Ashvin (month): Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by 245CMR
Last edited March 28, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
m Removed empty portal template using script
m adjust information as per guidelines and added references to improve readability
 
Line 2: Line 2:
{{redirect|Ashwin}}
{{redirect|Ashwin}}
{{Infobox month
{{Infobox month
| image      = Durga puja in Dhakeshwari temple.jpg
| image      = The_Rangoli_of_Lights.jpg
| alt        =  
| alt        =
| caption    = Celebration of [[Durga Puja]] is a highlight of the month of Asvin in the [[Bengal region]]
| caption    = [[Diwali]], the major [[Hindu]] [[Diwali|festival of lights]] is celebrated during the month
| native_name = {{Native name|sa|अश्विन्}}
| native_name = {{Native name|sa|अश्विन्}}
| calendar    = * [[Hindu calendar]]
| calendar    = [[Hindu calendar]]
* [[Bengali calendar]]
| num        = 7
| num        = * 7 (Hindu calendar)
| days        = 29 or 30
* 6 (Bengali calendar)
| season      = [[Sharada (season)|Sharada]] ([[autumn]])
| days        =  
| gregorian  = [[September]]–[[October]]
* 31 (Bangladesh)
| holidays    = {{ubl |[[Diwali]]{{efn|name=Amanta|As per Amanta tradition, which is officially followed by the [[Indian national calendar]]. The Hindu calendar follows two various systems:Amanta and Purnimanta. As per the amānta tradition, the lunar month ends on the [[new moon]] day and as per the purnimānta tradition, it ends on the [[full moon day]]. As a consequence, in the amanta tradition, [[Shukla paksha]] ([[waning moon]]) precedes [[Krishna paksha]] ([[waxing moon]]) in every lunar month, whereas the reverse happens in purnimānta tradition. Hence, Shukla paksha will always belong to the same month in both traditions, whereas Krishna paksha will always be associated with different but succeeding months in each tradition.<ref>{{cite book|author=V. R. Ramachandra Dikshitar|title=The Gupta Polity|publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]]|year=1993|isbn=978-81-208-1024-2|pages=24–35}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Amānta and Pūrṇimānta – Decoding Hindu Lunar Months |url=https://divinehindu.com/hinduism/amanta-and-purnimanta-decoding-hindu-lunar-months/|work=Divine Hindu |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lunar months – Pūrṇimānta and Amānta system |url=https://www.ekohumm.com/article/lunar-months-purnimanta-and-amanta-system|work=Ekohumm |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref>}} |[[Durga Puja]] |[[Kali Puja]]{{efn|name=Amanta}} |[[Karwa Chauth]]{{efn|name=Amanta}} |[[Navaratri]] |[[Sharad Purnima]] |[[Vijayadashami]]}}
* 30/31 (India)
| prev_month  = [[Bhadrapada]] / [[Bhadro]]
| season      = Autumn
| next_month  = [[Kārtika (month)|Kartika]]
| gregorian  = September–October
| holidays    = * [[Durga Puja]]
* [[Diwali]] (Amanta)
* [[Kali Puja]] (Amanta)
* [[Navaratri]]
* [[Sharad Purnima]]
* [[Karwa Chauth]] (Amanta)
| prev_month  = [[Bhadra (Hindu calendar)|Bhadra]] (Hindu)<br />[[Bhadro]] (Bengali)
| next_month  = [[Kārtika (month)|Kartika]] (Hindu)<br />[[Kartik (month)|Kartik]] (Bengali)
}}
}}
'''Ashvin''' or '''Ashwin''' or '''Ashwan''' ({{IPAc-en|ə|'|ʃ|w|ɪ|n}}; {{lang-bn|আশ্বিন}}; {{lang-hi|आश्विन}}; {{lang-or|ଆଶ୍ୱିନ}}; [[Malay language|Malay]]/[[Indonesian language|Indonesian]]: ''Aswin''; [[Thai language|Thai]]: ''Asawin''), also known as '''Aswayuja''', is the seventh month of the lunisolar [[Hindu calendar]], the solar [[Tamil calendar]], where it is known as Aippasi, and the solar [[Indian national calendar]]. It is the sixth month of the [[Bengali calendars|solar Bengali calendar]] and the seventh of the lunar [[Indian national calendar|Indian calendar]] of the [[Deccan Plateau]]. It falls in the season of ''Shôrot'' (Hindi ''Sharad''), or [[autumn]]. In [[Hindu astrology]], Ashvin begins with the [[Sun]]'s enter into [[Virgo (constellation)|Virgo]].
{{Hinduism}}
'''Ashvin''' ({{IPAc-en|ə|'|ʃ|w|ɪ|n}}; {{langx|sa|अश्विन}}; <!--Do not use any Indic and South East Asian script for this introduction section without Sanskrit, because this Sanskrit based month name use almost 100+ South and Southeast Asian languages. So it's can create confusions--> [[Malay language|Malay]]/[[Indonesian language|Indonesian]]: ''Aswin''; [[Thai language|Thai]]: ''Asawin''), or '''Ashwin''', also known as '''Aswayuja''', is the seventh [[month]] of the [[Hindu calendar|Hindu]] [[lunar calendar]] and the [[Indian national calendar]].<ref>{{cite book|editor=Kenneth W. Morgan|title=The Religion Of The Hindus|year= 1987|publisher=[[Motilal Banarsidass]]|isbn=978-8-120-80387-9|page=96}}</ref> The name of the month is derived from the position of the [[Moon]] near the [[Ashvini]] [[nakshatra]] (star) on the [[full moon]] day.<ref name="Ety">{{cite book|title=Heavens and Earth: The Story of Astrology Through Ages and Cultures|author=Garima Garg|year=2022|isbn=978-9-354-92705-8|publisher=[[Penguin Random House]]|page=75}}</ref> The month corresponds to the [[autumn]] ([[Sharada (season)|Sharada]]) [[Ritu (Indian season)|season]] and falls in September&ndash;October of the [[Gregorian calendar]].<ref>{{cite book|editor=Helene Henderson|year=2005|title=Holidays, festivals, and celebrations of the world dictionary|edition=Third|location=[[Detroit]]|publisher=Omnigraphics|page=xxix|isbn=978-0-780-80982-6}}</ref>


