Diwali, the festival of lights, is the biggest gifting occasion in India, with Lakshmi Puja performed in the evening and gifts exchanged with family, friends and colleagues.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated with a mountain of food offered to Lord Krishna and marks the Hindu new year in many parts of western India.
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers, with a tilak ceremony followed by gifts and a family meal.
Halloween is celebrated with costumes, trick-or-treating and parties.
Choti Diwali marks the victory of good over evil with the first lamps, rangoli and sweets exchanged between neighbours.
Boss’s Day recognises managers and leaders, usually with a small token or a team card.
Sweetest Day, celebrated on the third Saturday of October, is a day for small romantic gestures and treats.
Karwa Chauth is a day when married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ long life, and husbands traditionally give gifts.
Dhanteras opens the five-day Diwali celebration and is considered the most auspicious day to buy gold, silver and new utensils for prosperity.
Labor Day celebrates workers and marks the end of summer, with weekend sales.
Grandparents Day, on the first Sunday after Labor Day, celebrates grandparents with visits, calls and keepsakes.
Onam is Kerala’s harvest festival with floral pookalams, the grand Onasadya feast and traditional dress.