Nestled in the Aravalli foothills of Gujarat, the Ambaji Temple draws thousands of devotees each year to honor Goddess Amba. Among the many ceremonies held here, the Ambal Pattabhishekham stands out for its grandeur and deep spiritual resonance. Performed in the South Indian style of worship, this annual ritual transforms Ambaji into the radiant seat of Sri Raja Rajeswari — the supreme sovereign of the universe. It is held during the waxing phase of moon in Ashada month (June - July). History of Ambaji Temple The sacred site at Ambaji marks one of the sixty-four Shakti Peethas, where it is believed that the heart of Goddess Sati fell. This ancient association lends the temple an aura of immense sanctity and historical significance. Over centuries, the temple complex has grown, blending traditional Gujarati architecture with elements inspired by Dravidian temple design, reflecting the cultural unity that the Pattabhishekham ritual itself embodies. The Ritual of Ambal Pattabhishekham ...

Sage Bhrigu and the Origin of Bharuch Sage Bhrigu is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and Vedic traditions, known as one of the Saptaṛṣis (seven great sages) in Hindu cosmology. His association with the city of Bharuch (ancient Bhrigukaccha or Bhrigupura ) in Gujarat ties deeply to its mythical and historical significance. Bharuch’s name is believed to be derived from Sage Bhrigu himself, and the city holds a unique place in both religious and historical narratives of India. Origin Story of Bharuch: The Role of Sage Bhrigu The origin of Bharuch is closely linked to the legend that Sage Bhrigu performed intense penances on the banks of the Narmada River, near the confluence with the Arabian Sea. According to legends, Sage Bhrigu founded the ancient city of Bhrigukaccha (Bhrigu's Hermitage), which later evolved into Bharuch. The region around Bharuch is sacred, as it is believed that Bhrigu established an ashram there. His austerities and spiritual practices elevated the land’...

Dharo Atham is a unique ritual observed in Gujarat during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Badarvo or Bhadrapad month. Dharo Atham 2025 date is August 31. It is observed on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha. Mothers observe Dharo Atham for the wellbeing and long life of their daughters and sons. Dharo Atham ritual consists of worshipping of ‘dharo’, green grass, and listening to the story associated with the ritual. Married women and mothers eat only once in the evening of the eight day of waxing phase of Bhadrapad month. The food eaten on the day is cooked on the previous day.

Kevda Teej, also known as Kewda Trij, is a Hindu ritual observed mainly in Gujarat on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Bhadarvo in Gujarat. In 2025, the date of Kevda Teej is August 26. This observance is quite similar to the Hartalika Teej Vrat. Married and unmarried women observe a fast on the day and offer Kewda flower to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Married women observe the Kevda Trij Vrat for a prosperous and happy married life and for the well-being of their husbands. Unmarried women observe it for getting a good husband. Flowers of Kewda (Agave) are offered to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the day. Women also offer special prayers in Lord Shiva Temples. Some people opt for complete fast others observe a partial fast on the day. Kevada plant is popularly known as fragrant screw pine. The flower is known Kewda (Hindi), Thazhampoo (Tamil), Ketaki / Dhuli Pushpam (Sanskrit). It must be noted here that Kewda flower wa...

Bol Choth, or Bahula Chauth Vrat, is a Hindu observance in the Shravan month in Gujarat . It is observed on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) of Shravan month. Bol Choth 2025 date is August 13. It is observed by both men and women and is performed for the welfare of cows and calves. Bol Choth is observed by all members of the family and is of great importance to the farming community. People pray for the welfare of cattle and other domesticated animals. The animals are thoroughly cleaned and special food is provided to them. People only eat food made from millet on the day. Family members make temporary cooking arrangement outside the house and food is prepared on the day under the open sky. After rituals and prayers, people listen to Bol Choth Vrat Katha which narrates how a cow was spared by a lion and worshipped it for its divine qualities. Bol Choth is observed during Shravan month, which is the period of peak monsoon season. T...

