Important Hindu festivals and fasts in May 2025: Complete list with dates
Major Festivals and Events in Early May
According to Drik Panchang, the month begins with International Workers' Day (Labour or May Day) and Vinayaka Chaturthi on May 1, followed by festivals like Skanda Sashti, Sita Navami, and Masik Durgashtami. On May 7, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti will be celebrated, especially in West Bengal, honouring the legendary poet and Nobel laureate.
Also Read: Important Days In May 2025 - National and International Events
Mid-May Festivals and Fasts
The second week is filled with important spiritual observances such as Mohini Ekadashi, Parashurama Dwadashi, Pradosh Vrat, and Narasimha Jayanti. Mother's Day also falls during this period, offering a chance to honour all mothers. Other major observances include Kurma Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, and Narada Jayanti, which commemorate the world's first journalist and a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu.
Third and Final Weeks of May
The third week brings Vrishabha Sankranti, Kalashtami, Hanuman Jayanti (Telugu), Apara Ekadashi, and Shani Trayodashi—all considered auspicious for fasting and prayer. The final week includes Masik Shivaratri, Shani Jayanti, Maharana Pratap Jayanti, and another Vinayaka Chaturthi. World No Tobacco Day will also be observed on May 31 to spread awareness about tobacco hazards.
Also Read: List of Bank holidays in May 2025
Full list of May 2025 festivals and fasts with dates
For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
3 hours ago
- India Today
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Date, ritual timings, and significance explained
As dawn breaks on a warm August morning, sisters across India prepare their thalis with trembling hands and joyful hearts—tiny lamps flicker beside threads of protection, love, and lifelong promises. Raksha Bandhan isn't just a ritual; it's a feeling. A moment that wraps up shared childhoods, secret jokes, and unspoken support in one sacred 2025, Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday, August 9, and brings with it the perfect blend of tradition and togetherness. Whether you're in the same city or continents apart, this day is about celebrating the emotional legacy of sibling bonds and doing it at the right time matters just as much as the everything you need to know from the shubh muhurat to why Bhadra time is to be avoided, and how this ancient festival continues to evolve with every BANDHAN THREAD CEREMONY TIMINGS According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious time for tying Rakhi (Thread Ceremony) in 2025 isThread Ceremony Time: 05:47 am to 01:24 pmDuration: 7 hours and 37 minutesPurnima Tithi Begins at: 02:12 pm on August 8, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends: 01:24 pm on August 9, 2025Bhadra Ends: Before sunrise on 9 AugustThis means that the entire morning period on August 9 is auspicious, and rituals can be performed safely without concern for inauspicious OF TIMING: WHY BHADRA MUST BE AVOIDEDIn Hinduism, Bhadra is considered an inauspicious time (especially during the first half of Purnima Tithi). Rituals performed during Bhadra are believed to bring negative outcomes. Religious scriptures like Vratraj explicitly advise against performing Rakhi rituals during this 2025, Bhadra ends before sunrise, which is ideal, ensuring that the entire thread-tying ceremony can be done during Shubh APARAHNA MUHURAT IS PREFERREDTraditionally, Aparahna Kaal (late afternoon) is the most recommended period for performing the Rakhi ceremony. However, when Bhadra does not overlap with morning hours—as in 2025—the ceremony can safely begin from early case Aparahna is not accessible, Pradosh Kaal (early evening) is the next best option. But for 2025, the morning time is not only permissible but highly RITUALS OF RAKSHA BANDHANRaksha Bandhan is marked by a simple yet emotionally significant set of ritualsSisters prepare a thali with a rakhi, sweets, diya, roli, and receive the rakhi on their right wrist, get a tilak on the forehead, and offer a promise of protection in are exchanged, often followed by a shared meal or many families, even bhabhis (sisters-in-law) receive a rakhi or lumba rakhi, extending the ritual to newer familial AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCEThe legend behind Raksha Bandhan spans stories from mythology and historyKrishna and Draupadi: When Krishna hurt his finger, Draupadi tore her saree to bandage him. He vowed to protect Karnavati and Humayun: The queen of Mewar sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor, asking for tales highlight the protective, emotional, and unifying aspects of the festival, beyond just BANDHAN TODAY: A BOND BEYOND BLOODIn modern times, Rakhi is tied not only by sisters to brothers but alsoTo sisters, bhabhis, and cousinsBetween friends and community members as a token of trust and protectionIn schools, from children to jawans and police officers, to show respectThe festival continues to evolve while staying rooted in Saturday, 9 August 2025Rakhi Thread Ceremony Time: 05:47 am – 01:24 pmBhadra Ends: Before sunrise (safe for rituals)Best Muhurat: Aparahna (late afternoon), though morning is also auspicious in 2025Avoid: Bhadra Kaal, especially Bhadra MukhaFor a heartfelt and timely Raksha Bandhan celebration, aligning rituals with accurate Panchang timings ensures both tradition and spiritual harmony are honoured.- Ends
Mint
5 days ago
- Mint
Hariyali Teej 2025: Why do women wear green bangles to celebrate this festival?
