The month of Phagun (ਫੱਗਣ) is the twelfth and final month of the Punjabi calendar, marking the end of the year. It typically falls between mid-February and mid-March in the Gregorian calendar. Phagun is a vibrant month, filled with cultural and religious events that celebrate the change of seasons and the arrival of spring.
It’s a time of both reflection and renewal, as it bridges the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
Events in the Month of Phagun (ਫੱਗਣ) Lists
1. Holi – The Festival of Colors
One of the most significant events during Phagun is Holi, the Festival of Colors. Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of Phagun, Holi typically falls in late February or early March according to the Gregorian calendar. This lively festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, including Punjab.
People throw colored powders and water at each other, sing and dance, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
2. Holla Mohalla – A Sikh Festival
Another important event in Phagun is Holla Mohalla, which falls a day after Holi. This Sikh festival, started by Guru Gobind Singh, is a display of martial skills and bravery. It is celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, where Sikhs gather for grand displays of sword fighting, horseback riding, and mock battles.
Holla Mohalla is held on the day after Holi, usually in early March.
3. Basant Panchami – Welcoming Spring
Although Basant Panchami sometimes occurs in Magh, it is closely associated with Phagun, as it heralds the start of spring. This festival, dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, is celebrated with kite flying and wearing yellow clothes. It falls in late January or early February, near the transition into Phagun, making it an integral part of this month’s festive spirit.
4. Phagwara Mela
In the town of Phagwara, an annual fair called the Phagwara Mela is held in Phagun. This fair brings together communities for religious gatherings, cultural performances, and a local marketplace. It is a significant event for people in the surrounding regions and a time for reconnecting with tradition and community life.
5. Shaheedi of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
In the later part of Phagun, people also commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, who was executed in 1606. His shaheedi (martyrdom) is remembered with great reverence, particularly in Punjab, as he played a crucial role in compiling the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
FAQs about the Month of Phagun (ਫੱਗਣ)
- What is the equivalent of Phagun in the Gregorian calendar?
Phagun usually falls between mid-February and mid-March in the Gregorian calendar. - What are the main festivals celebrated in Phagun?
The major festivals celebrated in Phagun include Holi, Holla Mohalla, and the Phagwara Mela. - What is the significance of Holi in Phagun?
Holi, celebrated on the full moon day of Phagun, marks the arrival of spring and is known for its joyful celebration with colors. - How is Holla Mohalla different from Holi?
While Holi is a festival of colors, Holla Mohalla is a Sikh festival showcasing martial arts, bravery, and the spirit of the Khalsa. - Why is Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s martyrdom significant in Phagun?
The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji is commemorated in Phagun as a reminder of his contributions to Sikhism, particularly the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib.