Durga Puja

Vasant Navratri 2011 Dates Information

2011-04-03T22:51:00.001-07:00

Vasant Navratri 2011 Dates
Ghatsthapana – Navratri Day 1 – April 4, 2011
Sindhara Dooj, Dwitiya - April 5, 2011
Gaur Teej, Saubhagya Teej, Tritiya - April 6, 2011
Varadvinayak Chaturthi - April 7, 2011
Sri Laxmi Panchami Vrat, Naag Vrat Pujan - April 8, 2011
Skand Shashthi, Yamuna Jayanti - April 9, 2011
Mahasaptami Vrat, Chaiti Chath, Vijaya Saptami - April 10, 2011
Sri Durga Mahaashtami, Annapurna Ashtami - April 11, 2011
Vasant Navratri ends – Ram Navratri Day 9 – April 12, 2011

Hindu Calendar 2011 Hindu Festival Hindu Festivals Calendar 2011 Date

2011-01-03T23:25:00.000-08:00

Hindu Calendar 2011 Hindu Festivals
January

Lohri: Thursday, 13-01-2011
Makarsankranti / Pongal: Friday, 14-01-2011
Uttarayan & Kite Festival: Friday, 14-01-2011
Thiruvalluvar Day: Sunday, 16-01-2011
Thaipusam: Thursday, 20-01-2011

February

Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja: Tuesday, 08-02-2011
Ratha Saptami: Thursday, 10-02-2011

March

Maha Shivaratri: Wednesday, 02-03-2011
Holi: Sunday, 20-03-2011

April

Telugu New Year/ Ugadi / Gudi Padwa/ Cheti Chand: Monday, 04-04-2011
Hindi New Year (Saka Era 1933): Monday, 04-04-2011
Ramayana Week: Monday, 04-04-2011 to Tuesday, 12-04-2011
Ramanavami: Tuesday, 12-04-2011
Tamil New Year: Thursday, 14-04-2011
Baisakhi / Vishu: Thursday, 14-04-2011
Bengali New Year / Bohag Bihu: Friday, 15-04-2011
Hanuman Jayanti: Sunday/Monday, 17/18-04-2011

May

Akshaya Tritiya / Akhateej: Friday, 06-05-2011
Buddha Purnima / Vaisakhi Purnima: Tuesday, 17-05-2011

June

Ganga Dashami / Ganga Dussehra: Saturday, 11-06-2011
Vat Purnima: Wednesday, 15-06-2011

July

Rath Yatra: Sunday, 03-07-2011
Guru Purnima / Asadha Purnima: Friday, 15-07-2011

August

Nag Panchami: Saturday, 04-08-2011
India's Independence Day: Monday, 15-08-2011
Raksha-Bandhan: Saturday, 13-08-2011
Krishna Janmashtami: Monday, 22-08-2011

September

Ganesh/Vinayak Chaturthi: Thursday, 01-09-2011
Shikshak Divas / Teacher's Day: Monday, 05-09-2011
Onam: Thursday/Friday, 08/09-09-2011
Vishwakarma Puja: Saturday, 17-09-2011
Pitri-Paksha: Tuesday, 13-09-2011 to Tuesday, 27-09-2011
Mahalaya: Tuesday, 27-09-2011
Navaratri begins: Wednesday, 28-09-2011

October

Gandhi Jayanti: Sunday, 02-10-2011
Durga Puja begins (Maha Saptami): Monday, 03-10-2011
Durga Puja (Maha Ashtami): Tuesday, 04-10-2011
Durga Puja (Maha Navami): Wednesday, 05-10-2011
Navaratri ends: Wednesday, 05-10-2011
Vijaya Dashami/Dusshera: Thursday, 06-10-2011
Lakshmi Puja / Kojagari Purnima / Sharad Purnima: Tuesday, 11-10-2011
Valmiki Jayanti: Tuesday, 11-10-2011
Karwa Chauth: Saturday, 15-10-2011
Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi: Monday, 24-10-2011
Chhoti Diwali: Tuesday, 25-10-2011
Diwali / Deepavali: Wednesday, 26-10-2011
Vikram New Year 2068 / Gujarati New Year: Thursday, 27-10-2011
Skanda Sashti: Thursday, 27-10-2011 to Tuesday, 01-11-2011
Bhai Dooj / Bhai Phota / Bhav-Bij: Friday, 28-10-2011

November

Chhat Puja: Tuesday/Wednesday, 01/02-11-2011
Tulsi Vivah: Sunday, 06-11-2011
Guru Nanak Jayanti: Monday, 21-11-2011

December

Gita Jayanti: Tuesday, 06-12-2011

Source: http://hinduism.about.com

About Durga Puja

Durga Puja is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated widely across the globe. Durga Puja is also known as Dugotsab (Worship of Durga) is an annual Hindu Bengalis festival and usually falls in autumn. However, the durga puja is actually a puja wherein, goddess Durga Ma – gains victory to overcome the demon Mahishasura on this very occasion.

According to Gregorian calendar, the puja is usually comes in the month of September to November. It is widely celebrated in the Northern and Eastern states of India- especially places like West Bengal, Orissa, Delhi, Mumbai etc. It is a nine day festival celebrates by all Hindu Bengali’s and the devotee’s organized special events on each day of puja as per the Hindu puja rituals.

The idol of Goddess Durga Ma has been specially crafted in West Bengal by a well- experienced craftsmen’s. During the durga puja festival, many pandals has been built for the devotees to participate for the puja ceremony. For the puja celebration, special flower like dhak, dhunuchi and shiuli made to offer and sprinkle on Goddess Durga – Ma.

