Indian Festivals Countdown
Of course. Here is an FAQ in plain text about the festivals featured in the Indian Festivals Countdown tool.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Festivals
Q: What is Diwali (or Deepavali)?
A: Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of India’s biggest and most important holidays. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Families celebrate by lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles, decorating their homes, sharing sweets and gifts, and setting off fireworks. It is a multi-day festival, with the main day being a national holiday.
Q: What is Holi?
A: Holi is the “Festival of Colors” and the “Festival of Spring.” It celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. On the day of Holi, people joyfully throw colored powder (gulal) and colored water at each other, sing, dance, and share festive foods. It’s a day of fun, frolic, and mending broken relationships.
Q: What is Dussehra (or Vijayadashami)?
A: Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon king Ravana. It also marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur. The festival is celebrated with large processions, and effigies of Ravana are often burned, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Q: What is Navratri and Durga Puja?
A: Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Durga in her nine forms. It is celebrated with fasting, special prayers, and traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas. In Eastern India, particularly West Bengal, the last five days of Navratri are celebrated as Durga Puja, which culminates in the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols in a river.
Q: What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
A: Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and new beginnings. Devotees bring home clay idols of Ganesha, worship them, and on the final day, immerse the idols in a body of water, symbolizing his return to Mount Kailash.
Q: What is Janmashtami?
A: Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Devotees observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and enact dance-dramas based on Krishna’s life. A special event, Dahi Handi, is also organized, where groups of young men form human pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with curd, hung high in the air.
Q: What is Raksha Bandhan?
A: Raksha Bandhan, or “Rakhi,” celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their long life and well-being. In return, brothers offer a gift and promise to protect their sisters.
Q: What is Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr?
A: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated with special prayers, feasts, and the giving of charity.
Q: What is Eid al-Adha?
A: Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha is the second major Islamic festival. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.
Q: What is Vaisakhi?
A: Vaisakhi is a historical and religious festival in Sikhism. It is the spring harvest festival and also commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
Q: What is Guru Nanak Jayanti?
A: This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, celebrating the birthday of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is observed with prayers, hymns (kirtan), and processions.
Q: What is Onam?
A: Onam is the official state festival of Kerala. It is a harvest festival celebrating the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. Festivities include a grand feast (Onam Sadhya), intricate flower carpets (Pookalam), traditional dances, and snake boat races.
Q: What is Pongal / Makar Sankranti?
A: These are harvest festivals celebrated in different parts of India to mark the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. In Tamil Nadu, it is called Pongal. In other parts of the country, it is known as Makar Sankranti. Celebrations include flying kites, bonfires (like Lohri in Punjab), and preparing special dishes.
Q: What are India’s National Holidays?
A: India has three national holidays:
- Republic Day (January 26): Commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect. A grand parade is held in New Delhi.
- Independence Day (August 15): Celebrates India’s independence from British rule in 1947.
- Gandhi Jayanti (October 2): Celebrates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation.”
What is the countdown to Diwali 2025?
The countdown to Diwali 2025 depends on the date, which falls on October 21, 2025.
How many days are left for Holi?
Holi is usually in March. The next Holi will be celebrated on March 14, 2025.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2025?
Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on August 27, 2025.
What is the date of Raksha Bandhan this year?
Raksha Bandhan 2025 falls on August 8, 2025.
How many days until Navratri starts?
Navratri 2025 begins on September 22, 2025.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2025 in India?
Eid al-Fitr is expected around March 31 or April 1, 2025 (based on moon sighting).
What is the countdown to Durga Puja?
Durga Puja 2025 starts on September 30, 2025 (Maha Shashti).
When is Krishna Janmashtami in 2025?
Janmashtami falls on August 15, 2025.
How many days are left for Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14 every year.
When is Onam in 2025?
Thiruvonam (main Onam day) will be on September 1, 2025.
How many days left for Pongal?
Pongal is celebrated from January 14 to 17, every year.
When is Mahashivratri in 2025?
Mahashivratri 2025 is on February 26.
What is the countdown to Republic Day of India?
Republic Day is on January 26 every year.
When is Independence Day in India?
Independence Day is on August 15 each year.
How many days until Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 will be on November 5.
When will Karwa Chauth 2025 be celebrated?
Karwa Chauth 2025 falls on October 28.
How many days left for Lohri festival?
Lohri is celebrated on January 13 annually.
When is Baisakhi in 2025?
Baisakhi 2025 will be on April 13.
What is the countdown to Gudi Padwa?
Gudi Padwa 2025 is on March 30.
When is Vishu 2025?
Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, will be celebrated on April 15, 2025.
When is Chhath Puja 2025?
Chhath Puja 2025 is on October 29 (Sandhya Arghya).
How many days are left for Dussehra?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on October 3, 2025.
When is Ram Navami 2025?
Ram Navami 2025 is on April 6.
What is the date of Good Friday 2025?
Good Friday falls on April 18, 2025.
When is Easter in 2025?
Easter Sunday is on April 20, 2025.
How many days until Buddha Purnima?
Buddha Purnima 2025 is on May 12.
When is Bakrid/Eid al-Adha 2025?
Eid al-Adha is expected to be around June 7, 2025.
When is Christmas in India?
Christmas is on December 25 every year.
How many days left for New Year 2026?
New Year is celebrated on January 1 every year.
When is Hanuman Jayanti 2025?
Hanuman Jayanti is on April 9, 2025.
When is Basant Panchami in 2025?
It falls on February 2, 2025.
How many days left for Ugadi?
Ugadi is on March 30, 2025.
When is Maha Navami 2025?
Maha Navami is on October 2, 2025.
When is Bhai Dooj 2025?
