August 2025 is an extremely significant month according to the Indian Panchang and Sanatan traditions. This month falls in the auspicious interlude of Sawan and Bhadrapada, a period filled with major religious festivals and fasts, one after the other. Raksha Bandhan, symbolizing the love between brother and sister, Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, Hartalika Teej, dedicated to Gauri-Shankar, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Kajari Teej all fall in this month.
The religious dignity and cultural diversity of this month make it special. Let's explore the major fasts and festivals falling in August 2025, along with their dates:
Complete List of Fasts and Festivals in August 2025
- August 1 – Masik Durgashtami: This fast, dedicated to Maa Durga, is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of every month. On this day, devotees observe a fast and worship the divine power.
- August 4 – Fourth Monday of Sawan, Putrada Ekadashi, Damodar Dwadashi: Sawan Mondays hold special significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. Putrada Ekadashi is observed for progeny, while Lord Vishnu is worshipped on Damodar Dwadashi.
- August 6 – Budh Pradosh Vrat: Pradosh Vrat is observed to please Lord Shiva. This fast falls on the Trayodashi Tithi, and Budh Pradosh, falling on a Wednesday, is considered particularly fruitful.
- August 8 – Varalakshmi Vratam, Hayagriva Jayanti: Varalakshmi Vratam is observed by women for the prosperity and longevity of their families. Hayagriva Jayanti is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- August 9 – Raksha Bandhan, Gayatri Jayanti, Narali Purnima, Sawan Purnima: Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the love between brothers and sisters. Narali Purnima is also celebrated on this day, especially by communities living along the coast. Goddess Gayatri is worshipped on Gayatri Jayanti.
- August 10 – Beginning of Bhadrapada Month: This month is a special time for austerity, charity, observing rules, and keeping fasts.
- August 12 – Kajari Teej, Bahula Chaturthi, Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi: On Kajari Teej, married women observe a fast for the long life of their husbands. Lord Ganesha and Lord Krishna are also worshipped on this day.
- August 14 – Balram Jayanti, Randhan Chhath: Balram was the elder brother of Lord Krishna. On Randhan Chhath, Goddess Annapurna, the deity of the kitchen, is worshipped.
- August 16 – Krishna Janmashtami, Dahi Handi, Kalashtami: Lord Krishna's birth anniversary is celebrated at 12 o'clock on the night of Krishna Janmashtami. Dahi Handi is celebrated with great fervor in Maharashtra on this day. Kala Bhairava is worshipped on Kalashtami.
- August 17 – Simha Sankranti, Malayalam New Year: The Sun will enter the Leo zodiac sign on this day. The Malayalam New Year, 'Chingam', also begins on this day.
- August 19 – Aja Ekadashi: The fast of Aja Ekadashi is observed for freedom from sins and attainment of salvation.
- August 20 – Budh Pradosh Vrat
- August 21 – Masik Shivratri: On Masik Shivratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, devotees observe a fast and stay awake throughout the night.
- August 23 – Pola Festival, Bhadrapada Amavasya: Pola is a festival to express gratitude towards bulls for their help in agriculture. On this day, farmers decorate and worship their bulls.
- August 25 – Varaha Jayanti: The birth anniversary of Lord Varaha, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is celebrated on this day.
- August 26 – Hartalika Teej, Gauri Habba: Women observe a waterless fast on this day and pray to Goddess Parvati for unbroken marital bliss. This day is considered extremely auspicious, especially for women.
- August 27 – Ganesh Chaturthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi: The arrival of Ganpati Bappa on Earth begins on this day. His grand worship, adoration, and festivities take place for the next ten days.
- August 28 – Rishi Panchami, Samvatsari Parva: This day is dedicated to the Saptarishis (seven sages). Samvatsari Parva is celebrated especially by the Jain community for self-purification and seeking forgiveness.
- August 30 – Lalita Saptami
- August 31 – Radha Ashtami, Mahalakshmi Vrat Begins: This day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Radharani. The Mahalakshmi Vrat also begins on this day.
August 2025 is not only a month of Indian festivals, but it is also filled with cultural and spiritual energy. The fasts and festivals of this month not only keep religious traditions alive but also symbolize family unity, female reverence, and natural balance.
