Lohri is traditionally celebrated in North India, particularly Punjab, to mark the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. Families gather around a bonfire, sing traditional songs, and share foods such as rewri, gajak, peanuts, popcorn, and sesame sweets. Lohri is also an important celebration for newly married couples and families with a new baby.

Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transition into Makara (Capricorn) and is celebrated across India under different regional traditions. Families prepare festive foods such as til ladoo, sesame sweets, khichdi, and Pongal, while exchanging sweets and gifts with family and friends.

Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is associated with Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, learning, and the arts. Yellow clothing and yellow foods are traditional, and families prepare sweets such as kesari or saffron rice.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maha Shivaratri is observed through prayer, fasting, meditation, and temple visits. Devotees offer milk, fruits, flowers, and bilva leaves, and prepare fasting foods like sabudana dishes and fruits.

Holika Dahan (March 3) symbolizes the victory of good over evil with ceremonial bonfires. The following day, Holi (March 4)—the Festival of Colours—celebrates spring and renewal. Friends and families play with coloured powders and enjoy festive treats like gujiya and dahi bhalla.

Chaitra Navratri begins the Hindu lunar new year dedicated to Goddess Durga. Gudi Padwa, celebrated in Maharashtra, marks the new year with festive meals, sweets, and the raising of the traditional gudi.

Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees visit temples, participate in prayers and bhajans, read the Ramayana, and prepare traditional vegetarian offerings and sweets.

Celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Marked by prayers, temple visits, charitable acts, and simple, wholesome vegetarian meals reflecting non-violence and compassion.

An auspicious day for new ventures, charity, and buying gold or valuable items. Families exchange sweets and celebrate important milestones on this blessed day.

Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha in Buddhist traditions. People visit temples, meditate, make charitable donations, and prepare or share vegetarian meals.

Famous for the grand chariot processions of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Community feasts and prasad distribution form a central part of this vibrant festival.

Hariyali Teej is especially celebrated by women in North India and is associated with Parvati and Shiva, monsoon, marriage, and family well-being. Women wear green clothing, apply mehndi, sing traditional songs, and enjoy festive sweets.

Nag Panchami is associated with the worship and reverence of snakes and serpent deities. Families visit temples and make traditional offerings. Special foods are prepared in many communities as part of the observances.

Kerala’s major harvest festival, celebrated by Malayali communities worldwide. Highlights include the Onam Sadya—a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves—along with floral pookalams and cultural performances.

Celebrates the loving bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, followed by exchanging sweets and gifts among family members.

Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with fasting, midnight prayers, devotional bhajans, and children's activities in local temples. Ottawa Panchang calculations observe Krishna Janmashtami on September 3, with related celebrations extending to September 4.

Honours the birth of Lord Ganesha with idol installations, pujas, and delicious modak sweets, concluding with the traditional immersion (visarjan) ceremony.

A nine-night celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga filled with Garba and Dandiya dancing in colourful attire. The tenth day, Dussehra (October 20), marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, begins with Dhanteras on November 6. Homes are decorated with diyas and rangoli for Lakshmi Puja on November 8, 2026, accompanied by gift exchanges and festive family meals.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali in many Hindu traditions and is associated with Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. Families prepare elaborate vegetarian offerings known as Annakut, representing a large variety of foods offered to Krishna.

Bhai Dooj celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a tilak ceremony for their brothers, followed by sweets, festive meals, and gifts exchanged between family members.

Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Chhath Puja is particularly important in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Devotees observe strict fasting and offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun, with traditional offerings including fruits and special sweets like thekua.