Festivals
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.… Read the rest
Festivals
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 a bath in milk and water, and worshipped.… Read the rest
Festivals
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 (the full moon day), corresponding to the months of July – August.… Read the rest
Festivals
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 Lingam.… Read the rest
Festivals
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 Hindu calendar.… Read the rest
Festivals
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 Pradesh.… Read the rest
Festivals
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.… Read the rest
Festivals
“(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 a very different, historically based, significance as well.… Read the rest
Festivals
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 auspicious puja was originally initiated in order to give girls due social status in the male dominated Indian social fabric.… Read the rest
Festivals
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 and the 10th day is celebrated as Dussera or Vijayadashami.… Read the rest