List of Hindu Festival in October 2024
Here is a list of major Hindu festivals and their dates in the month of October in the year 2024.
Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti – October 3, 2024 (Thursday)
Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti is celebrated on October 3, 2024, to commemorate the legendary king Agrasen Maharaj's birthday. This day is of great significance, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where it's observed as a regional public holiday .
Who was Maharaja Agrasen?
Maharaja Agrasen was a renowned Hindu king who ruled over 5,000 years ago, during the Dwapar Yuga. He was born to King Vallabh of Pratapnagar, now Bangladesh, and belonged to the Suryavamsh Kshatriya dynasty. Agrasen Maharaj is credited with founding the Agrawal and Agrahari communities in northern India.
Celebrations and Traditions
On Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti, devotees participate in various social welfare activities, such as free medical camps, food distribution, and cultural functions ¹ ² ³. Processions and parades are also held in honor of Maharaja Agrasen ² ⁵. People reflect on his teachings of compassion, non-violence, and equality, and strive to uphold his principles ¹ ⁴.
Key Events on Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti
- Social Service Activities: Participate in activities that serve society, such as volunteering or donating to charity ⁵.
- Processions and Parades: Join or organize processions to commemorate Maharaja Agrasen's contributions ² ⁵.
- Cultural Events: Attend or organize cultural events, such as lectures or book readings, to spread awareness about Maharaja Agrasen's life and teachings ⁵.
Sharad Navratri Begins – October 3, 2024 (Thursday)
Sharad Navratri, a significant Hindu festival, begins on:
Significance:
Sharad Navratri honors the divine feminine energy, Shakti, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It's a time for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and connection with the divine.
Key Rituals and Practices:
1. Ghatasthapana: Installing a sacred pot (ghata) and worshiping Goddess Durga.
2. Daily Pujas: Offering prayers, flowers, and naivedya (food) to the goddess.
3. Navratri Stotram: Reciting sacred hymns and mantras.
4. Garba and Dandiya Raas: Traditional dances.
5. Fasting (Upvas) or partial fasting (Phalahar).
Nine Forms of Goddess Durga:
Each day of Navratri honors a different aspect of Goddess Durga:
1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamata
6. Katyayani
7. Kalaratri
8. Mahakali
9. Navami (Siddhidatri)
Regional Celebrations:
Sharad Navratri is celebrated across India, with distinct traditions in:
1. Gujarat: Garba and Dandiya Raas
2. West Bengal: Durga Puja
3. Maharashtra: Navratri Utsav
4. South India: Kolu (Golu) arrangements
Ghatasthapana (Navratri) – October 3, 2024 (Thursday)
Ghatasthapana is a significant ritual marking the beginning of Sharad Navratri!
Significance:
Ghatasthapana involves installing a sacred pot (ghata) and worshiping Goddess Durga, symbolizing the invocation of divine energy.
Rituals:
1. Choose a clean, quiet spot for the ghata.
2. Prepare the area with a colorful cloth or rangoli.
3. Fill the ghata with water, symbolizing life and fertility.
4. Add soil, barley seeds (javara), and coins.
5. Place a small idol or image of Goddess Durga.
6. Offer prayers, flowers, and naivedya (food).
7. Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks.
Important Tips:
1. Use a clay or copper pot.
2. Face east or north while performing the ritual.
3. Maintain the ghata's sanctity throughout Navratri.
Benefits:
1. Invites divine energy and positivity.
2. Brings prosperity, health, and happiness.
3. Enhances spiritual growth.
Ghatasthapana Mantra:
"मम गृहे शुभम कुरु, दुर्गा देवी नमोस्तुते"
"Mam grihe shubham kuru, Durga Devi namostute"
Meaning: "O Goddess Durga, bring auspiciousness to my home."
Vinayaka Chaturthi – October 6, 2024 (Sunday)
Vinayaka Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival!
Significance:
Vinayaka Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and patron of wisdom.
