What's coming up

A day-long fast observed by married women, broken only after sighting the moon at night. Sargi from mother-in-law before dawn, a sacred sieve (chhalni) ritual at moonrise.

Most-observed by Aggarwal women in North India — Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, UP.

The first day of Diwali. Auspicious for buying gold, silver, and new utensils. Pooja of Lord Dhanvantari (the divine physician) and Devi Lakshmi.

Aggarwal merchant families traditionally bring home a new silver coin or gold item on this day to invite Lakshmi into the household and the ledger.

The day Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. A morning oil-bath ritual (abhyanga snan) and lighting of diyas at home thresholds in the evening.

The grandest day of the year — Lakshmi Pooja at home, lighting of diyas across every doorway, fireworks, and the celebration of Ram's return to Ayodhya.

THE central festival for Aggarwal households — Devi Lakshmi (universal Kuldevi of all 18 gotras) is worshipped on this night. Many families also perform Vyapaar (business) Pooja, opening new account ledgers for the coming year.

The day after Diwali. Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to shelter the people of Braj. A small replica hill of food (annakut) is built and offered.

Sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life. The brother offers a gift in return. The conclusion of the Diwali cycle.

The ceremonial wedding of the Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu (Shaligram). Marks the start of the auspicious wedding season in Hindu tradition.

Auspicious day to schedule weddings, engagements, and Griha Pravesh ceremonies in the months that follow.

The sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayana). Sesame and jaggery sweets, sacred river baths, and kite-flying mark the day.

Aggarwal families traditionally prepare til-gud sweets and offer them to elders. A day for new beginnings in business.

Worship of Devi Saraswati, goddess of learning and the arts. Yellow attire, yellow sweets, and the first time many children are introduced to writing.

The great night of Lord Shiva. Fasting, all-night vigil, and abhishekam at Shiva temples.

The bonfire night on the eve of Holi. The pyre is lit at the auspicious muhurat after sunset; families perform parikrama and offer grain into the fire.

The festival of colours. Morning aarti, gulal and water play, sweets — and the celebration of the arrival of spring.