There were also many programs arranged for the puja celebration and it gives a sense to reunite and rejuvenate of this festive season and to express emotion, love, share and care among the fellow friends, relatives, neighbor and close people. There has been various food items prepared for the puja celebration. Apart from food items, there are also varieties of sweets such as rasogulla, mithai doi, sandesh and other sweets especially for the devotees who all are visiting the pandal, at the same time enjoy the puja with great enthusiasm.

Though, elder people create a group and chant sholak and bhajan, and many people keep fast for their well-being of the children and family, young children organizes various shows for puja celebration and exchange greeting cards among their friends and relatives on this very occasion.

Eventually, on the last day of durga puja the idol of Goddess Durga Ma – is carried out in procession for visarjan (immersion) in a sea. Moreover, the durga puja festival leaves a special moment in the heart of the devotees, as they curiously welcomes this occasion every year with full joy and excitements.

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Celebrating Vishwakarma Puja

2010-12-14T23:48:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Vishwakarma Puja

Vishwakarma, the god of architecture and engineer is worshipped in the month of September. People from craftsman, architecture, engineer, and industrialist celebrate Vishwakarma puja. It is believed that, Biswakarma or Vishwakarma, is the one who created this universe and architect the whole universe. He is also being credited to create some of the missiles and other attacking weapons that were used in mythological era.

Biswakarma is the one who is regarded to reveal the science behind industry and engineering. During this day, all the small and big factories and industries celebrate this festival with great pomp. All he shops and factories stop their work and all the spaces are cleared to make way for the god. The idol of the god depicts, with four hands, riding on elephant, carrying water pot and craftsman’s tools.

There are special idols that are kept in most of the shops and industries. In the end of the day of the festival, the idol of Vishwakarma is immersed in the water. In most of the homes, women apply vermillion on the all the gadgets for the well being of the people.

All the craftsmen, mechanics, welders and other industrial workers perform Vishwakarma puja for having safe work and good long term profit for their work. Vishwakarma puja is followed with distributing sweets and Prasad. People prepare early cooked food and eat their lunch together with other workers. On this day, people also fly kites on the sky. Sky fills up with full of colorful kites. Every flier tries to cut kites of the other person, whole sky looks like kites war zone.

Lord Vishwakarma is the divine engineer who has given the great idea of craftsmanship and various designs that are used for industries and other industrial works. This festival is celebrated on the day of Kanya Sankranti.

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Celebrating Lakshmi Puja

2010-12-14T23:46:00.001-08:00

Celebrating Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and people perform Lakshmi puja on the third day of Diwali festival. It is believed that performing Lakshmi puja on this day is very lucky and brings wealth to the home. Business people prepare their new account on this day and close their old account. Despite that amavasya falls in this day, it is the most auspicious day being the time of Diwali festival.

Temple around the country performs puja and priest and worshipper’s bell drums to invoke Goddess Lakshmi to pour more wealth into the people’s faith. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi itself walks into the green fields and shower blessings to the farmers for more prosperity.

Women on this day wear saree and draw rangoli outside their home and light diyas and keep their entrance door open to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Before this festival people keep their house clean, however, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi enters those homes which are clean and pure. This is reason behind the worshipping of broom on this day.

Whole India lights up during Diwali and Lakshmi puja is the most auspicious day for Indian family. People during this day buy new products for their home and individual who wants to start new business do start from this day.

On this day, people make new dishes and visit each other home and distribute sweets on the occasion of Diwali and Lakshmi puja. Goddess Lakshmi is also called in different name such as Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali.

People of different caste perform Lakshmi puja n different method. People of North India, celebrate Lakshmi puja with large pomp and all the Devi temple across India perform various puja and take the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi so to have great prosperity and wealth in the life.

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Pongal Celebration

2010-12-14T23:45:00.000-08:00

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 Guru Nanak Jayanti

2010-12-14T23:41:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Jayanti is the festival that is celebrated in Sikh religion. On this day, Sikh communities celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev. This day falls in the month of Karthik. This anniversary is also known as Gurupurabs and celebrated with great devotion. On this day, there is the great procession takes place taking along the idol of Guru Nanak’s. Five armed mens, who represents Panj Pyares, heads the procession carrying the flag Nishan Sahibs.

Whole Punjab celebrates this festival. People distribute sweets and langar to everyone whether the person belongs to Sikh community or not. Karseva is a community service that is participated by men, women and children. On this day cook foods are also distributed along with traditional Karah Prasad. During this festival, three days of AKhand path is conducted where Guru Granth Sahib is read for continuously. Local bands play their traditional music and people dance their traditional dance “Bhangra”.

On this day, Sikh family visit Gurudwaras where special programs are performed along with kirtans. All the Gurudwaras and houses are lighted up with colorful lights. Guru Nanak Dev was the great saint and a mystic guru for Sikh’s. He was great poet and was like a prophet for them. His universal message is still in the mind of people.

The Golden Temple, which is in Punjab, is lightened up and thousands of Sikh people visit on this day to take the blessings of Guru Nanak. Guru Govind Dev is responsible for the creation of Sikh religion. He was a soldier saint who also taught that, “when all other means of rights are failed, it is righteous to use sword to get own right”.

Sikh from all over the world celebrates this festival with great pomp and belief. Guru Nanak passed away in 1539 and after him there follow of nine Gurus, whom people still follow.