Rituals:
1. Fasting (Upvas) or partial fasting (Phalahar)
2. Morning puja: Offer prayers, flowers, and naivedya (food) to Lord Ganesha
3. Sankashti Chaturthi: Break fast after moonrise (Chandrodaya)
4. Ganesha idol worship: Install and worship clay idol at home
5. Modak offerings: Offer sweet dumplings (modaks) to Lord Ganesha
Benefits:
1. Removes obstacles and challenges
2. Brings wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune
3. Enhances spiritual growth
Vinayaka Chaturthi Mantra:
"ॐ श्री गणेशाय नमः"
"Om Sri Ganeshaya Namaha"
Meaning: "Salutations to Lord Ganesha"
Ganesha's Significance:
1. Lord of wisdom and knowledge
2. Remover of obstacles (Vighneshwara)
3. Patron of arts and sciences
Regional Celebrations:
1. Maharashtra: Ganesh Chaturthi (10-day festival)
2. Tamil Nadu: Vinayaka Chaturthi (1-day festival)
3. Andhra Pradesh: Vinayaka Chavithi (1-day festival)
Durga Ashtami – October 10, 2024 (Thursday)
Durga Ashtami is a significant day in the Durga Puja festival, falling on October 11, 2024. It's the eighth day of the celebration, honoring Goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This day is particularly special in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha ¹.
Rituals and Celebrations
On Durga Ashtami, devotees typically fast and offer prayers to Goddess Durga. The day begins with the "Anjali" ritual, where devotees offer flowers and prayers to the goddess ³. Another key highlight is the Sandhi Puja, performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, which symbolizes the goddess's victory over Mahishasura.
Significance
Durga Ashtami represents the feminine representation of strength, wisdom, and determination. It's a celebration of good over evil, and devotees believe that worshiping Goddess Durga brings positive energy, purity, and salvation .
Other Important Days in Durga Puja
- Maha Saptami: The seventh day of the festival, marking the beginning of the battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura ⁴
- Maha Navami: The ninth day, where the Sandhi Puja ends and Maha Aarti begins ⁴
- Vijaya Dashami: The tenth and final day, celebrating Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura ⁴
Maha Navami – October 11, 2024 (Friday)
Maha Navami, also known as Durga Navami, is the ninth day of the Navaratri festival, falling on October 11, 2024. This significant day marks the culmination of Goddess Durga's nine-day battle against the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
On Maha Navami, devotees worship Goddess Durga in her avatar of Mahishasuramardhini, or "She who killed the Mahishasura". The day is also associated with Ayudha Puja or Astra Puja, where tools, machinery, musical instruments, books, equipment, and even automobiles are worshipped. In some regions, children begin their schooling on this day.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja: The day begins with a holy bath and worship of Goddess Durga.
- Navami Homa: A significant ritual performed on Maha Navami, considered equivalent to performing pujas for all nine days of Navratri.
- Kanya Pujan: Nine young virgin girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga, honored with ceremonial foot-washing, applying kumkum and sandalwood paste, and offering new clothes and gifts.
Regional Celebrations
- In West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Bihar, Maha Navami is celebrated with great fervor, worshiping Goddess Durga and other deities.
- In Southern India, Ayudha Puja is a prominent tradition, worshiping tools and instruments ¹.
- In Andhra Pradesh, the Batthukamma festival is celebrated, highlighting the beauty and glory of womanhood ¹
Dussehra/Vijayadashami – October 12, 2024 (Saturday)
Dussehra/Vijayadashami is a significant Hindu festival, celebrated on October 19, 2024. It marks the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and righteousness over injustice.
Significance:
1. Victory of Lord Rama over Ravana (Ramayana)
2. Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura (Durga Puja)
3. Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura (Bhagavata Purana)
Rituals and Celebrations:
1. Effigy Burning: Giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burned.
2. Rama Leela: Enactments of Ramayana stories.
3. Durga Puja: Idol immersion and Visarjan (farewell ceremony).
4. Shami Puja: Worshiping Lord Shami (Lord Rama's symbol).
5. Aparajita Puja: Worshiping Goddess Aparajita (invincible).
Regional Celebrations:
1. North India: Ramlila, effigy burning, and fairs.
2. West Bengal: Durga Puja, idol immersion, and Visarjan.
3. South India: Vijayadashami, Ayudha Puja, and Saraswati Puja.
4. Gujarat: Durga Puja, Garba, and Dandiya Raas.
Importance:
1. Symbolizes victory of good over evil.
2. Marks the beginning of new beginnings.
3. Celebrates knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness.
Mantras:
1. "जय श्री राम" (Jai Shri Ram)
2. "जय माता दी" (Jai Mata Di)
3. "ॐ श्री विजयदशमी नमः" (Om Shri Vijayadashami Namaha)
Papankusha Ekadashi – October 13, 2024 (Sunday)
Papankusha Ekadashi is a significant Hindu festival observed on:
Significance:
Papankusha Ekadashi falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin. This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to:
1. Purify the mind and soul
2. Eradicate past sins (Pap)
3. Grant spiritual growth and liberation
Rituals and Celebrations:
1. Fasting (Upvas): Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset.
2. Vishnu Puja: Worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, fruits, and naivedya (food).
3. Meditation and chanting: Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or other sacred mantras.
4. Charity: Donate to the needy or perform acts of kindness.
Benefits:
1. Forgiveness of past sins
2. Spiritual growth and self-realization
3. Protection from evil influences
4. Blessings of Lord Vishnu
Mantras:
1. "ॐ नमो नारायण" (Om Namo Narayan)
2. "ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय" (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya)
Regional Celebrations:
1. North India: Observed with great fervor in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
2. South India: Celebrated as Papankusha Ekadashi in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Kojagara Puja (Sharad Purnima) – October 16, 2024 (Wednesday)
Kojagara Puja, also known as Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, is a significant Hindu festival observed on:
Significance:
Kojagara Puja honors Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The festival is believed to:
1. Attract abundance and prosperity
2. Ensure family well-being and happiness
3. Grant spiritual growth and enlightenment
Rituals and Celebrations:
1. Lakshmi Puja: Worship Goddess Lakshmi with flowers, fruits, and naivedya (food).
2. Lighting lamps (Deepa): Illuminate homes with diyas or candles.
3. Chanting and mantras: Recite Lakshmi Sahasranama or other sacred mantras.
4. Family gatherings: Share meals and spend quality time with loved ones.
Benefits:
1. Prosperity and financial stability
2. Happiness and harmony in family life
3. Spiritual growth and enlightenment
4. Protection from misfortune and negative energies
Regional Celebrations:
1. Eastern India: Observed with great fervor in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.
2. Northern India: Celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
Mantras:
1. "ॐ श्री महालाक्ष्म्यै नमः" (Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namaha)
2. "ॐ लक्ष्मी नारायणाय नमः" (Om Lakshmi Narayanaya Namaha)
Karwa Chauth – October 20, 2024 (Sunday)
Karwa Chauth is a significant Hindu festival observed by married women in North India, particularly in:
Significance:
Karwa Chauth honors the unconditional love and devotion of wives towards their husbands. Women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for:
1. Husband's longevity and well-being
2. Strengthening marital bonds
3. Protection from harm and evil
Rituals and Celebrations:
1. Fasting (Nirjala Vrat): No food or water from sunrise to moonrise.
2. Puja: Worship Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Parvati.
3. Karwa Exchange: Women exchange karwas (small earthen pots) filled with sweets, nuts, and coins.
4. Moonrise Rituals: Break fast after sighting the moon, offer water to the moon, and receive blessings from husbands.
Regional Celebrations:
1. North India: Widely observed in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
2. Community gatherings: Women often gather to perform puja, share stories, and break fast together.
Benefits:
1. Strengthened marital bonds
2. Husband's longevity and well-being
3. Protection from harm and evil
4. Spiritual growth and self-discipline
Mantras:
1. "ॐ श्री शिवाय नमः" (Om Shri Shivaya Namaha)
2. "ॐ गणेशाय नमः" (Om Ganeshaya Namaha)
3. "ॐ पार्वतीयै नमः" (Om Parvatiyai Namaha)
Tips for Observing Karwa Chauth:
1. Stay hydrated before sunrise.
2. Avoid strenuous activities.
3. Focus on spiritual growth and self-reflection.
4. Enjoy community gatherings and bonding with fellow women.
Sankashti Chaturthi – October 20, 2024 (Sunday)
Sankashti Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha!
Significance:
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of the waning moon phase (Krishna Paksha) in every Hindu month. It's believed that:
1. Lord Ganesha removes obstacles (Sankashti) and grants wisdom.
2. Worshiping Ganesha brings prosperity, good fortune, and happiness.
Rituals and Celebrations:
1. Fasting (Upvas): Devotees fast from sunrise to moonrise.
2. Ganesha Puja: Worship Lord Ganesha with flowers, fruits, and naivedya (food).
3. Moonrise Rituals: Break fast after sighting the moon, offer prayers, and seek Ganesha's blessings.
4. Chanting: Recite Ganesha mantras, such as "Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha".
Benefits:
1. Removal of obstacles and challenges
2. Granting of wisdom and knowledge
3. Prosperity, good fortune, and happiness
4. Protection from evil influences
Regional Celebrations:
1. Maharashtra: Widely observed, especially in Mumbai and Pune.
2. South India: Celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
3. North India: Observed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
Mantras:
1. "ॐ श्री गणेशाय नमः" (Om Shri Ganeshaya Namaha)
2. "ॐ गणपतये नमः" (Om Ganapataye Namaha)
Tips for Observing Sankashti Chaturthi:
1. Wake up early for morning puja.
2. Maintain a positive and calm mindset.
3. Avoid non-vegetarian food and intoxicants.
4. Seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for personal and professional growth.
Rama Ekadashi – October 28, 2024 (Monday)
Rama Ekadashi is a significant Hindu festival!
