The world bids farewell to the previous year and welcomes the new year of 2024 with much jubilation. The celebrations of the first month of the year don't stop here. January coincides with the Hindu Lunar Months of Pausha and Magha, hosting several festivals and observations and other significant days to pay homage to the forerunners.
The 4th of January celebrates the Balaji Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Balaji, followed by the Kalashtami, the reminiscence of Lord Kaal Bhairav on the same day. Hindus observe the sacred vrat of Saphala Ekadashi on the 7th of January. Bhauma Pradosh Vrat will fall on the 9th of January. The adherents all across the world observe this vrat with great devotion. Similarly, the observation of Masik Shivaratri will be observed on the same day. The 11th of January hosts two significant observtions, Pausa Amavasya and Uttaraashada Karte. On the subsequent day of January 12th, people celebrate Chandra Darshan and Swami Vivekananda Jayanti. Since he contributed so much to promote the spirits of Indian youngsters, his birthday is also celebrated as National Youth Day.
The celebrations and festivals don't just stop with the first half of the month, the second half of January hosts several festivals such as Bhogi, the first day of Pongal in Tamil Nadu, on the 14th of January. Similarly, devotees observe the fasting of Chaturthi Vrat on this very day. The celebration of Lohri, the Punjabi harvest festival, falls on the exact day, marking a day of celebration and divinity all across India. The 15th of January is the day of Jubilation among Indians as the day marks the sun's transit to Capricorn or Makar Rashi, celebrated as Makar Sankranti. This festival is commemorated under different names across India: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makara Vilakku in Kerala, and Ganga Sagar Snan in West Bengal, amongst others. Observances such as Sri Somavara Vrata and Uttarayana Punyakalam will be held during this day as well.
The 16th of January will be celebrated as the 3rd day of Pongal or as Mattu Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Devotees in Tamil Nadu will also celebrate Lord Murugan on this auspicious day, and the celebration is termed Shasti. The last day of Pongal, or the Kaanum Pongal, is celebrated on the 17th of January, the Sikh celebration of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, celebrated to pay homage to the Sikh guru coincides with the Kaanum Pongal on 17th. Durga Ashtami Vrat, Makara Bharani, and Thai Krithigai are celebrated on the 18th, 19th, and 20th respectively.
The final ten days of this month host festivals and observations, such as Karthika Vratam on 20th January, the day dedicated to Lord Karthikeya, fondly known as Lord Murugan. During this time, devotees perform various Pujas to seek his blessings. Thai Krithigai is also celebrated on the very day, followed by the celebrations of Pausa Putrada Ekadashi and Rohini Vrat on the 21st of January. The 22nd of January is dedicated to observing Soma Pradosh Vrat and Kurma Dwadashi Vrat. The 24th of January marks its significance as Shravana Karte, followed by the important observation of Paush Purnima Vrat and the start of Magha Snan on 25 January. The next day, 26th January, celebrates the day India was declared a republic and is celebrated as the Republic Day.
Sankashti Chaturthi is scheduled for observation on the 29th of January. Notably, as this day aligns with Magha Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the Hindu Calendar, the vrat of Sakat Chauth will also be observed concurrently. Subsequently, on the 30th of January, the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948 will be solemnly commemorated as Gandhi Samadhi.
January unfolds with diverse celebrations, blending joy, tradition, and reflection. From the jubilation of the new year to the poignant remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi's sacrifice, from flying kites on the Makar Sankranti to fasting for the wellbeing of the progeny on Sakat Chauth, each day holds cultural significance. As we conclude this journey through January's rich calendar, may the spirit of unity, gratitude, and cultural enrichment linger. Here's to continued moments of joy and spiritual fulfilment, carrying the warmth of these celebrations into the months that follow.