 23, Thursday
Festival celebrating the brother-sister bond. - Chhath Puja – October 27, Monday
Worship of the Sun God for health and prosperity. - Gopashtami – October 30, Thursday
Festival dedicated to Lord Krishna as a cowherd.
November 2025
- Tulasi Vivah – November 2, Sunday
Marriage ceremony of the Tulasi plant to Lord Vishnu.
December 2025
- Gita Jayanti – December 1, Monday
Celebration of the day Bhagavad Gita was revealed by Lord Krishna. - Dattatreya Jayanti – December 4, Thursday
Commemorates the birth of Lord Dattatreya, a combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hindu Festivals in 2025
1. What are the most important Hindu festivals in 2025?
Some of the most significant Hindu festivals in 2025 include Makara Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Hanuman Jayanti, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali, and Dussehra.
2. Why do Hindu festivals have different dates each year?
Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar and the solar calendar, which differ from the Gregorian calendar. This causes the festival dates to shift each year based on the phases of the moon and solar transitions.
3. What is the significance of Ekadashi fasts mentioned multiple times in 2025?
Ekadashi is the 11th day of the lunar fortnight, and fasting on Ekadashi is believed to purify the mind and body, enhance spiritual growth, and seek blessings from Lord Vishnu.
4. How are Hindu festivals celebrated?
Celebrations vary but commonly include rituals like prayers (pujas), fasting, feasting, singing devotional songs, community gatherings, decorating homes and temples, and cultural performances.
5. Can non-Hindus participate in Hindu festivals?
Yes! Hindu festivals are often open to everyone and are a great way to experience Indian culture, spirituality, and community bonding.
6. Are there regional differences in festival celebrations?
Definitely. India’s diverse culture means festivals may be celebrated with different rituals, names, and traditions across various states and communities.
7. What is the significance of Diwali in 2025?
Diwali, celebrated on October 20, 2025, marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It involves worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, lighting lamps, fireworks, and sharing sweets.
8. How can I keep track of Hindu festival dates each year?
You can follow Hindu Panchang calendars available online, use mobile apps dedicated to Hindu festivals, or subscribe to websites that update yearly festival dates.
9. What is the best way to prepare for festivals like Navratri or Ganesh Chaturthi?
Preparation includes cleaning and decorating your home, arranging puja materials, planning fasting or feasting menus, and participating in community events or temple visits.
10. Why is it important to observe fasting and rituals during festivals?
Fasting and rituals are spiritual practices believed to cleanse the mind and body, deepen devotion, and invite blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness
