Lunar month 12 of 12 · Shishira (winter)
Phalguna Maas फाल्गुन
Phalguna, the twelfth and final month, closes the lunar year with two great festivals. Its dark-fortnight Chaturdashi is Maha Shivratri, the great night of Shiva, and its full moon is Holika Dahan, the eve of Holi.
- Presiding deity
- Shiva & the play of Holi
- Season (ritu)
- Shishira (winter)
- Order
- Month 12 of 12
Significance
The year ends in colour and devotion: the all-night vigil and fasting of Maha Shivratri, the bonfire of Holika Dahan, and the festival of colours (Holi / Dhulivandan) that follows.
Festivals in Phalguna
- Maha Shivratri
- Holika Dahan
- Holi / Dhulivandan
- Rangapanchami
Observances
A month of vigil and revelry: fasting and Shiva worship through Maha Shivratri's night, the Holika bonfire on the full moon, and the joyous play of colours that ushers out the old year.