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Celebrating Buddha Purnima

2010-12-14T23:27:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Buddha Purnima

Buddha is considered as the ninth avatar of the Vishnu. People celebrate Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima and is mark as the most important day for the people from backward class, who are also known as dalit. This festival is celebrated in the month of Vaishak, on the month of April/May. Entire Buddhist communities around the country celebrate this festival with great pomp.

Buddhism is considered as the most sacred religion in the world. It has got some of the great preaching’s form Gautham Buddha, who was born as Siddhartha. He is known to be the founder of Nirvana and became completely enlightened. Buddha means, “Awakened One”. Buddha has created eighty-four thousand teachings. It teaches the importance of inner experience and realizations.

There are many Buddha temples around the country and thousands of people visit Buddha temple to worship god. There are prayers and other teachings from Buddha scriptures. These rituals, however, also performed in the homes by keeping the idol of Buddha. Priests who perform these rituals are called as monk and they strictly adhere to Buddha Purnima puja. Banyan Tree is specially worshipped in this day because Gautham Buddha meditated under this tree.

The statue of Buddha, in fact gets special attention as people offer flowers, candles and fruits as their offering. People on this holy day bath in Holy River and wear white cloths. The entire Buddhist gathers in the viharas to worship and give alms to all the monks.

On this day, Buddhist prepares Kheer and rice that are made from milk and sugar. Buddhist monks set up stalls and offer clean water and food for poor people. There are many big occasions and other cultural activities takes place on this day. Buddhist along with the idol of Buddha carries the procession across cities. In this procession there are thousands of monks who participate in high spirit.

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Annakut Festival

2010-12-14T23:19:00.001-08:00

Annakut Festival

Annakut festival is the festival that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Anna means food and kut means mountain. In this day there is a huge food distribution in Lord Krishna Temple. People from around the corner of the country visit temple to watch the distribution of the food. Food is placed in a mountain and after performing the puja people take away the food with them.

On this day, it is believed that people who take away more food do get more prosperity and wealth throughout the year. And on the same day of this festival, Gowardhan puja is also performed. According to the legend, it is believed that once Vishnu planned to test king Bali. Vishnu took the avatar of Vammana and begged for three step land from king Bali. Bali allowed him to take the land from his kingdom. By listening this, Vishnu increased his size and measured whole earth and heaven in two steps. Later, he asked the king where the third step should be kept. King Bali then offered his whole kingdom to him and bowed his head for the third step.

Annakut festival is largely celebrated in Gujarat. This festival is celebrated in the first half of month of Karthik and in the autumn festival. It is the festival of food. At the temples in Gujarat, the image of Shrinathji and 7 other idols of Krishna with the pile of food baskets and earthenware vessels are kept before them.

People visit this temple with large crowds and try to get more and more food to carry with them while returning. Many people have different belief on this festival and take the blessings of Lord Krishna at the temple. The Swaminarayan Temple in Gujarat is the temple where this festival is largely celebrated.

Celebrating Dhanteras

2010-07-29T11:17:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-29T11:15:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-29T11:14:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-29T11:13:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-27T05:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T05:54:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T05:47:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-27T05:46:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-27T05:43:00.001-07:00

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.

Tags: Pongal Celebration Pongal Celebrations in India

Celebrating Gudi Padwa

2010-07-27T05:42:00.001-07:00

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.

Tags: Celebrating Gudi Padwa Celebrations

Celebrating Basant Panchami

2010-07-27T05:41:00.001-07:00

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.

Tags: Celebrating Basant Panchami Celebrations

Celebrating Makar Sankranti

2010-07-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Celebrating Makar Sankranti Celebrations in India

The ISKCON Temple

2010-07-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-07-27T04:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T04:27:00.001-07:00

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.

Tags: Lord Subramanya and Skanda Sashti

Celebrating Bhagvad Gita Jayanti

2010-07-27T04:26:00.001-07:00

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.

Tags: Bhagvad Gita Jayanti Celebrations Celebrating Bhagvad Gita Jayanti

Amarnath Yatra

2010-07-27T04:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Amarnath Yatra

Celebrating Uttarayan

2010-07-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Celebrating Uttarayan Celebrations in India Uttarayan Celebrations in Gujarat

Celebrating Lohri

2010-07-27T04:03:00.001-07:00

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.

Tags: Celebrating Lohri Celebrations in India Lohri Celebrations in Punjab Lohri in Punjab

Laxmi Puja

2010-07-11T04:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Laxmi Puja festival in India Laxmi Puja in India Laxmi Puja India Laxmi Pooja

Celebrating Ganesh Puja

2010-07-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Ganesh Puja Ganesh Pooja Ganesh Puja in India Ganesh Puja Festival in India Ganesh Puja Celebrations in India Mumbai Maharashtra Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Puja Chaturti

Celebrating of Janmashtami

2010-07-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Celebrating of Janmashtami Janmashtmi Festival Janmashtmi India Janmashtmi in India Janmashtmi Celebrations in India Janmashtami Puja Pooja Janmashtami in India Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindraban Vrindaban Vindaban Gokul Govardham Dham

Celebrating Kali Puja

2010-07-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Celebrating Kali Puja Kali Pooja Kali Puja Festival in India Kali Puja India Kali Puja in India Kolkata West Bengal Tripura Agartala Guwahati Silchar Assam Orissa Siliguri Bhubaneshwar Bhubaneswar Puri Cuttack Ranchi Patna New Delhi Chennai Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Pune Hyderabad Bangaluru