It overlaps with September and October<ref>Henderson, Helene. (Ed.) (2005) ''Holidays, festivals, and celebrations of the world dictionary'' Third edition. Electronic edition. Detroit: Omnigraphics, p. xxix. {{ISBN|0-7808-0982-3}}</ref> of the [[Gregorian calendar]] and is the month in which [[Diwali]], the festival of lights, is celebrated according to the [[Hindu_calendar#amanta|amanta]] tradition (Diwali falls in [[Kārtika (month)|Kartika]] according to the [[Hindu_calendar#purnimanta|purnimanta]] tradition). In lunar religious calendars, Ashvin begins on the new moon or the full moon around the time of the [[September equinox]].
In the Hindu [[solar calendar]], it corresponds to the month of [[Kanya]] and begins with the [[Sun]]'s entry into [[Virgo (constellation)|Virgo]].<ref name="Siddhantha">{{cite book|title=The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar|author1=Robert Sewell|author2=John Faithful Fleet|year=1989|publisher=[[Asian Educational Services]]|page=334}}</ref> It corresponds to Ashshin, the sixth month in the [[Bengali calendar]].<ref name="Siddhantha"/> In the [[Tamil calendar]], it corresponds to the seventh month of [[Aipasi]], falling in the Gregorian months of October&ndash;November.<ref name="Siddhantha"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/tamil-calendar.html|title=Tamil Calendar – Months |work=Time and Date |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> In the [[Vaishnav]] calendar, it corresponds to the seventh month of Padmanabha.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vaisnavacalendar.info/aboutcalendar.htm|title=Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services – About Calendar |work=Vaisnava Calendar |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.isvara.org/archive/on-the-calendar-by-srila-prabhupada/ |title=Something about the Vaisnava Calendar |work=ISVARA |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>
 
