Use this calendar to check Hindu festivals and Vratas for San Jose. 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 2016
Festival and vrata dates for San Jose in October 2016:
- Ghatasthapana (Ashwin Maasa)07:08 AM — Saturday, 1 October 2016.
- Sharad Navaratri Begins✓ — Saturday, 1 October 2016.
- Matamaha Shraddha (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 1 October 2016.
- Ashwin Masarambh✓ — Saturday, 1 October 2016.
- Navaratri Day 1 — Shailaputri✓ — Saturday, 1 October 2016. — 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✓ — Sunday, 2 October 2016. — 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✓ — Monday, 3 October 2016. — 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…
- Navaratri Day 4 — Kushmanda✓ — Tuesday, 4 October 2016. — 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…
- Masik Vinayaka Chaturthi✓ — Tuesday, 4 October 2016.
- Lalita Panchami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Wednesday, 5 October 2016.
- Navaratri Day 5 — Skandamata✓ — Wednesday, 5 October 2016. — 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 …
- Navaratri Day 6 — Katyayani✓ — Thursday, 6 October 2016. — 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…
- Masik Shashti Vratam✓ — Thursday, 6 October 2016.
- Navaratri Day 7 — Kalaratri✓ — Friday, 7 October 2016. — 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 …
- Saraswati Avahana (Puja Begins)✓ — Friday, 7 October 2016.
- Masik Durgashtami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 8 October 2016.
- Saddula Bathukamma✓ — Sunday, 9 October 2016.
- Bathukamma ends✓ — Sunday, 9 October 2016.
- Durga Ashtami✓ — Sunday, 9 October 2016. — 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✓ — Sunday, 9 October 2016.
- Mahagauri✓ — Sunday, 9 October 2016.
- Maha Navami✓ — Sunday, 9 October 2016. — 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✓ — Sunday, 9 October 2016.
- Aparajita Puja (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Monday, 10 October 2016.
- Vijaya Yatra (Seemollanghanam) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Monday, 10 October 2016.
- Vijayadashami / Dussehra / Sade Teen Muhurat✓ — Monday, 10 October 2016. — Symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.
- Saraswati Visarjana (Puja Ends)✓ — Monday, 10 October 2016.
- Smarta Pashankusha Ekadashi (Ashvina Shukla)✓ Completed — Tuesday, 11 October 2016.
- Ashoka Trayodashi Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Wednesday, 12 October 2016.
- Vaishnava Pashankusha Ekadashi (Ashvina Shukla)✓ Completed — Wednesday, 12 October 2016.
- Guru Pradosham (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Thursday, 13 October 2016.
- Shukla Trayodashi Upavasa — Thursday, 13 October 2016.
- Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Friday, 14 October 2016.
- Kojagari Purnima (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Friday, 14 October 2016.
- Valmiki Jayanti (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 15 October 2016.
- Purnima Vrat✓ — Saturday, 15 October 2016.
- Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam✓ — Saturday, 15 October 2016.
- Tula Sankramana (06:02 PM) — Sunday, 16 October 2016.
- Asunya Sayana Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Sunday, 16 October 2016.
- Atla Taddi (Andhra/Telangana) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Monday, 17 October 2016.
- Karwa Chauth (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Tuesday, 18 October 2016. — A traditional fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands.
- Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi — Tuesday, 18 October 2016.
- Karwa Chauth (Ashwin Maasa) — Tuesday, 18 October 2016. — A traditional fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands.
- Krittika Vratam✓ — Tuesday, 18 October 2016.
- Rohini Vratam✓ — Wednesday, 19 October 2016.
- Kalashtami✓ — Friday, 21 October 2016.
- Ashoka Krishna Ashtami Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 22 October 2016.
- Ravi Pushya Yoga✓ — Sunday, 23 October 2016.
- Sarvesham Rama Ekadashi (Ashvina Krishna)✓ Completed — Tuesday, 25 October 2016.
- Govatsa Dwadashi (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Wednesday, 26 October 2016.
- Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Thursday, 27 October 2016. — Marks the beginning of Diwali festivities, considered an auspicious day for purchasing gold and new utensils.
- Guru Pradosham (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Thursday, 27 October 2016.
- Masik Shivaratri (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Friday, 28 October 2016.
- Krishna Trayodashi Upavasa — Friday, 28 October 2016.
- Kedara Gowri Vrat (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 29 October 2016.
- Darsha Shraddha✓ — Saturday, 29 October 2016.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Ashwin Maasa)✓ — Saturday, 29 October 2016.
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) / Lakshmi Puja (Ashwin Maasa) — Saturday, 29 October 2016. — The festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Homes are decorated with lamps and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Govardhan Puja (Kartika Maasa)✓ — Sunday, 30 October 2016.
- Gokridana (Kartika Maasa)✓ — Sunday, 30 October 2016.
- Bali Padyami (Kartika Maasa)✓ — Monday, 31 October 2016.
- Kartika Masarambh✓ — Monday, 31 October 2016.
