Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
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