Festivals of India 2023

June (Jyeshtha/Ashada)
India is a fascinating land of festivals where each festival is marked with a deep philosophical implication and presents an unmatched diction to the splendor of that particular carnival. Every month of the year sees a number of festivals and fairs dedicated to seasons, divine entities as well as eminent personalities. Similarly, the scorching month of June which coincides with the Hindu months of Jyeshtha and Ashada sees a number of fairs and festivals.

Although the number of festivals celebrated in June is not as many as in the other months, there are still some very important festivals and fairs that are celebrated in this month. This month holds tremendous religious significance for the Hindus. Saint Kabir Jayanti (संत कबीर दास जयंती), This festival is celebrated in honor of Sant Kabir Das, a mystical saint and poet predominant in North India. Chaturmas Vrat (चातुर्मास व्रत) the festivities usually begin in Ashada month on Deva Sayana Ekadashi and end in Kartik month on Utthana Ekadashii i.e from July and goes on till November.

Jamai Sasthi (जामाई षष्ठी) this popular social custom lays the foundation of a strong family bonding. All the sons-in-law get a treat from his in-laws or Shoshur bari. The day is celebrated since older days by Hindu families all over West Bengal. A party is organized by the in-laws for their daughter and her husband.

Eid-ul-Zuha (ईद उल जूहा) On this day Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr (Urdu) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God.

Other festivals like Yogini Ekadashi (योगिनी एकादशी व्रत), Devshayani Ekadashi (देवशयनी एकादशी), Bhadli Navami (भड़ली नवमी), Yogini Ekadashi (योगिनी एकादशी व्रत) Mithuna Sankranti (मिथुन संक्रांति) are some of the other Hindu festivals observed in the month of June.

Jagannath Rath Yatra (जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा) is celebrated in this month. This spectacular chariot festival celebrated for 8 days is held at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri (Orissa). Thousands of devotees flock to Puri during the occasion, as they believe that a glimpse of Lord Jagannath in his chariot gives salvation. Sindhu Darshan Festival (सिंधु दर्शन महोत्सव) is a celebration of the river Sindhu, also known as the Indus. The festival is livened up by the presence of a wide variety of cultural troupes from various corners of India.

June is also a very significant month for the inhabitants of Goa. Sao Joao Feast (साओ जोआओ उत्सव) of St. John the Baptist is another very important festival in June that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and zeal by Christians in Goa. Hemis Festival (हेमिस उत्सव)  which is one of the biggest Buddhist festivals will be celebrated in Ladakh between June 20 to June 21. The 2-day fiesta marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava.

One of the most important events during June is Amarnath Yatra (अमरनाथ यात्रा) to the Holy Pilgrimage. This is an annual event when thousands of Hindus from different corners of the Globe visit the Amarnath caves.

The United Nations World Environment Day (विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस) is another very important day observed in June. It's observed worldwide to raise awareness and concerns on issues related to global warming and environmental hazards. June holds tremendous significance for all fathers and father figures over the globe. The 3rd Sunday of June is observed as Fathers' Day (फादर्स डे) worldwide and commemorates the unconditional love and sacrifices of a father. It is an opportunity for children to thank and appreciate their fathers.