Ahoi Ashtami, a revered festival for mothers, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. This festival holds special significance for women who fast for the health and wellbeing of their children. Traditionally observed for sons, the modern-day observance includes prayers for the wellbeing of both sons and daughters. The fast is broken during twilight after sighting the stars in the sky, which will occur at 18:24 in London on this day. For those who follow the custom of breaking the fast after moonrise, the moon will rise at 22:14 on Ahoi Ashtami.
Akshaya Navami 2024 in the UK falls on Sunday, November 10. Observed during the Kartik month, this auspicious day marks the beginning of Satya Yuga, known as Satya Yugadi. In London, the Purvahna time for Akshaya Navami is 07:11 to 11:44, with Navami Tithi starting at 17:15 on November 9 and ending at 15:31 on November 10.
In 2024, Pausha Amavasya will be observed on Monday, 30th December, marking the new moon day in the Pausha month of the Hindu calendar. The Amavasya Tithi begins at 22:31 on 29th December 2024 and ends at 22:26 on 30th December 2024. This day is significant in Hindu tradition, particularly for performing rituals related to Shraddha, worshipping ancestors, and offering prayers for their peace and blessings. Many devotees also observe Kalasarpa Dosha puja on this day to eliminate any doshas related to the placement of planets in their horoscope.
Banada Ashtami 2025 will be observed on 7th January (Tuesday) in London. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 12:53 PM on 6th January and ends at 10:56 AM on 7th January. This marks the start of Shakambhari Navratri, which concludes on 13th January.
Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami, will be celebrated on Sunday, 2nd February 2025. This joyous festival marks the beginning of spring and is an important occasion for Hindus in the UK and worldwide. It is particularly dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. Basant Panchami holds special significance for the Indian diaspora in the UK, where temples and cultural organisations commemorate it with devotion and community activities.
Bhai Dooj, celebrated on 3rd November 2024, marks the final day of the five-day Diwali festival. This special occasion honours the unique bond between brothers and sisters, emphasising love, protection, and familial ties. The auspicious Bhai Dooj Muhurat in UK is from 12:41 PM to 2:35 PM, a time considered ideal for performing the rituals. Many siblings take this opportunity to express their affection through thoughtful gestures, gifts, and sweets, reinforcing the importance of their relationship.
Chaitra Navratri, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, will be celebrated in 2025 from March 30th to April 6th. This nine-day festival marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar new year and holds great importance in Hindu traditions. Known also as Vasanta Navratri due to its connection to the spring season, it is a time to worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms, each representing different aspects of divine power.
Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev), will be celebrated in 2024 on Thursday, 7th November. This four-day festival is especially popular among people from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, and has found a home within the Hindu community in the UK. Celebrating Chhath Puja in the UK is a beautiful way for devotees to stay connected with their roots while honouring the Sun God for prosperity, well-being, and happiness.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is on March 17, 2025 (Monday), celebrated in London to honor the 395th birth anniversary of the great Maratha warrior and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This day commemorates his remarkable legacy of bravery, leadership, and his role in establishing the Maratha Empire. The day marks the Tritiya Tithi of the Phalguna month according to the Hindu calendar, and celebrations include prayers, processions, and various cultural events to pay tribute to his valor and contributions.
Celebrate Children’s Day 2024 in the UK on 14th November. Discover fun activities, events, and how to promote child rights and well-being on this special day.
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, falls on 31 October 2024 and marks the second day of the five-day Diwali festival. This auspicious day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. While the grand celebrations of Diwali take place the following day, Choti Diwali sets the stage for festive preparations and community spirit.
As Christmas 2025 approaches, Indian communities across the UK are gearing up to celebrate this festive season with a vibrant blend of cultural traditions and British customs. Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and this article explores how Indian families can enjoy Christmas in the UK while staying connected to their heritage, creating a unique and memorable holiday experience.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Prabodhini Ekadashi, celebrates the awakening of Lord Vishnu. In 2024, Dev Uthani Ekadashi falls on November 12 in London, UK. Discover the significance of this sacred day, fasting rules, and the ideal time to break the fast (Parana).
Dhanteras 2024 will be celebrated on October 29 in the UK. The auspicious time for Dhanteras puja is from 7:04 PM to 8:27 PM. Discover the significance, traditions, and events happening in London to celebrate this festive occasion.
Discover unique Diwali gift ideas for 2024 in the UK! From luxury gift hampers to traditional sweets and vegan options, find the perfect gifts to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Celebrate Diwali with joy and warmth this November 1st!
Diwali 2024 in the UK falls on Sunday, October 31st, with Lakshmi Puja scheduled between 17:04 and 18:42. Discover how to celebrate the Festival of Lights in London!
Get ready for an exciting celebration as Diwali on the Square returns to Trafalgar Square on Sunday, October 27, 2024. This vibrant event kicks off the countdown to Diwali, which falls on October 31, 2024, and promises an array of music, dance, workshops, and cultural activities that reflect the diversity of London’s Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most awaited and celebrated festivals in the Hindu calendar. Diwali 2025 will be celebrated from Friday, October 17, 2025, to Thursday, October 23, 2025, and encompasses five significant days of festivity. Each day has its own rituals and cultural significance, marking a celebration of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Durga Puja 2025 will be celebrated in the UK from Sunday, 28 September, to Thursday, 2 October 2025. Discover the history, significance, and where to celebrate this vibrant festival in London and beyond.
Gandhi Punyatithi 2025 will be observed on January 30th, marking the 77th anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. This day is also known as Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs' Day, dedicated to remembering the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters. The day is observed with memorial services at Rajghat in New Delhi, with key leaders paying tribute to Gandhi’s legacy. While not a public holiday in the UK, the Indian community comes together to honour his teachings of non-violence, truth, and freedom, keeping his memory alive through discussions, prayers, and cultural events.