There are so many beautiful moments in a year when a spiritual seeker can reflect and keep themselves in check.
These dates are for meditation, for reflection on the previous year or month – for going inwards, for giving us the opportunity to revise and review and to get us back on track if needed..…
JANUARY
New Year - 1 Jan
The first day of the year in the modern Gregorian calendar.
Full Moon - 6 Jan
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
Makara Sankranti - 15 Jan
There are twelve Sankranti days in a solar year, each marking the movement of the Sun between signs, and the transition from one Vedic month to the next. The Sun represents the king, the soul, the government, the ego, the personality, and the vital force within us. Sankranti days offer us a golden opportunity to plan for the Vedic month ahead. Out of all the Sankranti, Maka Sank Makar Sankranti is considered to be the most significant one.
Pongal - 15 Jan
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the animals that help contribute to a bountiful harvest.
New Moon - 21 Jan
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Mauni Amavasya - 21 Jan
The word ‘mauni’ or ‘mauna’ signifies silence, so on this no-Moon (Amavasya) day many choose to observe silence. It is believed that the water of the sacred river Ganga turns into nectar on Mauni Amavasya day, so it is considered the most important day in the Hindu calendar to take a holy dip in the river Ganges.
Ratha Saptami / Surya Jayanti, 27 Jan
A Hindu festival that falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month, Magha. Magha is the 11th month of the lunar calendar. It is a day to honor Vishnu, The Sustainer, in his Surya (Sun God) form. It also marks the birth of Surya so is celebrated as Surya Jayanti (the Sun God’s birthday).
FEBRUARY
Full Moon - 5 Feb
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
Maha Shivratri - 18 Feb
Ratri means ‘night’ and also ‘to take refuge’. Shivratri is the night we take refuge in our spirit i.e., Shiva. It is the time to celebrate the soul or consciousness within.
New Moon - 19 Feb
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
MARCH
Full Moon - 6 March
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
Maha Lakshmi Jayanti - 7 March
The birth day of the Supreme Mother Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity.
Holi - 7/8 March
The festival of colors that celebrates the arrival of Spring and the symbolic victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Spring Equinox - 21 March
The day the Sun crosses the equator line, heading north, marking the start of the Spring season in the northern hemisphere (and the start of Autumn in the southern hemisphere).
New Moon - 21 March
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Telugu New Year - 22 March
This auspicious New Year celebration is associated with Lord Brahma, the creator of the Universe. As it falls in the first Vedic month of Chaitra, at the onset of spring, it marks the start of a healthy and prosperous New Year. Ugadi is New Year’s Day celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka in India. Gudi Padwa is the Marathi New Year.
Ram Navami - 30 March
The birthday of Lord Rama, the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver – a day to honor Lord Rama by reading sacred texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and by reflecting on one’s dharmic (moral) state.
APRIL
Full Moon - 5 April
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
Chaitra Purnima - 5 April
When the Sun is in an exalted position in the sign of Aries, and the Moon is aligned with the bright star Chaitra in the constellation of Libra, it is known as Chaitra Purnima. It is a particularly potent Purnima as it is the first Full Moon after the Hindu New Year.
Hanuman Jayanti - 5/6 April
The birthday of Lord Hanuman, which is celebrated during Chaitra Purnima. A great day to listen to the sacred chant, Hanuman Chalisa.
Solar New Year - 14 April
The day that the Sun enters the first sign of the zodiac, Aries. This day marks the beginning of the New Year in most Hindu solar calendars.
Vaisakhi / Baisakhi / Vishu - 14 April
Marking the first day of the month of Vaisakh, this day is a celebration of spring harvest in Northern India, and is considered the date for the Indian Solar New Year.
New Moon - 19 April
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Solar Eclipse - 19/20 April
Eclipses trigger personal and global events. As the Sun and Moon come into perfect alignment, the energy is strong and marks a powerful time for spiritual practices where we bring our attention from the outer world to our inner world. A Solar Eclipse both ends an old cycle and begins a new cycle for you, giving a dramatic ‘line in the sand’ moment, where you symbolically break with the past. A Solar Eclipse always happens during Amavasya (New Moon), when the Moon disappears in the sky.
Mercury Retrograde - 21 April - 15 May
Retrogrades are a chance for us to slow down and reflect. They signify a time for us to renew, reassess and reimagine in the areas of our life ruled by that planet.
Akshaya Tritiya - 22 April
One of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar which is free from the difficult effects of planets in transit. In Sanskrit Akshaya means ‘never diminishing’, so any Meditation, Japa (mantra chanting), Yagya (Homas), Tarpan (Honoring your ancestors), Daan (donation) done on this day will have a long lasting benefit.
MAY
Buddha Purnima - 5 May
Lord Buddha’s anniversary of enlightenment – a day for purifying thoughts and actions, to ponder upon his teachings and for going deeper within through meditation.
