February Festival Calendar

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it certainly doesn't fall short on celebrations.

Whether you're looking for vibrant carnivals, unique regional celebrations, spiritual observances full of devotion, or global festivities around the world. AICUF’s February Festival Calendar highlights the must-experience events that make this month truly special. 

February 1 – Indian Coast Guard Founding Day 

The 47th Raising Day of the Indian Coast Guard is being observed this year. The Indian Coast Guard has been instrumental in protecting India's coastlines and upholding laws in the country's maritime zones. The Indian Coast Guard's motto is "वयम रक्षामः" (Vayam Rakshamah), which translates from Sanskrit as "We Protect". Under the motto "Vayam Rakshamah" (We Protect), the ICG has saved over 11,554 lives since its inception, including 200 lives in the year 2023. This commitment to safety and security has positioned ICG as one of the renowned Coast Guards globally. 

February 2 – Vasant Panchami

The festival adheres to the Purvahna Kala custom, which takes the period from sunrise to noon into account to determine the appropriate day for celebration. Vasant Panchami is observed to pay tribute to Goddess Saraswati, who grants knowledge and eliminates ignorance, apathy, and inertia. Individuals seek her favor to succeed in studies, the arts, and mental endeavors. This day holds special importance for students and learners, representing the start of new academic journeys. A popular tradition of Vasant Panchami is Akshar-Abhyasam for Vidya- Arambham (also known as Praasana), which marks the beginning of children's education. On this day, educational institutions hold special pujas to seek the Goddess's blessings for wisdom and achievement.

February 2 - Candlemas

Also known as the Feast of Presentation of Jesus Christ, Feast of Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Feast of the Holy Encounter, Candlemas is observed by Christians to commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple, an important episode described in the New Testament. Candlemas is  celebrated 40 days after Christmas. Across churches in Christianity, the day is known by many names with varied dates. It is customary in some areas to remove Christmas decorations, especially the crib depicting Jesus Christ's birth on this day. True to it's name of Candlemas, candles are blessed for the year at the worship service of the feast day. 

February 4 - World Cancer Day 

World Cancer Day is organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), and was created in the year 2000. Through stimulating individual, group, and governmental efforts, we are collaboratively envisioning a world where countless cancer fatalities are averted and access to crucial cancer treatment and care is fair for everyone, regardless of identity or location. Every year, numerous activities and events in the streets and online - serving as a strong reminder that everyone has a part in diminishing the worldwide impact of cancer. The World Cancer Day theme for 2025-2027, "United by Unique," focuses on individuals in caregiving and examines innovative approaches to create an impact. Cancer goes beyond being merely a medical diagnosis—it is a profoundly personal issue. Beneath every diagnosis exists a distinct human narrative—tales of sorrow, suffering, recovery, strength, affection, and beyond.

February 7 to February 23 – Surajkund Crafts Mela 

The Surajkund Crafts Mela is a vibrant cultural fair that takes place every year in Surajkund, a small town in Faridabad district, Haryana, near Delhi. In 2025, it will run from 7th February to 23rd February. The Mela (fair) showcases an incredible variety of handicrafts (such as pottery, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry) and handlooms (like fabrics woven by hand). It's a place where artisans from all over India come to display and sell their handmade products, giving visitors a chance to experience the diversity and creativity of Indian craftsmanship. Cultural performances such as folk dances, music, and drama are also a big part of the event, bringing together the rich cultural heritage of different Indian states.

February 8 - Opera Day 

An opera is a combination of acting, scenery, costumes, and dance. The term ‘opera’ in Italian means ‘work’. Opera Day was established through a collaboration among OPERA America, Opera Europa, and Ópera Latinoamérica. Opera emerged within the classical music tradition of the West, initially originating in Italy and rapidly disseminating throughout Europe, encompassing France, England, Germany, and Russia. The initial operas sought to revive Ancient Greek drama, particularly the function of the chorus, and it didn't take long for opera to gain popularity as entertainment, with the inaugural opera season occurring in Venice in 1637. 

February 9 – Baba Amte’s Death Anniversary 

Baba Amte is seen as the last true follower of Gandhi's ideals. In 1942, he started representing leaders of the Indian freedom movement who were imprisoned by the British government during the Quit India movement. Baba Amte also dedicated time to Sevagram, the ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi, and embraced Gandhian principles as his ideology. He aimed to advance the notion that society cannot genuinely support leprosy patients until it eliminates the misconceptions and "Mental Leprosy" linked to the disease. He devoted his life to assisting others and adhered to the saying, “Work Builds; Charity Destroys."

February 11 - International Day of Women and Girls in Science

It is no secret that women are grossly underrepresented in STEM roles and science fields globally. This day serves as a reminder to abolish barriers and establish better, more equal opportunities for young girls and women in science careers. It hopes to break down gender stereotypes and encourage more young women to pursue STEM careers. It is important to foster diversity and inclusivity in science not just to unlock potential for the future but more so to recognise the contribution of everyone involved in the field of science. 