Phool Kajali Vrat is observed by married and unmarried women in the Shravan month in Gujarat . Phool Kajali Vrat 2025 date is on August 12. When is Phool Kajali Vrat Observed? This fasting is observed on the third day during waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of moon in Sawan month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Gujarat. Why is it Observed and Benefits It is observed for the long life of husbands by married women and girls and unmarried women observe it for getting good life partner. Dedicated to The Phool Kajali Vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. How is it observed? Phool Kajali Vrat is observed for five years on Shravan Krishna Paksha Tritiya.  Fasting is for the whole day and women eat only cucumber, milk and other preparations using milk. Married women observe it for a happy and peaceful married life and for the long life of their husbands. Unmarried women perform it to get a good life partner. Phool Kajali Vrat Katha...

Vir Pasli is a festival similar to Raksha Bandhan and is observed in the Shravan month in Gujarat . It is observed on the first Sunday of the Sawan month. Veer Pasli 2025 date is July 27. For some communities it is on July 26 (those observing on first Saturday of Shravan month). Although not widespread, the rituals on the day are strictly observed by certain communities. The ritual is also known as Veer Pasali. Shravan month in Gujarat in 2025 is from July 25 to August 23.  On the day, sister ties a sacred thread on her brother’s wrist. He vows to protect her. Brothers visit their married sister’s home on the day and perform the ritual. Please note that there is some confusion regarding the date of Vir Pasli, some people are claiming that the ritual is observed on the first Saturday of Shravan month while some claim it is observed on first Sunday. Related Veer Pasli Katha - Story of Vir Pasli in Gujarati

Bhe Bharas is a ritual closely associated with Nature and is observed in Gujarat in Shravan month. Bhe Bharas 2026 date is August 25. Married women perform this ritual and it involves praying to various deities in Hindu Pantheon for rains so that the rivers, ponds and lakes are full. A unique feature of the day is that no food is cooked on the day. The food for the day is prepared on the previous day. Married women go to rivers, ponds or wells and perform community puja. It is observed on Shravan Shukla Paksha Dwadasi tithi as per traditional Hindu Gujarati lunar calendar.

Pavitra Baras is a ritual associated with Vaishnava Sect. It is a ritual honoring the Guru with Pavitra – a garland made of pure cotton thread with 365 loops. In 2026, the date of Pavitra Baras is August 25. Vaishnavas also present Pavitra garland to elders and also to other Vaishnava devotees. It is a way of recognizing the divine in all. Pavitra Baras is observed on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Shravan month.  The pavitra garland consists of 365 loops of pure cotton thread tied together with a knot. The ritual is essentially meant to respect Guru. Prasad are distributed after the ritual. This is an important with Lord Krishna worshippers in Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan.

Shitala Satam is dedicated to Goddess Shitala Mata and is observed for the welfare of young children. Shitala Satam 2026 date is September 3 in Gujarat (Shravan Vad 7). Some Gujaratis observe it during Shravan Sud 7 and this is on August 19. You can als read the Shitala satam story below in detail. Mothers perform special pujas and offer prayers to Shitla Mata. The ritual is dedicated to  Goddess Shitala , the goddess of pox and measles. It is observed for the welfare of children and others and to escape from measles and smallpox. There is a popular belief that with the blessings of Goddess Shitala, children and other will be protected from numerous contagious diseases like chickenpox etc. Two Different Dates of Satam Shitala Satam is observed during two different times in Gujarat. In some parts of Gujarat especially that is near to Maharashtra, Shravan Shukla Paksha (Shravan Sud 7 - bright/waxing phase of moon) is preferred. In Saurashtra, Shravan Krishna Paksha (Shra...

