Celebrating Dhanteras

Celebrating Dhanteras

India is the country of festivals; there are hundreds of small and big festivals that are celebrated. One of these festivals is Dhanteras, the festival of wealth. This festival is celebrated in the time of Diwali. Dhanteras is celebrated by worshipping lord Yama, to provide prosperity and well being.

In the day of dhanteras, people buy gold and silver jewelry as it is considered to be most auspicious. Dhanteras holds the special place in business areas. People start with their new business on this day. This day is known as the beginning of Diwali.

In Dhanteras, Dhan means wealth and Teras means 13. This day is celebrated 2 days before the diwali. On this day, homes and offices are cleaned and puja are performed so that business and home will get prosperity.  At the entrance of the home rangolis are designed so as to welcome wealth and prosperity. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped on this day. At the entrance of the house, diyas that are made up of clay are lightened up and kept outside of the home.

People on this day buy car, home as it is considered to be the most auspicious day. People perform laxmi puja and design the footprint of Goddess laxmi in the entrance of their home. Goddess laxmi is called as God of wealth.

According to the legendary story, Lord Dhanvantri, the physician of god and incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerged from the sea which was churned by demons and Gods. She emerged out with Ayurvedic to do the welfare of mankind. This incident happened in the day of Dhanteras.

During this day, whole India celebrates the day of wealth and after 2 days people celebrate Diwali, India’s biggest festival. People on this day distribute sweets and wear new cloths and take early morning bath.
Dhanteras is really the festival of wealth.

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Celebrating Onam

Celebrating Onam

Onam is biggest festival of Kerala. It is also called as the harvest festival and is celebrated in joy and happiness.  People of Kerala eagerly wait for this festival and it is known to celebrate to welcome king Mahabali. It is said that Mahabali visits the home of Kerala in the different character.

Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, and is the first month of Malayalam calendar. This festival is celebrated in the month of August-September. During this festival, people of Kerala prepare themselves for the boat race. Apart from this, there are also folk dance and energetic games takes place.

According to the legends, it is believed that during the regime of king Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. But the only negative thing of his character was his egoistic nature which made god to bring the end of his regime. However, god granted him a wish that, he can visit once in a year and meet those people with him he is so attached to. So the day is called as Onam.

The rich culture of Kerala comes out during this festival and whole Kerala energizes with different cultural activities. During this festival, people of Kerala prepare special dish called as Onasadya. It is nine course meals which is prepared in 10-13 essential dishes.

The other most attraction in this festival which can be seen is the Vallamkali, the snake boat race which takes place in the large occasion. People decorate their boats and there are around 20-30 people sitting on this boat and race with each other. This scene is extremely breathtaking and hundreds of people come to see this boat race.

Women make flower design in front of their home to welcome king Mahabali. Apart from this there are also some folk dances that take place in places. Kerala really lights up to celebrate Onam.

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Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth

Indian’s are known for their fasting in every occasion, especially women’s. So the Karwa chauth celebration takes place for such women’s. On this day married women undertake fast for in the name of their husbands and pray for their long life. Karwa chauth falls in the ninth day of diwali. This day is largely celebrated by the north Indian women’s.

In this day women don’t eat or drink water right from the sunrise to the sunset till the moon appears. They keep on looking at the sky and wait for moon to appear and they offer prayers to moon and later break their fast by just seeing the moon through sieve. Later, the fist sip of water is taken from the hands of their husband to break their fast.

Special puja takes place in the house where women who are also called Baya present in the puja. The puja place decorated with Kharia mitti, which is kept for soaking for 2-3 hours and later it turns into liquid.  Whole puja decoration should be placed against the wall, where decorated patta is kept, on which Gaur Mata resides. Gaur Mata is made up of cow dung, it was on earlier days. But now an idol of Goddess Parvati is kept.

Karwa chauth has very importance in women’s life. However, as the trend is changing the style of celebrating this day has also changed. In some place instead of puja, parties take place. On this day, women apply mehendi in their hand, which most of the women like to do. This day is largely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat.

This is special day for women and they celebrate it whole heartedly. They pray for their husband who is their protector and life partner.

Celebrating Nag Panchami

Celebrating Nag Panchami

Nag Panchami is the day when people worship Snakes. Snakes are meant to be dangerous reptile of all as its bite can lead the person into death. Nag-Panchami is the festival which falls in fifth day of moon light in the month of Shravan. This is day when serpents come out of the hole to drink milk that is served by the worshiper.

Snakes are known as the important God and the very angry minded. So people are very careful while performing puja of Lord Nag. They are also symbol as the five headed snakes, which are rarely seen. Every religion and caste has different perspective on Nag-Panchami. In Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism snake is regarded as the divine qualities. In India, there are many temples where snake gods are worshipped and special puja’s are performed on Nag Panchami.

People on this day observe fast and visit temples that are constructed for snake god or Lord Shiva. During this day people also visit Shiva temple as snakes are largely found in this temples and people offer milk to Nag Devta.  People even visit forest and look for any snakes to offer milk and perform puja.
In Bengal and Orissa people take the blessings of Mansa, the queen of serpents. And people ask for protection from the snakes harm.

In Punjab, Nag Panchmi is celebrated on the day of Shukla Navami. People prepare a huge idol of snake and perform puja by offering flowers and milk.

In Maharashtra, people perform puja in a special manner. Women on this day take early bath and wear saree which is called as nav-vari and visit sake temple to offer puja.

Every state celebrates Nag-Panchami in their traditional manner. But the only thing is they all worship snake god, from whom they fear the most.

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Srila Prabhupada –Founder of ISKCON

Srila Prabhupada –Founder of ISKCON

Srila Prabhupada was born in Calcutta, India. He studied in British schools under the colonial rule and went again to Calcutta University to study English, Sanskrit, Philosophy and Economics. At the time when he was studying in university, he joined Gandhiji to support India’s Independence movement. As a supporter India freedom, he only dressed white handloom cloth and also even declined to accept the degree from university.

 In the year 1918, to support his family earning he started to work in pharmaceutical company and later he opened his own company, which is called as The Prayag Pharmacy in Allahabad. In the mean time, he met his spiritual master Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. In the year 1936, he wrote a letter to his mater asking him if anything he can do for him. After some time, Srila Prabhupada rececived the reply in which his master asked him to spread the message of Lord Krishna consciousness in English speaking world. So from here the journey of spreading message of Lord Krishna to whole world started.

He wrote an English commentary on Bhagvad –Gita and later in 1944, he began a magazine named as Back to Godhead. In 1950, Srila Prabhupada retired from his business so that he can devote full time for the mission. In 1959, he entered to the stage of sanyasa and began his masterpiece Srimad-Bhagvatam and later sold the book to the major cities of India.

In 1965, Srila Prabhupada traveled America and teaching people about Vaishnava tradition.  From the year 1971 to 1977, Srila Prabhupada and his followers began developing ISKCON across world and began teaching of Lord Rama and Krishna. Apart from temple, they also established restaurants, farm, along with Bhaktivendanta Institute.

Between 1966 and 1977, Srila Prabhupada travelled 14 times on lecture tours and in between he also wrote his books on teachings. His writings are being translated to 50 languages and his publishing house became the world largest publisher.

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Benefits of Yoga

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is known as the most important and unique way of medication to heal the health problem. It is the medication which is done with the help of some unique postures and breathing techniques to increase relaxation and improve strength. It’s upon you how you practice yoga whether by relaxing, stretching, breathing, meditation you may find numerous advantage of yoga session.
Below mentioned are some of the benefits of practicing yoga:

•    There are numerous benefits to your body by doing proper yoga. Yoga keeps body muscles strong and helps the body to hold and balance asana. There are various yoga asana which can help your body muscle to bring strength.

•    Yoga practice like breathing, stretching helps to improve increase body flexibility, helping joints and muscles to stay limber. People suffering from various diseases perform yoga as it helps to heal various diseases.

•    People who are from athletic or any other sports perform yoga session such as Bikram yoga, vinyasa yoga, power yoga. These asana can help to make your muscles strong and growth. Bikram yoga which is largely performed requires keeping your body in constant motion and helps in strengthening cardiovascular workout.

•    Yoga helps in healing minor injuries that creates problem in your body muscles, knee and back injuries. But before perform any of this yoga sessions consult your physician.

•    Yoga helps in mental health and is the great medicine for psychological treatment. The breathing process of yoga helps in mental relaxation and increases mental strength.

•    Yoga is the process of meditation, so it results in mental peace.
Yoga in the daily life can help your body to get relax a lot and to maintain the energy. So the regular practice of yoga can benefit your body a lot. You can log onto any website of yogic posture and try to do that posture for your health benefit.

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Celebrating Guru Purnima

Celebrating Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is celebrated in the full moon day and in the month of July. People celebrate Guru Purnima to worship their Teacher and preacher. This day is celebrated in the memory of great sage Vyasa, the ancient saint who compiled four Vedas. He also wrote Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Guru Purnima is also called as Vyas Purnima.

In Hindu religion, this day is considered as the most auspicious day. People visit temples and take holy bath. People in this day visit their Guru and teacher and take their blessing for a good future. In some organizations several programs and culture activates take place. Bhajan samarohas and devine occasion’s takes place.

Ashrams, especially celebrate this day in a grand manner. In Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, people come from various parts of country and take blessings of spiritual leaders. Guru Purnima is also celebrated outside India. In these ashrams, various cultural and traditional activities take place. Spiritual leaders organize satsang to preach their followers the importance of this day.
In many schools across India, celebrate Guru Purnima in form of cultural activities. Children’s offer gifts to their teachers. Shirdi, India most wealthiest and sacred shrine of Sai Baba, celebrate Guru Purnima is a grand scale. There are various satsangs held in this place. Great spiritual leaders visit this sacred place in this day.

Many people visit temples and take a holy bath in this day. It is considered as the most auspicious to get rid of all your sins.

In various parts of states, Guru Purnima is celebrated in various manners. Some visit to ashrams, some visit temples and some perform puja at their home. The festival of Guru Purnima is celebrated to say thanks to your teacher for giving education so that you can have bright future.

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Celebrating Akshaya Tritiya

Celebrating Akshaya Tritiya

Akashya Tritiya, the festival of Gold is celebrated in India, with great pomp. This festival is like a golden chance for women as they get to buy gold in this day. It is believed that buying gold in Akshaya tritiya is very auspicious.  It is like muhurat for buying gold.

 Akshaya tritiya falls in the third day of Viashakh month (April-May). Akshaya tritiya is celebrated on the occasion of birth of Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.  People in this day perform special pooja and make charity along with worship Lord Ganesha and Devi Laksmi.

Akshaya tritiya is considered as the most auspicious day and considered as the bright success and for good fortune.  People consider buying gold in this day is very auspicious, which is the symbol of wealth and prosperity.  This day is the really big and grand for jewelry makers as they gain large profit in this day.  Many people also consider wedding and begin with new venture. Gold makers in this day keep many offers in their selling and gold marks the highest selling in this day.

Akshaya means, never ending journey. In this day consulting panchang and priests for any new venture or for marriage is not considered. It is the excellent and the most auspicious day to get married. People perform Vishnu puja as it is considered as highly auspicious.

People celebrate Akshaya tritiya in their own way. People prepare different dishes in this day. People visit temples and perform and worship god and perform special pooja for their better future.

This day is really known as the gold day. There is the huge rush in jewelry shops. Whatever be the price people buy gold and small ornament as to make their day auspicious.

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Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti

Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is India most important festival. It is celebrated on the occasion of Lord Hanuman’s birthday. This festival falls in the day of Poornima, full moon day.  Hanuman is considered as the reincarnation of  Lord Shiva and is the God of intense devotion, wisdom and has the magical power to get into any shape.

Hanuman was the intense devotee of the Lord Ram and Sita. He was the commander of chief in the army of  Sugriv- a monkey king who befriended Lord Ram.  Hanuman is known for his saving to Sita who was kidnapped by Lanka king Ravan, and also burnt his whole palace. He also played an instrumental role in saving Lakshman’s life.

During Hanuman Jayanti,  celebration takes place in all the temple of Hanuman.  People chant Hanuman chalisa during chanting.  Idol of hanuman is offered  sindoor, paan, flowers and banana. Some people also observe fast on the day of Jayanti and also before it. In many of the hanuman temple there is the grand celebration which takes place.

Hanuman is also called as Maruti. This festival is celebrated in the month of March. In the Andhra Pradesh, this festival is celebrated for 41 days. And it is also celebrated in abroad. People who worship lord Hanuman deeply never marry in their entire life and live entire life without marrying.  This festival is more important for wrestlers and body builders. Saturday is considered as the day of Lord Hanuman.

In many temples, special drama takes place where whole story of Lord Hanuman is depicted in the form of drama. This festival is the most auspicious festival. Most of the offices and educational institutes remain close.
This festival is celebrated with great pomp and with devotion.

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Celebrating Ugadi

Celebrating Ugadi

Ugadi is celebrated in Tami Nadu, and is the new year of this state. The name of this festival derived from  Yuga Ugadi which means new age.  According to the chandramana system, this festival falls on Chaitra Shuddha Prathipade. This day is very special for Tamil Nadu people as it is their new year.

Ugadi celebration is blessed with spring season. This season symbolizes new life for fresh flowers, chanting  of birds and fruit laden trees.  It is considered as the auspicious day for the people.

The celebration of Ugadi starts right before the month. People before this festival start cleaning  their house  and surrounding areas of their house. People go for shopping  and buy new cloths with other items for the festival.  During this festival people exchange  saree, dhoti, sweets etc.

On the day of festival, people get up early in the morning and apply coconut oil in their body. Later, they take head bath and wear new cloth. They visit temple and chants mantras. Priests in the temple forecast  new events and make people aware of any new situation.

People in Ugadi, prepare special dishes. People and relatives go to their relatives place and eat new dishes that are made in this day.  One of the main dishes is the Ugadi Pachchadi, which is made up of neem leaves, jaggery, raw mango and tamarind juice.  There are also some other dishes that are prepared in during this festival.

This festival signifies a smooth journey. This festival makes people to know about the sorrow, success, happiness and disappointment.  This festival makes people to understand that everything must be treated equally and make us feel to learn something new  and prepare for the rest.  This festival is celebrated in a great pomp and great happiness.

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Pongal Celebration

Pongal Celebration

There are different types of festival that are celebrated in India and one of them is the Pongal. Pongal is celebrated by the people of Tamil Nadu.  This festival puts the harvesting season to an end. Pongal is said to be the celebration when people give thanks to sun. Farmers thanks to all those people who helped them in growing paddy which help them in getting break.

Pongal celebration takes for 4 days but people start the preparation from months. The first day of Pongal is called as bhogi, when people thank Lord Indra. The second day is Pongal where people give thanks to Sun God. People in this day prepare special Pongal dish. On the third of festival in maattu Pongal farmers worship farm animal like cattle because they help farmers in ploughing land and to produce high crop land. The fourth and the last day is the Kaanum Pongal, during which people visit to their dear ones to pay respect them.

Pongal is like Diwali festival for Tamil Nadu, where people clean their house before the festival. People in this festival wear new clothes and perform several prayers during pongal. Girls dance and sing songs in this day. There are also some other performance that take place in this day. Pongal Kolams are the one which are made in front of the doorstep in every house. People also design Pongal Kolam in the place where they make Pongal dish, to make the dish pure. People in this day exchange sweets and send greetings to friends, relatives to wish them a Happy Pongal.

This festival is typically celebrated in the form of Diwali and enjoy with great warmth. People of Tamil Nadu eagerly wait for this festival every year to celebrate it.