 

February 13 - World Radio Day

“All we hear is radio ga ga.” World Radio Day celebrates radio as a medium to disseminate information as well as entertain audiences across the world, across diverse backgrounds and communities. It especially celebrates the medium’s ability to reach marginalized communities that may not be catered to through other media. Radio plays a vital role during emergencies and also in fostering social discourse. The day stands as a reminder of the everlasting impact and power of the radio in an increasingly digital world.

February 14 – Valentine’s Day 

This festival needs no introduction. It’s all about la vie en rose - all pink, sparkly hearts, red roses, teddy bears and chocolates. Teeming and aching with love, Valentine’s hopes to celebrate every form of it. More than just focusing on romantic love, this day should act as a reminder that love comes in many shapes and forms and with many different kinds of people - with friends and family just as much as your significant other. The festival was connected to ancient Roman festivals and Christian saints, but has changed drastically in the modern age to represent different love languages and various forms of gift-giving. 

February 18 to 27 – Taj Mahotsav

This 10-day cultural festival held annually in Agra, India takes place in Shilpgram, the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal. It is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Mughal era and the Nawabi lifestyle they led and that once flourished in Uttar Pradesh. It hopes to revive and celebrate the traditions, arts, crafts of the region. The festival includes cultural performances in music and dance, artisans’ works, rich culinary delights, etc. A Mughal-themed grand procession is characteristic of this festival, complete with decorated elephants, camels, folk dancers and musicians. 

February 19 - Shivaji Jayanti 

The Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary is celebrated every year on 19th February with celebrations predominantly in Maharashtra with a public holiday and in other parts of India like Goa and Karnataka. He was born in 1630 (according to the Gregorian Calendar) and ruled between 1674 and 1680 conquering and unifying neighbouring regions, feared by opponents yet known to be benevolent to his subjects. He is known as the father of the Indian navy as a pioneering ruler to use both land and naval forces for protection and offence. Events in schools, colleges and public spaces such as plays, dramas, processions and speeches to honour his valour, courage and contributions to Indian History. 

February 21 – International Mother Language Day

First declared by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002. Languages have an immense impact on language, identity, communication, social integration, education, and development. At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. (Only a few hundred languages are actually given a place in the public domain today and less than a hundred are being used in the education systems or digital world presently). Remember when languages fade or are lost to time, so do the opportunities, traditions, culture, memory, knowledge, wisdom and unique ways of thinking and expression – all tools to creating valuable resources for ensuring a better future for humanity.

February 22 - Ramdas Navami

Ramdas Navami is celebrated every year on Krishna Paksha Navami in Magh maas of the Marathi calendar. The day honours the death anniversary of the renowned poet-saint of the 17th century, Ramdas Swami ji who took his last breath in 1681 at Sajjangad, near Satara where he spent his last days fasting until Death. Samarth Ramdas was known to be an ardent devotee of God Ram and God Hanuman and is also remembered for famously composing devotional aartis and Shloks in marathi for the aforementioned 2 deities of the Hindu deities and is also credited with popularizing the Taraka Mantra or chant of 'Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama'. 

February 26 - Mahashivratri

Mahashivaratri falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February/March) which falls on 26th February in 2025. Maha Shivaratri literally translates as “The Great Night of Shiva.”and is solely dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Shivaratri commemorates the wedding night of Lord Shiva to his consort Goddess Parvati. Thus it is a festival particularly marked by married couples. On the day of Mahashivaratri, a marriage procession of Lord Shiva is famously taken out starting from Mahamrityunjaya Temple, Daranagar to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. 

February 27 - Marathi Bhasa Gaurav Din

Marathi Language Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of eminent Marathi Poet Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar who is popularly known by his pen name “Kusumagraj” in Indian literary circles. Marathi being the official language of the State of Maharashtra, the main focus of this celebration is to promote and sustain the richness of Marathi culture among the young generation. Many programs are organised today in Marathi-speaking regions, including Maharashtra and Goa. This celebration aims at inculcating and honouring the rich history and literature associated with it among people residing in the state. 

28th February – National Science Day 

The realm of scientific discovery has given us many luminaries whose contributions transcend time shaping the very fabric of our understanding. India pays homage to one such luminary:  the Great Indian physicist and Nobel Prize Laureate CV Raman who altered the course of history with his groundbreaking discovery of the “Raman effect” in 1928. 28th February has continued to be celebrated annually by the Government of India as National Science Day since 1987. 

National Science Day not only aims to celebrate the accomplishments of CV Raman but also to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation as a country.

28th February - Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This year, the month of Ramadan is expected to start on 28 February, 2025. Ramadan is an auspicious occasion where all individuals who believe in Muslim faith observe a month-long fast from dawn to sunset. Fasting is one of the most important deeds to carry out in Islam and is seen as a way to purify the soul and increase one's spiritual connection with Allah. Ramadan is also believed to be the month in which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad leading to the foundation of Islam as a religion.

 

We wish you all a very Happy February! 

-Gressica Gandhi, Pia Oza, Volunteers &

Gauri Gawde, Co-ordinator, Editorial Committee 2024-25