Randhan Chhath is a unique ritual observed in Gujarat in Shravan month (July – August) - the day is dedicated to preparing food for Goddess Shitala. Randhan Chhath 2026 date is September 2 (Shravan Vad 6). Some Gujaratis observe it during Shravan Sud 6 and this is on August 18. It is observed on the sixth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) in Shravan month in Gujarat. The day is meant for preparing food (randhan) for the next day, which is Shitala Satam. This Chhath in Shravan Krishna Paksha is not a ritual but is a preparation day for the next day. No food is cooked on Shitala Satam (the next day), people eat only what is prepared on the Randhan Chhath day. Two Different Dates Randhan Chhath is observed during two different times in Gujarat. In some parts of Gujarat especially that is near to Maharashtra, Shravan Shukla Paksha (Shravan Sud 6 - bright/waxing phase of moon) is preferred. In Saurashtra, Shravan Krishna Paksha (Shravan Vad 6 - dark/waning phase o...

Jara Jivantika Puja is mainly observed on Fridays in the Shravan Month in Maharashtra and Gujarat . Jara Jivantika Puja 2026 dates are August 14, August 21, August 28, September 4 and September 11. The vrata is dedicated to Goddess Ma Jivantika – Hindu goddess who is the protector of children. She is also believed in helping couples to get children. Goddess Jivantika is worshipped on all Fridays in Shravan month. Jara Jivantika Mantra The mantra that is chanted on the day is " Om Shri Jivantikayai Namah." Importance of Jara Jivantika Puja The significance of Ma Jivantika and Jara Jivantika Vrat is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. She is the protector of children. Earlier many children used to die before reaching the age of five. The death was more common during the rainy season. Shravan is the peak of rainy season in western parts of India. Mothers therefore kept the vrat for protecting their children. Who Observes Jara Jivantika Puja and How to...

Divaso is a unique ritual performed on the Amavasya or no moon day in the month of Ashada in Gujarat . Divaso 2026 date is August 12. The ritual is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is performed as a sort of invitation to the Shravan month which begins from the next day. The holy month of Shravan is dedicated to God Shiva. On the previous evening of Divaso married women light a lamp and keep it for next 36 hours - till the Shravan month begins. In some regions, seeds are sown in a small container and the lamp is placed before it. The vrat takes its name Divaso from this ritual. Divaso – ‘Deep Vaso’ means residence of the lamp. Friends, relatives and neighbors are served Kheer, Kansar or other sweets. In some regions, the vrat heralds the arrival of the Shravan month. It is also observed for a happy and prosperous family life. The ritual is also associated with Evrat and Jivrat Vrat observed on the same day.

Nutan Varsh 2025 is the first day of Hindu Vikram Year 2082 and is the New Year day in Gujarat . Nutan Varsh 2025 date is October 22. It is also the first day of the financial New Year in North India . It is observed on the Kartik Sud 1 or first day of Kartik Month as per traditional Gujarati calendar. Auspicious time for puja, openings and new beginnings on October 22, 2025 are from 6:40 AM to 9:32 AM.  Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Kuldevi and Kuldevta are worshipped on the day.  Nutan Varsh 2025 which commences on  October 2 2 is also referred as Vikram Samvatsar and Hindu New Year. Hindu Vikram Calendar was started in 57 BC by Emperor Vikramaditya as a commemoration of his victory upon the Shaks. This victory took place at Ujjain , one among the four places associated with Kumbh Mela. This Hindu calendar is also known as Vikram Samvat and begins with the Month Kartik. Nutan Varsh is also popularly known as Bestu Varsh. It must be noted that Annak...

New Year in Gujarat is celebrated on the day after Diwali and it is known as Hindu Vikram New Year. Vikram Year 2082 begins on October 22, 2025 and is also referred as Vikram Samvatsar and Hindu New Year in the respective regions. Vikram Year is the first day of the financial New Year in North India and the New Year begins on this day in Gujarat as per traditional Hindu Gujarati calendar. Auspicious time for puja, openings and new beginnings on October 22, 2025 are from 6:40 AM to 9:32 AM.  The Hindu calendar followed in Gujarat is also known as Vikram Calendar, or Vikram Samvat, and a month is calculated from new moon to Amavasya or no moon. Vikram Era was started in 57 BC by Emperor Vikramaditya as a commemoration of his victory upon the Shaks. This victory took place at Ujjain , one among the four places associated with Kumbh Mela. This Hindu calendar is also known as Vikram Samvat and begins with the Month Kartik or Kartak in Gujarat . Gujarati New Year i...