Bhai Dooj 2025 is on October 23.
When is Govardhan Puja?
Govardhan Puja 2025 is on October 22.
When is Lakshmi Puja 2025?
Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali day) is on October 21, 2025.
When is Dhanteras 2025?
Dhanteras is on October 19, 2025.
When is Muharram in 2025?
Muharram 2025 is expected on June 28 (subject to moon).
When is Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2025?
Eid-e-Milad will be observed on July 6, 2025.
When is Akshaya Tritiya 2025?
Akshaya Tritiya falls on May 2, 2025.
When is Vat Savitri Vrat 2025?
It will be observed on May 25, 2025.
When is Teej festival 2025?
Hariyali Teej is on July 29, 2025.
When is Hartalika Teej 2025?
It falls on August 26, 2025.
How many days left for Saavan Somvar?
Saavan Somvar starts in July and continues every Monday of Saavan month.
When is Naraka Chaturdashi?
Naraka Chaturdashi 2025 is on October 20.
When is Sharad Purnima 2025?
Sharad Purnima is on October 13, 2025.
When is Kalashtami in June 2025?
Kalashtami falls on June 13, 2025.
When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025?
It is on July 1, 2025.
When is Sita Navami 2025?
Sita Navami is on May 7, 2025.
When is Sheetala Ashtami 2025?
March 17, 2025.
- When is Nag Panchami 2025?
Nag Panchami is on July 26, 2025. - When is Anant Chaturdashi 2025?
It will be observed on September 5, 2025. - When is Paryushan Parva 2025?
Paryushan starts on August 17, 2025 (for Swetambar sect). - When is Mahavir Jayanti 2025?
Mahavir Jayanti is on April 10, 2025. - When is Kumbh Mela held next?
Next Maha Kumbh Mela will be in 2025 at Prayagraj. - When is Buddha Jayanti 2025?
Also called Buddha Purnima, it falls on May 12, 2025. - How many days left for Pongal celebrations?
Pongal is from January 14–17 every year. - When is Vasant Panchami in 2025?
It is on February 2, 2025. - When is Paush Purnima 2025?
It falls on January 13, 2025. - When is Magh Bihu 2025?
Magh Bihu in Assam is on January 15, 2025. - When is Bohag Bihu 2025?
It is celebrated on April 14, 2025. - When is Eid-ul-Zuha 2025?
Also known as Bakrid, it is expected on June 7, 2025. - When is Ramadan starting in 2025?
Ramadan may begin around March 2 or 3, 2025 (subject to moon sighting). - When is Cheti Chand 2025?
Cheti Chand (Sindhi New Year) falls on March 31, 2025. - When is Hanuman Jayanti in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra celebrates Hanuman Jayanti on April 13, 2025. - When is Tamil New Year 2025?
Tamil Puthandu is on April 14, 2025. - When is Bengali New Year 2025?
Poila Boishakh is on April 15, 2025. - When is Navreh (Kashmiri New Year) in 2025?
Navreh will be observed on March 30, 2025. - When is Mesha Sankranti 2025?
It marks the solar new year on April 14, 2025. - When is Ratha Saptami 2025?
Ratha Saptami falls on February 4, 2025. - When is Phool Dei festival in Uttarakhand?
Celebrated in mid-March, around March 14–16. - When is Gangaur 2025?
Gangaur ends on April 8, 2025. - When is Hanuman Janmotsav?
Hanuman Janmotsav is on April 9, 2025. - When is Sankashti Chaturthi in June 2025?
It falls on June 27, 2025. - When is Dev Deepawali 2025?
Dev Diwali is on November 7, 2025. - When is Tulsi Vivah 2025?
Tulsi Vivah falls on November 6, 2025. - When is Kartik Purnima 2025?
It is celebrated on November 7, 2025. - When is Guru Purnima 2025?
Guru Purnima falls on July 9, 2025. - When is Shravan month starting in 2025?
Shravan starts around July 10–11, 2025, depending on the region. - When is Ahoi Ashtami 2025?
Ahoi Ashtami is on October 16, 2025. - When is Pradosh Vrat in August 2025?
Shukla Pradosh Vrat is on August 9, 2025. - When is Ekadashi fast in September 2025?
Parivartini Ekadashi falls on September 6, 2025. - When is Somvati Amavasya 2025?
Somvati Amavasya is on March 30, 2025. - When is Purnima in October 2025?
Sharad Purnima is on October 13, 2025. - When is Amavasya in December 2025?
Amavasya falls on December 21, 2025. - When is Chaitra Navratri 2025?
Chaitra Navratri starts on March 30, 2025. - When is Ashadha Ekadashi 2025?
It falls on July 5, 2025. - When is Pitru Paksha starting in 2025?
Pitru Paksha begins on September 6, 2025. - When is Mahalaya Amavasya 2025?
It is on September 23, 2025. - When is Skanda Sashti 2025?
Skanda Sashti is observed on October 28, 2025. - When is Karthigai Deepam 2025?
Karthigai Deepam falls on December 7, 2025. - When is Navaratri Kolu starting 2025?
Same as Sharad Navratri – from September 22, 2025. - When is Vishwakarma Puja 2025?
It is on September 17, 2025. - When is Sheetala Saptami 2025?
Observed on March 16, 2025. - When is Sital Sasthi 2025?
Sital Sasthi will be celebrated on May 29, 2025. - When is Jagannath Snana Yatra 2025?
Snana Yatra will be on June 18, 2025. - When is Raksha Bandhan in 2026?
Raksha Bandhan 2026 is on August 29, 2026. - How many days left until next Holi?
Holi 2026 is on March 3, 2026. - When is next Diwali after 2025?
Diwali 2026 is on November 8, 2026.