Deepavali Puja

2010-07-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Deepavali Puja Deepavali Pooja Diwali Puja Diwali Pooja Diwali Festival Diwali Celebration in India Diwali Pooja in India Deepavali Puja in India Deepavali Celebrations in India

Deepavali Festival

2010-07-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: History of Deepavali History of Diwali India Diwali in India Diwali Festival in India Deepavali Festival in India Celebrate Diwali Celebrate Deepavali

Deepavali Celebration Abroad

2010-07-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Tags: Deepavali Celebrations Abroad Deepavali Puja Deepavali India Deepavali in India Diwali in India Diwali Celebrations in India USA UK Canada Australia New Zealand London Germany Italy France Spain Russia UAE Dubai America Bangladesh Malaysia Singapore Diwali Puja Diwali Pooja Festival of Lights

Durga Puja in India

2010-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja in India

Durga Puja is the biggest celebration in India and more importantly it is the biggest occasion for Bengali people. It is celebrated in the month of September and October. Preparation for Durga Puja in India starts from months with amazing pandals that are created and inside a beautiful Idol of Goddess of Durga is being statued. Across India Durga Puja is celebrated in true manner with full devotion and worship. People visit all the pandals and take the blessings of Goddess Durga.

In every city in India, Durga Puja is celebrated in different style. If we look into Durga Puja festival in Mumbai, it is celebrated in name of Navratri, where it is largely celebrated by Gujrati community. All the members from this community come together and play Dandiya, by wearing traditional Gujrati dress.

People from Kolkata, enjoy this festival in great devotion. All the Bengali people prepare sweet Bengali dishes ad serve in the pandals which are decorated beautifully. At the last day of the festival, the statue of Goddess Durga is being paraded throughout the city with great enthusiasm along with singing, dancing and then it is immersed in the water.

In every city of India, people celebrate in their own aspects which make this festival more beautiful. Durga Puja in India is a festival that is celebrated in extremely social and theatrical event. In every pandals which are run by the organizations that also organizes dance and singing programs along with some stage show that attracts people towards it.

Durga Puja in India carries for 10 day, where in the 10thday Dusshera is being celebrated. People of India really like to celebrate this festival as it is the second big occasion after Diwali. There is pure harmony and people from all community come together to celebrate this festival.

People from all over the world visit India to experience this festival and enjoy every bit of it which makes it more famous.

Tags: Durga Puja India Durga Puja in India Durga Puja in India Durga Puja Durga Pooja Delhi Mumbai Kolkata Chennai Pune Hyderabad Bangalore Bangaluru Agartala Silchar Guwahati Siliguri New Delhi NCR Noida Gurgaon Navi Mumbai Nagpur Patna Lucknow Varanasi Chandigarh Jaipur Ahmedabad Gujarat Surat Gandhi nagar Allahabad Puri Bhubaneswar Cuttack Orissa Tripura Assam Madras Tamil Nadu

Durga Puja in USA (United States of America)

2010-06-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja in USA

Durga Puja one of an important festival in India and is also celebrated in overseas. Durga Puja is also celebrated in USA in a very traditional manner and all the Bengali community come together to celebrate Durga Puja.

There are many Bengali associations which conduct these festivals to all the Bengali people who are staying in USA. There is nothing new in the arrangements when it is celebrated in USA. The only difference is that, there are many USA residents who also participate in these ocassion. They too dress up in traditional Bengali dress to attend the Durga Puja.

There is a place in USA called as Bay Area where before people residing here were not much interest in Durga Puja celebration, but later as the population of Bengali people kept increasing, Durga Puja celebration started peaking up. As the roots of Bengali community is growing the celebration of Durga Puja is growing.

Place like Baybasi which is in the Foster city, California is also the place where the Durga Puja celebration is growing. Other places USA are: New York, San Francisco, Florida, Chicago, Houstan, California, Atlanta, Richmond, Virginia and many other places where Hindu community have migrated.
There are organizations which conducts Durga Puja:

• Bengali Association of Greater Chicago
• Garden State Cultural Association, New Jersey
• Prabasi, NGO, Bay Area, San Francisco
• Houston Durga Bari Society, Houston
• Bengali Association of Southern California
• Bengali Society of Florida
• Atlanta Durga, Atlanta
• Greater Richmond Bengali Association

Durga Puja in USA has seen enormous crowd and it is getting more and more popular as the Hindu people are migrating on large basis. So it is great to see that USA people are getting more interested in this festival.

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Durga Puja in UK (United Kingdom / Great Britain)

2010-06-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja in UK

Celebrating Durga Puja in UK is getting more popular and many Hindu community are coming together to celebrate this occasion. Bengali community celebrates this occasion truly as they are staying in India. Not only that, even the UK resident visit the pandals that are built up in some of the UK streets.
There are some groups in UK that conducts Durga Puja and make the occasion more delightful. These groups make all the arrangements to bring people from all the community who are resided in UK, even the UK residents participate in this occasion. They truly like the occasion as the group also arranges for traditional dance and cultural activities which symbolizes the sign of Bengali community.

UK residents truly enjoy the site when Durga worshipper dance and chant the mantras while having Durga Puja. There are some organizations in UK which conducts Durga Puja and one such is the, UK Durga Puja Dusserah Committee which is the most famous organization that organizes Durga Puja. It conducts Puja, in the prestigious Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, UK, which is the heart of UK.