Hariyali Teej 2025: Hariyali Teej, a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated primarily by women in North India and Nepal, is dedicated to the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Observed during the monsoon season, it symbolises love, devotion, and marital bliss. According to Hindu mythology, Teej commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Parvati undertook years of intense penance and unwavering devotion to win Shiva's love and acceptance. Moved by her dedication, Lord Shiva finally accepted her as his consort. With Hariyali Teej just around the corner, let's unravel the mystery of why green is the colour of the festival: Women wear green on Hariyali Teej because the colour green symbolises prosperity, fertility, harmony, and new beginnings, all of which are closely associated with nature and the monsoon season. The word 'Hariyali' itself means greenery, reflecting the lushness and renewal brought by the rains. Therefore, wearing green is a way for married women to express joy and devotion, and signifies marital bliss and well-being of their husbands. The festival is primarily celebrated by women to honour the divine union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Hariyali Teej begins at sunrise, as women adorn themselves in red or green sarees, apply mehendi, wear colourful bangles, and complete their look with traditional shringar. An idol of Goddess Parvati is placed on a beautifully decorated platform, surrounded by offerings such as flowers, sweets, and coconut. The puja commences with the lighting of a diya and the chanting of devotional songs. Married women observe a nirjala vrat (fast without food or water) for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, while unmarried girls fast in hopes of finding a good life partner. The day is filled with joyous festivities—folk songs, dancing, and swinging on vibrantly decorated jhoolas capture the essence of the season. The rituals conclude with the evening aarti and distribution of prasad, marking a celebration of devotion, strength, and the enduring spirit of womanhood. According to Drik Panchang, the festival of Hariyali Teej will be observed on Sunday, July 27. The auspicious Tritiya Tithi timings for Hariyali Teej 2025 are as follows: Tritiya Tithi Begins: 10:41 PM on July 26 Tritiya Tithi Ends: 10:41 PM on July 27 What makes Teej 2025 even more special is that it falls right in the heart of the Shravan season, when the energy of devotion is at its peak. With monsoon in full bloom, the spirit of the festival is amplified, from the lush greenery to the sacred songs echoing through homes. This year, women aren't just observing tradition; they're reconnecting with a story that celebrates inner power, loyalty and feminine grace.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
Chaturmas: What to do and not to do during the four sacred months after Devshayani Ekadashi
The Divine Pause in Cosmic Calendar There are many stories mentioned in our Vedic texts, like the Vedas, Puranas, etc. in the context of Chaturmas (literal meaning: four months), which begins after Devshayani Ekadashi. According to our scriptures, Devshayani Ekadashi creates a divine pause in the cosmic calendar. Scriptural Foundation and Lord Vishnu 's Cosmic Sleep As per the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe, goes into Yoga Nidra (cosmic sleep) for four months, lying on Sheshnag in the Ksheer Sagar (cosmic ocean). He awakens on Devuthani Ekadashi, also known as Devotthan or Prabodhini Ekadashi, which falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Vedic calendar month of Kartik. This period is known as Chaturmas (Chatur = four, Maas = months). It is believed that all auspicious activities are paused during this time because the Preserver Himself is resting. Vishnu awakens on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, also called Devuthani or Prabodhini Ekadashi. Historical Context and Practical Origins In Vedic times, sages and ascetics avoided travel during the rainy season due to practical reasons—flooded roads, diseases, and the protection of insects and new plant life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Instead, they would stay in one place and engage in tapas (austerities), study, and meditation. This practice evolved into the Chaturmasya Vrata. Even Jain and Buddhist monks follow this tradition. These four months became a sacred window for discipline, minimalism, and purification. Activities to Embrace During Chaturmas Charity and Service (Annadaan) Charity and helping others during Chaturmas are considered highly auspicious. Offering food, clothes, or donations to the needy helps neutralize bad karma and brings blessings. Annadaan (food donation) holds special significance. Spiritual Practices and Worship Devotees are encouraged to observe fasts, especially on all Ekadashis from Devshayani Ekadashi to Devuthani or Devprabodhini Ekadashi, which marks the end of Chaturmas. Fasting aids in controlling desires, cleansing the body, and strengthening the mind. One should worship Lord Vishnu with devotion, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, and chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya", which aligns the devotee with divine energies and enhances spiritual focus. Sacred Study and Self-Reflection Devotees are also encouraged to read sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Purana, or perform daily recitations of devotional hymns. This period is ideal for deepening one's understanding of dharma (righteousness) and practicing inner discipline. Activities to Avoid During Chaturmas Auspicious Ceremonies and New Ventures Certain activities are avoided during Chaturmas. Weddings, housewarming ceremonies, mundan rituals, and new business ventures are usually postponed, as it is believed that divine energy is at rest, and initiating new ventures may not receive full blessings. Environmental Restraint People are also advised to avoid digging the earth, cutting trees, or harming living beings during this time, as nature is in a regenerative state. Even unnecessary travel is discouraged to support the theme of stillness and reflection. Dietary Guidelines for Spiritual Purity During these four months, it is advisable to follow a sattvic diet, avoiding onion, garlic, meat, fish, and alcohol. Consuming light, pure, vegetarian food helps maintain physical and mental purity, keeping the mind calm and sattvic (spiritually inclined). Personal Vows and Spiritual Discipline Many people take a personal vow (niyam) during Chaturmas such as avoiding certain foods, speaking less, or not sleeping on a bed—to cultivate self-control and spiritual awareness. These vows serve as tapas (austerity), building inner strength. The Spiritual Significance: Inner Transformation The four months of Chaturmas are an opportunity to detox life—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. By simplifying our lifestyle, reducing sensory overload, and cultivating devotion, we align ourselves with higher consciousness. Spiritually, Devshayani Ekadashi symbolizes a turning point in the year—a time to withdraw from outer actions and focus on inner purification. Just as Lord Vishnu rests, cosmic energy becomes inward facing, supporting practices like prayer, meditation, self-discipline, and self-study. A Sacred Window for Growth Chaturmas represents more than just a religious observance; it is a holistic approach to spiritual development that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This four-month period offers devotees a structured framework for deepening their spiritual practice while maintaining harmony with natural cycles and cosmic rhythms. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