Hindu Festivals and Important Days
October 2016
| 01OctoberSaturday | Shukla Pratipada (till 7:15 PM) 🔔Ghatasthapana (Ashwin Maasa) 07:08 AM - 11:27 AM; 06:10 PM - 06:45 PM✓ Completed 🔔Sharad Navaratri Begins✓ Completed 🔔Matamaha Shraddha (Ashwin Maasa)✓ 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. |
| 02OctoberSunday | Shukla Dvitiya (till 9:35 PM) 🔔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. |
| 03OctoberMonday | Shukla Tritiya (till (4th) 12:04 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. |
| 04OctoberTuesday | Shukla Chaturthi (till (5th) 2:36 AM) 🔔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. 🔔Masik Vinayaka Chaturthi✓ Completed |
| 05OctoberWednesday | Shukla Panchami (till (6th) 5:02 AM) 🔔Lalita Panchami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔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. |
| 06OctoberThursday | Shukla Shashthi (till (7th) 7:11 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. 🔔Masik Shashti Vratam✓ Completed |
| 07OctoberFriday | Shukla Saptami (till (8th) 8:54 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. 🔔Saraswati Avahana (Puja Begins)✓ Completed |
| 08OctoberSaturday | Shukla Saptami (till 8:54 AM) 🔔Masik Durgashtami (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 09OctoberSunday | Shukla Ashtami (till 10:01 AM) 🔔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 🔔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 |
| 10OctoberMonday | Shukla Navami (till 10:23 AM) 🔔Aparajita Puja (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Vijaya Yatra (Seemollanghanam) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ 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 |
| 11OctoberTuesday | Shukla Dashami (till 9:58 AM) 🔔Smarta Pashankusha Ekadashi (Ashvina Shukla)✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): Wednesday, 12 October 2016 02:14 PM - 02:29 PM✓ Completed |
| 12OctoberWednesday | Shukla Ekadashi (till 8:44 AM) 🔔Ashoka Trayodashi Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Vaishnava Pashankusha Ekadashi (Ashvina Shukla)✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): Thursday, 13 October 2016 07:18 AM - 07:33 AM✓ Completed |
| 13OctoberThursday | Shukla Trayodashi (till (14th) 4:06 AM) 🔔Guru Pradosham (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Shukla Trayodashi Upavasa — Upavasa: Thursday, 13 October 2016 07:18 AM - Friday, 14 October 2016 07:19 AM✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): ≥ Friday, 14 October 2016 07:19 AM |
| 14OctoberFriday | Shukla Chaturdashi (till (15th) 12:55 AM) 🔔Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Kojagari Purnima (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 15OctoberSaturday | Shukla Purnima (till 9:23 PM) 🔔Valmiki Jayanti (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Purnima Vrat✓ Completed 🔔Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam✓ Completed |
| 16OctoberSunday | Krishna Pratipada (till 5:38 PM) 🔔Tula Sankramana (06:02 PM) — Punyakala: 02:02 PM - 06:24 PM✓ Completed 🔔Asunya Sayana Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 17OctoberMonday | Krishna Dvitiya (till 1:53 PM) 🔔Atla Taddi (Andhra/Telangana) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 18OctoberTuesday | Krishna Tritiya (till 10:17 AM) 🔔Karwa Chauth (Ashwin Maasa)✓ CompletedA traditional fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. 🔔Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi — Moonrise: 08:30 PM✓ Completed 🔔Karwa Chauth (Ashwin Maasa) — Moonrise: 08:30 PM✓ CompletedA traditional fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands. 🔔Krittika Vratam✓ Completed |
| 19OctoberWednesday | Krishna Panchami (till (20th) 4:16 AM) 🔔Rohini Vratam✓ Completed |
| 21OctoberFriday | Krishna Saptami (till (22nd) 12:40 AM) 🔔Kalashtami✓ Completed |
| 22OctoberSaturday | Krishna Ashtami (till 11:58 PM) 🔔Ashoka Krishna Ashtami Vratam (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 23OctoberSunday | Krishna Navami (till (24th) 12:00 AM) 🔔Ravi Pushya Yoga✓ Completed |
| 25OctoberTuesday | Krishna Ekadashi (till (26th) 2:00 AM) 🔔Sarvesham Rama Ekadashi (Ashvina Krishna)✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): Wednesday, 26 October 2016 08:26 AM - 01:16 PM✓ Completed |
| 26OctoberWednesday | Krishna Dvadashi (till (27th) 3:45 AM) 🔔Govatsa Dwadashi (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 27OctoberThursday | Krishna Trayodashi (till (28th) 5:50 AM) 🔔Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) (Ashwin Maasa)✓ CompletedMarks the beginning of Diwali festivities, considered an auspicious day for purchasing gold and new utensils. 🔔Guru Pradosham (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 28OctoberFriday | Krishna Chaturdashi (till (29th) 8:10 AM) 🔔Masik Shivaratri (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Krishna Trayodashi Upavasa — Upavasa: Friday, 28 October 2016 07:33 AM - Saturday, 29 October 2016 07:34 AM✓ Completed — Parana (Breaking the fast): ≥ Saturday, 29 October 2016 07:34 AM |
| 29OctoberSaturday | Krishna Chaturdashi (till 8:10 AM) 🔔Kedara Gowri Vrat (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Darsha Shraddha✓ Completed 🔔Naraka Chaturdashi (Ashwin Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) / Lakshmi Puja (Ashwin Maasa) — Pradosha Kaal Muhurta: 18:07 - 20:49 / Nishita Kaal Muhurta: 00:24 - 01:18✓ CompletedThe festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Homes are decorated with lamps and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi. |
| 30OctoberSunday | Amavasya (till 10:38 AM) 🔔Govardhan Puja (Kartika Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Gokridana (Kartika Maasa)✓ Completed |
| 31OctoberMonday | Shukla Pratipada (till 1:09 PM) 🔔Bali Padyami (Kartika Maasa)✓ Completed 🔔Kartika Masarambh✓ 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
San Jose
2016 · October
America/Los_Angeles
