January 13

Holidays & Observances - Religious Festivals

Christianfeast day:

BlessedVeronica of Milan, Elian, Hilary of Poitiers, Mungo, St. Knut's DayorTjugondag Knut, the last day of Christmas. (SwedenandFinland), January 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A Christian feast day honoring several saints, including Blessed Veronica of Milan, St. Elian, St. Hilary of Poitiers, and St. Mungo. In Sweden and Finland, it is observed as St. Knut's Day (Tjugondag Knut), marking the traditional end of the Christmas season.
This feast day in both Western and Eastern Christian traditions commemorates multiple saints whose lives exemplified faith and service. Blessed Veronica of Milan was celebrated for her humility and dedication to the poor. St. Elian and St. Hilary of Poitiers are honored for their theological contributions and missionary work. St. Mungo, also known as Kentigern, is venerated as the patron saint of Glasgow. In Northern Europe, St. Knut's Day involves singing, dancing, and the ritual removal of Christmas decorations. Eastern Orthodox churches also commemorate additional saints on January 13 according to the Julian calendar. The observance brings together rich historical, cultural, and religious practices across regions.
feast day Veronica of Milan Elian Hilary of Poitiers Mungo St. Knut's Day Sweden Finland January 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Old New Year's Eve (Russia,Belarus,Ukraine,Serbia,Montenegro,Republic of Srpska,North Macedonia), and its related observances:

Malanka(Ukraine,Russia,Belarus)

Celebration of the New Year according to the Julian calendar on January 13, observed in several Eastern Orthodox and Slavic countries as Malanka and Tjugondag Knut.
Known as Old New Year or Malanka, January 13 marks the beginning of the Julian calendar year for communities that historically followed it. In Ukraine and parts of Russia and Belarus, the holiday is called Malanka and features folk music, dancing, and masquerade processions. In Sweden and Finland, it is called Tjugondag Knut or St. Knut’s Day, traditionally the day when Christmas decorations are taken down. The observance is rooted in the calendar reform of 1918 and preserves cultural and religious customs predating the Gregorian calendar. Families gather for feasts, share blessings, and engage in rituals meant to bring health and prosperity in the coming year.
Old New Year Russia Belarus Ukraine Serbia Montenegro Republic of Srpska North Macedonia Malanka Ukraine Russia Belarus

Siderealwinter solstice's eve celebrations in South and Southeast Asian cultures; the last day of the six-monthDakshinayanaperiod(seeJanuary 14):

Bhogi(Andhra Pradesh,Tamil Nadu), Lohri(Punjab,Haryana,Himachal Pradesh), Uruka(Assam)

Regional harvest and winter festivals in South and Southeast Asia marking the eve of the sidereal winter solstice, celebrated as Bhogi, Lohri, and Uruka.
These festivals fall on January 13 and represent the last day of Dakshinayana, the sun’s six-month southward journey in Hindu astrology. Bhogi, observed in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, involves discarding old household items in bonfires to symbolize new beginnings. Lohri in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh is celebrated with community bonfires, singing folk songs, and sharing traditional foods like sesame seeds and jaggery. In Assam, Uruka marks the eve of the Bihu harvest festival with feasts, music, and dance gatherings. Each regional celebration reflects local customs, agricultural heritage, and the cultural significance of the winter solstice in rural communities.
Sidereal winter solstice Dakshinayana January 14 Bhogi Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu Lohri Punjab Haryana Himachal Pradesh Uruka Assam

BlessedVeronica of Milan

A Christian feast day honoring Blessed Veronica of Milan, a Franciscan tertiary remembered for her humility and charitable works.
Blessed Veronica of Milan (1422–1497) was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis known for her deep devotion and service to the poor. Her life was marked by acts of compassion, mystic contemplation, and commitment to monastic simplicity. Miraculous accounts of her visions and piety spread rapidly after her death, leading to widespread veneration. The feast day on January 13 celebrates her spiritual legacy and invites the faithful to reflect on the values of charity and humility. Liturgical services often include special prayers, readings, and hymns highlighting her contributions to the Franciscan tradition.
Veronica of Milan

