January 2025 festivals calendar: Key dates of Ekadashi, Mauni Amavasya, Durgashtami, Pradosh Vrat & other auspicious days in January

January 2025 Hindu Festivals: January marks the beginning of a new year as per the English calendar, bringing fresh opportunities, aspirations, and celebrations. While the winter chill is at its peak, this month offers a vibrant mix of festivals and observances to uplift everyone’s spirits. Globally, people welcome the New Year with great enthusiasm, but according to the Hindu calendar, the New Year typically falls in April.

This article explores the festivals and fasts in January 2025, a month with fewer events than usual, giving people ample time to cherish the winter season and embrace the festivities to their fullest.

Complete Festival Calendar for January 2025

Key Festivals and Fasts in January 2025

The month begins with notable observances, including Skanda Sashti and Masik Durgashtami, which are celebrated with devotion in the first week. As January progresses, several other festivals and fasting days fill the calendar. Below is a detailed breakdown of significant events throughout the month.

First Week Highlights

• Chandra Darshana (1 January, Wednesday): Observing the crescent moon is considered auspicious.
• Vinayaka Chaturthi (3 January, Friday): A day dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
• Skanda Sashti (5 January, Sunday): A day to honour Lord Murugan.
• Masik Durgashtami (7 January, Tuesday): Dedicated to Goddess Durga, observed monthly.

Second Week Festivities

• Masik Karthigai (9 January, Thursday): A festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, known for lighting lamps.
• Shani Trayodashi & Rohini Vrat (10–11 January): Devotees pray for prosperity and well-being.
• Lohri (13 January, Monday): A Punjabi festival marked by bonfires and cultural dances.

Third Week Celebrations

• Makar Sankranti (14 January, Tuesday): The Sun transitions to Capricorn, marking the beginning of Uttarayana. This is celebrated in different states as Pongal, Magh Bihu, and Makaravilakku.
• Pausha Putrada Ekadashi (10 January, Friday): Devotees observe fasting to seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
• Sakat Chauth (15 January, Wednesday): Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed with fasting by mothers for their children’s well-being.

Notable Dates in the Final Week

• Shattila Ekadashi (23 January, Thursday): Observed to honour Lord Vishnu and promote generosity.
• Pradosh Vrat (27 January, Monday): A day for worshipping Lord Shiva during twilight.
• Mauni Amavasya (27 January, Monday): A day of silent reflection and devotion, coinciding with the new moon.
• Magha Navratri Begins (29 January, Wednesday): The start of nine days dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Why January 2025 is Special

This month offers a harmonious blend of fasting days like Ekadashi and Amavasya and joyous festivals such as Lohri, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti. Whether it’s observing Mauni Amavasya with silence or celebrating the harvest with bonfires, January caters to diverse cultural and spiritual needs.

Significance of Fasts and Festivals in January

The festivals and fasting days in January 2025 serve as an opportunity to embrace spirituality, devotion, and joy. From Lord Ganesha’s blessings on Vinayaka Chaturthi to the Sun’s transition on Makar Sankranti, each day holds unique cultural and religious importance.

Make the most of this festive month by participating in these rituals and celebrating the start of 2025 with positivity and devotion.

Note: Dates and timings may change; the details provided are based on current information.