Significance:
Rama Ekadashi falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik. This day honors:
1. Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Lord Rama.
2. Victory of good over evil (Rama's triumph over Ravana).
Rituals and Celebrations:
1. Fasting (Upvas): Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset.
2. Vishnu Puja: Worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, fruits, and naivedya (food).
3. Rama Katha: Recite stories from the Ramayana.
4. Chanting: Recite Rama mantras, such as "Om Shri Ramaya Namaha".
Benefits:
1. Forgiveness of past sins.
2. Spiritual growth and self-realization.
3. Protection from evil influences.
4. Blessings of Lord Rama.
Regional Celebrations:
1. North India: Widely observed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
2. South India: Celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Mantras:
1. "ॐ श्री रामाय नमः" (Om Shri Ramaya Namaha)
2. "ॐ राम रामाय नमः" (Om Ram Ramaya Namaha)
Tips for Observing Rama Ekadashi:
1. Wake up early for morning puja.
2. Maintain a positive and calm mindset.
3. Avoid non-vegetarian food and intoxicants.
4. Seek Lord Rama's blessings for personal and professional growth.
Would you like to know more about Rama Ekadashi or Lord Rama's significance?
Additional Information:
Rama Ekadashi is also known as Rama Dwadashi, as it sometimes falls on the 12th day (Dwadashi) instead of the 11th day (Ekadashi).
Dhanteras – October 29, 2024 (Tuesday)
Dhanteras is a significant Hindu festival!
Significance:
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. It's believed that:
1. Lord Dhanwantari, the god of health and medicine, emerged from the ocean.
2. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, blesses devotees.
Rituals and Celebrations:
1. Worship Lord Dhanwantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
2. Lighting lamps (Deepa) and candles.
3. Buying utensils, silver, or gold jewelry (Dhan).
4. Cleaning and decorating homes.
5. Offering prayers and naivedya (food).
Benefits:
1. Good health and well-being.
2. Prosperity and financial stability.
3. Protection from diseases and misfortune.
4. Blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Regional Celebrations:
1. North India: Widely observed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
2. West India: Celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
3. South India: Observed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Mantras:
1. "ॐ धन्वंतरये नमः" (Om Dhanvantarye Namaha)
2. "ॐ श्री महालाक्ष्म्यै नमः" (Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namaha)
Tips for Observing Dhanteras:
1. Clean and decorate your home.
2. Light lamps and candles.
3. Worship Lord Dhanwantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
4. Buy utensils or jewelry.
5. Offer prayers and naivedya.
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities, followed by:
1. Naraka Chaturdashi
2. Lakshmi Puja
3. Govardhan Puja
4. Bhai Dooj
Narak Chaturdashi – October 31, 2024 (Thursday)
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali or Kali Chaudas, is a significant Hindu festival.
Significance:
Narak Chaturdashi honors:
1. Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura, a demon king.
2. Goddess Kali's victory over evil forces.
Rituals and Celebrations:
1. Early morning ablutions (Abhyang Snan).
2. Worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali.
3. Lighting lamps (Deepa) and candles.
4. Applying Ubtan (herbal paste) for purification.
5. Offering prayers and naivedya (food).
Benefits:
1. Removal of evil influences.
2. Protection from harm and misfortune.
3. Purification of body and soul.
4. Victory over obstacles.
Regional Celebrations:
1. North India: Observed in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
2. West India: Celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
3. South India: Observed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Mantras:
1. "ॐ श्री कृष्णाय नमः" (Om Shri Krishnaya Namaha)
2. "ॐ जय काली माता" (Om Jai Kali Mata)
Tips for Observing Narak Chaturdashi:
1. Wake up early for Abhyang Snan.
2. Worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali.
3. Light lamps and candles.
4. Apply Ubtan for purification.
5. Offer prayers and naivedya.
Narak Chaturdashi precedes Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) and marks the beginning of the main Diwali celebrations.
Diwali Festivities:
1. Dhanteras
2. Narak Chaturdashi
3. Lakshmi Puja
4. Govardhan Puja
5. Bhai Dooj
