August 2025 is one of the holiest and busiest months for followers of the Hindu faith. With numerous festivals and fasting days, it reflects the depth and diversity of Indian spiritual life.
From Masik Durgashtami at the start of the month to Radha Ashtami at the end, every few days bring a reason to pray, celebrate, fast, or reflect.
The sacred month of Shravana continues through the first half, known for Monday and Tuesday fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. Mid-month brings Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami, while the last week celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi, Hartalika Teej, and the beginning of the Mahalakshmi Vrat. Here’s a detailed look at the key dates to know.
Key Hindu Festivals and Observances in August 2025
August 1 – Masik Durgashtami
The month begins with Masik Durgashtami, observed on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha during the month of Shravana. It is a monthly observance dedicated to Goddess Durga, marked by fasting and special prayers.
August 2 – Aadi Perukku
Celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu, Aadi Perukku falls on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. Devotees worship rivers and water bodies, praying for fertility, prosperity, and a good harvest.
August 3 – Friendship Day
While not a religious holiday, Friendship Day (first Sunday of August) is widely celebrated across India, especially among the youth.
August 4 to 5 – Fourth Shravan Somwar and Mangala Gauri Vrat
August 4 marks the Fourth Shravan Somwar, a Monday fast dedicated to Lord Shiva.
August 5 sees the Fourth Mangala Gauri Vrat and Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, both significant for marital and family well-being.
August 8 to 10 – A Cluster of Auspicious Days
- August 8 (Friday):
- Varalakshmi Vrat – Worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
- Hayagriva Jayanti – Celebrating Lord Hayagriva, the god of wisdom.
- August 9 (Saturday):
- Raksha Bandhan, Gayatri Jayanti, Narali Purnima, Shravana Purnima, Rigveda and Yajurveda Upakarma, and Sanskrit Diwas all fall on this highly auspicious day. This is also the Purnima Tithi of Shravana month.
- August 10 (Sunday):
- Gayatri Japam, Ishti, and the beginning of Bhadrapada (North Indian calendar).
Mid-August: Janmashtami and National Celebrations
- August 12 (Tuesday): Kajari Teej, Maha Sangada Hara Chathurti, and Heramba Sankashti
- August 13 (Wednesday): Nag Panchami, Agastya Arghya
- August 14 (Thursday): Balarama Jayanti, Randhan Chhath
- August 15 (Friday):
- Janmashtami (Smarta tradition) – Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna
- Shitala Satam, Kali Jayanti, and Independence Day
- Masik Krishna Janmashtami and Indra Savarni Manvadi
- August 16 (Saturday):
- Janmashtami (ISKCON tradition)
- Dahi Handi, Masik Karthigai, Kalashtami
- August 17 (Sunday):
- Simha Sankranti (Sun enters Leo), Malayalam New Year, and Rohini Vrat
Late August: Amavasya, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Goddess Worship
- August 19 (Tuesday): Aja Ekadashi
- August 20 (Wednesday): Budha Pradosh Vrat
- August 21 (Thursday): Masik Shivaratri, Paryushana Parva begins (Jain)
- August 22 (Friday): Pithori Amavasya, Darsha Amavasya, Daiva Savarni Manvadi
- August 23 (Saturday): Pola, Vrishabhotsava, Ishti, Bhadrapada Amavasya
- August 24 (Sunday): Chandra Darshana
- August 25 (Monday): Varaha Jayanti
- August 26 (Tuesday):
- Hartalika Teej, Samaveda Upakarma, Gowri Habba, Rudra Savarni Manvadi
- August 27 (Wednesday):
- Ganesh Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi, and Kerala Vinayaka Chaturthi
- August 28 (Thursday):
- Rishi Panchami, Samvatsari Parva (Jain), Skanda Sashti
- August 30 (Saturday): Lalita Saptami
- August 31 (Sunday):
- Radha Ashtami, Durva Ashtami, Mahalakshmi Vrat Begins, Jyeshtha Gauri Avahana, and Masik Durgashtami
With over 50 festivals, vrats, and spiritual observances, August 2025 offers something deeply meaningful almost every day. Devotees can immerse themselves in worship, fasts, and family bonding, while also enjoying the country’s rich cultural and regional traditions. From the love of siblings on Raksha Bandhan to the divine presence of Ganesha and Krishna, this month is a true celebration of Indian spiritual life.