August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar and is filled with numerous important fasts and festivals. The entire month of August coincides with the holy month of Sawan, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In August, we celebrate festivals like Hariyali Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Hariyali Amavasya, Nag Panchami, Sawan Amavasya, Dahi Handi, and observe fasts like Aja Ekadashi. Here’s a list of fasts and festivals in August 2024:
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August 2024 Fasts And Festivals:
August 1, 2024 (Thursday) - Guru Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha)
Observing Guru Pradosh Vrat brings good fortune and success. It also helps in overcoming enemies. Fasting during Pradosh in Sawan pleases Lord Shiva.
August 2, 2024 (Friday) - Sawan Shivratri
Sawan Shivratri is one of the most important days of the month. Devotees offer Ganga water to Lord Shiva. Performing Jalabhishek on Sawan Shivratri grants liberation.
August 4, 2024 (Sunday) - Shravan Amavasya, Hariyali Amavasya
On Hariyali Amavasya, performing rituals for ancestors, taking holy baths, and donating are considered auspicious. Planting Tulsi, Peepal, Amla, Banyan, and Bel trees earns eternal merit.
August 5, 2024 (Monday) - Third Sawan Monday
August 6, 2024 (Tuesday) - Mangala Gauri Vrat
August 7, 2024 (Wednesday) - Hariyali Teej
Married women observe the Hariyali Teej fast for their husband’s long life. It is believed that this fast brings prosperity and happiness.
August 8, 2024 (Thursday) - Vinayak Chaturthi
August 9, 2024 (Friday) - Nag Panchami
Worshipping and serving snakes on this day removes sins, fulfils desires, and eliminates Kaal Sarp Dosha.
August 10, 2024 (Saturday) - Kalki Jayanti
August 11, 2024 (Sunday) - Tulsidas Jayanti
August 12, 2024 (Monday) - Fourth Sawan Monday
August 13, 2024 (Tuesday) - Mangala Gauri Vrat
August 16, 2024 (Friday) - Shravan Putrada Ekadashi, Simha Sankranti, Varalakshmi Vrat
The Putrada Ekadashi fast in Sawan is observed for the blessing of children. On this day, the Sun enters Leo. The Varalakshmi Vrat, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, is also observed and believed to bestow the blessings of the eight forms of Lakshmi.
August 17, 2024 (Saturday) - Shani Pradosh Vrat (Shukla Paksha)
August 19, 2024 (Monday) - Raksha Bandhan, Shravan Purnima Vrat, Hayagriva Jayanti, Fifth Sawan Monday, Panchak Begins
Raksha Bandhan this year coincides with the inauspicious shadow of Bhadra. Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on Shravan Purnima brings wealth and prosperity. Panchak also begins on this day.
August 20, 2024 (Tuesday) - Start of Bhadrapada Month
Bhadrapada is the second month of Chaturmas. Worshipping Laddu Gopal in this month brings happiness, prosperity, and the blessing of children.
August 22, 2024 (Thursday) - Sankashti Chaturthi, Kajari Teej, Bahula Chauth
Observing the Kajari Teej fast and worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati brings good fortune for unmarried girls and longevity for husbands.
August 24, 2024 (Saturday) - Balaram Jayanti
August 25, 2024 (Sunday) - Sheetala Satam
August 26, 2024 (Monday) - Janmashtami
Observing the fast of Shri Krishna Janmashtami frees one from the sins of a hundred births and grants both worldly pleasures and salvation.
August 27, 2024 (Tuesday) - Dahi Handi
August 29, 2024 (Thursday) - Aja Ekadashi
August 31, 2024 (Saturday) - Pradosh Vrat (Krishna Paksha), Start of Paryushan Festival