Bhadrapada

Overview

Bhadrapada is the sixth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in August or September. The month is one of the most festive in the Hindu calendar and contains several major observances dedicated to multiple deities. Bhadrapada is named after the Bhadrapada nakshatra under which the month begins.

Notable Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi, the ten-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, begins on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada. The full moon of Bhadrapada is observed as Anant Chaturdashi, the day of immersion (visarjan) of Ganesha idols and the conclusion of the festival. Onam — the harvest festival of Kerala — falls in Bhadrapada (called Chingam in the Malayalam calendar). The month closes with Pitru Paksha, a sixteen-day period for honoring departed ancestors.