Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Bandi Chhor Diwas – The Day of Liberation
“(When) the lamp is lit, darkness is dispelled. Where there is light of knowledge, ignorance is dispelled.” (Guru Granth Sahib p.791) Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated all over India to signify Lord Rama’s return home from 14 years in exile after destroying the demon god Ravana. However, in the Sikh tradition Diwali has...
Festivals
Kanya Puja – Navratri
Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja is a significant ritual during Navratri and Durga Puja. It is held during the most important days of Navratri i.e. Ashtami and Navmi. This ritual involves worshiping girls aged between 6 and 12, symbolizing the Kanya Kumari. Kanya Puja is an integral part of Devi Durga Puja and perhaps this...
Festivals
Ten days Navratri in 2016
Did you know this year Navratri is a 10 day festival? Yes, that is correct . The festival started on October 1st and the last day of Navami will be celebrated on October 10th. The last time this happened was 16 years ago in the year 2000. Usually, Navratri is celebrated for 9 days and nights...
Rituals
Nava-Durga : The Nine forms of Goddess Durga
The festival of Navratri is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga known as the Nava-durga. Devi Durga is the form of Shakti or the Infinite Power. It is believed that she manifested herself into nine divine forms collectively known as Navadurga or nine Durgas. Shailaputri The first day of the festival is dedicated to...
Rituals
Festivals
Janmashtami – Birth of The Avatar
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of one of the most powerful incarnations of Vishnu, who we consider a leader, hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and friend all rolled into one. Krishna took birth at midnight on the ashtami or the 8th day of the Krishnapaksha or dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Shravan (August-September). This...
Rituals
Why do we say Namaste?
Indians greet each other with Namaste. The two palms are placed together in front of the chest and the head bows whilst saying the word Namaste. This greeting is for all – people younger than us, of our own age, those older than friends, even strangers and us. There are five forms of formal traditional...
Rituals
Why do we chant Om?
Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in India. It has a profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Most mantras and vedic prayers start with Om. All auspicious actions begin with this powerful word. It is even used as a greeting –...
Festivals