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Celebrating Gudi Padwa

Celebrating Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa is the festival which is largely celebrated in Maharashtra. Gudi Padwa, is also known as Ugadi, is celebrated in first day of Hindu month of Chaitra. This festival is the beginning of Vasant or spring.  Gudi is the pole on top of which an upturned brass or silver pot is kept. The Gudi is then covered with silk cloth and is decorated with coconut, marigold and mango which symbolize the sign of natural bounty.

 Some of the Marathi people look at this festival as the sign of victory of Maratha force. Gudi is displayed in front of home as to ward off evil and invite prosperity to home. Gudi Padwa is the New Year for Maharastrain.

The Gudi Padwa starts with cleaning of house with ritual. In many house women and children indulge in drawing rangoli in the doorsteps. Every member of the house eats soonth panak and chana usal. Apart from it, people also make shrikhand and puri. The day starts with eating of neem tree. Neem leaves is known to clean the blood and toughen the immune system.
In India, there is different name for Gudi Padwa in different states.

•    In south it is called as Ugadi
•    Sindhis celebrate it as Cheti Chand
•     Bengalis celebrate it as Poila Baishakh
•    Vishu in Kerala
•    Punjabis celebrate it as Baishaki
Gudi Padwa is the most auspicious day. On this day people perform house warming and people also buy gold and silver and is considered to be the auspicious for starting new business.

There are different recipes made in different states in this festival. In south India, people make Puligare-sour tamarind rice, Holige- sweet stuffed bread.
Gudi Padwa is the most auspicious festival for people and is the New Year for Maharastrians.

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Celebrating Basant Panchami

Celebrating Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami is the festival that is celebrated in the beginning of spring. Basant means spring and panchami is the fifth day of fortnight of waxing moon in the month of January –February of English calendar.

Basant Panchami festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. This festival is not considered as the national holiday, but school and colleges are closed in this day and participate in the decoration and worship of temples. Before this festival, schools organize various annual competitions of music, debate and sports. The winner of this competition gets prize in the day of Basant Panchami. During the night of Saraswati Puja, schools organize cultural programmes when parents and other community member do attend function.

In United States, Bengali communities celebrate this festival in the form community festival and worship Goddess Sarawati. In India, people celebrate this festival by flying kites and every kite flier tries best to cut the thread of others kites. This is called Kite battle.

This festival is largely celebrated in North India. The fields appear colorful in all the north Indian fields. People cook yellow rice and wear yellow clothes. Yellow color is considered to be the most auspicious. During this day, there is the feeling of plenty enthusiasm among people.

During this festival, the Prasad that is offered to Goddess Saraswati is not same in every community. In some community, Ber a fruit is offered in Northern India. And Eastern side, Sangri is offered.

 People on this day visit temple to offer prayers. At every home people prepare kesar halwa and spread yellow color all over.

This festival is the auspicious one and celebrated with great pomp around the country.

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Celebrating Makar Sankranti

Celebrating Makar Sankranti

Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti means transition. The period of Makar Sankranti is known as the most auspicious time and the veteran Bhisma of Mahabharata chose to die during this period. Bhisma fell to the arrow of Arjuna. With his boon to time of his death, he waited on the bed with full of arrows to depart from this world during this world. So it is believed that any person who dies in this period will never have a rebirth.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated throughout India as a harvesting festival. It is like giving a thanks to the nature as it help a man for living. This is the period when winter ends and summer begins and it is also the season when farers harvest their new seed. In the coastal areas, it is the harvesting festival which is dedicated to Indra and people take a ritual bath on this day in the river.

People in this festival eat khichri and give away to poor people as charity. In Maharashtra, people celebrate with great respect as special dish like tilgul and ladoos are made from jiggery and sesame seed. In Gujarat, people celebrate it by flying Kites. Different cities of India, name Makar Sankranti as Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Lohri in Punjab.

In Punjab, people celebrate this festival in form of Lohri in which people lit bonfire and dance around it. In Bundelkhnad and Madhya Pradesh, it is celebrated as Sukarat, with great pomp and give lot of sweet among people. In south India, this festival is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu and very popular among farmers and people worship sun.

This festival is known to be most auspicious and whole people come together to celebrate this festival. The message this festival spread is of brotherhood.

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The ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON Temple

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness Society, which was formed for the devotees of Krishna. This society has developed 190000 devotees and around 6000 temples all over the world. This temple is known for hosting 50 schools and 60 restaurants. The main aim of this society is to educate and teach people about Bhagavad-Gita.

This temple is famously known for Radha-Krishna Temple and Hare Krishna Temple. Devotees will find this temple open 365 days so that they can have the visit to the temple. ISKCON was initially started in New York as a spiritual society and was founded by Swami Prabhupada. There are 40 ISKCON temples in India with beautifully architected designed. The main agenda of this temple is to spread the spiritual message across the globe and have made a spiritual impression in minds of people. While visiting this temple the visitor will surely find calm and peace. It is also said that visiting this temple will make the person to attain mental peace and harmony.

The mission of this temple is to spread the message of Bhagvad Gita and saying of Lord Krishna. There are some temple which exists in India with beautifully carved and maintained with peace and harmony and one such is the ISKCON temple. A visitor will find some of the Russian paintings on the wall of the temple. This picture depicts work of ancient times. During the Janmashtmi festival there is a long queue of devotees throng to this temple to get the blessing of Lord Krishna. Various pujas are held on this day which makes the devotee to feel the peace and get the blessing of God.

