Sanatan Mandir

Makar Sankranti

Date: Sun enters Capricorn (Solar event)

Usually on: January 14

Marks the end of winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. Widely celebrated with kites and sweets across India.

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Saraswati Puja (Vasant Panchami)

Tithi: Shukla Panchami, Magha month

Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing wisdom, art and learning. Students and artists worship books and instruments.

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Maha Shivratri

Tithi: Krishna Chaturdashi, Phalguna month

A night of worship to Lord Shiva observed with fasting and night vigil. Symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti.

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Vishuva Sankranti (Pana Sankranti)

Date: Sun enters Aries (Odia New Year)

Celebrates the Odia New Year with traditional Pana drink. Involves rituals for health, prosperity and water conservation.

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Shree Ram Navami

Tithi: Shukla Navami, Chaitra month

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees perform bhajans, kirtans and recite Ramayana in temples and homes.

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Rath Yatra

Tithi: Shukla Dwitiya, Ashadha month

Annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Massive processions of deities in beautifully decorated chariots.

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Guru Purnima

Tithi: Ashadha Purnima

A day to honor teachers and spiritual gurus. Disciples offer prayers and seek blessings from their mentors.

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Raksha Bandhan

Tithi: Shravana Purnima

Sisters tie rakhi on brothers’ wrists to celebrate love and protection. Rituals are followed with gifts and sweets.

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Shree Krishna Janmashtami

Tithi: Krishna Ashtami, Bhadrapada month

Marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Celebrated with fasting, dancing, singing and midnight temple rituals.

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Ganesh Chaturthi

Tithi: Shukla Chaturthi, Bhadrapada month

Birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Idols are installed and worshipped with grand processions.

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Ananta Chaturdashi

Tithi: Shukla Chaturdashi, Bhadrapada month

Day of Ananta (Vishnu) worship. Also marks immersion of Ganesh idols after 10 days of festivities.

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Durga Puja / Dussehra

Tithi: Ashtami/Navami, Ashwin month

Celebration of goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Marked by pandals, rituals, dance and dramatic enactments.

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Pua Juntia

Tithi: Ashtami, Ashwin month

Mothers fast and pray for their sons’ long life and prosperity. An important custom in western Odisha.

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Diwali (Deepavali)

Tithi: Amavasya, Kartika month

Festival of lights celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Homes are lit, decorated and sweets are shared.

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Kartik Purnima

Tithi: Kartika Purnima

Devotees float lamps in rivers and water bodies. It’s also celebrated as Boita Bandana in Odisha with traditional boat worship.

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Gita Jayanti

Tithi: Mokshada Ekadashi, Margashirsha month

Commemorates the day Bhagavad Gita was narrated by Lord Krishna. Devotees read and discuss the scripture in gatherings.

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Nabakalebara / Nabanna

Seasonal festival, post-harvest, mainly in Kartika month

A ritual renewal of deities and offering of new rice in Odisha. Reflects gratitude for the harvest and divine presence.

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Sanatan Mandir

Sanatan Mandir Trust Board (SMTB)