Basant Panchami falls on February 2nd, followed by Bhishma Ashtami on the 5th. Devotees observe Ekodishta Shraddha on this day in honor of Bhishma Pitamaha, a powerful character in the Mahabharata.

Purnima in February also marks the end of Magh Snan - the sacred bathing ritual during the Hindu month of Magh. In Tamil Nadu, the festival of Thaipusam is celebrated on the Purnima tithi of the month ...