In the Hindu lunar calendar, each month has 29 or 30 days. The month begins on the next day after [[Amavasya]] ([[new moon]]) or [[Purnima]] ([[full moon]]) as per the [[Hindu calendar#Amānta and Purnimānta systems|amanta]] and [[Hindu calendar#Amānta and Purnimānta systems|purnimanta]] systems, respectively. A month consists of two cycles of 15 days each, [[Shukla Paksha]] ([[waning moon]]) and [[Krishna Paksha]] ([[waxing moon]]). Days in each cycle is labeled as a [[thithi]], with each thithi repeating twice in a month.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/practice/festivals/the-hindu-calendar/|title=Hindu calendar|work=[[ISKCON]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aryasamajhouston.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=166&Itemid=125|title=Hindu calendar|work=[[Arya Samaj]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> In the Bengali calendar, it earlier consisted of 30 days before being [[Bengali calendars#2018 Revision|revised]] to 31 days in [[Bangladesh]] in October 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ashshin in 31 days in revised Bangla calendar |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/191106/ashshin-in-31-days-in-revised-bangla-calendar|work=Dhaka Tribune |date=22 October 2019 |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Govt revises Bangla calendar to match national days with West |url=https://www.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/govt-revises-bangla-calendar-to-match-national-days-with-west-1571292255|work=[[The Financial Express (Bangladesh)|The Financial Express]] |date=17 October 2019 |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref> [[Diwali]], the [[Diwali|festival of lights]], and [[Navaratri]] are major Hindu festivals celebrated in the month.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
[[Ashvini]] is the first star that appears in the evening sky. In [[Indian astrology]], it is the head of [[Aries (constellation)|Aries]], or the first of the 27 [[Nakshatra]]. Ashvin also stands for the [[divine twins]], the [[Ashvins]], the gods of vision, [[Ayurvedic medicine]], the glow of sunrise and sunset, and the aversion of misfortune and sickness in [[Hindu mythology]]. ''Asawin'' is the [[Thai language|Thai]] variant of Ashvin and stands for the warrior. The term is often translated into English as "knight". The Ashvins are described as representing the "blending of light and darkness" during the twilight period.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jah |first=J.C |title=The Hindu Festival of Divali in the Caribbean |publisher=Mona, Jamaica: Routledge |year=1976 |pages=53 |language=English}}</ref>
The name of the month is derived from [[Ashvini]], which is the first of the 27 [[nakshatra]]s (star). It is based on the position of the [[Moon]] near the star on the [[full moon]] day.<ref name="Ety"/> In [[Indian astrology]], it is the head of the [[constellation]] [[Aries (constellation)|Aries]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nakshatra Ashwini – Vedic Astrology |url=https://vedicfeed.com/ashwini-nakshatra/|work=Vedic Feed |access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref> In [[Hindu mythology]], [[Ashvins]] are [[divine twin]] horsemen, who are associated with healing and are considered the bringers of dawn.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ashvins – The Hindu Gods of Healing and Medicine |url=https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/concepts/aswins.asp|work=HinduWebsite |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ashvins: Divine Twin Gods – Hindu Temple Talk |url=https://hindutempletalk.org/2024/08/25/ashvini-kumaras-hindu-twin-gods-of-medicine-dawn-and-healing/|work=Hindu Temple Talk |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref> In [[Thai language|Thai]], Aswin means a warrior or knight, and are described as representing the "blending of light and darkness" during twilight.<ref>{{cite book |last=Jah |first=J.C |title=The Hindu Festival of Divali in the Caribbean |publisher=Mona, Jamaica: Routledge |year=1976 |pages=53}}</ref>


==Festivals==
==Festivals==
Several major Hindu holidays take place in Ashvin. Those are as follows:
=== Diwali ===
# [[Navaratri]] (1-9 lunar Ashvin)
[[Diwali]] is a five‑day [[Hindu]] [[Diwali|festival of lights]] marking the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil.<ref>{{cite web |title=Deepavali |url=https://www.itslife.in/festivals/deepavali|work=Its Life |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Mead |first=Jean |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QJyZKOtHWg4C&dq=deepavali+hinduism&pg=PA5 |title=How and why Do Hindus Celebrate Divali? |date=February 2008 |publisher=Evans Brothers |isbn=978-0-237-53412-7 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111150755/https://books.google.com/books?id=QJyZKOtHWg4C&dq=deepavali+hinduism&pg=PA5#v=onepage&q=deepavali%20hinduism&f=false |archive-date=11 November 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Vasudha Narayanan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rdTJJEQsDHoC&pg=PA31 |title=Celebrate Diwali |last2=Deborah Heiligman |publisher=National Geographic Society |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-4263-0291-6 |page=31 |access-date=14 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102023011/https://books.google.com/books?id=rdTJJEQsDHoC&pg=PA31 |archive-date=2 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Dhanteras]] marks the first day of the festival and is celebrated on [[Trayodashi]] (thirteenth lunar day) of [[Krishna Paksha]] ([[waxing moon]]) of the month. It is dedicated to the worship of goddess [[Lakshmi]], lord [[Kubera]] and lord [[Dhanvantari]].<ref>{{cite book |last= Hope-Murray |first= Angela |date= 2013 |title= Ayurveda For Dummies |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DHfCCAAAQBAJ&q=dhanvantari&pg=PA10 |publisher= [[John Wiley & Sons]] |page= 10|isbn= 978-1-118-30670-3 }}</ref> [[Naraka Chaturdasi]] is celebrated on the next day ([[Chaturdashi]]) and commemorates the defeat of [[Narakasura]] by god [[Krishna]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=to_U9I6Ol9wC&q=narakasur+kali&pg=PA89 | title=Prataparudradeva, the Last Great Suryavamshi King of Orissa (A.D. 1497 to A.D. 1540) | publisher=Northern Book Centre | author=Ray, Dipti | year=2007 | pages=89 | isbn=978-8-172-11195-3 |access-date=22 October 2014}}</ref> [[Lakshmi Puja]] is celebrated on the [[Amavasya]] ([[new moon]], and marks the main night of festivities. It is dedicated to welcoming prosperity by worshipping Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. People light lamps ([[Diya (lamp)|diya]]s), burst [[Firecracker|crackers]], and do pujas.<ref name="NDTV">{{cite web |title=Happy Diwali: Deepavali, Kali Puja, Naraka Chaturdasi, Ramayana, The Legends Linked To Diwali |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/happy-diwali-deepavali-kali-puja-naraka-chaturdasi-ramayana-legends-linked-to-diwali-2120984|work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
# [[Durga Puja]] (6-10 lunar Ashvin)
 
# [[Saraswati Puja]] in [[South India]] (8-10 lunar Ashvin)
The festivities and traditions vary across regions and commemorate other Hindu gods and goddesses.<ref>{{cite book|author=Suzanne Barchers |year=2013 |title=The Big Book of Holidays and Cultural Celebrations |publisher=Shell Education |isbn=978-1-4258-1048-1}}</ref> [[Kali Puja]] is celebrated in parts of India during the new moon day, and is dedicated to goddess [[Kali]].<ref name="NDTV"/> While primarily a Hindu festival, variations of Diwali are also celebrated by adherents of other faiths. For [[Jainism|Jains]], [[Diwali (Jainism)|own Diwali]] marks the final liberation of [[Mahavira]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Sharma |first1=S.P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wPPr9HdmnHcC&q=diwali+mahavira+527&pg=PA79 |title=Fairs and Festivals of India |last2=Gupta |first2=Seema |publisher=Pustak Mahal |year=2006 |isbn=978-81-223-0951-5 |page=79 |access-date=10 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126200725/https://books.google.com/books?id=wPPr9HdmnHcC&q=diwali+mahavira+527&pg=PA79 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Upadhye |first=A.N. |date=Jan–Mar 1982 |editor-last=Cohen |editor-first=Richard J. |title=Mahavira and His Teachings |journal=Journal of the American Oriental Society |volume=102 |issue=1 |pages=231–232 |doi=10.2307/601199 |issn=0003-0279 |jstor=601199}}</ref> [[Sikhism|Sikh]]s celebrate [[Bandi Chhor Divas]] to mark the release of [[Guru Hargobind]] from [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] imprisonment.<ref>{{cite book |last=Geoff Teece |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kJO1WIABhPQC&pg=PA23 |title=Sikhism |publisher=Smart Apple Media |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-58340-469-0 |page=23 |access-date=14 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102024403/https://books.google.com/books?id=kJO1WIABhPQC&pg=PA23 |archive-date=2 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Newar Buddhism|Newar Buddhists]] also celebrate Diwali.<ref>{{cite book |last=Todd T. Lewis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=whZ5kAPSwl8C&pg=PA118 |title=Popular Buddhist Texts from Nepal: Narratives and Rituals of Newar Buddhism |date=7 September 2000 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-791-49243-7 |pages=118–119 |access-date=14 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102030235/https://books.google.com/books?id=whZ5kAPSwl8C&pg=PA118 |archive-date=2 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Prem Saran |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5-DfCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA175 |title=Yoga, Bhoga and Ardhanariswara: Individuality, Wellbeing and Gender in Tantra |publisher=[[Routledge]] |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-136-51648-1 |page=175 |access-date=14 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102021020/https://books.google.com/books?id=5-DfCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA175 |archive-date=2 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
# [[Vijayadashami]] or [[Dussehra]] (10 lunar Ashvin), the last day of Navaratri
 