Full Moon - 5 May
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
Lunar Eclipse - 5 May
Eclipses trigger personal and global events. As the Sun and Moon come into perfect alignment, the energy is strong and marks a powerful time for spiritual practices where we bring our attention from the outer world to our inner world. The Lunar Eclipse is a powerful time for meditation, contemplation, prayer, mantra chanting, Japa (mantra repetition) and other spiritual practices.
Vaishakha Purnima - 5 May
This is the second Purnima (Full Moon) in the year according to Vedic lunar calendar. This day is also dedicated to Buddha’s birth and enlightenment.
Shani Jayanti - 19 May
The birthday of Lord Shani (Saturn) who is known for being just and strict when it comes to giving you the fruits of your past life karmas, be it good or bad.
New Moon - 19 May
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Ganga Dussehra - 29 May
Considered as the day Goddess Ganga descended to Earth as the sacred River Ganges to help us achieve spiritual liberation and clear energetic blockages.
Gayatri Jayanti - 31 May
The birth anniversary of Goddess Gayatri, the Mother of the Vedas and consort of Brahma, the Creator.
JUNE
Full Moon - 3 June
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
New Moon - 17 June
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Saturn Retrograde - 17 Jun - 4 Nov
Retrogrades are a chance for us to slow down and reflect. They signify a time for us to renew, reassess and reimagine in the areas of our life ruled by that planet.
Summer Solstice - 21 June
A solstice is an astronomical event that happens two times a year when the Sun ‘stands still’. Summer solstice is the longest and Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and marks the beginning of the two seasons. This day has a big role to play in birth charts and celestial shifts. (For those in the southern hemisphere today will be their winter solstice).
International Day of Yoga - 21 June
A day dedicated to the practice of yoga.
JULY
Veda Vyasa Jayanti - 3 July
The birth anniversary of Sage Veda Vyasa – the scribe of several fundamental Vedic texts, including Mahabharata – and a Full Moon (Purnima) day celebrated during the month of Ashadha, dedicated to all spiritual Masters who have shared their wisdom selflessly with the world.
Guru Purnima - 3 July
Guru = one who dispels darkness, Purnima = Full Moon. A day of gratitude and prayer for the Guru’s and teachers in our life. Also a day of self-gratitude, self-prayer and self-love, because the most beloved guru is the one that lives within you.
Full Moon - 3 July
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
Shravan Month - 4 July - 30/31 Aug
The Full Moon in this month happens in the nakshatra or lunar mansion called “Shravana” hence it is termed “Shravana”. The entire month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is filled with divine energy and bliss and it is best to turn our mind inward to experience the still, calm, magical vibration of the cosmos.
New Moon - 17 July
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Venus Retrograde - 23 July - 4 Sept
Retrogrades are a chance for us to slow down and reflect. They signify a time for us to renew, reassess and reimagine in the areas of our life ruled by that planet.
AUGUST
Full Moon - 1 Aug
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
Naga Panchami - 21st Aug
Naga Panchami is traditionally a day to honor Nagas – the mystical wise serpent creatures, as well as the transformational forces operating outside and within us, the most important of which is the Kundalini Shakti (coiled serpent) within us.
Mercury Retrograde - 23 Aug - 15 Sep
Retrogrades are a chance for us to slow down and reflect. They signify a time for us to renew, reassess and reimagine in the areas of our life ruled by that planet.
New Moon - 16 Aug
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Full Moon - 30 Aug
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
SEPTEMBER
Jupiter Retrograde - 4 Sept - 31 Dec
Retrogrades are a chance for us to slow down and reflect. They signify a time for us to renew, reassess and reimagine in the areas of our life ruled by that planet.
Janmashtami - 6/7 Sept
Janmashtami is the day when we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna signifies Ananda (bliss, pure happiness). We express any happiness by celebration. So Janmashtami is celebrating the birth of Bliss. It is the day when that (divine) joy became manifest.
New Moon - 14 Sept
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Ganesh Chathurti - 18/19 Sept
Ganesh Chathurthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha – The Remover of obstacles. It is celebrated on Shukla Chathurthi (4th waxing moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.
Autumn Equinox - 23 Sept
During the Autumn Equinox, the Sun is directly above the equator and day and night are of equal length. The northern and southern hemispheres get the same amount of rays.
Pitru Paksha - 28 Sept - 14 Oct
Pitru Paksha also spelled as Pitri Paksha, Pitr Paksha (literally “fortnight of the ancestors”) is a 16–lunar day period in the Hindu calendar when people honor their ancestors with Shraddha or Tarpan.
Full Moon - 29 Sept
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
OCTOBER
Gandhi Jayanti - 2 Oct
This day is celebrated annually in India to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
Sarva Pitru (Mahalaya) Amavasya - 13/14 Oct
Sarva Pitru Amavasya also known as Mahalaya Amavasya (Maha meaning large and laya meaning destruction), is the day that we honor our ancestors and perform rituals for them. It is a time dedicated to all departed souls and is the most important day of Pitru Paksha.