Siddhpur, also spelled Sidhpur is a town and a municipality in Patan district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is a historical place located on the bank of Sarasvati River. It is also an important pilgrimage center in Gujarat. Sarasvati Purana contains information about the ancient history of this place. Saraswati Purana describes all the holy places and sacred spots related to Sidhpur. Moreover, the work carries historical data, which helps to reconstruct the religious/cultural history. The ancient Saraswati River that disappeared over time ran through Gujarat and Rajasthan before running into the Gulf of Kutch. A large lake known as Siddharajsar is said to be associated with the Saraswati River. It is described in a work called Siddharaja Mahatmya. Most probably, the work is part of the original Saraswati Purana. The lake became the abode of all heavenly Gods. Over the course of time, a king of Gujarat, Jayasimha Siddharaja, built a temple of Shiva at the center of the lake. Th...

Noli Nom Vrat is observed by childless couples during the Shravan month in Gujarat . Noli Nom 2026 date is August 21. It is observed on the ninth day during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Gujarati Sawan month. The story that is listened to during Noli Nom Vrat is quite similar to the Sheetala Satam Vrat observed later in the same month. On the Noli Nom day, the husband and wife fast from morning to evening. At night they take food together. The Vrat is continued annually on the same day till the couple gets a child. Some couples keep performing the vrat indefinitely even after getting a child. This is a kind of thanksgiving. It is generally associated with Goddess Sheetala who is the protector of children. 

Sri Kasht Nivaran Hanuman temple is was constructed in the 18th century and is within the Somnath Mandir complex in Gujarat.  Somnath Temple, which was repeatedly vandalized by Muslim invaders, was rebuilt in 1783 AD by Peshwa of Pune, Raja Bhonsle of Nagpur, Chhatrapati Bhonsle of Kolhapur, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore and Shrimant Patil Buva Shinde of Gwalior. The Hanuman temple was built in the boundary of the renovated Somnath temple to have an incident free construction. As Hanuman here gave courage and conviction to build the temple without any hindrance, the shrine came be known as Kasht Nivaran Hanuman. The murti of Kasht Nivaran Hanuman is five feet tall. He is covered with sindoor all over his body. He eyes are bright and alert. He has ornaments around his neck and arms. The right hand of the murti is in abhaya mudra. Sri Kasht Nivaran Hanuman Mandir is small but a beautiful one.

Mangalwari Chaturthi happens when Chaturthi tithi falls on Mangalvar or Tuesday. Chaturthi is the fourth day of a fortnight as per traditional Hindu calendar.  The popular belief is that prayers done on the day are highly meritorious and rewarding. Prayers on the day are dedicated to Ganesha. Mangalwari Chaturthi 2025 date and time April 1 August 12 December 23 How Is Mangalwari Chaturthi Observed? Fasting from sunrise to moonrise (moon visible). Offering prayers to Ganesha three times - morning, noon and at night. Reading prayers dedicated to Ganesha. Visiting Ganesha temple. Offering donations. Planting trees and feeding animals.

This Gujarati Calendar 2021 followed in Gujarat in India is provided for free by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Please note that this calendar is as per Gujarat Vikram Samvat 2077 – 2078. The 2021 Gujarati Calendar contains important festivals and auspicious dates in Gujarat and uses Gujarati language to mention tithi, fasting, festival details and Sud and Vad Paksha in a traditional Gujarati Month. This Gujarat calendar of 2020 is not in pdf format. But you can save the webpage and use it. You can download it here at the official website of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha .