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An encyclopedia of living traditions
Festival dates and observances, the foods that belong to them, rituals, prayers, and pronunciation.
Next up Raksha Bandhan · August 28, 2026
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gujarati
Diwali / Bestu Varas
દિવાળી / બેસતું વર્ષ
October–November · 5 days
Festival of lights celebrating the victory of good over evil. For Gujaratis, Diwali has uniquely commercial significance — Chopda Pujan and Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) are distinctive traditions.
What to do
Chopda Pujan
Worship of account books and business ledgers to Lakshmi and Ganesha — entrepreneurs pray over financial records
Lakshmi Puja
EssentialMain Diwali night; prayer to Lakshmi for prosperity; lighting diyas and fireworks
Bestu Varas / Gujarati New Year
Day after Diwali. 'Saal Mubarak' greetings exchanged. Start of new financial year.
tamil
Pongal
பொங்கல்
January · 4 days
The four-day Tamil harvest festival — the most important date in the Tamil cultural calendar, when the sun begins its northward journey.
What to do
Thai Pongal (Main Day)
EssentialRice with milk and jaggery boils over in a decorated pot in sunlight — families shout 'Pongal O Pongal!'
Bhogi
Discarding the old — cleaning house, burning old possessions, painting kolams
Mattu Pongal
Honoring cattle — decorated with garlands, painted horns, and bells
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Canonical dishes as cultural encyclopedia — when they are eaten, why they matter, and links to trusted recipes elsewhere
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