New Moon - 14 Oct
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Solar Eclipse - 14 Oct
Eclipses trigger personal and global events. As the Sun and Moon come into perfect alignment, the energy is strong and marks a powerful time for spiritual practices where we bring our attention from the outer world to our inner world. A Solar Eclipse both ends an old cycle and begins a new cycle for you, giving a dramatic ‘line in the sand’ moment, where you symbolically break with the past. A Solar Eclipse always happens during Amavasya (New Moon), when the Moon disappears in the sky.
Maha Navratri - 15 Oct - 23/24 Oct
The main Navratri out of the four Navratri’s in the year. With a feeling of offering the past, present and future at the feet of the infinite power, we repose in ourselves – that is Navratri. A time for deep inner spiritual rest and for us to drop everything to go inward.
Durga Ashtami - 22 Oct
Durga Ashtami is one of the most important days to honor the powers of Goddess Durga. It falls on the 9th day of Maha Navratri, which celebrates the 9 forms of Goddess Durga, the mother of mankind.
Maha Navami - 23 Oct
Maha Navami is the ninth day of Navratri, when the Warrior Goddess Durga is honored. This is the final day of worship before Dussehra/Vijayadashami, the end of Navratri.
Dussehra/Vijayadashami - 23/24 Oct
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a major Indian festival that culminates the 9 day period of Navratri. It is celebrated to commemorate the killing of Ravana by Lord Rama and also the killing of demon Mahishasur by Goddess Durga. Largely, the day is celebrated to commemorate the prevalence of good over evil.
Full Moon - 28 Oct
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
Lunar Eclipse - 28/29 Oct
Eclipses trigger personal and global events. As the Sun and Moon come into perfect alignment, the energy is strong and marks a powerful time for spiritual practices where we bring our attention from the outer world to our inner world. The Lunar Eclipse is a powerful time for meditation, contemplation, prayer, mantra chanting, Japa (mantra repetition) and other spiritual practices.
Kartik Month - 29 Oct - 27 Nov
Kartika is the eighth lunar month in the Hindu calendar, from 29th October to 27th November and it’s also the month of auspicious rituals of festivals, prayer and personal practices.
NOVEMBER
Govatsa Dwadashi - 9 Nov
On this day cows and calves are honored and given wheat products. People who observe this festival abstain from eating wheat and dairy products during the day.
Dhanteras - 10 Nov
On Dhanteras – the first day of Diwali, Festival of Lights – people clean and prepare their homes, and there is a custom to buy gold, silver or something metallic which is believed to bring good fortune. This day is the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the father of Ayurveda, so people pray for good health. Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Good Fortune) is honored.
Diwali - 12 Nov
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, honors the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance and the planetary positions on this day are deemed to be favorable.
Lakshmi Puja - 12 Nov
The New Moon (Amavasya) Day and the main celebration day of Diwali, considered to be the most auspicious day. A special Puja (ritual) takes place for Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Good Fortune) to seek her blessings for wealth and prosperity, and prayers are recited to invoke the deity. Lord Kuber (God of Material Wealth) is also honored.
New Moon - 13 Nov
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Govardhan Puja - 14 Nov
On this day a specific Puja is done to commemorate the child form of Lord Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna rescued the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra (God of Rain) by lifting the Govardhan Hill and providing them with shelter. Many food offerings are prepared for the Puja.
Soorasamharam - 18 Nov
Soorasamharam, known as Shashti, marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. It is on this day that the Warrior God, Lord Kartikeya, defeated the demon Surapadman with his Vel (spear).
Tulasi Vivah - 24 Nov
Tulasi Vivah is the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (holy basil) to the Lord Vishnu, the Maintainer, or his Avatar Krishna.
Kartik Purnima - 26/27 Nov
Full Moon in the month of Kartik is considered among the most auspicious in the year. It is celebrated for Lord Shiva, the all pervading divine consciousness, and his son Muruga. The lighting of lamps forms an integral ritual of this festival.
Full Moon - 27 Nov
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
DECEMBER
New Moon - 12 Dec
A time to plant seeds for future growth. Journaling, meditating, quiet introspection and self care are all practices supported by the new moon’s tranquil energy.
Mercury Retrograde - 13 Dec - 2 Jan, 2024
Retrogrades are a chance for us to slow down and reflect. They signify a time for us to renew, reassess and reimagine in the areas of our life ruled by that planet.
Winter Solstice - 22 Dec
A solstice is an astronomical event that happens two times a year when the Sun ‘stands still’. Summer solstice is the longest and Winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and marks the beginning of the two seasons. This day has a big role to play in birth charts and celestial shifts. (For those in the southern hemisphere today will be their summer solstice).
Full Moon - 26 Dec
Full moon meditations are a powerful way to tap the luminous lunar energy and harness the energetic power of the moon’s light, to set up the right mindset and align yourself with what you want to accomplish.
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