# [[Kojagiri Poornima]] (15 lunar Ashvin)
=== Navaratri ===
# [[Diwali]] festival ([[Hindu_calendar#amanta|amanta]] tradition), including [[Dhanteras]] (28 lunar Ashvin), [[Naraka Chaturdasi]] (29 lunar Ashvin) and [[Lakshmi Puja]] (30 lunar Ashvin)
[[File:Durga puja in Dhakeshwari temple.jpg|thumb|[[Durga Puja]] is a major festival in [[Bengal region]]]]
# [[Kali Puja]] (new moon of lunar Ashvin), which is held as per the [[lunar calendar]], usually falls in this month.


==Regional variation==
[[Navaratri]] is a nine‑day festival dedicated to various [[Hindu]] goddesses.<ref name="Festival">{{cite book |editor=Caleb Simmons, Moumita Sen, Hillary P. Rodrigues |title=Nine Nights of the Goddess: The Navarātri Festival in South Asia |year=2018 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1-438-47069-6 |pages=1, 15, 30}}</ref> It starts from the [[Prathama]] (first lunar day) [[thithi]] after [[Amavasya]] ([[new moon]]), and ends on the [[Navami]] thithi on the ninth day.<ref>{{cite web |title=Navaratri – A Guide to Religious Observances |url=https://www.brandeis.edu/spiritual-life/resources/guide-to-observances/navaratri.html|work=Brandeis University – Center for Spiritual Life |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> The festival involves [[fasting]], special pujas, and various cultural activities.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Navaratri: A Deep Dive into Ancient Wisdom |journal=Ayudhasara |date=25 July 2025 |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=277‑282}}</ref>
According to the latest [[Bengali calendars#Bengali Calendar (Bangladesh)|revised calendar]] of [[Bangladesh]], Ashwin now consists of 31 days instead of 30 days. This revision went into effect on 16 October 2019.


Ashwin is known as ''aipasi'' (ஐப்பசி) in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and begins when the sun enters [[Libra (constellation)|Libra]] in October.
Saraswati Puja or Ayutha Puja is celebrated on the ninth day of Navaratri. This day involves the worship of various tools, instruments, and books, and is dedicated to [[Saraswati]], the Hindu goddess of wisdom.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ayudha Puja – History, Meaning and Significance |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2021/10/15/ayudha-puja-history-meaning-and-significance-of-this-navratri-day/|work=Hinduism Today |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref> In households and institutions, materials and implements are cleaned and decorated, with special pujas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ayudha Puja Rituals Explained |url=https://www.indianpanorama.in/festivals/ayudha-puja-explained.php|work=Indian Panorama |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref> [[Vijayadashami]] or [[Dussehra]] is celebrated on [[Dashami]] (tenth day) thithi, and marks the end of Navaratri festivities. It commemorates god [[Rama]]'s victory over [[Ravana]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Bhalla |first=Kartar Singh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WORYY5Vl0ygC&dq=dussehra&pg=PA15 |title=Let's Know Festivals of India |date=February 2005 |publisher=Star Publications |isbn=978-8-176-50165-1}}</ref>


It's also called ''kunwaar'' (कुँवार) month in eastern [[Uttar Pradesh]] & western [[Bihar]] state.
[[Durga Puja]] is major festival in [[Eastern India]] and [[Bengal]] celebrated during the Navaratri period, and commemorates goddess [[Durga]]'s victory the [[asura]] [[Mahishasura]].<ref name="Festival"/> Pujas are performed in homes and public spaces at temporary structures known as ''[[pandal]]s'', along with religious recitations, cultural performances, feasting, and processions.<ref>{{cite book |first=James G |last=Lochtefeld |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch |url-access=registration |year=2002 |publisher=Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-823-93179-8|page=208}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/whose-goddess-is-it-anyway-119021201344_1.html |author=Arundhuti Dasgupta |title=Whose goddess is it, anyway? |work=[[Business Standard]] |date=12 February 2019|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
 
