Pongal is a four-day festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and across Tamil communities globally to express gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest. The festival, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai and the harvest season. In 2025, Pongal will be celebrated from Tuesday, January 14 to Friday, January 17. The four days are: Bhogi (January 14, 2025), dedicated to Lord Indra and marking the clearing of old possessions; Thai Pongal (January 15, 2025), the main day for thanking the Sun God for the harvest; Mattu Pongal (January 16, 2025), honoring cattle for their role in agriculture; and Kaanum Pongal (January 17, 2025), a day for family reunions and social celebrations. These days are filled with rituals, significance, and joy, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Tamil communities worldwide.
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.
Ahoi Ashtami, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the wellbeing of children, will be celebrated on October 13, 2025. The festival, observed mainly by mothers, involves fasting and performing prayers for the health and prosperity of sons and daughters. The Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat for 2025 is from 18:11 to 19:30 (UK time). This auspicious occasion is marked by devotion and rituals, with many families gathering to perform the prayers at home or at community temples.
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.
Arudra Darshan 2025, an important Tamil festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, will be observed on Sunday, 12th January 2025. This day is celebrated with great devotion across Tamil households and temples worldwide, including the UK, where the Tamil and Hindu communities mark it with traditional fervour. The festival falls on the auspicious Thiruvaathirai Nakshatram during the Tamil month of Maargazhi Masam, coinciding with Pournami (Full Moon).
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.
Bangladesh is currently grappling with rising communal tensions as violence against the Hindu minority escalates. With over 200 attacks on temples reported since August 2024 and the recent arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, the situation has sparked widespread protests and international concern. Radical groups are intensifying their campaigns against Hindu establishments, while the Bangladeshi government faces mounting criticism for its handling of the crisis. Amid calls for justice and protection, neighbouring India has stepped in to urge Bangladesh to safeguard its religious minorities and ensure communal harmony.
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.
Bhai Dooj 2025 will be observed on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. This significant festival, also known as Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj date and time 2025 will fall within the Dwitiya Tithi, which begins at 15:46 on October 22, 2025, and ends at 18:16 on October 23, 2025 (London time). Sisters perform the Tika ceremony, praying for their brothers' long and happy lives, while brothers reciprocate by gifting presents to their sisters. This festival is widely celebrated across India and has various regional names, including Bhau Beej, Bhatra Dwitiya, and Bhai Dwitiya.
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.
Christmas traditions bring joy and warmth, whether you're exploring Christmas traditions for couples like matching pyjamas and hot chocolate nights, creating a DIY advent calendar, or sharing a memory jar. Add a spooky twist with scary Christmas traditions like celebrating Krampus Night, telling Victorian ghost stories, or learning about Iceland’s Yule Cat. Dive into weird Christmas traditions from around the world, such as Norway’s broom-hiding custom, Japan’s KFC dinner, or Ukraine's spider-web-decorated Christmas trees. Try cute Christmas traditions like making homemade ornaments, exchanging love letters, or having a family baking day. Fun family Christmas traditions include a Christmas morning scavenger hunt, holiday lights tour, and volunteering together. For new Christmas traditions in 2024, consider hosting a holiday potluck, using eco-friendly gift wrapping, or setting up a yearly family photoshoot. And, if you're seeking unusual Christmas traditions, have an ugly sweater contest, themed caroling, or make DIY Christmas crackers. Embrace the season with these traditions to create treasured holiday memories
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.
Dhanteras 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in London, United Kingdom. Known as Dhantrayodashi, this auspicious day marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. On this day, Dhanteras Puja is performed to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and Lord Kubera, the God of wealth. The Dhanteras Mahurat for 2025 is from 18:56 to 20:34, making it the ideal time for performing the Dhanteras Puja to bring prosperity and good health. The Dhanteras 2025 date and time hold great significance as it is believed to invite wealth and ward off negative energies for the coming year.
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.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a vibrant Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In 2025, Dussehra will be observed in the UK on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, with significant rituals and events reflecting the rich cultural traditions of India. This article delves into the festival's importance, its rituals, and how it is celebrated in the UK, particularly among the Hindu community.
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.
Discover Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 in the UK, celebrated on August 26. Learn about the significance of Ganesh Puja, key rituals, and the best ways to partake in festivities in London. Find out the date, time, and tips for a meaningful celebration of Lord Ganesha in your community.
Gangaur in 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, March 31, with devotees in London, United Kingdom, observing this vibrant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Tritiya Tithi for Gangaur begins at 4:41 AM on March 31 and concludes at 1:12 AM on April 1. On this day, married women and unmarried girls across regions, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, perform rituals and prayers seeking marital bliss, long life, and prosperity for their spouses or desired partners. The festivities include creating clay idols of Gaura Mata, dressing up in traditional attire, and singing folk songs, symbolizing the devotion and cultural significance of this auspicious occasion.
Gita Jayanti 2024 in the UK will be observed on Wednesday, 11th December. Marking the 5161st anniversary of the Bhagavad Gita, this day also coincides with Mokshada Ekadashi. Find out the timings, significance, and how Gita Jayanti is celebrated.
Gopashtami is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Balaram, and Gau Mata (Mother Cow), celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha. This year, Gopashtami will be observed on Saturday, 9th November 2024. Observed primarily in Mathura, Vrindavan, and the Braj region, the festival marks the culmination of Lord Krishna's legendary Govardhan Hill episode, a story that embodies courage, devotion, and divine protection. In this article, we’ll explore Gopashtami’s origins, significance, and the rituals associated with this cherished festival.
