Ashwin

Overview

Ashwin is the seventh month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in September or October. The month is among the most festive of the Hindu year and contains both Sharad Navratri and Dussehra — two of the most widely celebrated festivals across India. Ashwin marks the transition from the monsoon to autumn (Sharad ritu) and is associated with the worship of the divine feminine.

Notable Festivals

Sharad Navratri begins on the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin and continues for nine nights of worship of the goddess Durga in her nine forms. The tenth day is Vijayadashami, also called Dussehra, commemorating both Rama's victory over Ravana and Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Bengal observes the corresponding Durga Puja from the sixth to tenth day with elaborate pandals and the immersion processions called bisarjan.