August Festivals: Haryali Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami And More

August is filled with joy, celebration, and religious fervour in India. With several important festivals this month, there's always something to look forward to. Let's dive into the details of the major festivals celebrated in August 2024.

Notable festivals in India

Haryali Teej: 7 August 2024 (Wednesday)

Nag Panchami: 9 August 2024 (Friday)

Independence Day: 15 August (Thursday)

Varalakshmi Vratam: 16 August 2024 (Friday)

Raksha Bandhan: 19 August 2024 (Monday)

Krishna Janmashtami: 26 August 2024 (Monday)

August Festivals: Know all about them

Hariyali Teej: This festival is primarily celebrated by married women in North India. It is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and symbolises love, fertility, and prosperity.

Nag Panchami: This day is dedicated to worshipping snakes, considered sacred in Hindu mythology. People offer milk and prayers to snake deities.

Raksha bandhan: This beautiful festival celebrates the bond between siblings. Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists, and brothers promise to protect their sisters.

Krishna janmashtami: This is one of India's most popular festivals, marking Lord Krishna's birth. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, the scenes of Krishna’s childhood and early youth. On the preceding day, devotees keep a vigil and fast until midnight, the traditional hour of his birth.  Temples and household shrines are decorated with leaves and flowers; sweetmeats are first offered to the god and then distributed as prasada.

Dahi handi: Often celebrated on the day after Janmashtami, this festival involves creating human pyramids to break pots filled with curd, symbolising Krishna's childhood pranks.

August is a month of cultural richness and spiritual significance in India. The festivals celebrated during this time bring people together, fostering unity and harmony. Whether you are observing these festivals or simply experiencing the festive atmosphere, August is sure to be a memorable month. Temples and household shrines are decorated with leaves and flowers; sweetmeats are first offered to the god and then distributed as prasada