=== Karwa Chauth ===
[[Karwa Chauth]] is a one‑day fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well‑being of their husbands. Women break the fast at night when the moon is sighted.<ref>{{cite web |title=Karwa Chauth – Married Women’s Fast for Spouse’s Longevity |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/hindu-married-women-celebrate-karwa-chauth-across-india-2025‑10‑10/|work=Reuters |date=10 October 2025 |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref> Rituals includes wearing traditional attires, communal gatherings, and offering prayers to the moon.<ref>{{cite web |title=Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/astro/religion-rituals/festivals-and-fasts/karwa-chauth-vrat-katha-in-hindi-karwa-chauth-ki-pauranik-kahani/articleshow/124408828.cms|work=Navbharat Times |access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref>
 
=== Sharad Poornima ===
[[Sharad Poornima]] is observed on the [[Purnima]] ([[full moon]] day) of the month of Ashvin. It marks the end of [[monsoon]] season. During the festival,  various Hindu gods are worshipped along with [[Chandra]], the moon deity, and are offered flowers and sweets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sharad Purnima – Celebration, Vrat and Divine Story |url=https://samarthgurudhara.org/festival-significance/sharad-purnima-celebration-vrat-and-divine-story/ |work=Samarthguru Dhara |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sharad Purnima Ki Katha: The Divine Moonlight Story |url=https://hindumirror.com/sharad-purnima-ki-katha/|work=Hindu Mirror |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar]]
* [[Hindu astrology]]
* [[Hindu calendar]]
* [[Indian astronomy]]
* [[Indian units of measurement]]


* [[Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar]]
==Notes==
*[[Hindu astronomy]]
{{notelist}}
* [[Hindu units of measurement]]
* [[List of most popular given names]]
* [[Tishrei]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{Portal|Hinduism}}


{{Hindu calendar}}
{{Hindu calendar}}
{{Indian astronomy}}
{{Bengali calendar}}
{{Bengali calendar}}
{{Indian astronomy}}


[[Category:Months of the Hindu calendar|*07]]
[[Category:Months of the Bengali calendar]]
[[Category:Months of the Bengali calendar]]
[[Category:Months of the Hindu calendar|*07]]
{{India-stub}}
{{Pakistan-stub}}
{{Bangladesh-stub}}
{{Hinduism-stub}}

Latest revision as of 21:26, 28 March 2026


"Ashwin" redirects here. For other uses, see Ashwin (disambiguation).

Template:Infobox month

Part of a series on
Hinduism
Origins
Main traditions
Deities
Trimurti
Tridevi
Other major Devas / Devis
Concepts
Worldview
Supreme Reality
God
Life
Mind
Liberation
Ethics
Liberation
Practices
Worship
Meditation and Charity
Yoga
Ashrama Dharma
Festivals
Philosophical schools
Six Astika schools
Other schools
Gurus, saints, philosophers
Ancient
Medieval
Modern
Texts
Scriptures
Vedas
Divisions
Upanishads
Other scriptures
Vedangas
Puranas
Itihasas
Upavedas
Shastras and Sutras
Text classification
Society
Other topics

Ashvin (/əˈʃwɪn/; Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.; Malay/Indonesian: Aswin; Thai: Asawin), or Ashwin, also known as Aswayuja, is the seventh month of the Hindu lunar calendar and the Indian national calendar.[1] The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Ashvini nakshatra (star) on the full moon day.[2] The month corresponds to the autumn (Sharada) season and falls in September–October of the Gregorian calendar.[3]

In the Hindu solar calendar, it corresponds to the month of Kanya and begins with the Sun's entry into Virgo.[4] It corresponds to Ashshin, the sixth month in the Bengali calendar.[4] In the Tamil calendar, it corresponds to the seventh month of Aipasi, falling in the Gregorian months of October–November.[4][5] In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the seventh month of Padmanabha.[6][7]

