December 2023 Festival Dates: With the onset of December, the solar calendar with 12 months also known as the Gregorian calendar comes to an end, but the traditional Hindu calendar continues to mark Hindu festivities. The Hindu month of Margashirsha concurs with December, and it's known for auspicious days like Vivah Panchami, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Gita Jayanti etc. Therefore, check out the list of festivals in December 2023.
Christmas is the most popular festival in December, celebrated on December 25th by Christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of joy, peace, and goodwill, marked by festive traditions such as exchanging gifts, attending church services, and enjoying special meals with family and friends.
Date | Day | Festival |
---|---|---|
December 4, 2023 | Monday | Kaal Bhairav Jayanti |
December 4, 2023 | Monday | Kalashtami |
December 8, 2023 | Friday | Utpanna Ekadashi |
December 10, 2023 | Sunday | Pradosh Vrat |
December 11, 2023 | Monday | Shivratri |
December 16, 2023 | Saturday | Vivah Panchami |
December 16, 2023 | ? Saturday?? | Telugu Naag Panchami |
December 16, 2023 | ? Saturday?? | Dhanu Sankranti |
December 17, 2023 | Sunday | Champa Shashti |
December 22, 2023 | Friday | The shortest day of the year |
December 22, 2023 | Friday | Gita Jayanti |
December 22, 2023 | Friday | Vaikuntha Ekadashi |
December 22, 2023 | Friday | Mokshada Ekadashi |
December 23, 2023 | Saturday | Matsya Dwadashi |
December 24, 2023 | Sunday | Hanuman Jayanti (Kanada) |
December 25, 2023 | Monday | Rohini Fast |
December 25, 2023 | Monday | Christmas |
December 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Dattatreya Jayanti |
December 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Annapurna Jayanti |
December 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Margashirsha Purnima |
December 30, 2023 | Saturday | Akhurath Sankashti Chaturthi |
Here are some of the major festivals and important days falling in the month of December 2023:
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Margashirsha month. Lord Kaal Bhairav is worshipped as the destroyer of evil and the protector of the universe. Kalashtami is a day dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali.
Utpanna Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha of the Margashirsha month. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared on this day in the form of Matsya avatar to save the world from a great flood.
Bodhi Day is celebrated on the day when Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. It is a day of spiritual awakening and transformation.
The Trayodashi Tithi of every Lunar fortnight is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees observe the Pradosh vrat and break it only after performing puja in the evening during Pradosh Kaal.?
Vivah Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Margashirsha month. It is believed that Lord Rama and Sita got married on this day.
The sacred book of the Hindus, the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, came into being on the Ekadashi Tithi, Shukla Paksha, in the month of Margashirsha.
The Purnima Tithi or the Full Moon day is of great significance in the Hindu calendar. The Purnima of Margashirsha is called Margashirsha Purnima. It is a day chosen for performing the Satyanarayan Puja. On this day, devotees keep a day-long fast.
On the day of Margashirsha Purnima, the Annapurna form of the Mother Goddess is worshipped. She is hailed as the Goddess, who bestows devotees with food. Hence the name Annapurna.
The Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on the Chaturthi Tithi, Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon). On this day, devotees of Lord Ganesha keep a day-long fast and break it only after sighting the Moon at night.
Q: What is the most popular festival in December?
A: Christmas is the most popular festival in December, celebrated on December 25th by Christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of joy, peace, and goodwill, marked by festive traditions such as exchanging gifts, attending church services, and enjoying special meals with family and friends.
Q: Are there any festivals celebrated in December besides Christmas?
A: Yes, there are many other festivals celebrated in December around the world, representing diverse cultures and religious traditions. Some of the notable festivals include:
Hanukkah: An eight-day Jewish festival of lights, typically falling in December, that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Bodhi Day: A Buddhist holiday celebrated on December 8th to commemorate the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha under the Bodhi tree.
Kwanzaa: A seven-day African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, honoring African heritage and culture.
Q: When is the next major festival after Christmas?
A: New Year's Eve is the next major festival after Christmas, celebrated on December 31st to mark the end of one year and the beginning of the next. It is a time for festivities, resolutions, and reflection on the past year.
Q: Are there any festivals that happen throughout December?
A: Yes, there are several festivals that span multiple days or even weeks throughout December. Some examples include:
Advent: A Christian season of preparation for Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before December 25th and marked by special observances and traditions.
Rann Utsav: A cultural festival held in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India, typically taking place from November to February.
Hornbill Festival: A tribal festival showcasing the culture of Nagaland, India, usually held in December.
(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)
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