Durga Puja celebration in UK is not an exceptional, but equally it was the most challenging to celebrate right from 1963, with the help of late Shri Tushar Kanti Ghosh, who was the pioneer in the Bengali Journalism, some of the Bengali people migrated to UK and started the tradition of Durga Puja celebration. The first Durga Puja in UK was conducted in Mary Ward Hall, Tavistock Place, UK.
Bengalese people are truly delightful to get good support from UK people as they visit this pandals and get the blessings of Goddess Durga.

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Durga Puja in London

2010-06-29T07:26:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in London

Durga Puja is the biggest festival of Bengal, but it is also celebrated all over India. Due to it craze and well-wishers growing, now it is also celebrated all over world, whether it is USA, America etc. Bengali community is spread all over the world so the Durga Puja celebration is spreading. Durga Puja has become one of the recognized outdoor festival in the world and one such is the London Durga Puja festival.

London is the most diverse city in the world. It is the home of people from varied culture and religion and more than 300 languages are being spoken in this city, so the Durga Puja in London has got very importance as people throng to visit the pandals and get the blessings of Goddess Durga. These Puja are celebrated with full devotion by the Bengalese who is settled here along London people. People in London are fully supportive as they participate in Durga Puja and also wear traditional Bengali cloths.

Pandals that are built in some areas of London offers Bengali sweets and also organize some cultural dance. Recently, a group of Bengali engineers in London inaugurated- The Panchamukhee Durga Utsav, has now become the hot favorite Durga Puja site for the people of London. It is entirely organized by young Bengali Professionals.

At the time of Durga Puja people line up in the evening time to the venue called as- Harrow Arts Centre. They not only come to get the blessings but also to enjoy the concert. People also line up for the cultural night to watch the Rock Band performance from Kolkata.

London night truly lights up to the amazing Durga Puja celebration, where people enjoy this festival with full form all together.

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Durga Puja in New Zealand

2010-06-29T07:25:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in New Zealand

Durga Puja in New Zealand is celebrated in the same enthusiasm as it is celebrated in other countries. Hindu Bengalese in New Zealand offer great respect even if they are residing outside India. All the Indian communities here come together along with Bengali brothers and sisters to celebrate Durga Puja and to show how Indian culture is beautiful and colorful.

From the past many years Bengali people are celebrating this Puja and have also formed some organization which conducts Puja and prepare all the arrangements right from preparing pandals and Bengali sweets which are served to the worshippers.

One of the famous organizations which organize Durga Puja in New Zealand is the Wellington Durgoutsav Committee. Some group friends who used to stay in North Palmerstone started the “Sharbojonin” Durga Puja with the support of Wellington Bengali Community and it is also called as the Prantik Durgoutsav Communities.

However, there are only few family who take part in this Puja, but it is fully fun filled as there are some cultural program that are held to entertain the people and also present stage show on Durga Puja. Also there are some sweets serving and people from New Zealand to participate in this occasion, as they like to enjoy the Indian culture and its festival.

The Bengali community in Wellington is growing from time to time and so the number of occasion for Durga Puja has increased. The demand for Durga Puja is increasing as the population of Indian Bengali in New Zealand id growing. It has helped to increase in popularity of Durga Puja in various countries and also in New Zealand.

The main aim of this community is to carry on Durga Puja for longer time and the Indian culture and festival keep spreading all over.

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Durga Puja in Switzerland

2010-06-29T07:21:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Switzerland

Durga Puja the most awaited and the holiest festival for the Bengalese is now also celebrated all over the world and among this is the Switzerland. Durga Puja in Switzerland is also celebrated in much hype there are many Indian communities which celebrate this occasion together. There are many Bengalese who are not amused of watching the celebration as they are the one who have started this tradition and still they are continuing with it.

The main attraction in the Switzerland where you can celebrate Durga Puja is Zurich, where there are many Indian community which celebrate Durga Puja and people can also visit pandals of Goddess Durga. Here worshippers can also get a chance to get the beautiful idol of Goddess Durga. This Puja is carried for 5 days and people enjoy this celebration. Place like Bern is an fascinating underground shopping centre. It is also the venue for Durga Puja, which is conducted by some Bengali organizations. These people are really helpful for the visitors and work very hard to make the festival success.

Here once in a ten months Baden celebration takes place for the whole night. Bengali worshippers come together to chant the name of Goddess Durga and get the blessing of Goddess Durga.

People in Switzerland take the opportunity to make this celebration more interesting. This organization import sweets from Bengal and sell here by installing stalls during Durga Puja.

Every year there is something new in Durga Puja with some innovative ideas which attract people to visit this pandals and get the blessings of Goddess Durga.

At the time of Durga Puja in Switzerland, people from India to visit this place as the community over there creates a good Durga Pandals and make it lavish.

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Durga Puja in Australia

2010-06-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja in Australia

Durga Puja one of the auspicious festival in India, is being celebrated in the Australia as there is a population of Indian Community. In Australia one can see all the Indian festivals celebrated with good amount crowd emerging to enjoy the Indian festival and its culture. Durga Puja in Australia is celebrated in great enthusiasm all the Indian Bengali out their make good arrangements to bring people together to celebrate this occasion by taking the blessing of Goddess Durga.

Durga Puja in Australia is celebrated by making colorful pandals which are adore with flowers and carved deities. Women at the time of Durga Puja wear colorful Bengali Saree like, Baluchari, Dhakai, Tangail and Kanta. Men at the same time wear traditional Bengali Kurta and dhoti. During the Puja all the people chants slokas and call Goddess Durga to bless them. Women dance and people wish each other and people can also enjoy Bengali sweets which are served at the time of Puja. Australian who present in this occasion like Bengali so much that they attend the Puja regularly and take the blessings of Goddess Durga.