Govardhan Puja, celebrated on 2 November 2024, is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Krishna, commemorating the day he lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains caused by Lord Indra's wrath. This festival is a time for devotees to express their gratitude towards Lord Krishna for his divine intervention and love.
Govatsa Dwadashi, a significant Hindu festival, will be celebrated on Friday, October 17, 2025, in London, United Kingdom. This day marks the worship of cows and calves, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings. It is a vital part of the celebrations leading up to Diwali and is primarily observed in Maharashtra, where it is also known as Vasu Baras.
Celebrate Gudi Padwa 2025 in London on Sunday, March 30. Learn about the significance, rituals, and timings for this Marathi New Year, marking the start of the new Samvatsar with prayers, oil baths, and traditional customs.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2025 in London will be observed on 6th January 2025. The Saptami Tithi begins on 5th January at 14:45 and ends on 6th January at 12:53. This day celebrates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who founded the Khalsa and significantly impacted Sikhism.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, also known as Gurpurab, will be celebrated in the UK on Friday, 15th November. Discover the significance of this important Sikh festival, how it's observed in the UK, and ways to join in the celebrations honoring Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, also referred to as Gurpurab, will be celebrated in the UK on Monday, 24th November 2025. This sacred Sikh festival commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and a spiritual leader whose teachings continue to inspire millions globally. Discover the significance of Gurpurab, how it is celebrated in the UK, and ways to immerse yourself in the festivities.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024, also known as Gurpurab, will be celebrated in Canada on Friday, 15th November. Learn about the significance of this important Sikh festival, how it's observed in Canada, and ways you can join in the celebrations honoring Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
Hanumath Jayanthi, also known as Hanuman Jayanti, commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman, a deity revered for his strength, devotion, and loyalty. In 2024, Hanumath Jayanthi will be observed on Monday, 30th December in London. The Amavasai Tithi will begin at 22:31 on 29th December 2024 and end at 22:26 on 30th December 2024. Devotees celebrate this day by performing rituals, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, and offering prayers to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings for strength and protection.
Festivals in December 2024 include Hanuman Jayanti on December 13, Karthigai Deepam on December 13, and Margashirsha Purnima on December 14. Discover the significance and traditions of these Hindu festivals celebrated in London, UK
Explore the vibrant Hindu festivals celebrated in November 2024 in the UK. These include Masik Karthigai on November 16, Mandala Pooja Begins on November 16, Ishti on November 16, Rohini Vrat on November 17, Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi on November 18, Kalabhairav Jayanti on November 22, Kalashtami on November 22, Masik Krishna Janmashtami on November 22, Utpanna Ekadashi on November 26, Pradosh Vrat on November 28, Masik Shivaratri on November 29, Darsha Amavasya on November 30, Anvadhan on November 30, and Margashirsha Amavasya on November 30. Don't miss out on these popular celebrations!
Explore the most auspicious Hindu wedding dates in 2024 according to the Hindu Panchang, including November 12, 13, 16, and December 4, 9, and 14. With ideal Mahurat timings, these dates align with traditional marriage rituals to create a blessed start for your union. Plan your wedding with these Hindu wedding dates and ceremonial details for a prosperous future together.
The Hindu New Year is a significant cultural and religious occasion that marks the beginning of a new year in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar followed worldwide, the Hindu New Year’s date varies annually as it aligns with the phases of the moon. In 2025, the Hindu New Year will be celebrated on Sunday, 30th March, which coincides with festivals like Ugadi and Gudi Padwa.
Discover the beauty and spiritual significance of Hindu temples across the United Kingdom. Whether you're looking for a place of worship, cultural events, or simply want to explore these sacred sites, our guide to temples in the UK offers detailed information about each location, including ratings, addresses, hours of operation, and direct links to their websites. Find the perfect temple to visit and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Hindu culture.
Explore Hindu wedding rituals step-by-step: starting with pre-wedding ceremonies like the Roka and Mehendi, followed by wedding-day traditions such as the Ganesh Puja, Mangal Pheras, and Sindoor application, and concluding with post-wedding rituals like Vidaai and Griha Pravesh. This UK-focused guide covers each ritual’s significance in traditional Hindu weddings.
Holi 2025 in the UK will be celebrated on 14th March, with Holika Dahan on 13th March, under the Full Moon (Purnima) of the Phalguna month. Looking for the Holi 2025 date? Join the vibrant Festival of Colours across London, Leicester, and Birmingham, celebrating love, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Holika Dahan 2025 will take place on March 13th in the UK, with the Muhurat from 18:02 to 20:29. Holika Dahan, a significant ritual before Holi, marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival is observed during Pradosh Kaal and Purnimasi Tithi, ensuring the correct Muhurat for this sacred event. This article provides the exact timings, Muhurat rules, and guidance for a prosperous Holika Dahan celebration in London and the UK.
Wake up early and take a holy bath, clean your home, decorate with rangoli and lights, set up the puja altar, wear new clothes, gather all required samagri, and optionally observe a fast for a successful and auspicious celebration of Lakshmi Puja. Discover how to prepare with our step-by-step guide for beginners in the UK!
Karwa Chauth is a festival celebrated with great devotion by married women, especially in the Indian community, who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and well-being of their husbands. While temples and community centers may host group celebrations, many women in London prefer to perform the Karwa Chauth pooja in the comfort of their own homes, maintaining the essence of the festival while adapting to their urban lifestyles.