Your complete guide to the 16 Samskaras, Hindu festival dates for Los Angeles, auspicious Muhurats for 2026, and essential Puja checklists for your family.
Sacred rites of passage from conception to liberation
The word Samskara comes from the Sanskrit roots Sam (well) and Kara (action) — meaning a process of refinement, purification, and perfection. These 16 sacred rites guide a soul from the moment of conception until the final transition of death, shaping character, health, and spiritual awareness at each stage of life.
Want to perform a Samskara for your child or family?
Contact Pandit Ji to discuss the right ceremony, auspicious date, and required Samagri.
Los Angeles / Pacific Time (PST/PDT) — March 2026 to March 2027
Dates are calculated for the Los Angeles / Pacific Time Zone, aligned with local moonrise and sunrise timings per the North Indian Purnimant calendar tradition.
Holi / Phalguna Purnima
March 3–4, 2026
Victory of good over evil; spring renewal
Lunar eclipse at 3:04 AM PST on Mar 3
Chaitra Navratri Begins
March 18–19, 2026
Strength, protection, and spiritual purification
Nine days of Shakti worship
Rama Navami
March 26, 2026
Invokes righteousness, courage, and Dharma
Birth of Lord Rama
Hanuman Jayanti
April 1, 2026
Seeking physical and mental strength and protection
Birthday of Hanuman Ji
Raksha Bandhan
August 28, 2026
Strengthening sibling bonds and family protection
Sibling bond celebration
Krishna Janmashtami
September 4, 2026
Celebration of divine love and spiritual growth
Birth of Lord Krishna
Ganesh Chaturthi
September 14, 2026
Invoking the remover of obstacles for new beginnings
Lord Ganesha's birthday
Sharad Navratri Begins
October 11, 2026
Self-purification, Durga Saptashati, and Kanya Puja
Nine nights of Durga worship
Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
October 20, 2026
Success in ventures and overcoming inner negativity
Victory of good over evil
Karwa Chauth
October 29, 2026
Marital harmony and longevity of spouse
Fasting by wives for husbands
Dhanteras
November 6, 2026
Attracting material prosperity and health blessings
Wealth & Dhanvantari Puja
Diwali
November 8, 2026
Victory of light over ignorance; Goddess Lakshmi invoked
Lakshmi Puja & festival of lights
Bhai Dooj
November 11, 2026
Prosperity and protection of brothers
Sibling celebration post-Diwali
Chhath Puja
November 15, 2026
Seeking health, vitality, and solar blessings
Worship of the Sun God
Makar Sankranti
January 14, 2027
Increases solar energy; excellent for Griha Pravesh & new beginnings
Sun enters Capricorn
Vasant Panchami
February 11, 2027
Invoking Goddess Saraswati for knowledge, arts, and education
Saraswati Puja
Maha Shivratri
March 6, 2027
Union of Shiva and Shakti; spiritual liberation and karma cleansing
Night of Lord Shiva
Holi 2027
March 22, 2027
Removal of personal obstacles and celebration of new beginnings
Spring renewal festival
Based on Panchang calculations with auspicious Nakshatras
January 16–20, 2026
Magha Shukla Paksha — favorable for all unions
February 6, 11, 19–21, 25–26, 2026
Chitra, Anuradha, Revati, Mrigashira Nakshatras
March 4–6, 9, 13–14, 2026
Uttara Phalguni, Chitra, Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha
April 20, 2026
Rohini Nakshatra — ruled by the Moon; ideal for growth
May 4, 8, 13, 2026
Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada
June 24, 26–27, 2026
Chitra, Anuradha — post-summer auspicious window
July 1–2, 6, 2026
Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada
November 11, 14, 20–21, 25–26, 2026
Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha, Revati, Rohini
December 2–4, 11–12, 18–19, 30, 2026
Uttara Phalguni, Chitra, Revati
January 14, 2026
Makar Sankranti — excellent for housewarming, solar energy high
February 6, 11, 19, 2026
Chitra & Anuradha Nakshatras — strong for new beginnings
March 4–6, 9, 13, 2026
Uttara Phalguni — aligned with growth and stability
April 20, 2026
Rohini Nakshatra — the Moon's own Nakshatra; ideal for home entry
May 4, 8, 2026
Anuradha Nakshatra — protective and harmonious energy
November 14, 20–21, 2026
Post-Diwali auspicious window; Lakshmi energy still strong
December 2–4, 11–12, 2026
Uttara Phalguni & Chitra — excellent for settling in
Inauspicious Periods to Avoid in 2026
The months of Ashada and Bhadrapada (Shraddha Paksha), as well as any periods of Adhik Maas or Kharmaas, are considered less supportive for weddings, housewarmings, or new ventures due to challenging planetary alignments.
