Use this calendar to check Hindu festivals and Vratas for Chennai. Festival observance is not based on the civil date alone: sunrise, Tithi, Nakshatra, lunar month, and location can all affect the selected day. The astronomical positions are calculated with Swiss Ephemeris, while the observance rules follow traditional Panchanga practice.
How to use this festival calendar
- Select the place carefully: Sunrise and Tithi boundaries differ by location, so the listed date can change between cities or countries.
- Read the timings: When a Tithi spans two civil dates, the applicable sunrise, midday, moonrise, or Pradosha rule may decide the observance day.
- Respect your tradition: Smarta, Vaishnava, regional, family, and temple traditions may apply different rules. Use the calendar as a detailed reference and follow your established custom where required.
Find Festivals by Month
Select a month and year to see the major festivals and Vratas.
Hindu Festivals & Vratas in October 2018
Festival and vrata dates for Chennai in October 2018:
- Mahalakshmi Vrata Samapti (Bhadrapada Maasa)✓ — Tuesday, 2 October 2018.
- Surya Savarni Manvadi✓ — Tuesday, 2 October 2018.
- Madhyashtami✓ — Tuesday, 2 October 2018.
- Mahalakshmi Vratam✓ — Tuesday, 2 October 2018.
- Ardrashtami✓ — Tuesday, 2 October 2018.
- Durga Devi Udyapanam✓ — Tuesday, 2 October 2018.
- Kalashtami✓ — Tuesday, 2 October 2018.
- Ahina Navami✓ — Wednesday, 3 October 2018.
- Guru Pushya Yoga✓ — Thursday, 4 October 2018.
- Sarvesham Indira Ekadashi (Bhadrapada Krishna)✓ Completed — Friday, 5 October 2018.
- Yati Mahalaya✓ — Saturday, 6 October 2018.
- Magha Trayodashi Shraddha✓ — Saturday, 6 October 2018.
- Gajachchaya Yoga✓ — Saturday, 6 October 2018.
- Magha Shraddha✓ — Saturday, 6 October 2018.
- Shani Pradosham (Bhadrapada Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 6 October 2018.
- Gajachchaya✓ — Sunday, 7 October 2018.
- Kaliyugadi✓ — Sunday, 7 October 2018. — The traditional new year for Hindus in the Deccan region, celebrated with special dishes that symbolize the different flavors of life.
- Sastrahata Mahalayam✓ — Sunday, 7 October 2018.
- Masik Shivaratri (Bhadrapada Maasa)✓ — Sunday, 7 October 2018.
- Krishna Trayodashi Upavasa — Sunday, 7 October 2018.
- Gajachchaya Amavasya (Bhadrapada Maasa)✓ — Monday, 8 October 2018.
- Darsha Shraddha✓ — Monday, 8 October 2018.
- Mahalaya Amavasya✓ — Monday, 8 October 2018.
- Bathukamma begins✓ — Tuesday, 9 October 2018.
- Engili Pula Bathukamma✓ — Tuesday, 9 October 2018.
- Ghatasthapana (Ashwin Maasa)06:03 AM — Wednesday, 10 October 2018.
- Sharad Navaratri Begins✓ — Wednesday, 10 October 2018.
- Ashwin Masarambh✓ — Wednesday, 10 October 2018.
- Navaratri Day 1 — Shailaputri✓ — Wednesday, 10 October 2018. — Shailaputri, whose name means 'Daughter of the Mountain', is the first form of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navaratri. She is the daughter of Himavat, the…
- Navaratri Day 2 — Brahmacharini✓ — Thursday, 11 October 2018. — The second form of Durga, Brahmacharini, represents one who practices penance (Tapas). She is depicted holding a rosary and a water pot (kamandal), symbolizi…
- Navaratri Day 3 — Chandraghanta✓ — Friday, 12 October 2018. — Worshipped on the third day, Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. Her name means 'one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell,' as she adorne…
- Masik Vinayaka Chaturthi✓ — Friday, 12 October 2018.