The number of Durga Puja in Australia has been in growing every year, which means there is an increase in Bengali community in this country. Sydney, the main city of Australia experiences large number of Durga Puja. Organization which conducts Durga Puja also adds some extra cultural functions, like traditional Bengali songs of Rabindra Sangeet along with modern Fusion.
In Melbourne city, there are thousands of Bengali people who are residing come together to celebrate the Durga Puja with great happiness and cultural binding which lighten ups the city with all the glittering of Durga Puja.

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Durga Puja in Canada

2010-06-28T11:14:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Canada

Durga Puja is now being celebrated all over the world and Canada is not an exceptional. There are many Bengali communities who are residing here and from many years they are celebrating Durga Puja in Canada. The excitement and the preparation is the same and made with great excitement and the exciting thing is people of Canada to participate in this occasion, which makes Indian community out there proud to show off Indian culture and festival.

Durga Puja in Canada is being carried by some organizations which are largely run by Indian Bengalis and one such organization is Edomonto Bengali Association which is celebrating Durga Puja for the last 21 years but not more than 5 days. But these 5 days people truly worship Goddess Durga and come together to get the blessings.

The idol is imported from Kolkata every year along with some Bengali sweets. During the festival there are many cultural activities that take place which includes stage shows and dance shows. In the stage show there are stories Goddess Durga which are taken place.

There are different types of food items that are prepared for the people, which include Ilish maach, green jackfruit, Khichuri, sabji etc. Sweets that are served include rosho-malai, doi, sandesh and many other Bengali sweets.

Many young contributors too come together to volunteers this Puja. Many girls and boys present their beautiful poems and articles that are related to Durga Puja and later they are published in some of the Canadian Magazine which represents Indian culture.

People of Canadian truly enjoy this festival which makes them to experience the true Indian culture and its festival. They too contribute to the festival enjoying the dance and other cultural activities which makes to participate in the festival.

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Durga Puja in Singapore

2010-06-28T11:09:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Singapore

Singapore is one such country where there is a large population of Indian and so the Indian festival in this country is seen in large number. From many years, Durga Puja in Singapore is being celebrated and has brought people together to enjoy every bit of this occasion.

In Singapore, there is a large population of Bengali community which has helped to attain its culture in this land too. To spread this culture there is a Bengali Association Singapore which works towards the awareness of the Bengali tradition. Durga Puja is also celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Bengali community along with some other Indian people there. They do not lack in their preparation as it is done in India.

They make themselves prepare to serve worshippers who visit the pandals to get the blessing. There is a huge parade of the worshippers to get the glimpse of the idol. Organizers of the Puja do make enough preparation to make people comfortable while enjoying the festival.

Bengali people who participate in this function prepare sweet and delicious Bengali sweets which are the finest of all other sweets. Dishes like, sandesh, boi and many more brings people to the pandals. The idol of Goddess Durga is carved so beautifully that one may be able to go away without having one glimpse of it.

The Singapore government also helps Indian Bengali communities to go on with Durga Puja smoothly and provide every help whether it is the permission for the venue for the Durga Puja.

As the population of the Indian Bengali is growing in Singapore, the celebration is also equally growing with some unique way of celebration and engaging people of Singapore to indulge in this festival.

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Durga Puja in Germany

2010-06-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Germany

Durga Puja one of the auspicious festival in Bengal is also celebrated in all parts of the world. The reason is the migration of the Indian people in most of the country and taking the Indian culture and festival all over the world and one such is the Durga Puja which is also celebrated in Germany.

Indian community in Germany has taken the step further by celebrating Durga Puja in Germany and Berlin the capital of the country is seeing enjoying this Durgoutsav since 1975, as the Hindu Bengali community come together to celebrate this occasion.

In the initial time due to lack of Indian Bengali community the venue of the occasion used to change. In the early eighties the venue was shifted to Indian Club Bharat Majlis and then in 1990, they moved to the auspicious haven at the club of International Students Hostel along with some Bengali students and since then it has become the fix venue of the Berlin Durgoutsav.

In Berlin, Durgoutsav is being celebrated for five days and people truly enjoy this festival. Bengali community imports the Bengali sweet to from Bengal and distribute to the people of Berlin when people come and visit the Pandal.
Along with Puja, people also organize some extra cultural activity is like Indian dance and Bengali dance along with some stage show. There is also Bijayadashami activity which draws many people.

People of Germany truly love this occasion as it is the time when they can enjoy and get to know about the Indian culture. Even the Durga Puja is celebrated in the Berlin, but still the serving is only in Veg foods.
Devotees in Germany enjoy the best time while celebrating Durga Puja and involve in getting the blessings of Goddess Durga.

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Durga Puja in Russia

2010-06-28T11:02:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Russia

Durga Puja one of auspicious festival for Bengali people is celebrated in India for many years and now it is also celebrated all over the world including Russia. There are many Indian communities leaving their especially Bengali community who are celebrating this occasion from many years and the exciting thing is people of Russia two are participating to this occasion.

The first Durga puja in Russia was initiated in the local house of the culture as an Indian cultural even and Bengali priest were made to flow into Russia. From the last 20 years, Russia is witnessing this festival and the Puja was being held in several places including the Inter –club of the people Friendship University, where student s mainly come from India and Bangladesh.