In the Hindu lunar calendar, each month has 29 or 30 days. The month begins on the next day after Amavasya (new moon) or Purnima (full moon) as per the amanta and purnimanta systems, respectively. A month consists of two cycles of 15 days each, Shukla Paksha (waning moon) and Krishna Paksha (waxing moon). Days in each cycle is labeled as a thithi, with each thithi repeating twice in a month.[8][9] In the Bengali calendar, it earlier consisted of 30 days before being revised to 31 days in Bangladesh in October 2019.[10][11] Diwali, the festival of lights, and Navaratri are major Hindu festivals celebrated in the month.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name of the month is derived from Ashvini, which is the first of the 27 nakshatras (star). It is based on the position of the Moon near the star on the full moon day.[2] In Indian astrology, it is the head of the constellation Aries.[12] In Hindu mythology, Ashvins are divine twin horsemen, who are associated with healing and are considered the bringers of dawn.[13][14] In Thai, Aswin means a warrior or knight, and are described as representing the "blending of light and darkness" during twilight.[15]

Festivals[edit | edit source]

Diwali[edit | edit source]

Diwali is a five‑day Hindu festival of lights marking the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil.[16][17][18] Dhanteras marks the first day of the festival and is celebrated on Trayodashi (thirteenth lunar day) of Krishna Paksha (waxing moon) of the month. It is dedicated to the worship of goddess Lakshmi, lord Kubera and lord Dhanvantari.[19] Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated on the next day (Chaturdashi) and commemorates the defeat of Narakasura by god Krishna.[20] Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon, and marks the main night of festivities. It is dedicated to welcoming prosperity by worshipping Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. People light lamps (diyas), burst crackers, and do pujas.[21]

The festivities and traditions vary across regions and commemorate other Hindu gods and goddesses.[22] Kali Puja is celebrated in parts of India during the new moon day, and is dedicated to goddess Kali.[21] While primarily a Hindu festival, variations of Diwali are also celebrated by adherents of other faiths. For Jains, own Diwali marks the final liberation of Mahavira.[23][24] Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from Mughal imprisonment.[25] Newar Buddhists also celebrate Diwali.[26][27]

Navaratri[edit | edit source]

Durga Puja is a major festival in Bengal region

Navaratri is a nine‑day festival dedicated to various Hindu goddesses.[28] It starts from the Prathama (first lunar day) thithi after Amavasya (new moon), and ends on the Navami thithi on the ninth day.[29] The festival involves fasting, special pujas, and various cultural activities.[30]

Saraswati Puja or Ayutha Puja is celebrated on the ninth day of Navaratri. This day involves the worship of various tools, instruments, and books, and is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom.[31] In households and institutions, materials and implements are cleaned and decorated, with special pujas.[32] Vijayadashami or Dussehra is celebrated on Dashami (tenth day) thithi, and marks the end of Navaratri festivities. It commemorates god Rama's victory over Ravana.[33]

Durga Puja is major festival in Eastern India and Bengal celebrated during the Navaratri period, and commemorates goddess Durga's victory the asura Mahishasura.[28] Pujas are performed in homes and public spaces at temporary structures known as pandals, along with religious recitations, cultural performances, feasting, and processions.[34][35]

Karwa Chauth[edit | edit source]

Karwa Chauth is a one‑day fast observed by married Hindu women for the longevity and well‑being of their husbands. Women break the fast at night when the moon is sighted.[36] Rituals includes wearing traditional attires, communal gatherings, and offering prayers to the moon.[37]

Sharad Poornima[edit | edit source]

