The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquillity and prosperity in life. She has a ‘Chandra’ or half moon on her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called Maa Chandraghanta. She is charming, has a
Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri and is the second form of Mother Goddess. Brahmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and divine grace. In one hand she carries a Rudraksha mala and in the other hand she carries
Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated twice a year, in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin. It is dedicated to worshipping the divine feminine, the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as the Navadurga. It is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm throughout India and by Hindus worldwide. During the nine nights of Navratri, devotees
Vakratunda Mahaakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabhaa Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvadaa II Lord Ganesha was born on Shukla Chaturthi of the Bhadrapada month. And that is why this auspicious day is observed as Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals celebrated with loads of fanfare, delicious cuisine, and excitement in India. It’s
On the eighth day of the month of Bhadrapada, Hindus celebrate Janmashtami, the festival commemorating the birth of the Hindu god Krishna. Krishna is the reincarnation of lord Vishnu. Devotees observe a vigil and fast till the hour of his birth the day before. The statue of Krishna is then dressed in new clothing, given
Vara MahaLakshmi Puja and Vrath is a popular ritual observed by married women in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Vara MahaLakshmi Vrath is a festival celebrated to appease goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. This festival falls in the holy month of Shravan on the first Friday before the Pournami
Rudrabhishekh is a Hindu celebration in which Lord Shiva is worshiped in His Rudra appearance, which is greeted by all Vedic scriptures as one of the supreme Pujas to eliminate all evils, to conquer all wishes and overall success. Lord Shiva is also known as Rudra and Rudrabhishek is the ceremonial bath of the Shiv
CHAITRA SHUKLA PAKSHA PRATIPADA VIKRAM SAMVAT Happy New Year Vikram Samvat 2074 to you all!! Vikram Samvat (abbreviated as V.S.) is an era used in India and Nepal, just like the Christian era started in 1 CE. The Vikram Samvat started in 58/57 BCE in southern (purnimanta) and 57/56 BCE in northern (amanta) systems of
Lohri is a fun-filled festival full of life and energy and is mainly celebrated as a harvest festival. The festival marks the end of winter and the upcoming spring. Bonfires are lit, traditional songs and dances accompany the fire in the evening. Lohri is celebrated mostly in Northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal
How many of us know about Lord Ganesha’s family? Lord Ganesha is more popularly known as a celibate however the scriptures that are dedicated to Lord Ganesha (the Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana) provide information about his wives Siddhi and Buddhi (also called Riddhi). “Siddhi” means spiritual power and “Buddhi” means intellect. Since Lord