Vaishakh (Vaishakh Maas) 2016
The month of Akshaya Tritiya and Buddha Purnima — of holy bathing and endless merit.
Vaishakh (Vaishakh Maas) 2016 Dates
The significance of Vaishakh — Lord Vishnu (Madhusudan)
Vaishakh is a month of water and merit, worshipped to Vishnu as Madhusudan. Its Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days of the year — whatever is begun, given or bought on it is held never to diminish. It closes on Buddha Purnima, the full moon that marks the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing, and the pre-dawn Vaishakh snan runs through it.
Rituals of Vaishakh
- Vaishakh snan — a daily holy dip through the month
- Akshaya Tritiya — beginnings, gold and dana
- Water, sattu and cooling foods offered in dana
- Sita Navami and Narasimha Jayanti vrats
- Buddha Purnima worship and bathing
- Fasting on Varuthini and Mohini Ekadashi
Key days in Vaishakh 2016
Festivals in Vaishakh 2016
Monthly vrats 2016
Vaishakh 2016 — Frequently Asked Questions
When does Vaishakh Maas 2016 start?
In North India (Purnimanta calendar) Vaishakh runs from Saturday, 23 April 2016 to Saturday, 21 May 2016. In Amanta-calendar regions it runs Saturday, 7 May 2016 to Sunday, 5 June 2016.
Why do Vaishakh dates differ in North and South India?
Because the two regions follow different lunar calendars. In the Purnimanta calendar (North India) a month ends on the Purnima, so it starts about 15 days earlier than in Amanta. In the Amanta calendar (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) the month runs new-moon to new-moon.
Which deity is Vaishakh 2016 dedicated to?
Vaishakh is a month of water and merit, worshipped to Vishnu as Madhusudan. Its Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days of the year — whatever is begun, given or bought on it is held never to diminish. It closes on Buddha Purnima, the full moon that marks the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing, and the pre-dawn Vaishakh snan runs through it.
Is Vaishakh 2016 an Adhik Maas?
No. Vaishakh 2016 is a normal 29-day month.