Goa festivals calendar

Vinayaka installation on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. Madhyahna puja muhurat 11:02 to 13:31 IST. Ganpati stays 1.5, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days depending on tradition; visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi (23 September). Confirm the local designated immersion point with your Gram Panchayat — CPCB guidance recommends natural clay idols and, in most districts, artificial immersion tanks rather than live water bodies.

Married women observe a nirjala (waterless) fast for the well-being of their husbands and family. Sindoor, mehndi, and green sarees are traditional. Evening puja to a clay Shiva-Parvati murti with a katha reading. Also observed by unmarried women praying for a good spouse.

Observed the day after Ganesh Chaturthi. Traditional fast honouring the Saptarshi — the seven great sages. Ritual bathing before dawn, followed by a simple satvik meal.

Craftsmen, mechanics, factory workers, drivers and shopkeepers honour Vishwakarma — the divine architect. Workshops, tool sheds and vehicles are decorated and blessed. Widely observed in industrial belts across India.

Radha's appearance day. Fasting, midday puja, and kirtan. Especially prominent in Braj (Uttar Pradesh) and at Vaishnava temples across the country.

Ananta Vrata — 14 knots on a sacred thread symbolise Vishnu's infinite forms. Also the main Ganpati Visarjan day in Maharashtra and Nimajjanam in AP/Telangana. Processions to the designated immersion point through the day and evening. Confirm the local designated immersion point with your Gram Panchayat, as it changes annually.

9 nights celebrating the Goddess Durga; precedes Dussehra.

Marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana; celebrated with Ravan dahan.

Married women fast for the well-being of their husbands.

First day of Diwali; auspicious day for buying gold and utensils.

Festival of lights; lamps lit, sweets distributed, fireworks.

Day after Diwali; worship of Govardhan hill and cattle.

Sisters apply tilak and pray for brothers' long life.

Sun-worship festival; major in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern UP.

Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak; processions and langar across gurudwaras.

Annual feast at Old Goa honouring the patron saint of Goa.

Birth of Jesus Christ; gazetted public holiday across India.

Sun's transit into Capricorn; harvest festival celebrated nationally.

Worship of Goddess Saraswati; marks the onset of spring.

Pre-Lent carnival of floats, music and dance.