You know March is here when the days get warm while the nights and mornings still have that slight nip in the air. Named after the Roman god of war, Mars, March is the third month of the year, which marks the official start of the Spring season. 

For people in India, March has always been a month of joy and festivities, with one of the most enjoyable festivals, the festival of colours - Holi. Although Holi takes the limelight, the month follows on to host several other important festivals and events. 

In this article, we are providing a list of important days and dates in the month of March that holds importance in India and across the world. 

8th March 2024, Thursday, International Women’s Day

Every year, International Women’s Day is followed on 8th March. It is celebrated in honour of the achievement of women, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women and also in seeking gender equality. International Womens Day is an official holiday in many countries, namely Afghanistan, Ukraine, Nepal, etc. On the other hand, countries like Vietnam, Australia, and Romania don’t follow International Womens Day as an official holiday, but it is widely celebrated.  

8th March 2024, Thursday, Maha Shivaratri

Mahashivaratri is one of the important festivals of Hindus, worshipping Lord Shiva. This festival is celebrated in Phalgun month across India, accompanied by various festivities, rituals and prayers. There are various stories behind the celebration of Mahashivratri.

One of them, the legend, says that on this day, the divine union of Shiv and Shakti took place.

On this propitious day, devotees take a holy bath, visit temples, decorate the Shivling, and offer fruits, flowers, sweets, etc., to Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri holds an important significance for the Hindus and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.

12th March 2024, Tuesday, Phulera Dooj

Phulera Dooj is a significant Hindu festival where Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha are worshipped. This festival is widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh. The word Phulera means flower, and Duj means the second day.

Phulera Dooj is celebrated in February or March. The story of Phulera Dooj is rooted in Hindu mythology. Temples are decorated on this auspicious occasion, as well as the idols of Radha-Krishna, and prayers and devotion are offered to the deities.

This festival is celebrated enthusiastically by the tradition of playing with flowers, which shows the deep bond of love and affection for each other.

24th March 2024, Sunday, Holika Dahan

Celebrated the night before Holi, Holika Dahan symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated in India and some parts of Nepal, the festival began with a bonfire on the night of the full moon to cleanse the air of evil things. Holika Dahan's story involves Prahalad, son of asur king Hiranyakashyap and his demoness aunt Holika.

To read more about Holika dahan, do check out

Holi

Holi, a Hindu festival of colours, is celebrated across India and some parts of Nepal with complete zeal and enthusiasm. This festival commemorates the win of good over bad and also honours the love of Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. The festival not just symbolises unity but also is a celebration of spring’s beauty and good harvest.

If you are looking for Holi quotes and Messages to share with your loved ones, we might have something for you.

29th March 2024, Friday, Good Friday

Christians observe Good Friday—a solemn day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Falling on a Friday, it is marked by reflective church services, readings, and hymns. Believers engage in fasting and contemplation, acknowledging the sacrifice made for humanity's redemption.

Good Friday fosters an atmosphere of reverence, introspection, and collective reflection on the profound love and grace central to the Christian faith. It serves as a poignant prelude to the hopeful celebration of Easter Sunday, symbolising the triumph of hope over despair through the resurrection.

30th March 2024, Saturday, Ranga Panchami

Ranga Panchami is five days event that also follows Holi. According to the Hindu calendar, Ranga Panchami is observed on the fifth of Chaitra Krishna Paksha. 

In Vrindavan, Mathura, and Maharashtra Ranga Panchami is celebrated by playing with colours, culminating the festivities of Holi. Holi because it is dedicated to gods and goddesses to get rid of evil eyes and bless people with positive energy. 

March, a month of new beginnings with prosperity, joy and positivity, marks the end of winter and the start of spring in India. It is the month of festivals of colours and also marks the beginning of the new year in Hindu culture.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you are wondering what festivals or holidays await you in March 2024, this article is for you. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to hear from our readers and engage in meaningful discussions.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we look forward to hearing from you.