- Lalita Panchami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 13 October 2018.
- Navaratri Day 4 — Kushmanda✓ — Saturday, 13 October 2018. — As the fourth form of Durga, Kushmanda is credited with creating the universe with her divine smile. Her name translates to 'the cosmic egg'. She is depicted…
- Navaratri Day 5 — Skandamata✓ — Sunday, 14 October 2018. — The fifth form, Skandamata, is known as 'The Goddess of Fire' and her name means 'Mother of Skanda,' who is the war god Kartikeya. She is depicted with four …
- Masik Shashti Vratam✓ — Sunday, 14 October 2018.
- Navaratri Day 6 — Katyayani✓ — Monday, 15 October 2018. — Worshipped on the sixth day, Katyayani is the warrior goddess form of Durga. She was born from the combined energies of the gods to defeat the demon Mahishas…
- Saraswati Avahana (Puja Begins)✓ — Monday, 15 October 2018.
- Navaratri Day 7 — Kalaratri✓ — Tuesday, 16 October 2018. — Kalaratri is the seventh and most fearsome form of Goddess Durga. Her name combines 'Kala' (time/death) and 'Ratri' (night), and she embodies the power that …
- Tula Sankramana (06:45 PM) — Wednesday, 17 October 2018.
- Masik Durgashtami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Wednesday, 17 October 2018.
- Saddula Bathukamma✓ — Wednesday, 17 October 2018.
- Bathukamma ends✓ — Wednesday, 17 October 2018.
- Durga Ashtami✓ — Wednesday, 17 October 2018. — Also known as Maha Ashtami, this is one of the most significant days of Navaratri. On this day, the eighth form of Durga, **Mahagauri**, is worshipped, who r…
- Maha Ashtami✓ — Wednesday, 17 October 2018.
- Mahagauri✓ — Wednesday, 17 October 2018.
- Maha Navami✓ — Thursday, 18 October 2018. — This is the great ninth day and the final day of worship. On Maha Navami, Durga is celebrated as Mahisasuramardini, the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasu…
- Saraswati Puja / Ayudha Puja✓ — Thursday, 18 October 2018.
- Vijayadashami / Dussehra / Sade Teen Muhurat✓ — Thursday, 18 October 2018. — Symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.
- Saraswati Visarjana (Puja Ends)✓ — Thursday, 18 October 2018.
- Aparajita Puja (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Friday, 19 October 2018.
- Vijaya Yatra (Seemollanghanam) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Friday, 19 October 2018.
- Sarvesham Pashankusha Ekadashi (Ashvina Shukla)✓ Completed — Saturday, 20 October 2018.
- Ashoka Trayodashi Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Sunday, 21 October 2018.
- Shukla Trayodashi Upavasa — Sunday, 21 October 2018.
- Soma Pradosham (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Monday, 22 October 2018.
- Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Tuesday, 23 October 2018.
- Kojagari Purnima (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Tuesday, 23 October 2018.
- Valmiki Jayanti (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Wednesday, 24 October 2018.
- Purnima Vrat✓ — Wednesday, 24 October 2018.
- Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam✓ — Wednesday, 24 October 2018.
- Asunya Sayana Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Friday, 26 October 2018.
- Karwa Chauth (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 27 October 2018. — A traditional fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands.
- Sankashti Chaturthi — Saturday, 27 October 2018.
- Karwa Chauth (Ashwin Maasa) — Saturday, 27 October 2018. — A traditional fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands.
- Krittika Vratam✓ — Saturday, 27 October 2018.
- Rohini Vratam✓ — Sunday, 28 October 2018.
- Ashoka Krishna Ashtami Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Wednesday, 31 October 2018.
- Ahoi Ashtami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Wednesday, 31 October 2018.
- Kalashtami✓ — Wednesday, 31 October 2018.
