Phalguna

Overview

Phalguna is the twelfth and final month of the Hindu lunar calendar, typically falling in February or March. The month closes the Hindu year and contains the exuberant festival of Holi on the full moon. Phalguna is associated with the early arrival of spring and the renewal of nature after the winter months.

Notable Festivals

Holi — the Festival of Colors — falls on the full moon of Phalguna and is preceded the previous evening by Holika Dahan, the community bonfire. The month also contains Maha Shivaratri (in many regional calendars), Phalguna Amavasya, and various regional festivals dedicated to Shiva and Krishna. Phalguna Purnima is observed across the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh as the climactic day of the week-long Holi celebrations centered on Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana.