Vrats & Upvas

Twice a month

Fasting on the 11th lunar day, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Observed twice a month: Shukla and Krishna paksha.

Twice a month

Observed on the 13th lunar day at dusk. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. Highly auspicious for removing sins.

Monthly

Monthly fasting on Krishna Chaturthi observed until moonrise. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles.

Monthly

Full moon day. Auspicious for Satyanarayan Puja, ancestor offerings, holy dips and new beginnings.

Monthly

New moon day. Sacred for Pitru Tarpan (ancestor rituals), Shani worship and charity.

Monthly

Monthly Shivaratri on Krishna Chaturdashi. Night-long worship of Lord Shiva with fasting.

Monthly

Monthly Ashtami dedicated to Goddess Durga. Fasting and Devi worship on Shukla Ashtami.

Monthly

Monthly Krishna Ashtami dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, fierce form of Lord Shiva.

Monthly

Shukla Shashthi dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (Skanda / Murugan). Especially significant in South Indian tradition.

Monthly

First sighting of the crescent moon after Amavasya. Auspicious for new undertakings and prayers.

Twice a month

The 12th lunar day. Ekadashi fast is broken (Parana) on Dwadashi. Associated with Lord Vishnu.

Monthly

Puja dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana (Vishnu) performed on Purnima. Brings prosperity and fulfils wishes.

Monthly

Monthly fasting on Krishna Ashtami, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The annual celebration is Krishna Janmashtami in Bhadrapada.

Monthly

Monthly fasting on Shukla Chaturthi, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Puja is performed during Madhyahna Kala (midday).

Yearly · 15 days

Pitru Paksha, 15 days of ancestor rituals (Shraddha). Each day corresponds to the tithi on which an ancestor passed away.

Monthly · solar

Sun's transit into a new zodiac sign. 12 Sankrantis per year mark the start of each solar month. Auspicious for charity, holy baths and prayers.