Hindu Festivals and Important Days
October 2018
| 02OctoberTuesday | Krishna Ashtami (till (3rd) 2:17 AM) 🔔Mahalakshmi Vrata Samapti (Bhadrapada Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Surya Savarni Manvadi✓ Completed 🔔Madhyashtami✓ Completed 🔔Mahalakshmi Vratam✓ Completed 🔔Ardrashtami✓ Completed 🔔Durga Devi Udyapanam✓ Completed 🔔Kalashtami✓ Completed |
| 03OctoberWednesday | Krishna Navami (till (4th) 12:10 AM) 🔔Ahina Navami✓ Completed |
| 04OctoberThursday | Krishna Dashami (till 9:49 PM) 🔔Guru Pushya Yoga✓ Completed |
| 05OctoberFriday | Krishna Ekadashi (till 7:17 PM) 🔔Sarvesham Indira Ekadashi (Bhadrapada Krishna)✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): Saturday, 06 October 2018 06:01 AM - 08:41 AM✓ Completed |
| 06OctoberSaturday | Krishna Dvadashi (till 4:40 PM) 🔔Yati Mahalaya✓ Completed 🔔Magha Trayodashi Shraddha✓ Completed 🔔Gajachchaya Yoga✓ Completed 🔔Magha Shraddha✓ Completed 🔔Shani Pradosham (Bhadrapada Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 07OctoberSunday | Krishna Trayodashi (till 2:02 PM) 🔔Gajachchaya✓ Completed 🔔Kaliyugadi✓ CompletedThe traditional new year for Hindus in the Deccan region, celebrated with special dishes that symbolize the different flavors of life. 🔔Sastrahata Mahalayam✓ Completed 🔔Masik Shivaratri (Bhadrapada Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Krishna Trayodashi Upavasa — Upavasa: Sunday, 07 October 2018 06:01 AM - Monday, 08 October 2018 06:01 AM✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): ≥ Monday, 08 October 2018 06:01 AM |
| 08OctoberMonday | Krishna Chaturdashi (till 11:32 AM) 🔔Gajachchaya Amavasya (Bhadrapada Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Darsha Shraddha✓ Completed 🔔Mahalaya Amavasya✓ Completed |
| 09OctoberTuesday | Amavasya (till 9:16 AM) 🔔Bathukamma begins✓ Completed 🔔Engili Pula Bathukamma✓ Completed |
| 10OctoberWednesday | Shukla Pratipada (till 7:25 AM) 🔔Ghatasthapana (Ashwin Maasa) 06:03 AM - 07:25 AM✓ Completed 🔔Sharad Navaratri Begins✓ Completed 🔔Ashwin Masarambh✓ Completed 🔔Navaratri Day 1 — Shailaputri✓ CompletedShailaputri, whose name means 'Daughter of the Mountain', is the first form of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navaratri. She is the daughter of Himavat, the Mountain King, and is considered a reincarnation of Goddess Sati. Depicted with two hands, she holds a trident in her right and a lotus in her left, while riding the bull Nandi. As the embodiment of the combined power of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, she is worshipped for strength, health, and prosperity. |
| 11OctoberThursday | Shukla Dvitiya (till 6:06 AM) 🔔Navaratri Day 2 — Brahmacharini✓ CompletedThe second form of Durga, Brahmacharini, represents one who practices penance (Tapas). She is depicted holding a rosary and a water pot (kamandal), symbolizing her ascetic life. According to mythology, she undertook severe penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband, demonstrating immense devotion and self-control. Devotees worship her for blessings of commitment and unwavering faith. |
| 12OctoberFriday | Shukla Chaturthi (till (13th) 5:34 AM) 🔔Navaratri Day 3 — Chandraghanta✓ CompletedWorshipped on the third day, Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati. Her name means 'one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell,' as she adorned her forehead with a crescent moon after marrying Lord Shiva. She is depicted with ten hands holding various weapons, riding a tiger, and has her third eye always open, signifying her readiness to battle evil. She is a compassionate mother figure to her devotees, bestowing peace and courage. 🔔Masik Vinayaka Chaturthi✓ Completed |
