December 2020 festival calendar: After an eventful Kartik month, begins Margashirsha. This year, the first day of Margashirsha concurs with the first day of December as per the Purnimant calendar. This month has significant dates like Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Vivah Panchami and Gita Jayanti.
Check out the list of festivals in December 2020:
Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi – December 3
The Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi is a day dedicated to Lord Ganesha. On this day, Lord Ganesha devotees keep a day-long fast and break it only after sighting the Moon at night. Sankashti literally means deliverance from troubles.
Utpanna Ekadashi and Vaikuntha Ekadashi – December 10 and December 25
The Ekadashi Tithi of every lunar fortnight is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On this day, devotees keep a day-long fast, chant the Vishnu Sahasranam and take part in spiritual activities. The Utpanna Ekadashi will be observed on December 10, while Vaikuntha Ekadashi will be celebrated on December 25.
Pradosh Vrat – December 12 and December 27
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. Devotees will keep the Pradosh Vrat on December 12 and December 27.
Somvati or Margashirsha Amavasya – December 14
Amavasya is the New Moon day as per the Hindu calendar. And when the Amavasya Tithi concurs with Somwar (Monday), it is called Somvati Amavasya. Somwar is a day dedicated to Lord Shiva, and therefore, the importance. Moreover, people take a dip in the waters of sacred rivers to pray for the souls of their deceased relatives.
Vinayaka Chaturthi – December 18
Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi of the waxing phase of the Lunar cycle (Shukla Paksha). On this day, devotees keep a fast and perform Lord Ganesha Puja during Madhyana.
Vivah Panchami – December 19
The Panchami Tithi, Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month is believed to be the day when Lord Rama married Devi Sita. This day is celebrated as Vivah Panchami.
Gita Jayanti – December 25
The sacred book of the Hindus, the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita came into being on the Ekadashi Tithi, Shukla Paksha, in the month of Margashirsha.
Christmas – December 25
Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ.
Margashirsha Purnima Vrat – December 29
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.
Dattatreya Jayanti – December 29
The Purnima Tithi of Margashirsha month marks the birth anniversary of Dattatreya, the Lord who is believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Annapurna Jayanti and Bhairavi Jayanti – December 30
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.