Get a Personalized Muhurat
These are general planetary windows. For a precise, mathematically accurate Muhurat based on your exact Janam Kundali, your partner's chart, and your specific location, please book a personalized astrology consultation.
Recommended dates for all types of Puja and ceremonies
| Month | Recommended Dates | Best Nakshatras | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | 6, 11, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26 | Chitra, Anuradha, Revati, Mrigashira | Satyanarayan Puja, Griha Pravesh, Business Opening, Namakaran |
| March 2026 | 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 14 | Uttara Phalguni, Chitra, Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha | All Pujas, Griha Pravesh, Upanayana, Annaprashan |
| April 2026 | 20 | Rohini (ruled by the Moon — ideal for growth) | Griha Pravesh, Namakaran, Business Opening |
| May 2026 | 4, 8, 13 | Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada | Satyanarayan Katha, Housewarming, Vehicle Puja |
| June 2026 | 24, 26, 27 | Chitra, Anuradha | All Puja occasions, Business Puja, Navgraha Shanti |
| July 2026 | 1, 2, 6 | Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Bhadrapada | Satyanarayan Puja, Rudrabhishek, Havans |
| November 2026 | 11, 14, 20, 21, 25, 26 | Anuradha, Uttara Ashadha, Revati, Rohini | Post-Diwali Pujas, Griha Pravesh, Sankalpas |
| December 2026 | 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 18, 19, 30 | Uttara Phalguni, Chitra, Revati | Year-end Pujas, Housewarming, Satyanarayan Puja |
Purnima (Full Moon)
Every full moon is ideal for Satyanarayan Puja, Rudrabhishek, and major Havans
Ekadashi
The 11th day of each lunar fortnight is auspicious for fasting, Vishnu worship, and Sankalp
Pradosh (13th Tithi)
Dedicated to Lord Shiva — excellent for Rudrabhishek and Shiva Puja in the evening
Full text in Devanagari (Hindi) & English transliteration
The Aarti is the culmination of every Puja — the waving of the sacred flame before the deity, accompanied by singing of praises. Tap any Aarti below to read the full text in Hindi or English transliteration.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this Aarti is commonly sung at the conclusion of most Pujas.
Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles, worshiped at the start of all rituals.
Worshiping the Goddess of wealth for prosperity, especially during Diwali.
Glorifying Lord Shiva's cosmic form as the Absolute.
Celebrating the victory of Shakti over all evil forces.
Performed specifically during the Satyanarayana Vrat Puja.
Essential items for your ceremony — tap to expand each list
Pandit Ji will provide a tailored, complete checklist specific to your ceremony after booking.
Practical guidelines from Vedic tradition
Thoroughly clean the puja area. Sprinkle Ganga Jal or clean water around the space and light incense at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to purify the atmosphere. Using salt water for floor cleaning is recommended in Vastu Shastra.
If taking a Sankalp (sacred vow), observe a light fast on the day of the puja. Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic for at least 24 hours beforehand. If a full fast is not possible, a partial fast of fruits is acceptable.
Per Vedic Vastu Shastra, the altar should face East or North-East (Ishanya direction) — aligned with the rising sun and positive energy flows. Place idols or photos on an elevated wooden platform covered with a fresh clean cloth.
Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti-kurta or simple kurta-pajama. Women should wear a saree or salwar-kameez. Avoid wearing black during auspicious rituals. Remove footwear before entering the puja area.
Experts emphasize maintaining the essence of the Sankalpa (vow) and a devotional attitude (Bhav), even if procedures are simplified. A ritual performed with sincerity is more powerful than a mechanical formality without devotion.
Utilize pure, eco-friendly samagri — natural herbs, clay lamps, and organic ghee. Avoid synthetic items for sacred rituals. Consulting with an experienced priest who explains the meaning of each offering ensures the ritual remains a living, transformative experience.
"Agne naya supatha rāye asmān"
— Rigveda: "May the sacred fire lead us by the righteous path."
Pandit Ji will provide a tailored Samagri checklist, confirm the auspicious Muhurat, and guide your family through every step of the ceremony.
Book a CeremonyBuild a personalized wedding ceremony timeline
Use our interactive tool to hand-pick the rituals that matter most to you and your family. Choose from traditional North Indian, South Indian, or fusion styles, then get a detailed timeline with descriptions for your guests and wedding coordinator.