| 13OctoberSaturday | Shukla Panchami (till (14th) 6:28 AM) 🔔Lalita Panchami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Navaratri Day 4 — Kushmanda✓ CompletedAs the fourth form of Durga, Kushmanda is credited with creating the universe with her divine smile. Her name translates to 'the cosmic egg'. She is depicted with eight arms, holding weapons, a rosary, and jars of elixir and blood, while riding a tiger. It is believed that she possesses the power to reside within the core of the sun, giving it its brightness. Devotees worship her for good health, wealth, and strength. |
| 14OctoberSunday | Shukla Panchami (till 6:28 AM) 🔔Navaratri Day 5 — Skandamata✓ CompletedThe fifth form, Skandamata, is known as 'The Goddess of Fire' and her name means 'Mother of Skanda,' who is the war god Kartikeya. She is depicted with four arms, riding a lion, and holding the infant Skanda on her lap. The worship of Skandamata is considered twice blessed as it automatically includes the worship of her son, bringing grace from both deities. She symbolizes the nurturing and protective love of a mother. 🔔Masik Shashti Vratam✓ Completed |
| 15OctoberMonday | Shukla Shashthi (till 8:05 AM) 🔔Navaratri Day 6 — Katyayani✓ CompletedWorshipped on the sixth day, Katyayani is the warrior goddess form of Durga. She was born from the combined energies of the gods to defeat the demon Mahishasura. She is depicted riding a lion, wielding a sword and a lotus in her hands. As a symbol of courage and strength, she is worshipped by devotees seeking victory over personal challenges and the removal of negativity. 🔔Saraswati Avahana (Puja Begins)✓ Completed |
| 16OctoberTuesday | Shukla Saptami (till 10:16 AM) 🔔Navaratri Day 7 — Kalaratri✓ CompletedKalaratri is the seventh and most fearsome form of Goddess Durga. Her name combines 'Kala' (time/death) and 'Ratri' (night), and she embodies the power that ends darkness and ignorance. Despite her intimidating appearance, she is also known as Shubankari (auspicious), as she makes her devotees fearless. Her vehicle is a donkey, and she is worshipped as the destroyer of all evil spirits. |
| 17OctoberWednesday | Shukla Ashtami (till 12:50 PM) 🔔Tula Sankramana (06:45 PM) — Punyakala: 09:45 AM - 05:45 PM✓ Completed 🔔Masik Durgashtami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Saddula Bathukamma✓ Completed 🔔Bathukamma ends✓ Completed 🔔Durga Ashtami✓ CompletedAlso known as Maha Ashtami, this is one of the most significant days of Navaratri. On this day, the eighth form of Durga, **Mahagauri**, is worshipped, who represents peace and purity. It's believed that Goddess Chamunda appeared from Durga's forehead on this day to defeat demons. Rituals like Kanya Puja (worshipping young girls) and Astra Puja (worship of weapons) are commonly performed. 🔔Maha Ashtami✓ Completed 🔔Mahagauri✓ Completed |
| 18OctoberThursday | Shukla Navami (till 3:29 PM) 🔔Maha Navami✓ CompletedThis is the great ninth day and the final day of worship. On Maha Navami, Durga is celebrated as Mahisasuramardini, the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Devotees also worship Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Durga. Her name means 'giver of supernatural powers,' and she is believed to grant all perfections (`siddhis`) to her devotees. The day is marked by rituals like Kanya Puja, concluding the nine days of worship. 🔔Saraswati Puja / Ayudha Puja✓ Completed 🔔Vijayadashami / Dussehra / Sade Teen Muhurat✓ CompletedSymbolizes the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. 🔔Saraswati Visarjana (Puja Ends)✓ Completed |
| 19OctoberFriday | Shukla Dashami (till 5:57 PM) 🔔Aparajita Puja (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Vijaya Yatra (Seemollanghanam) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 20OctoberSaturday | Shukla Ekadashi (till 8:01 PM) 🔔Sarvesham Pashankusha Ekadashi (Ashvina Shukla)✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): Sunday, 21 October 2018 06:03 AM - 09:55 AM✓ Completed |
| 21OctoberSunday | Shukla Dvadashi (till 9:31 PM) 🔔Ashoka Trayodashi Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Shukla Trayodashi Upavasa — Upavasa: Sunday, 21 October 2018 06:03 AM - Monday, 22 October 2018 10:23 PM✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): ≥ Monday, 22 October 2018 10:23 PM |
| 22OctoberMonday | Shukla Trayodashi (till 10:23 PM) 🔔Soma Pradosham (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 23OctoberTuesday | Shukla Chaturdashi (till 10:36 PM) 🔔Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Kojagari Purnima (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 24OctoberWednesday | Shukla Purnima (till 10:15 PM) 🔔Valmiki Jayanti (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Purnima Vrat✓ Completed 🔔Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam✓ Completed |
| 26OctoberFriday | Krishna Dvitiya (till 8:09 PM) 🔔Asunya Sayana Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 27OctoberSaturday | Krishna Tritiya (till 6:38 PM) 🔔Karwa Chauth (Ashwin Maasa)✓ CompletedA traditional fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. 🔔Sankashti Chaturthi — Moonrise: 08:00 PM✓ Completed 🔔Karwa Chauth (Ashwin Maasa) — Moonrise: 08:00 PM✓ CompletedA traditional fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. 🔔Krittika Vratam✓ Completed |
| 28OctoberSunday | Krishna Chaturthi (till 4:54 PM) 🔔Rohini Vratam✓ Completed |
| 31OctoberWednesday | Krishna Saptami (till 11:10 AM) 🔔Ashoka Krishna Ashtami Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Ahoi Ashtami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Kalashtami✓ Completed |
This calendar of festivals and important days has been prepared based on the rules given in Hindu scriptures like Nirnaya Sindhu, Dharma Sindhu, etc. It has been created for the benefit of all followers of Hinduism worldwide. If you find any mistake in this calendar regarding any festival or any important day, or if any festival related to your region is not included, please inform me by emailing admin@onlinejyotish.com. Thank you for your cooperation.
Glossary: Understanding Hindu Calendar Terms
These terms help explain why a festival date may differ from a printed calendar or a nearby temple:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Tithi | A lunar day. It is the time taken by the Moon to move 12 degrees away from the Sun. |
| Nakshatra | One of the 27 divisions along the Moon’s path. Some festivals and Vratas require a particular Nakshatra. |
| Purnimant / Amavasyant | Purnimant months end on Full Moon (North India). Amavasyant months end on No Moon (South India). |
| Smarta vs Vaishnava | Smarta and Vaishnava observances can fall on different dates because their sunrise and Tithi-purity rules are not identical. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Festival dates depend on location, sunrise, the duration of the Tithi, and the rule used for that observance. A temple may also follow a regional Panchanga, a traditional school, or its own established custom. A different date does not automatically mean that either calendar is wrong.
Smarta and Vaishnava traditions apply different sunrise and Dashami-overlap rules. This can place the fast on consecutive dates. Follow the tradition observed by your family, Guru, or temple.
An eclipse can affect worship, fasting, temple schedules, and Sutak observance. The effect depends on visibility at the selected location and on the tradition being followed, so local guidance may still be necessary.
How the dates are prepared: Astronomical positions are calculated with Swiss Ephemeris. Festival-selection rules are maintained from traditional Panchanga references under the guidance of Sri Santhosh Kumar Sharma. Regional and sectarian practice can still differ.
City · Year
Chennai
2018 · October
Asia/Kolkata
