Punjabi festivals

Karva Chauth

A day-long fast observed especially by married women for the wellbeing of their husbands.

Bandi Chhor Divas

The 'Day of Liberation' commemorating Guru Hargobind's release; coincides with Diwali.

Guru Nanak Gurpurab

The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism — the most widely observed Gurpurab.

Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab

Birth anniversary of the tenth Guru, who founded the Khalsa and finalized the Guru Granth Sahib as eternal Guru.

Lohri

Bonfire festival marking the end of deep winter and the coming of longer days.

Maghi

The day after Lohri; for Sikhs it commemorates the Forty Liberated Ones (Chali Mukte).

Basant Panchami

The arrival of spring, marked by the color yellow and (historically) kite-flying.

Holi

The festival of colors welcoming spring; observed by Punjabi Hindus.

Hola Mohalla

A Sikh festival of martial valor established by Guru Gobind Singh, held the day after Holi.

Vaisakhi

Punjab's spring harvest festival and the day the Khalsa was founded in 1699.

Sawan

The monsoon month — Sawan Somvar fasts for Shiva, Teeyan swings and gidda, and a whole tradition of Punjabi rain songs.

Teeyan

A monsoon women's festival of gidda, swings, and song.

Raksha Bandhan

Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.