Festivals and other observances — observances and vrat guides

The annual observance calendar includes celebrations, remembrance days, pilgrimages and household vows that do not fit one recurring lunar family. A solar festival, teacher anniversary or regional temple procession should not be presented as a monthly fast. The religious figure, community setting and purpose recorded in the individual guide explain what makes each entry distinctive. Some events involve festive meals and shared service rather than abstaining from food. This collection keeps those named observances accessible without imposing one common ritual rule. Read their descriptions and tradition labels before comparing them with another calendar.

The catalog currently includes 263 distinct entries in this collection. Examples are Ganga Dussehra; Mahavir Jayanti; Kshamavani — Digambara Forgiveness Day; Mahavira Nirvana — Jain Deepawali; Rohini Vrat. Their recorded devotional focus includes Maa Ganga (received by Lord Shiva in his matted locks); Lord Mahavira (24th Tirthankara); Lord Mahavira; Lord Vasupujya (12th Tirthankara). Follow the individual links below for the full description, calendar dates, mantra and allowed or avoided foods; each link leads to a dedicated observance page rather than a search result.

Calendar dates are references, not a substitute for the observance rules of your chosen city and community. Lunar days can cross civil-date boundaries, and regional practice can change which day is kept. Meal suggestions are optional ideas for an allowed meal, not instructions to eat during a complete fast. Children, pregnant people and anyone with a medical condition should seek appropriate advice before fasting. Compare the linked guides with your family or temple's practice and choose a discipline suited to your health.

All 263 observances in this collection