The Odia calendar is an essential part of the cultural and religious fabric of Odisha, guiding its people through the year with dates for festivals, rituals, and key events. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar, the Odia calendar follows the lunar-solar system, harmonizing lunar cycles with solar positioning. This unique approach ensures that important festivals align with the seasons, bringing prosperity and harmony into the lives of the people.
In 2024, the Odia calendar is packed with numerous religious festivals, public holidays and cultural events. This guide breaks down the important months, highlighting the key celebrations you shouldn’t miss.
What is the Odia Calendar?
The Odia calendar is a traditional Hindu calendar used in the state of Odisha, India. It plays a vital role in determining dates for religious festivals, ceremonies, and auspicious occasions such as weddings or starting new ventures. The calendar is primarily based on the movement of the moon and the sun, and it is deeply intertwined with local cultural beliefs and rituals.
Each month in the Odia calendar features various important festivals, both religious and seasonal, that hold great significance for the people of Odisha. Let’s dive into the month-wise breakdown of the Odia calendar 2024.
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Odia Calendar 2024: Month-Wise Festivals and Events
January 2024 (Pausha-Magha)
- Makar Sankranti – January 14, Sunday
The harvest festival, celebrated with kite flying and special dishes. - Pausha Purnima – January 25, Thursday
Marks the full moon of the Pausha month and is observed with prayers and fasting.
February 2024 (Magha-Phalguna)
- Saraswati Puja (Vasant Panchami) – February 14, Wednesday
A festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of learning and wisdom. - Magha Purnima – February 24, Saturday
A significant day for charitable activities and spiritual practices.
March 2024 (Phalguna-Chaitra)
- Maha Shivaratri – March 8, Friday
Devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva throughout the night. - Holi – March 25, Monday
The festival of colors, marking the arrival of spring and celebrated with great enthusiasm. - Chaitra Sankranti – March 31, Sunday
Celebrates the end of the Odia month of Chaitra, preparing for the new year.
April 2024 (Chaitra-Vaisakha)
- Ram Navami – April 17, Wednesday
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. - Maha Vishuba Sankranti – April 14, Sunday
Marks the Odia New Year, an auspicious time to start new ventures.
May 2024 (Vaisakha-Jyeshtha)
- Akshaya Tritiya – May 9, Thursday
Considered one of the most auspicious days for starting new projects or purchases, especially in agriculture. - Buddha Purnima – May 23, Thursday
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
June 2024 (Jyeshtha-Ashadha)
- Snana Yatra – June 21, Friday
A significant event in Puri where Lord Jagannath is bathed in 108 pitchers of water, marking the beginning of the Rath Yatra preparations. - Raja Sankranti – June 14, Friday
A festival celebrating womanhood, fertility, and the arrival of monsoon rains.
July 2024 (Ashadha-Shravana)
- Rath Yatra – July 8, Monday
The world-famous chariot festival where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in grand processions in Puri. - Guru Purnima – July 21, Sunday
A day to honor teachers and spiritual gurus.
August 2024 (Shravana-Bhadra)
- Nag Panchami – August 5, Monday
A day dedicated to worshipping serpents, symbolizing protection from evil. - Janmashtami – August 26, Monday
Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, with midnight prayers and celebrations.
September 2024 (Bhadra-Ashwina)
- Ganesh Chaturthi – September 7, Saturday
The birth of Lord Ganesha is celebrated with great devotion, involving prayers, processions, and idol immersions. - Nuakhai – September 14, Saturday
A harvest festival observed with a feast to celebrate the first grains of the season.
October 2024 (Ashwina-Kartika)
- Durga Puja – October 10 to October 14
The grand festival celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. - Kumar Purnima – October 28, Monday
A day for unmarried girls to pray for a handsome groom, coinciding with the full moon of Ashwina.
November 2024 (Kartika-Margasira)
- Diwali – November 1, Friday
The festival of lights, celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and the triumph of good over evil. - Kartika Purnima – November 15, Friday
Signifies the end of the sacred month of Kartika, with boat festivals held in Puri.
December 2024 (Margasira-Pausha)
- Prathamastami – December 6, Friday
Celebrates the health and well-being of the firstborn children in the family. - Dhanu Sankranti – December 16, Monday
Marks the beginning of the solar month Dhanu and is considered an auspicious time for religious activities.
Conclusion
The Odia calendar 2024 is filled with vibrant festivals and significant cultural events. Each month brings its unique celebrations, from the joyous Rath Yatra to the colorful Holi and the spiritual observance of Maha Shivaratri. Understanding the Odia calendar not only helps you keep track of these important events but also offers insight into the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Odisha.
Whether you’re planning to participate in festivals or simply want to know when to schedule significant personal events, the Odia calendar is a valuable tool that connects the past, present, and future through its deep cultural roots.
FAQs About the Odia Calendar 2024
- What is the Odia calendar?
The Odia calendar is a traditional lunar-solar calendar used primarily in Odisha, India, for determining festivals, religious events, and auspicious dates. - How does the Odia calendar differ from the Gregorian calendar?
The Odia calendar is based on the lunar and solar cycles, while the Gregorian calendar follows only the solar cycle. This results in different festival dates each year. - When is Rath Yatra in 2024 according to the Odia calendar?
The Rath Yatra will be celebrated on July 8, 2024, according to the Odia calendar. - Which festival marks the Odia New Year?
The festival of Maha Vishuba Sankranti, observed on April 14, 2024, marks the Odia New Year. - Why is Kartika Purnima important in Odisha?
Kartika Purnima, celebrated on November 15, 2024, marks the end of the sacred month of Kartika and is observed with boat festivals, particularly in Puri, to honor Lord Jagannath and the maritime heritage of Odisha.
