Explore the rich tapestry of Hindu festivals and celebrations across New Zealand for the years 2024-2026.
Hindu Date: Paush Shukla Paksha
Marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn and the beginning of longer days.
Celebrates the harvest season and is considered auspicious for spiritual practices.
Hindu Date: Magh Krishna Paksha
Celebrates the day when the Constitution of India came into effect.
National holiday celebrating India's democratic values.
Hindu Date: Magh Shukla Panchami
Festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts.
Marks the beginning of spring season and preparation for Holi.
Hindu Date: Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi
The great night of Shiva, celebrated with night-long prayers and fasting.
One of the most important festivals for devotees of Lord Shiva.
Hindu Date: Phalguna Purnima
Festival of colors celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Marks the end of winter and beginning of spring, symbolizing new beginnings.
Hindu Date: Chaitra Shukla Pratipada
New Year's Day for people from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar.
Hindu Date: Chaitra Shukla Navami
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu.
Devotees observe fasting and engage in continuous recitation of the Ramayana.
Hindu Date: Chaitra Purnima
Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman.
Devotees worship Hanuman for strength, devotion, and protection.
Hindu Date: Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya
Considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.
Believed to bring good fortune and success to new ventures.
Hindu Date: Vaishakha Purnima
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
Important day for Buddhists worldwide.
Hindu Date: Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami
Celebrates the descent of the Ganges River to Earth.
Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges to cleanse their sins.
Hindu Date: Ashadha Purnima
Day to honor spiritual and academic teachers.
Marks the birth anniversary of Sage Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas.
Hindu Date: Shravana Shukla Tritiya
Festival celebrated by women for marital bliss.
Women pray to Goddess Parvati for a happy married life.
Hindu Date: Shravana Purnima
Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, and brothers promise to protect them.
Hindu Date: Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
One of the most widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism.
Hindu Date: Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha.
10-day festival ending with the immersion of Ganesha idols.
Hindu Date: Bhadrapada Shukla Dwadashi
Harvest festival celebrated in Kerala.
Commemorates King Mahabali and Vamana avatar of Vishnu.
Hindu Date: Ashwin Shukla Pratipada
Nine-night festival worshipping the divine feminine.
Devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga.
Hindu Date: Ashwin Shukla Dashami
Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
Symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Hindu Date: Kartik Krishna Chaturthi
Fast observed by married women for the well-being of their husbands.
Women break their fast after sighting the moon.
Hindu Date: Kartik Krishna Trayodashi
First day of Diwali celebrations.
Considered auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and new utensils.
Hindu Date: Kartik Amavasya
Festival of lights celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Hindu Date: Kartik Shukla Dwitiya
Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity.
Hindu Date: Kartik Shukla Ekadashi
Ceremonial marriage of Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu.
Marks the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.
Hindu Date: Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi
Celebrates the day when Lord Krishna imparted the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.
Devotees read and recite the Bhagavad Gita.
Hindu Date: Pausha Krishna Paksha
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Important festival for Christians worldwide.
Hindu festivals are celebrated based on the Hindu lunar calendar, which is why their dates on the Gregorian calendar change each year. These festivals are deeply rooted in mythology, spirituality, and cultural traditions.
Major festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Navratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm across New Zealand's Hindu community. They often involve special prayers, rituals, community gatherings, cultural performances, and traditional foods.
The festival dates provided are based on the New Zealand time zone and may vary slightly from those observed in India or other countries. Local temple announcements should be consulted for precise timings of rituals and celebrations.
Note: Festival dates are approximate and may vary based on local customs and astronomical calculations. Please check with your local temple for exact dates and celebration details.