Annual Festival List, 2018 - Vikram Samvat 2074-2075
January 02 : 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 Teras
(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 22 : 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 Nom
(Republic Day)
The day the independent nation of India adopted its constitution.
February 13 : 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 01 : Fagan Sud Punam
(Holi)
March 02 : 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 25 : Chaitra Sud Nom
(Ramnavmi)
The birthday of Bhagwan Ram.
March 25 : Chaitra Sud Nom
(Hari-Nom (Bhagwan Swaminarayan's birthday))
The birthday of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
March 31 : Chaitra Sud Punam
(Hanuman Jayanti)
The birthday of Hanumanji, devotee of Bhagwan Ram.
April 28 : Vaishakh Sud Teras
(Nrusinh Jayanti)
The birthday of Lord Nrusinh, conquerer of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu.
April 30 : Vaishakh Sud Punam
( Buddha Jayanti)
The birthday of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism.
May 12 : Vaishakh Vad Baras
(Yogi Jayanti)
The birthday of Yogiji Maharaj,the fourth spiritual successor to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
June 17 : 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 14 : 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 23 : Ashadh Sud Ekadashi
(Devshayani Ekadashi)
The first day of Chaturmas - the four holy months. During these months, extra devotional observances are undertaken.
July 27 : 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 Pancham
(Independence Day)
The day on which India became an independent, democratic nation.
August 26 : Shravan Sud Punam
(Raksha Bandhan)
September 03 : Shravan Vad Atham
(Janmashtami)
The birthday of Bhagwan Krishna.
September 11 : Bhadarvo Sud Bij
(Sam-Shravani)
Sadhus and Samvedi Brahmins change their janoi (sacred thread) on this day.
September 13 : Bhadarvo Sud Choth
(Ganesh Chaturthi)
The birthday of Lord Ganesh, son of Lord Shiv and Shri Parvatiji.
September 20 : Bhadarvo Sud Ekadashi
(Jal Jhilani Ekadashi)
The midpoint of chaturmas. The Lord is taken for a boat ride.
September 21 : Bhadarvo Sud Baras
(Vaman Jayanti)
October 03 : Bhadarvo Vad Nom
(Mahant Swami Maharaj's Jayanti)
The birthday of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the 6th and present spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
October 10 : 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 18 : Aso Sud Nom
(Vijaya Dashmi)
October 24 : Aso Sud Punam
(Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami's Birthday)
November 04 : Aso Vad Baras
(Vagh Baras)
Cows, symbolizing Mother Nature, are worshipped on this day.
November 05 : 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 06 : Aso Vad Chaudas
(Kali Chaudash)
Prayers are offered to protect one from the evil forces of life
November 07 : 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 08 : 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 09 : Kartak Sud Bij
(Bhai Bij)
The day on which brothers are invited to dine at their sister's house.
November 19 : 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.
November 23 : Kartak Sud Punam
(Dev Diwali)
Signifies the return of God after spending Chaturmas with King Bali. Today is a day to resolve to free oneself of base instincts.
December 15 : Magshar Sud Atham
(Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Jayanti)
The birthday of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the 5th spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.