Important Days And Dates In August 2023

August is the 8th month of the year, with 31 days, and is the last month of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. August is named after the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. August is a month full of joy and celebration, where various traditional religious festivals and contemporary cultural events take place worldwide. In India, August is a significant month for the people, where various festivals are celebrated. Below is the list of festivals celebrated this month; have a look:

Independence Day- Every year 15th of August is celebrated as Independence Day hence a national holiday for India. On August 15 1947, India got independence after more than 100 years of slavery under British rule. The day also marks the partition of India and Pakistan; hence, Pakistan celebrates independence on 14 August every year. On this day, the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the flag, and since then, the tradition has been followed every year till the current Prime Minister of India. The day is celebrated enthusiastically nationwide with flag hoisting, parades and cultural events.

Hariyali Teej- Hariyali Teej is one of the major festivals for Hindu married women. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival is celebrated on the Tritiya of Shukla Paksha of the month of Shravan. This year Hariyali Teej will be celebrated on 19th August 2023, Saturday. On this festival, married women follow a fast for the long life and prosperity of their husbands and married life. The festival falls during the monsoon season when the surroundings are filled with greenery; hence it is known as Hariyali Teej (Green Teej). This festival is also known as Sawan Teej, Chhoti Teej and Madhushrava Teej. On this day, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are worshipped as it is the day Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife. That's why Goddess Parvati is also known as Teej Mata. Hariyali Teej is widely celebrated in North India; even though the way of celebration may differ, but it is celebrated with equal enthusiasm everywhere.

Nag Panchami- Nag Panchami is one of the unique and auspicious festivals in India for the Hindus. People worship snakes by offering them milk, which is widely celebrated in India, Nepal and other South Asian countries. According to the Hindu calendar, Nag Panchami is celebrated on the 5th day of the holy month of Shravan (July-August). This year Nag Panchami will be celebrated on Monday, 21 August 2023. On this day, women usually pray for the well-being of their brothers and family. 

Onam/Thiruvonam- Onam is the most cherished and auspicious festival for the Malayalam people. The festival marks the annual homecoming of the demon king Mahabali, the appearance of the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu, and the harvest festival for the Malayalam people. It is a 10 days festival celebrated with much fervour and celebrated in the month of Chingam (August-September). This year, Onam/Thiruvonam will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Onam is the festival where Kerala is filled with trumpets, drums, elephants, boat races, dance, art, music, flowers and much more.

Raksha Bandhan- Every festival plays a prominent role for every Indian, and Raksha Bandhan is one of those festivals. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. According to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the last day of Shravan. This year, it will be celebrated on 30 August 2023, Wednesday. Raksha Bandhan symbolises the bond of protection and care between brother and sister. Raksha Bandhan is also known by different names in different places in India.