Major Hindu Festivals and How US Temples Celebrate Them

Diwali, Navratri, Holi, Janmashtami and more: what each festival celebrates, roughly when it falls, and what you can expect at a temple near you.

Hindu festivals follow a lunar calendar, so their dates move from year to year on the Western calendar. Temples in the US usually publish their festival schedules several weeks ahead on their websites and social media. Here is an overview of the festivals you are most likely to encounter, with the months they usually fall in.

Makar Sankranti and Pongal (mid-January)

A harvest festival that marks the sun's movement into Capricorn. North Indian communities celebrate Makar Sankranti, often with kite flying and sesame sweets, while Tamil communities celebrate Pongal, named after a sweet rice dish cooked for the occasion. Temples may host special pujas and community meals.

Maha Shivaratri (February or March)

The great night of Lord Shiva. Devotees often fast during the day and stay up through the night, with abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva lingam) performed at intervals. Many temples stay open late or all night.

Holi (March)

The festival of colors celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. In the US, many temples host Holi events on a nearby weekend, often outdoors, with colored powder, music and food. Wear old clothes you do not mind staining.

Rama Navami (March or April)

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Temples hold special pujas, readings from the Ramayana and bhajans.

Janmashtami (August or September)

Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Celebrations often build to midnight, the traditional hour of Krishna's birth. ISKCON temples and Krishna temples are especially busy, with music, drama and decorated cradles for the infant Krishna.

Ganesh Chaturthi (August or September)

A festival honoring Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Many temples install a special Ganesha image for several days and close the festival with a procession. Some US communities hold an immersion ceremony, while others adapt it to local environmental rules.

Navratri and Durga Puja (September or October)

Nine nights dedicated to the Goddess in her many forms. Gujarati communities celebrate with garba and dandiya raas dancing, often in large halls or rented venues, while Bengali communities celebrate Durga Puja with elaborate images of the Goddess Durga. The tenth day, Dussehra or Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Diwali (October or November)

The festival of lights is the best-known Hindu festival in the US. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and honors Goddess Lakshmi. Temples are decorated with lamps and lights, and many hold Lakshmi puja, cultural programs and fireworks or light displays where local rules allow. Expect crowds and plan to arrive early.

Weekend celebrations

Because many families work during the week, US temples often hold the main community celebration on the weekend nearest a festival, in addition to rituals on the actual day. If you want to see the biggest celebration, check whether the temple lists a separate "community event" date.

Tips for visiting during festivals

Check the temple's festival schedule and parking instructions in advance.
Arrive early; parking fills up quickly at popular temples.
Expect longer lines for darshan (viewing the deity).
Bring cash or a card if you would like to buy food or make an offering; many temples run food stalls during festivals.
Be patient and enjoy the atmosphere.

Festival dates vary by year and by regional calendar, so always confirm with the temple you plan to visit.