There are many associations in Russia which holds this festival and bring all the Indian community to participate in this festival. This association is mainly run by the Bengalis who prepare everything which is essential for Durga Puja. They prepare pandals and eco-friendly idol of Goddess Durga. People visit this pandals to get the blessings of Goddess Durga and enjoy the sweet cuisines of Bengali. People of Russia too love this festival and the sweets that are bought from imported from Kolkata.

There are many places in Russia where Durga Puja is organized every year. People while getting blessing of Goddess Durga, also enjoy the concerts and songs especially form Bengali rock bands. There are mantras and slokas which are chanted towards during Durga Puja festival. Residents of Russia also participate in the Indian festival and enjoy their best with all the Bengali cuisines and wearing the same traditional Bengali saree to get into full mood of the festival.

Truly, Durga Puja in Russia is celebrated in full swing and whole heartedly.

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Durga Puja in Delhi

2010-06-28T10:47:00.003-07:00

Durga Puja in Delhi

Durga Puja mother of all festival is being celebrated all over India with full and joy and happiness. This festival is also celebrated in Delhi and in that time whiles all the people across Delhi come together to celebrate grand festival.
There are many places in Delhi where Durga festival is being celebrated. C.R Park which is also called as Chittranjan Park is known for its elaborate pandals and cultural functions. You will get freshwater, Delhi style food. People from across the city come to visit this pandals and worship goddess Durga.

One of the popular Durga puja place in Delhi is Chattarpur Temple which is 4km from Qutub Minar. During Durga puja day, this place attracts large number of crowds. It is also believed that tying a thread on tree which is located in temple premises your entire wish will get fulfilled. At the time of Durga puja people chants slokas and mantras to offer their worship to the goddess Durga.
Durga puja is celebrated all the corners of Delhi and adjoining areas of NCR, Gurgoan, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad. During the time of Saptami and Dashami Bengali people in Delhi come together in evening time and starts chanting slokas and in almost all the pandals during 5 day program in Delhi. There are many organizations which organize song and dance competitions and provide every facility for people who come and visit these organizations pandal.

The atmosphere in Delhi gets enlightened by people from all community come together to celebrate Durga festival and streets glows with lights which make Delhi look beautiful and magnificent. Delhi has got some of the best pandals which are prepared by good artist which makes people to visit again and again.

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Durga Puja in Kolkata

2010-06-28T10:46:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja in Kolkata

Durga puja is a festival is celebrated in full form as whole Kolkata lights up in celebration. It is celebrated in all cities of Kolkata. There are couple of ancestral places where durga celebration takes place. One of the oldest places is the Sabarna Chowdhurys located at Barisha.

This durga puja in Kolkata is not only about festival but also about religious significance. There are special arrangement made in every corner of the city. City glows up with beautiful pandal where large idol of goddess durga is kept for worshipers to offer their worship. After finishing the performance of special puja, there are various cultural programs which takes place along with number of activities like dance, music etc.

Before the arrival of durga puja people go for shopping and other purchasing activity like some decorative items for their household. Women like to buy new jewelry and sarees for all the 9 nights. The preparation for the durga puja commence right before 2 months .There is special durga puja bonus for the employees who work in companies In Kolkata.

There are various pandals which are set in various part of Kolkata. There are many experts who construct these set and also make beautiful idol of goddess durga which is magnificently designed. The makers of durga idol every year come with some innovative designs and with lot if cash in hand and present a mesmerizing work.

The last 3 days of the durga festival is celebrated in high spirit. There are various slokas and mantras which are chanted by expert priest. Apart from this, there are various dance and song competition held by organizers. Education institution and offices are closed in the tenth day of festival when goddess durga is immersed in water.

This Durga Puja festival in Kolkata is really a grand festival that is celebrated in full swing.

Tags: Durga Puja Kolkata Durga Puja in Kolkata Durga Puja in Kolkata Durga Puja West Bengal Durga Pooja

Durga Puja in Pune

2010-06-28T10:44:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Pune

As Durga Puja is celebrated in whole country, Pune too witness the same charm and excitement at the time of Durga Puja. All the peoples of Pune welcome this festival with great excitement and in the form of Dandiya, the traditional Gujrati dance. Durga Puja in Pune is largely celebrated by both Gujrati and Bengali community. Many big pandals are being built to place the idol of goddess Durga and people visit this place to get the blessing of Durga.
There are many places in Pune where this festival is being celebrated. All the pandals are being decorated with beautiful stage shows. Place like B.T. Kawade road, Koregoan Park, Shivaji Nagar, Khadki and some other place. The Gujrati community come together to play Dandiya Rass, but before starting this dance, people take blessing and have some Puja of Durga.

There are some organization in Pune which conducts this festival and one such is the Amanratan, which organizes Durga Puja at B.T.Kawade and brings the mixture of traditional and modern musical nights.

In Pune, there are many places where Durga Puja is being conducted. Places like:

• Kali Bari Samiti, Khadki
• Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad, Congress Bhavan
• Bengalee Association, Modern College Ground
• Pune Camp Durga Puja Committee, Wanowire post office
• Banga Bharati, Pimpri

Bengali who are settled in Pune take the full opportunity to show their cultural activity. People from other community enjoy all the Bengali culture, music, cuisines and dance. Many of the pandals in Pune are decorated magnificently and people can enjoy tasty cuisines of the Bengali sweets which are sold on large scale during the Durga Pooja festival.

