Jyeṣṭha

 Jyeṣṭha is the third month of the Hindu lunar calendar, 

corresponding to May–June in the Gregorian calendar, 

associated with the height of summer and numerous 

religious festivals.

Overview

Jyeṣṭha (Sanskrit: ज्येष्ठ) is the third month of the Hindu lunar 

and Indian national calendars. The name derives from the 

Moon's position near the Jyeṣṭha nakshatra (star) on the

full moon day, and literally means "eldest" or "chief" 

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In the solar calendar, Jyeṣṭha begins with the Sun entering 

Taurus (Vṛṣabha). In regional calendars: it is known as 

Joishtho in Bengali, and Aani in Tamil, spanning slightly 

different Gregorian months depending on local traditions 

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The month usually has 29 or 30 days, divided into two lunar 

phases:

• Shukla Paksha (waxing moon)
• Krishna Paksha (waning moon)

It falls in the Grishma (summer) season, marking one of the 

hottest periods of the year 

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Cultural and Religious Significance

Jyeṣṭha carries a mix of religious, cultural, and astrological 

importance:

• Seasonal significance: This month represents the peak 
• of summer heat in the Indian subcontinent, sometimes 
• leading to heat-related challenges like increased risk of 
• heatstroke 

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• Mythological events: According to Hindu tradition, the 
• River Ganga descended to Earth during Jyeṣṭha, commemorated 
• as Ganga Dussehra

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• Astrological importance: The month is named after the 
• Jyeṣṭha Nakshatra, the first among the 27 lunar mansions, 
• symbolizing seniority and auspiciousness 

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Major Festivals and Observances

Jyeṣṭha hosts numerous significant festivals, often observed 

with fasting, prayers, and rituals 

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• Ganga Dussehra: Celebrates the descent of the sacred 
• River Ganga to Earth. Devotees perform rituals and take 
• holy baths.
• Nirjala Ekadashi: A day-long fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu, 
• considered highly meritorious.
• Vat Savitri Vrat & Vat Purnima Vrat: Married women pray 
• for the longevity and well-being of their husbands, inspired 
• by the legend of Savitri and Satyavan.
• Shani Jayanti: Commemorates the birth of Lord Shani, the 
• planetary deity of Saturn.
• Narada Jayanti: Celebrates the birth of sage Narada, a divine 
• messenger between gods.
• Apara Ekadashi, Mahesh Navami, and Gayatri Jayanti: Other 
• notable religious observances during Shukla Paksha.

Additionally, Budhwa Mangal, celebrated on Tuesdays of Jyeṣṭha, 

honors Lord Hanuman 

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Summary

• Month number: 3 in Hindu lunar calendar
• Gregorian equivalent: May–June
• Season: Grishma (summer)
• Days: 29–30
• Key Festivals: Ganga Dussehra, Nirjala Ekadashi, Vat Savitri, 
• Shani Jayanti, Narada Jayanti, Gayatri Jayanti

Jyeṣṭha is both a time of intense heat and spiritual devotion, 

marked by fasting and rituals that hold major significance in 

Hindu culture, emphasizing religious observance, seasonal 

awareness, and respect for mythological events 

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