Due to its help in educational field and helping poor to get some food, the member of this temple are really getting the blessing of people and also of Lord Krishna.

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What is Mangalsutra?

What is Mangalsutra?

Women in difference religion described themselves as married with different signs. In catholic, women wear rings in the third finger of their left hand. So in the same way, women in Hindu wear Mangalsutra to present themselves as the married women.

Mangalsutra is worn by Indian women in the form of yellow thread, gold chain or as a black thread. Every caste names Mangalsutra in different name. In Telugu, it is called as thaaly, in Tamil mangalyam. But as most of women go to work the use of Mangalsutra is reducing and instead of it women wear locket or chain with her husband’s name on it which Keralite women wear after their marriage.
Mangalsutra is the most valuable ornament which the women wear after her marriage. It is a proof that she is married but when her husband dies she has to remove it for forever. It is believed that Mangalsutra is not just ordinary ornament of her marriage but is the divine power that she wears in her neck and to save her husband from all form of evil. A woman who wears this ornament feels very superstitious, as they believe that breaking of Mangalsutra is not good sign for their husband.

Mangalsutra is tied by the husband at time of marriage which makes them legally and eternally. Mangalsutra depicts the union of both husband and wife. Magalsutra holds a very important role in married life.

Now days, mangalsutra has become the fashion statement. There are now some fashionable Mangalsutra which various designs and ornament which women like to wear. This fashion has come from TV serials where women wear some fashionable mangalsutra and has inspired women to wear such type of mangalsutra. This shows that even the mangalsutra is spared by the change of fashion.

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Lord Subramanya and Skanda Sashti

Lord Subramanya and Skanda Sashti

Skanda sashti is observed in the sixth day of the bright sunlight of the Tamil Nadu. This day is dedicated for the second son of Lord Shiva- Lord Subramanya who is also known as Kartikeya, Kumaresa, Guha and Murugan. Who is believed to annihilated demon Taraka. This festival is celebrated in Lord Shiva and Subramanya temple in south.

On this day, there is a big celebration in all the temples in south and commences before sixth day and concludes on the day of sashti. During this day, pilgrims throng to the temple and read the stories of Subramanya.

There are well known temple of Subramanya can be found in Udipi, Palani Hills and Tiruchendra. Apart from India, this temple can also be found in Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

According to the customs and traditions, it is compulsory to go under piercing in the form of Kavadi to the various Subramanya shrines. Many devotees in Tamil Nadu pierce by inserting needle  through cheeks, neck, and tongue.

Skanda sashti falls in the month of November and is the day when Lord Subrmanya killed Demon Taraka. People witness elaborate festival in the temple. Devotees organize bhajan and kirtan on a grand scale. It is believed that people with disease if visit this temple will cure all their disease.

Generally, people take oath to offer Lord Kavadi the sake of tiding natural calamity. It is believed that whoever fast for the six day in the period of skanda sashti, it is believed that they will get the blessings of Lord Muruga. And those can’t fast for whole day can eat only one meal.

Devotees observe six days of fasting and pray devotional  songs to Lord Muruga. There is a flow of people in this day to celebrate this festival.

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Celebrating Bhagvad Gita Jayanti

Celebrating Bhagvad Gita Jayanti

The Bhagavad Gita Jayanti is celebrated on the occasion of the birth of Gita Book and is celebrated all over India and largely in the Northern state. It is celebrated by the admirers who love this scriptures a lot and read this whole book.

The Gita Jayanti is one of the greatest days of all the Indian festival and in the history of mankind.  Nearly six thousands year ago a dazzling flash light up on the human civilization and this light was the message of the birth of Bhagvad Gita, which was given by the Lord himself on the battlefield of Kurkshetra.

Bhagvad Gita is the most beautiful philosophical book that is written.  It contains the message of true life and meaning of leaving this life. It teaches how to face the challenges at the time of difficulty. The teachings in the Bhagavad Gita are fully based on the Upanishads. Gita teaches the true duty of the individual in the society and how pure and true an individual should be.
The voice of the Gita is called as the voice of supreme. The Bhagvad Gita is not just an ancient scripture but also serves as the essential guide to become a good human being. The good quality about Bhagvad Gita is it prompts for individual thin to think fair and right decision.

The Bhagavad Gita Jayanti is largely celebrated in Kurukshetra and is observed the day by reading Gita. Hindu temple which are specially dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu, conduct special puja on this day. Pilgrims from all over the country visit this place to take part in holy bath. Gita Jayanti Samaroh is being observed in Kurukshetra

Gita Jyanti is also known celebrated as the Mokshada Ekadashi. On this day people observe fast and on the 12th day people break their fast.

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Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra is the most sacred pilgrim yatra for the Hindu people.  It is the place where Lord Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret creation of caves in Amaranth. Many people report that they witness devespair when trek the hilly route to pay obscene before the natural made ice-lingum.

The trek to Amarnath takes place in the month of July-August to witness the naturally made ice-lingum of Lord Shiva and alter waxes and wanes with the moon. By its side, there are two more ice- lingum of Parvati and son Ganesha.
This hilly temple is situated at the height of 3,888 m and is 46km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. However, the original pilgrimage starts from Srinagar and most commonly from Chandanwari and cover the distance of Amarnath and back in five days. The trek from Chandanwari to Amarnath Cave is only an ancient peregnne route. The distance can be covered in two days with halts at Panchtrani.

People trek to the hill to the temple by the walking and for those who are in there old age trek with the help of horse and there also other transport which can be used. While walking to the hills pilgrims can witness beautiful scenery of Himalaya.

The nearest airport is away in Badgam Dist. This airport is connected with every major cities of country. The nearest rail is at Jammu which is 300Kms away from National Highway which connects to Kashmir valley. Pilgrim can get every kind of transport system here from Bus to Taxi. It takes 10-12 hrs to hrs to cross this mountainous stretch.

There are many tourist agents who can help to book ticket and guide you to visit this place. Visiting this place can really be like puring all your sin and live life with peace.

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Celebrating Uttarayan

Celebrating Uttarayan

Uttarayan or can be said as Makar Sankranti is the day when the sun commences its north bound journey from zodiac constellation. On this day devotees offer food and donations to poor and believed more pure to wash of sin.

This festival is largely celebrated in Gujarat, and is known as the festival of Kite. People of these state come together in the terrace of their house and fly kite. There are flying competition and also organize some prize money for the winner. The atmosphere at this festival gets electrifying as people gather together in this competition. The thread of the kite is strengthen with glass and kite fighter match their kites with others kites in the sky and try to cut down their kites. These activity doesn’t end here, at night people lite up Chinese type latterns and leave it on sky, it looks very beautiful and look like bright twinkling stars.

People at this day prepare special food. Typical food like Undiya, sugar cane juice and local sweets are served to the guest.

The day of Uttarayan is very auspicious day. It is also believed that for at least six months god sleeps by closing the door of heaven. This festival has very importance in the agriculture economy of the state. At this time kharif crops are ready and brought to home. On this day, animals are too praised and free grasses are distributed to the cattle’s. So Uttarayan is known as the festival of harvest.

This festival is not only celebrated in Gujarat but also in other parts of country with different names. In Southern part of India, this festival is celebrated as Makar Sankranti and people begin their harvesting with new crop.

Celebrating Uttarayan is really the best day for whole country as people celebrate in their own tradition.

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Celebrating Lohri

Celebrating Lohri

Lohri is the festival which is largely celebrated in North India, Punjab. It is connected with solar year and is celebrated to worship fire. This festival is very happy occasion for newlywed couples and also for new born child. In this day children visit their neighbor’s homes to sing songs.

The lohri day begins with children’s collecting money from their neighbors. In the evening time, winter savories are served by sitting around the bonfire. This festival is celebrated in the states of Haryana, Punjab and some parts of Himachal Pradesh. It signifies the end of winter.

Children in this day go door to door and sing the Punjab of Dulha Bhatti, which is the Punjabi version of Robin Hood who robbed rich and offered to poor. When these children visit home they are given, money, gachak, bhuga, or rewri.

At the night time people gather together and lit bonfire. People go to each house and collect Munchies and are thrown in the fire. This festival is assumed as the great significance during the elapsed year, like the birth of male child. Family visit their relatives and friends wherein eats take a back seat and merry making takes over.

People come together to perform Bhangra, which is the traditional dance of Punjab. People come together to drink liquor and serve dinner. The celebration depend on the individual how much he fetch money from his pocket.

In the same day, south Indian’s celebrate Pongal and Makar Sankranti in the North India. In West Bengal people celebrate Ganga-Sagara, and according to the belief people who want purify their sin bath in the Ganga.

Whatever you call it, Pongal, Lohri or Sankranti, the message is only one of Brotherhood among people and peace all over the country.

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Laxmi Puja

Laxmi Puja- The Diwali Traditional

Deepavali is the most important festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. This is the festival of lights where whole India lights up with diya in the veranda of every house. The reason behind celebrating this festival is, due to the mythological story about Lord Rama returning after 14 yrs of exile and killing the evil Ravana. People welcomed Rama with the rows of lamp in whole village so from the day it is called Deepavali.

During these deepavali festival people celebrate Lakshmi Puja which is known as the goddess of Wealth. People in these open new books of account and start new business and celebrate Lakshmi puja to bring more wealth into the business. Every household pray Laksmi goddess and believe that goddess of wealth will enter the home showering home with wealth and prosperity.

Laksmi puja falls in the day of Amavasya. This day falls in the third day of Diwali and when sun enters to its second courses and passes to Libra. It is believed that on this day, goddess Lakshmi itself walks to the green fields and showers her blessings on man to get more prosperity.

On the day of Lakshmi puja it is important to keep your house clean as it is believed that Goddess Laksmi likes clean house. This is the reason why broom is being worshipped with haldi and kumkum. At the veranda of the house people light up diya and make rangoli to make the path pleasant.

Laksmi puja is the combination of five deities: Ganesha who is also called as the Vignaharta. Goddess Laksmi has three avatars, Mahalaksmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali. All three deities have importance in every occasion.

This day is really the most important day along with Diwali celebration which brings happiness and wealth to every household in the country.

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Celebrating Ganesh Puja

Celebrating Ganesh Puja

Ganesh puja is the most important puja of all as Lord Ganesh is the divine god in Hindu festival. Ganesh Puja is celebrated in India and most importantly in Mumbai and is called as Ganesh Chaturti. Ganesh Chaturti is also called as the birthday of lord Ganesh and is the most sacred day of all. This day falls in the 4ht day of Bhadrapada and is committed to all Hindu religion.

