August 2025 festival calendar: From Ekadashis to Rakhi, Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi, all the major utsavs this month

August 2025 is a month filled with devotion, tradition and spiritual energy. With sacred festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi, this month invites people to pause, pray and celebrate their faith. Whether it’s tying a rakhi, fasting on Ekadashi, or welcoming Lord Ganesha into your home, each festival holds deep meaning and brings families and communities together in prayer and celebration.

When are the Ekadashis?

The month kicks off with Shravana Putrada Ekadashi, observed on Tuesday, 5 August. According to Drik Panchang, the fast begins at 11:41 AM on 4 August and ends at 1:12 PM on 5 August. This Ekadashi is considered particularly special for married couples who pray for the well-being of their children.

Later in the month, Aja Ekadashi falls on Tuesday, 19 August, with the fast starting at 5:22 PM on 18 August and ending at 3:32 PM on 19 August. Devotees believe observing this Ekadashi helps in washing away past sins and bringing good luck.

Raksha Bandhan 2025

Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, will be celebrated on Saturday, 9 August. Though it's not a gazetted holiday everywhere, many offices and schools may give the day off, especially in northern India. Sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) around their brothers' wrists, and in return, brothers promise to protect them and often give gifts.

Independence Day 2025 & More on 15 August

Friday, 15 August is India’s Independence Day, a national holiday marked with flag hoisting, parades, and cultural programmes across the country. The same day also sees two more observances, Parsi New Year (Nauraj) and Janmashtami (Smarta tradition). So, depending on where you live, this day could be an extended celebration for different communities.

Janmashtami 2025

Interestingly, Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, will be observed over two days this year. While the Smarta tradition celebrates it on 15 August, the Vaishnava/Gaudiya tradition will mark it on Saturday, 16 August. In many parts of India, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations continue through the night with bhajans, dances, and the popular Dahi Handi ritual.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025

The month ends on a high note with Ganesh Chaturthi on Wednesday, 27 August. The day marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is one of the most awaited festivals in Maharashtra and other parts of India. Colourful idols of Ganesha are placed in homes and pandals, and people celebrate with music, sweets like modak, and prayers.