Growing up, I would watch my grandmother Maya make kheer, or rice pudding, every month. The tradition was to mark Amavasya, the day of the new moon, and a time to reflect and remember ancestors.
Since she lives in India — and there’s no practical way to ship her delicious kheer across oceans — I took it upon myself to prepare kheer the next time there is a new moon.
The recipe is simple: Cook rice in milk, add sugar, saffron, and cardamom powder, and mix in sliced almonds.
My grandmother called me on Monday night for our weekly chat.
Maya, 69, and I talked about the state of affairs at home in New Delhi and here in Phoenix. She told me about the upcoming New Moon on Feb. 17, and I shared my plans with her.
My grandmother smiled through the phone and approved of my idea to carry on this family tradition.
In Hindu households, kheer symbolizes prosperity, often associated with new beginnings and purity.
Maya told me that this new moon coincided with a total solar eclipse.
I pulled out my laptop, and as she talked, I found that this eclipse would be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain. She seemed pleased with the information.
My grandmother then listed several tips on preparing the best kheer for this special new moon. As she trailed off, my Google search revealed something fascinating.
Feb. 17 marks a convergence of spiritual days across not just Hinduism, but all major religions.
Here’s a breakdown of the celebrations and traditions observed on Tuesday:
- The 2026 Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, welcomes the year of the horse on Feb. 17.
- Ramadan begins at sundown on Tuesday, with the first full day starting on Wednesday.
- Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, is the final day of feasting before the 40-day fasting period of Lent.
- In the Jewish calendar, Feb. 17 is a minor holiday with Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of a new Hebrew month. Some longstanding traditions call for a day of rest for women.
Tuesday serves as a powerful reset. It also marks a rarity as these festivals across faiths — from Buddhists to Christians — align on this new moon. Celebrate with kheer, a fast or by visiting local houses of worship, and take part in this global day of reflection.