Elian

Elian

Hilary of Poitiers

Feast day of Saint Hilary of Poitiers, an influential fourth-century bishop and theologian. Honors his role in defending the doctrine of the Trinity against Arianism.
Saint Hilary of Poitiers served as Bishop of Poitiers in the fourth century, known for his theological writings. Born around 310 AD, he became a leading opponent of Arianism, defending the divinity of Christ. His major work, De Trinitate, shaped early Church doctrine and influenced generations of theologians. Pilgrims visit his shrine in Poitiers, France, to honor his legacy of faith and scholarship. Saint Hilary’s feast day on January 13 celebrates his courage in upholding orthodox belief. The day encourages reflection on theological study and the history of Christian doctrine.
Hilary of Poitiers

Mungo

Commemoration of Saint Mungo, the legendary founder and patron saint of Glasgow. Honors his missionary work and cherished miracles.
Saint Mungo, also known as Kentigern, was a sixth-century missionary credited with founding the city of Glasgow. Born in Wales around 518 AD, he devoted his life to spreading Christianity in what is now Scotland. Numerous legends surround Mungo, including tales of a miraculous bird, tree, bell, and fish. His tomb in Glasgow Cathedral remains a pilgrimage site attracting visitors worldwide. January 13 marks his feast day, celebrating his enduring legacy in Scottish culture and faith. Services and processions in Glasgow honor the saint’s life, work, and miracles.
Mungo

St. Knut's DayorTjugondag Knut, the last day of Christmas. (SwedenandFinland)

Traditional feast marking the end of the Christmas season in Sweden and Finland.
St. Knut’s Day, known as Tjugondag Knut, falls on January 13 and signifies the end of the Christmas festivities. Named after King Canute IV of Denmark, the day invites customary “plundering the Christmas tree” ceremonies. Families dance around decorated trees before stripping them of ornaments and taking them down. In Sweden and Finland, special pastries accompany the celebrations, often enjoyed with coffee and friends. The tradition blends Christian heritage with Scandinavian folk customs. Communities hold concerts and social gatherings to bid farewell to the holiday season.
St. Knut's Day Sweden Finland

January 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Liturgical commemorations in the Eastern Orthodox Church on January 13.
January 13 in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar occurs during the Afterfeast of Theophany. The faithful participate in special services and prayers commemorating Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. Icons are often blessed, and holy water is distributed for home blessings. The date also honors several saints, including Saint Hilary of Poitiers in the Orthodox tradition. Clergy read specific hymns and biblical passages reflecting the themes of purification and renewal. The observances foster spiritual reflection and community worship among Orthodox Christians worldwide.
January 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Bhogi(Andhra Pradesh,Tamil Nadu)

First day of the harvest festival Pongal in South India, honoring Lord Indra. Features bonfires and community gatherings.
Bhogi, observed on January 13, marks the start of the four-day Pongal harvest festival in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. On this day, households light bonfires to discard old items and welcome renewal. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Indra, the deity of rain, seeking blessings for prosperous harvests. Homes are decorated with kolam art and vibrant rangoli patterns. Communities share festive meals featuring freshly harvested grains and sweet dishes. Bhogi sets a tone of gratitude and hope for the agricultural season ahead.
Bhogi Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu

Lohri(Punjab,Haryana,Himachal Pradesh)

Harvest festival in Punjab and surrounding regions, marked by bonfires and festive singing.
Lohri falls on the eve of Makar Sankranti, celebrating the harvest of sugarcane and rabi crops. Families gather around blazing bonfires, throwing sesame seeds, popcorn, and rewri into the flames. Traditional Punjabi folk songs and dances like bhangra and gidda enliven the night. Special foods such as gur (jaggery), peanuts, and makki di roti are shared among neighbors. The festival symbolizes the end of the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days. Lohri fosters community bonding, thanksgiving, and hopes for a bountiful year.
Lohri Punjab Haryana Himachal Pradesh