The dates that gather the community each year, checked against the Vikram Samvat panchang for UK observance. Individual Mahajans hold their own celebrations — your local committee will have times and venues.
Friday 28 August
Raksha Bandhan
Shravan Sud 15
Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists — a thread standing for protection, and for a bond that does not need explaining.
Friday 4 September
Janmashtami
Shravan Vad 8
The birth of Lord Krishna, marked with fasting, bhajans and a midnight aarti. Cradles are decorated and rocked at the hour of his birth.
Sunday 11 to Monday 19 October
Navratri
Nine nights of garba
Nine nights of dance in honour of the Goddess. For many Lohana families in Britain this is the most social fortnight of the year — and where the next generation meets the community properly for the first time.
Sunday 8 November
Diwali
Chopda Pujan · Aso Vad 30
The festival of lights. Homes and businesses are cleaned and lit, account books are blessed at Chopda Pujan, and the year is closed out properly before it begins again.
| Date | Occasion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tue 10 November | Bestu Varsh | Gujarati New Year · Kartik Sud 1 |
| Wed 11 November | Bhai Bij | Brothers and sisters · Kartik Sud 2 |
| Mon 16 November | Jalaram Jayanti | Kartik Sud 7 |
Jalaram Jayanti holds particular meaning for the Lohana community. Jalaram Bapa was born in Virpur in 1799 into a Lohana family, and spent his life feeding anyone who came to his door — a practice his followers continue today. Many Lohana families mark the day by fasting, and by giving food.
These are the dates. The celebrations happen at your Mahajan — garba nights, Diwali functions, prathana sabhas and community meals. Your Central Council representative will know what is planned near you.
