June 2025 Indian Festivals: Ganga Dussehra, Puri Ratha Yatra & More

New Delhi: Several festivals and vrats take place in India every month. In June, one will also witness many festivals. From Ganga Dussehra to the Puri Rath Yatra, June marks the onset of colourful and vibrant celebrations across the country. The festivals in June blend tradition with regional flavours.

Read on to learn about the festivals and vrats (fasts) that will be celebrated in India.

June 2025: List of festivals and vrats (fasts) to be held in India

Ganga Dussehra

Ganga Dussehra, also called Gangavataran, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the descent of the Ganges River from heaven to earth. Hindus believe this event happened on this day. The festival occurs on the 10th day (Dashami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshtha. The celebrations last for ten days, including the nine days leading up to this holy day.

Nirjala Ekadashi

Nirjala Ekadashi is a Hindu festival that falls on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight in the month of Jyeshtha (May or June). It gets its name from the water-less (Nir-jala) fast observed on this day. This Ekadashi is considered the strictest and most sacred of the 24 Ekadashi. It is believed to grant the rewards of all 24 Ekadashi in the year.

Yogini Ekadashi

Yogini Ekadashi comes from the Uttarakhand section of the Padmapuran. The Krishna Ekadashi in the Ashad month is called “Yogini” or “Shayani” Ekadashi. Lord Krishna and Markandeya tell the story, with Yudhishthira and Hemmali as listeners. When Yudhishthira asks about the importance of Krishna Paksha Ekadashi for Ashad month, Vasudev Ji shares this story.

Ashadha Navratri

Ashadha Navratri, also known as Gupta Navratri, is a nine-day festival that worships Goddess Durga, especially the ten Mahavidyas. This Navratri is less known than Chaitra and Ashwin Navratris. Ashadha Navratri occurs during the Hindu month of Ashadha (June/July).

Puri Ratha Yatra

The Ratha Yatra in Puri, also called the Ratha Jatra, is the oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival. It is held every year during the bright half of the lunar month of Ashadh (June–July) in Puri, Odisha. This festival honours the deity Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. During the festival, thousands of devotees pull three large wooden chariots carrying the deities Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra along the grand avenue (Bada Danda) to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for a week before returning to their temple. This return journey is called the Bahuda Yatra.

On their way, Jagannath’s chariot, Nandighosa, pauses near the crematorium of a Muslim devotee, Bhakta Salabega, to pay tribute. On their return from the Gundicha Temple, the deities stop at the Mausi Maa Temple (Aunt’s abode) for a special offering of Poda Pitha, a type of pancake believed to be their favourite. After staying for seven days, the deities return to their temple.

 June 2025 brings a vibrant array of Indian festivals and vrats (fasts). This article details key celebrations, including Ganga Dussehra, commemorating the River Gangas’ descent; Nirjala Ekadashi, a strict fast; Yogini Ekadashi, with its unique narrative; Ashadha Navratri, honouring Goddess Durga; and the magnificent Puri Rath Yatra, the chariot festival of Lord Jagannath.  Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips