Annual Festival List, 2015 - Vikram Samvat 2071-2072
January 05 : Posh Sud Punam
(Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami Diksha Day)
Celebrates the day Mul Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami was initiated into the sadhu-fold by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
January 14 : Posh Vad Nom
(Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan))
The day the sun begins to move of daylight hours. It is a time to be charitable by giving grains, clothes and
money.
January 24 : Maha Sud Pancham
(Vasant Panchmi)
Signifies the onset of spring. For the Swaminarayan Sampraday it holds a special significance, since, on this day Bhagwan Swaminarayan presented the 'Shikshapatri' in its final form. It is also the birthday of Brahmanand Swami, Nishkulanand Swami and Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj (founder of the BAPS).
January 26 : Maha Sud Satam
(Republic Day)
The day the independent nation of India adopted its constitution.
February 17 : Maha Vad Teras
(Shivratri)
This is a festival in honor of Lord Shiv whose marriage to Parvati took place on this day. People observe a fast on this day and stay awake throughout the night, praying to Lord Shiv
March 05 : Fagan Sud Punam
(Holi)
March 06 : Fagan Vad Padvo
(Pushpadolotsav)
Celebrates the protection of Prahlad from his father, the demon-king Hiranyakashipu. Prahlad was seated in a fire with his aunt, Holika. She perished in the fire, but Prahlad survived.
In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, devotees celebrate the birthday of Bhagatji Maharaj, the second spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
March 28 : Chaitra Sud Nom
(Ramnavmi)
The birthday of Bhagwan Ram.
March 28 : Chaitra Sud Nom
(Hari-Nom (Bhagwan Swaminarayan's birthday))
The birthday of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
April 04 : Chaitra Sud Punam
(Hanuman Jayanti)
The birthday of Hanumanji, devotee of Bhagwan Ram.
May 02 : Vaishakh Sud Teras
(Nrusinh Jayanti)
The birthday of Lord Nrusinh, conquerer of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu.
May 04 : Vaishakh Sud Punam
( Buddha Jayanti)
The birthday of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism.
May 15 : Vaishakh Vad Baras
(Yogi Jayanti)
The birthday of Yogiji Maharaj,the fourth spiritual successor to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
May 21 : Jeth Sud Choth
(Pramukh Varani Din)
The day Pramukh Swami Maharaj, as a young 28-year-old, was appointed as the administrative president of BAPS by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.
July 18 : Ashadh Sud Bij
(Rathyatra)
Annual festival in which murtis of the Lord are paraded in decorated chariots around the city. A mammoth festival is held in Jagannathpuri.
July 27 : Ashadh Sud Ekadashi
(Devpodhi Ekadashi)
The first day of Chaturmas - the four holy months. During these months, extra devotional observances are undertaken.
July 31 : Ashadh Sud Punam
(Guru Purnima)
The day on which devotees honor their guru. They pay their respects and offer their gratitude for the spiritual guidance the guru gives.
August 15 : Shravan Sud Padvo
(Independence Day)
The day on which India became an independent, democratic nation.
August 29 : Shravan Sud Punam
(Raksha Bandhan)
September 05 : Shravan Vad Atham
(Janmashtami)
The birthday of Bhagwan Krishna.
September 15 : Bhadarvo Sud Bij
(Sam-Shravani)
Sadhus and Samvedi Brahmins change their janoi (sacred thread) on this day.
September 17 : Bhadarvo Sud Choth
(Ganesh Chaturthi)
The birthday of Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiv and Shri Parvatiji.
September 24 : Bhadarvo Sud Ekadashi
(Jal Jhilani Ekadashi)
The midpoint of chaturmas. The Lord is taken for a boat ride.
September 25 : Bhadarvo Sud Baras
(Vaman Jayanti)
October 01 : Bhadarvo Vad Choth
(Shastriji Maharaj
Smruti Parva)
October 13 : Aso Sud Padvo
(Start of Navratri)
Festival of the nine nights. A period in which special prayers are offered to Shri Parvati, also called Goddess Durga. It celebrates her victory over the demon, Mahishasur.
October 22 : Aso Sud Dasham
(Vijaya Dashmi)
October 26 : Aso Sud Punam
(Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami Janma Jayanti)
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November 09 : Aso Vad Teras
(Dhan Teras/Lakshmi Pujan)
On this day, one's wealth is worshipped and prayers are offered to God for the wisdom to use one's wealth for noble and virtuous purposes only.
November 10 : Aso Vad Chaudas
(Kali Chaudash)
Prayers are offered to protect one from the evil forces of life
November 11 : Aso Vad Amas
(Diwali)
Diwali symbolizes the victory of Good over Evil. The goddess of wealth, Lakshmiji, is worshipped on this day to receive blessings for future prosperity.
November 12 : Kartak Sud Padvo
(Annakut and Bestu Varash)
Offering of different varieties of food to the deities. The first day of the Hindu New Year.
November 13 : Kartak Sud Bij
(Bhai Bij)
The day on which brothers are invited to dine at their sister's house.
November 22 : Kartak Sud Ekadashi
(Prabodhini Ekadashi)
The last day of Chaturmas, after which all extra spiritual observances undertaken over the previous four months may be relaxed.
December 19 : Magshar Sud Atham
(Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Jayanti)
The birthday of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the 5th and present spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.