Lord Ganesha is depicted with elephant head in Hindu Mythology. It is the first god which is always prayed in any prayer. Ganesh Puja is the most famous festival in India, especially in Maharashtra. This festival is celebrated for 10 days, where big idols of Ganesha are set up in all the mandap across Maharashtra. These mandaps are beautifully decorated and also presents some themes that are related into any of the social issues. People of Maharashtra enjoy this festival with full devotion by dancing and chanting devotion songs.

Ganesh puja is not done in the time of festival but also carried in the houses by just chanting Ganesh mantras daily in morning. Many houses in the time of festival set up small Ganesh idol for 5 days or for 2 days. In these days members of the house prepare Modak the famous chaturti menu. These sweet is also made in the southern part of India and is named Kozhukattai in Tamil Nadu.

Ganesh Idol at home is meant to be very auspicious. Member of the home perform daily Arti in morning and evening. After completing Arti Haldi, Kumkum are offered by women to each other and also offers Prasad to all the devotees present there. During the festival in the pandal daily there are 5 Arti’s in a day. Priest and other devotee perform puja of Vitthal, Shankar, Devi and Dattatreya.
On the last day of Ganesha Chaturti people come together to immerse the idol in the sea. It is most magnificent scene when people throng in the road dancing, chanting mantras and carrying the idol of Ganesha to immerse in the sea.

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Celebrating of Janmashtami

Celebrating of Janmashtami

Janmashtmi, which is celebrated in the month o f August and September, is the day when Lord Krishna was born and is celebrated with great devotion. It is the 8th day of the  dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon. This celebration is largely celebrated in the North India. In this day, temples and home are  beautifully decorated. Most of the people make a palki and decorate with keeping an idol of Krishna as new born.

During this festival, it is seen that people use 5 jhankis which depicts entire sequence of Lord Krishna. These jhankis includes Jail, where it is shown Vasudev carrying Krishna to cross Yamuna. These Jhankis are decorated with dolls  who are dressed up as kids, men and women with lehengas. In the evening time, there are bhajans that are sung by the priest and devotees to praise the Lord Krishna. During  arti people dance to tune of bhajans and later distribute Prasad and shower flowers to Idol.

During Janmashtmi  whole India celebrates Dahi-handi. In this dahi-handi, large earthen pot filled with milk, butter, and honey and lifted to height of 20-40 feet from the ground and young people construct pyramid of30-50 people to reach that earthen pot and break it down. Some of the organizations offer prize money to people who break the earthen pot which is very high from the ground. The reason behind this method of breaking earthen pot is, in the childhood Lord Krishna used to make pyramid with friends and use to break handi to eat milk and butter.

The idol of Krishna is always shown with flute, as he is considered as the god of Music. This one day of Janmashtmi is celebrated with huge chaos and people throngs to Krishna temple to worship Lord Krishna.

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Celebrating Kali Puja

Celebrating Kali Puja

Kali Puja is the most awaited Puja in West Bengal when it is also the time of Deepavali. Kali Puja is largely celebrated in Kolkata, as it is the festival of that state. Whole India celebrates Goddess Lakshmi and in Kolkata people celebrate Goddess Kali.

According to the mythological stories, Goddess Kali is the first incarnation of the ten avatars of the Goddess Durga. This god is known as the most aggressive god of all which can also be depicted through its expression. Goddess Kali has the image of having one leg on Lord Shiva’s chest and one hand with sword and other with skull and wears garland of skulls. This god is called as evil finisher and to give justice fiercely.

Kali Puja is celebrated on the day of Amavasya in the month of October and November. This festival is celebrated with large enthusiasm and gusto. At this same whole other state of country celebrates Lakshmi Puja. This auspicious day is celebrated with great faith and same as Durga Puja. On this day people sick blessings against draught and violence and pray for more happiness and peace. This puja is done by the Tantrik which is performed in the midnight of Amavasya.

Kali Puja in Kolkata is also celebrated by lighting lamps and Diya’s to honor this Goddess. Every house in this state gets lighten up with lamps and elaborate house with Rangoli in front of the house. The people of Bengal leave no stone unturned to make this celebration auspicious and delightful. People in Kolkata celebrate Kali Puja by burning crackers.

There are many temples around the country which is represented to Goddess Kali and every year there is a big Puja that take place to offer worship to the god.

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Deepavali Puja

Deepavali Puja

Deepavali is one of the significant festivals in India and is the festival of light. Every house in India lights up with diyas which makes lightens the home with its light. It is the festival to mark the win over evil. The reason behind celebration of this festival is, the day when Lord Ram returned back after 14 yrs of exile and killing Ravan. According to the legend, the people of Ayodha welcomed Ram with his wife Sita and Brother Laxman with the rows diyas around the village. In the southern state, it marks the end of Narakasura with the victory of Krishna.

Deepavali is celebrated with fireworks, lights and with sharing of sweets and wish each other “Happy Diwali”. During this period people start their new business due to auspicious day. There are different deepavali pujas that are taken place during this festival. One of the important puja that take place is the Lakshmi Puja. In this day, people pray for more wealth and is known as the most auspicious puja of all.

As the name suggest, Lakshmi is name of Goddess and is known to offer wealth. So Deepavali festival is known as the festival of prosperity and wealth. People during Laxmi Puja welcome Goddess Laxmi by lightening diya’s and open their door of their home to bring prosperity and wealth.

During deepavali festival, Dhanteras is also the important day, when people buy gold. The buying of gold in this day is meant to be auspicious. People welcome diwali by lightening diya and drawing a rangoli in the verandah of their home. People also exchange sweets that is the most important things in diwali celebration.  During diwali, all the offices whether it is government of private, everyone get an holiday for around 3-4 days to enjoy the best time with their family and friends.

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Deepavali Festival

Deepavali Festival

Deepavali is the festival of light which is celebrated across India. During this festival whole house is lightened up with burning of diyas and lightning. At the entrance of every Hindu house, you will see designer rangoli which is made of colorful powders. There are many stories related to Deepavali festival, but at the end the the reason is it’s celebrated to enlighten the home.
According to the mythology, the reason behind the celebration of Deepavali is the return of Lord Rama after the exile of 14 yrs and killing Ravan. For the people of Jainism it’s the attainment of nirvana by Lord Mahavira.

The celebration takes place for 4 days, where each day has its own story and special day. Among this day is, ‘Dhan teras”, where Dhan means wealth, teras means 13th day. This day is considered as the most auspicious day to buy gold or new home. There are also some other astrological reason for this.

Deepavali festival has its own spiritual meaning which means enlighten of inner light. There are many occasion that take place during this festival. There are also various other puja’s are held during this festival:

Lakshmi Puja:  Laxmi Puja is considered as the most important day as people pray for wealth and prosperity.

Gowardhan Puja:  It is the day when Krishna defeated Indra. Lord Krishna taught people to perform good deed and to be faithful and hard worker.

Deepavali is known as the biggest festival in India.  Relatives, friends come together to wish each other ‘A Happy Diwali”. People enjoy this festival for days with burning crackers exchanging sweets to display their love to each other.

In this occasion, many new business people set up their new business thinking of being the most auspicious period to carry out the business.

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History of Deepavali

History of Deepavali

Everyone knows that India is the land of festivals and one of the biggest Festivals is Deepavali, and is celebrated with great devotion and happiness. This festival symbolizes unity in diversity and whole India lights up during the time of Deepavali.

This celebration takes place for 4 days commencing from day of Chaturdasi and concludes on the Kartika Shudda Vijiya. The first of the Diwali marks the death of demon Naraka by the lord Krishna and his wife Satyabama, so this day is called Naraka Chaturdasi. According to the puranas Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired power Lord Brahma. But later he soon staterted misuing his power and started harassing the beings of Kingdom of Kamarpura. Unable to bear his violence, Lord Krishna had to step to save the kingdom from his torture.

But the Naraka could not be killed so easily, as he had got power that he can only be killed from his mother’s hand. So Krishna asked his wife Satyabama, who was also the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to battle with Naraka. At the time of battle, when Naraka’s bow hit Krishna and he fell down, Satyabama took the arrow and aimed Naraka and killed him.

The second day of the Diwali is celebrated as Lakshmi Puja, and is believed that on this day goddess Lakshmi fulfill all the wishes of her disciples. It is believed that, it was in this day Goddess Laksmi emerged from the Kshira Sagara when both god and demons where churning the Sagar for Amruth Bhandham

The third days is called as the “Karthika Shudda  Padyami”, it is believed that on this day Bali came out from the Pathal Lok and ruled Bhuloka which was given by Lord Vishnu.

However, most people believe that, Deepavali is celebrated the return of Ram, Sita and Lakman from 14 years of exile after killing Ravan, the demon king.
Deepavali is the most auspicious time to start a new business or to purchase any new producer for home.

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Deepavali Celebration Abroad

Deepavali Celebration Abroad

Deepavali is one such festival when all the people from every religion come together to celebrate it. It’s the occasion when people come together to wish each other happy diwali and exchange sweets. During this festival people perform Laxmi puja, Bhai Duj, Dhanteras and Gowardhan Puja. Every puja has its story and reason to perform. The main reason is to bring prosperity and wealth. Deepavali is not only celebrated in India, but also in abroad.  Deepavali celebration in abroad is largely performed by the Indian’s who are settled there.

In abroad to the celebration is not less, as people perform the same ritual and puja that is done here in India. There are many place like USA, UK and other foreign country where Indian population are growing , so the celebration of deepavali is getting more popularity. If you visit Australia, you can get how deepawali is being celebrated with pomp and show. The enthusiasm of the Indian people also attracts Non-Indian’s too. Places in Australia where deepavali is being celebrated are Sydney Olympic Park and Flemington Racecourse the venue of Melbourne cup, which show how Indian festival is gaining its roots over other country.

People from abroad do visit India to experience the deepavali festival and enjoy their best in this country. There are many in aboard countries where there are special places arranged to celebrate deepavali. Britain, the place which has the 2nd largest population of Indian also experience this festival. The British City of Leicester is the noted place to celebrate deepavali. There are many local shrine of Goddess Laxmi, which marks the beginning of the deepavali festival. During this festival people of Britain experience the month of cold and windy.  Indian people in Britain also keep diya’s in the veranda of their home to make the atmosphere of deepavali.

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