Sharad Poornima is observed on the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Ashvin. It marks the end of monsoon season. During the festival, various Hindu gods are worshipped along with Chandra, the moon deity, and are offered flowers and sweets.[38][39]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Kenneth W. Morgan, ed. (1987). The Religion Of The Hindus. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 96. ISBN 978-8-120-80387-9.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Garima Garg (2022). Heavens and Earth: The Story of Astrology Through Ages and Cultures. Penguin Random House. p. 75. ISBN 978-9-354-92705-8.
  3. ↑ Helene Henderson, ed. (2005). Holidays, festivals, and celebrations of the world dictionary (Third ed.). Detroit: Omnigraphics. p. xxix. ISBN 978-0-780-80982-6.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Robert Sewell; John Faithful Fleet (1989). The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar. Asian Educational Services. p. 334.
  5. ↑ "Tamil Calendar – Months". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  6. ↑ "Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services – About Calendar". Vaisnava Calendar. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  7. ↑ "Something about the Vaisnava Calendar". ISVARA. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  8. ↑ "Hindu calendar". ISKCON. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  9. ↑ "Hindu calendar". Arya Samaj. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  10. ↑ "Ashshin in 31 days in revised Bangla calendar". Dhaka Tribune. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  11. ↑ "Govt revises Bangla calendar to match national days with West". The Financial Express. 17 October 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  12. ↑ "Nakshatra Ashwini – Vedic Astrology". Vedic Feed. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
  13. ↑ "Ashvins – The Hindu Gods of Healing and Medicine". HinduWebsite. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  14. ↑ "Ashvins: Divine Twin Gods – Hindu Temple Talk". Hindu Temple Talk. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  15. ↑ Jah, J.C (1976). The Hindu Festival of Divali in the Caribbean. Mona, Jamaica: Routledge. p. 53.
  16. ↑ "Deepavali". Its Life. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  17. ↑ Mead, Jean (February 2008). How and why Do Hindus Celebrate Divali?. Evans Brothers. ISBN 978-0-237-53412-7. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  18. ↑ Vasudha Narayanan; Deborah Heiligman (2008). Celebrate Diwali. National Geographic Society. p. 31. ISBN 978-1-4263-0291-6. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  19. ↑ Hope-Murray, Angela (2013). Ayurveda For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. p. 10. ISBN 978-1-118-30670-3.
  20. ↑ Ray, Dipti (2007). Prataparudradeva, the Last Great Suryavamshi King of Orissa (A.D. 1497 to A.D. 1540). Northern Book Centre. p. 89. ISBN 978-8-172-11195-3. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Happy Diwali: Deepavali, Kali Puja, Naraka Chaturdasi, Ramayana, The Legends Linked To Diwali". NDTV. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  22. ↑ Suzanne Barchers (2013). The Big Book of Holidays and Cultural Celebrations. Shell Education. ISBN 978-1-4258-1048-1.
  23. ↑ Sharma, S.P.; Gupta, Seema (2006). Fairs and Festivals of India. Pustak Mahal. p. 79. ISBN 978-81-223-0951-5. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  24. ↑ Upadhye, A.N. (Jan–Mar 1982). Cohen, Richard J. (ed.). "Mahavira and His Teachings". Journal of the American Oriental Society. 102 (1): 231–232. doi:10.2307/601199. ISSN 0003-0279. JSTOR 601199.
  25. ↑ Geoff Teece (2005). Sikhism. Smart Apple Media. p. 23. ISBN 978-1-58340-469-0. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  26. ↑ Todd T. Lewis (7 September 2000). Popular Buddhist Texts from Nepal: Narratives and Rituals of Newar Buddhism. State University of New York Press. pp. 118–119. ISBN 978-0-791-49243-7. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  27. ↑ Prem Saran (2012). Yoga, Bhoga and Ardhanariswara: Individuality, Wellbeing and Gender in Tantra. Routledge. p. 175. ISBN 978-1-136-51648-1. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Caleb Simmons, Moumita Sen, Hillary P. Rodrigues, ed. (2018). Nine Nights of the Goddess: The Navarātri Festival in South Asia. State University of New York Press. pp. 1, 15, 30. ISBN 978-1-438-47069-6.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)
  29. ↑ "Navaratri – A Guide to Religious Observances". Brandeis University – Center for Spiritual Life. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  30. ↑ "Navaratri: A Deep Dive into Ancient Wisdom". Ayudhasara. 12 (3): 277‑282. 25 July 2025.
  31. ↑ "Ayudha Puja – History, Meaning and Significance". Hinduism Today. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  32. ↑ "Ayudha Puja Rituals Explained". Indian Panorama. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  33. ↑ Bhalla, Kartar Singh (February 2005). Let's Know Festivals of India. Star Publications. ISBN 978-8-176-50165-1.
  34. ↑ Lochtefeld, James G (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M. Rosen Publishing Group. p. 208. ISBN 978-0-823-93179-8.
  35. ↑ Arundhuti Dasgupta (12 February 2019). "Whose goddess is it, anyway?". Business Standard. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  36. ↑ "Karwa Chauth – Married Women's Fast for Spouse's Longevity". Reuters. 10 October 2025. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  37. ↑ "Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha". Navbharat Times. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  38. ↑ "Sharad Purnima – Celebration, Vrat and Divine Story". Samarthguru Dhara. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  39. ↑ "Sharad Purnima Ki Katha: The Divine Moonlight Story". Hindu Mirror. Retrieved 1 June 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ashvin_(month)&oldid=453934"
Discover more