Question 1

When is Haya Puja observed?

Accepted Answer

Haya Puja falls on Chaitra Shukla Panchami: the fifth tithi, or lunar day, in the waxing half of the Moon during Chaitra. The tithi running at sunrise governs the observance. Since this is a lunar date, its Gregorian date changes each year and should be checked for the place where the puja will be performed.

Question 2

What is the story behind Haya Puja?

Accepted Answer

Haya Puja is associated with honouring horses and, in some traditions, with Hayagriva, the horse-headed form of Vishnu. A related traditional account connects the day with Uccaihshravas, the celestial horse. The horse-worship and Hayagriva associations may be kept separately or together, and no single form is known to be universal.

Question 3

How is Haya Puja performed?

Accepted Answer

A simple Haya Puja may include cleaning the place of worship, lighting a lamp, offering flowers and sandalwood paste, and presenting fruit or cooked food. Where horses are present, gentle grooming, clean water, suitable food, and humane care can form part of the observance. A picture or symbolic image may be used when no horse is available.

Question 4

Is fasting required on Haya Puja?

Accepted Answer

Fasting is not established here as a universal requirement. A household may choose a light or sattvic meal, but the known focus of Haya Puja is worship and respectful care rather than a compulsory fast. Any fasting practice should follow the family’s tradition or the guidance of its local religious authority.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Sat, 13 Apr, 2024	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 2 Apr, 2025	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 23 Mar, 2026	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 11 Apr, 2027	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 31 Mar, 2028	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 19 Apr, 2029	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 8 Apr, 2030	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Fri, 28 Mar, 2031	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 14 Apr, 2032	ShuklaShukla Panchami	Chaitra	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Haya Puja

Dates by year