March 02, 2024: As per the English calendar, the onset of March marks the beginning of a month steeped in religious significance. March brings with it a plethora of major fasts and festivals, just like every year. In March 2024, we can anticipate a calendar filled with auspicious occasions.
Major Festivals in March:
- 6th March – Vijaya Ekadashi: Vijaya Ekadashi falls on the 6th of March. It is a day dedicated to fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that observing this fast brings prosperity and success to the devotee’s life.
- 8th March – Mahashivratri: This year, Mahashivratri falls on the 8th of March. In Hinduism, Mahashivratri holds immense significance as it commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees throng to temples to offer prayers and perform abhishekam to Lord Shiva.
- 10th March – Phalguna Amavasya: Phalguna Amavasya, also known as Phalguna’s new moon day, falls on the 10th of March this year. It is considered auspicious to take a dip in a sacred river and offer water to the sun god after the bath on this day.
- 17th March – Start of Holi Octave: Holi Octave begins from the eighth day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Phalguna and concludes on the full moon day. This year, it starts on the 17th of March and ends on the 24th of March.
- 20th March – Amalaki Ekadashi: Amalaki Ekadashi falls on the 20th of March. On this day, devotees worship the Amla tree and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing this fast with devotion pleases Lord Vishnu and fulfills all desires.
- 24th March – Holika Dahan: Holi, the festival of colors, is preceded by Holika Dahan, which falls on the 24th of March this year. Holika Dahan symbolizes the victory of good over evil and marks the beginning of the Holi festivities.
- 30th March – Rang Panchami: Rang Panchami, celebrated five days after Holi, falls on the 30th of March this year. It marks the end of the festive season and is celebrated with fervor in the city of Vrindavan, where the Holi festivities begin forty days prior.
Ramadan Month
For the Muslim community, the month of Ramadan holds special significance. The commencement of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the moon. If the moon is sighted on the 10th of March, Ramadan will begin on the 11th of March. However, it is anticipated that Ramadan will commence from the 11th of March this year and culminate on the 9th of April.
As March unfolds its array of festivities and fasts, let us embrace the spirit of unity, joy, and devotion that defines these auspicious occasions. Wishing everyone a blissful and blessed month ahead!