Tonk (Rajasthan) : This year, the festival dates are witnessing a significant change. As a result, Devshayani Ekadashi, which marks the beginning of Chaturmas, will start on July 17, and end on November 12, with a duration of 118 days. Last year, Chaturmas lasted for 148 days. According to astrologers, the unusual occurrence of two Shravan months last year led to an extended Chaturmas period of five months instead of the usual four. This year, all festivals will arrive 11 to 12 days earlier than last year, a rare phenomenon that occurs once every 31 years.

Pandit Mahendra Dadhich explained that in Vikram Samvat 2081, the Krishnapaksha of Ashadh will have only 13 days. Normally, each month has two Pakshas with 15 or 14 tithis. However, due to the celestial movement of the sun and the moon, the tithi ganita (date calculation) sometimes results in the loss of two tithis, leaving only 13. This rare occurrence is believed to bring unpredictable events and disasters, similar to what happened 31 years ago in 1993.

Festivals to Arrive Ahead of Schedule

This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 26, 12 days earlier than last year. Hartalika Teej will be observed on September 6, 12 days earlier than last year. Similarly, all festivals will arrive 10 to 12 days earlier than last year. Jal Jhulan Ekadashi will be celebrated on September 14, Anant Chaturdashi on September 17, and Pitru Paksha will begin on September 18. Navratri will be celebrated on October 3, and Dussehra on October 12. Diwali, which was celebrated on November 12 last year, will be celebrated on November 1 this year.