December is the month of joy, splendour and festivals. Corresponding to the Hindu calendar, the month of December falls between Agrahayana (Margashirsha) and Pausa for the people following the Purnimantha calendar. On the other hand, people following the Amanta calendar regard the month of December between Kartika and Agrahayana. This month is home for several festivals, Ekadashis and Vrats.
December begins with the commemoration of World Aids Day, 1st of December, a day to honour those affected by the pandemic, followed by the celebration of Jyeshta Karte on December 3rd, 2023. The 5th day of December marks the important festival of Kalabhairav Jayanti, which marks the birthday of Lord Kalabhairav. The Utpanna Ekadashi falls on the 8th of December, and the Ekadashi of Utpanna observes the triumph of Lord Vishnu over ‘Murasura’. The Pradosh Vrat falls two days after the observation of Utpanna Ekadashi on the 10th of December.
The Masik Shivaratri of December 2023 falls on the 11th, the auspicious day honouring the omnipotent Lord Shiva. Followed by one of the most sanctified days in the Hindu calendar, Bhaumvati Amavasya, on 12th December, devotees also observe the fasting of Gauri Tapo Vrat on this day. On the 13th of December, the day of Hemant Ritu is observed to mark the beginning of pre-winter. Subsequently, the 14th of December celebrates Chandra Darshan. Dhanu Sankranti, Sravana Vratham, Moola Karte, and Chaturthi Vrat (Vinayaka Chaturthi) fall on the 16th of December. Dhanu Sankranti and Chaturthi Vrat are two of the most well-regarded days of December. The 17th of December, Subrahmanya Sashti, is considered one of the most significant days to worship Lord Murugan. The celebration of Vivah Panchami and Sabarimala Masa Nada Thurappu also falls on the 17th of December. The Monday Fasting, or Somavara Vrata, is considered auspicious by Hindus; this vrat falls on the 18th of December.
The last ten days of this month host several vital festivals, such as Durga Ashtami Vrat on 20th December, followed by the Mokshada Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti on 22nd, this Ekadashi is observed to attain liberation from all sins. The subsequent day, the 23rd, is set aside to observe the Vrat of Vaikuntha Ekadashi; this vrat is observed in hopes of attaining moksha. The 24th of December is dedicated to observing the Karthika Vratam and Pradosh Vrat. The whole world Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on the 25th of December as Christmas; Hindus will observe this day as Rohini Vrat this year. The 26th of December observes the vrats of Annapurna Jayanti, Dattatreya Jayanti, Shri Satyanarayan Vrat, and Margashirsha Purnima Vrat. Mandala Puja and Arudra Darshan's celebrations fall on the following day, 27th December. On the 29th of December, the Purva Aashad Karte is observed, and the final Vrat of 2023 will be the Vrat of Sankashti Chaturthi on 30th December.
The vrats and celebrations of December should be observed and celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion in order to seek the blessings of God. Observing the vrat and celebrating the festivals of this month in its essence would help you achieve your goals and lead a prosperous life.