Important Days And Dates In May 2024

May is the 5th month of the year and has 31 days. For the Northern Hemisphere, May is the month of spring and summer for the Southern Hemisphere.

The word May is derived from the Greek goddess Maia and in Latin, it is known as Maius. May is believed to be the month of love and success with this, an auspicious festival is celebrated in this month which symbolizes love, prosperity and happiness.

10th May 2024, Friday, Akshaya Tritiya

This is the festival of Hindus and Jains, which is celebrated all over India. Akshaya Tritiya is also known as Akti or Akha Teej, and many gods and goddesses are worshipped.

The word Akshaya Tritiya is derived from Sanskrit, where Akshay means “never decreasing” and Trititya means “third phase of the moon”. The festival is celebrated on the third day of Vaisakh (April/May) as per the Hindu calendar.

So this year, this festival will be celebrated on 10th May 2024, Friday. In Akshaya Tritiya, devotees start the day with a holy bath, keeping fast and followed by many rituals. Akshaya Trituya marks generosity, love and unity among the people. 

17th May 2024, Friday, Sita Navami

This festival marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. Sita Navami is also known as Janaki Navami as goddess Sita was the adopted daughter of king Janak of Mithila.

It is celebrated on the 9th day of Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon) according to the Hindu calendar. This year Sita Navami will be observed on 17th May 2024, Friday.

A fun fact is that Sita Navami falls exactly 1 month after Ram Navami. The day is celebrated mostly by married women who observe a strict fast to get blessed with a happy married life and the long life of their husbands. 

23rd May 2024, Thursday, Buddha Purnima

Buddha Purnima is also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak. The festival marks the birth anniversary of lord Buddha. Devotees also believe that, three major events of Buddha's life including his birth, his enlightenment and his preaching took place on this day. This year, Buddha Purnima will be celebrated on 23rd May 2024, Thursday.

This festival is widely celebrated in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and some other countries with different names. It is believed that Buddha was the incarnation of lord Vishnu.

On this auspicious day, people offer flowers, fruits and especially a bowl of kheer (milk porridge) to Lord Buddha.

Along with the rituals, the devotees also preach Buddha’s teachings, wear white clothes and avoid non-vegetarian food among other things. Buddha Purnima is a festival of love, peace, and happiness.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you are wondering what festivals or holidays await you in May 2023, 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.

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