Every year people of Pune enjoy Durga Puja with great excitement carry this celebration for all the nine days with dandiya dance.

Tags: Durga Puja Pune Durga Puja in Pune Durga Puja in Pune Durga Puja Maharashtra Durga Pooja

Durga Puja in Mumbai

2010-06-28T10:42:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Mumbai

Durga Puja is the most auspicious festival in India and is largely celebrated by Bengalis. But now this festival is being celebrated all parts of India. In Mumbai it is being celebrated for 9 days and is called as “Navratri”. In Mumbai it is largely played by Gujratis, where whole Gujrati community comes together and play “Dandiya”, and traditional dance of Gujratis.

The first day of Navratra is being dedicated to the worship of Shailputri, which is the first form of Durga. The term Navratri is derived from Sanskrit word which means “Nine Nights”. All this nine nights people come together to worship goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati along with their other avatars. The tenth day of the Navratri ends with Dusshera, where all people meet each other by greeting “Happy Dusshera”.

Durga Puja in Mumbai is celebrated in high spirit as there are big orchestras played by big organization. Many bollywood stars also join the celebration to make it more colorful and big. Places like Somayia ground, Mahalaxmi temple etc are some of the places where Navratri is being celebrated. There is also Shivaji Park, Dadar, where the Bengali clubs every year hold the Durga celebration. Then there is Lokhnadwala Garden, Andheri, where lavish Durga puja is being celebrated and many Bollywood celebrities join this celebration.
Durga Puja celebration in Mumbai gets to see many big pandal which are made in a very elaborate manner. There are many pandals which puts up big statue of Durga with some unique kind of decorations. People from every corner of the city visit this pandals and take the blessing of Durga.

People in Mumbai celebrate Navratri wearing colorful dress, especially Gujrati people who wear their traditional cloth and play the “Dandiya Rass” which is played by dancing circular with group of people.

This nine day of Durga Puja which is also called as Navratri is makes Mumbai delightful and colorful.

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Durga Puja in Hyderabad

2010-06-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja in Hyderabad

Durga Puja which is also known as Navratri is being celebrated all over India. Durga is the goddess of divine power against all the evils. Every city in the country celebrates Durga Puja and it is largely celebrated in Bengal, as it is the festive season for them.

Durga Puja in Hyderabad also celebrated in full spirit, with all the community come together to celebrate this festival with full happiness. The festival last for nine days and the tenth day is called as Dussehra. Most of the community in Hyderabad come together to celebrate this festival and construct big pandals in which people can visit and worship goddess Durga.

On the last day of celebration, people thronged to have tearful send off for the goddess. But most of the community postpones the sendoff so to enjoy the festive as long as it is possible but not more than 10 days. At the end of the day, in some pandals people come to get the enjoyment of ballet dance.

All the markets in Hyderabad get jammed during Durga Puja as many people visit markets to buy sweets, especially Bengali sweets which are largely sold during this festive time. Markets in Hyderabad get fully crowded. Many pandals in Hyderabad are constructed very magnificently with big idols of goddess Durga. People of Hyderabad visit this pandals to get the blessings of the goddess Durga.

Although, this festival is largely celebrated in Bengal, but Hyderabad do is not lagging behind. Durga Puja in Hyderabad is celebrated with great enthusiasm as the people of Hyderabad come together to celebrate this festival. There are many NGOs and other organization which conducts these festival and some of the Bengali organization also conduct Durga Puja.

Tags: Durga Puja Hyderabad Durga Puja in Hyderabad Durga Puja in Hyderabad Durga Puja Andhra Pradesh Durga Puja Pooja

Durga Puja in Chennai

2010-06-28T10:21:00.003-07:00

Durga Puja in Chennai

Durga Puja is the festival especially for Bengali community, but now it is being celebrated in every corner of the country and with high spirit. Durga Puja is celebrated for 10 days where idol of Durga is being worshipped.

Durga Puja in Chennai is celebrated in high spirit. Here you will find many big pandal and the Bengali community who are resided here celebrate this festival together. There are many Bengali Association and clubs who organize Durga Puja festival. The Bengal Association celebrates Durga Puja for six days. During these Durga Puja, this association come together and set up various blood donation camps and also involve in various social service.

Durga Puja is held in different parts of Chennai and its adjoining areas. The Bengal Association which is in T Nagar is the one which organizes Durga Puja for Bengali settlers.

Mentioned below is some of the top Durga Puja Association which organizes this Occasion:

• South Madras Cultural Association, Chennai
• The Bengali Association, T Nagar
• Ramakrishna Mutt, Besant Nagar
• Durga Puja in Madambakkam Camp, Chennai

Apart from above mentioned places, there are also some other locations where Durga Puja is organized, Airport Authority Colony, Avadi, Kolathur, Madras Kalibari.

Year by year the color of Durga Puja festival is changing and today it has turned into cosmopolitan event. There are large pandals which are built in every corner of this city. You can even witness the large idol of goddess Durga Puja. You can get to watch stalls in every Durga pandal where you can get a chance to eat some tasty Bengali cuisines.

In Chennai, Durga Puja is celebrated with great fun. So now Chennai has not become an exceptional, there are multiple Bengali associations which celebrate Durga Puja. So the next time you visit Chennai at the time of Durga festival, you will surly enjoy it.

Tags: Durga Puja Chennai Durga Puja in Chennai Durga Puja in Chennai Durga Puja Tamil Nadu Durga Puja

Durga Puja in Bangalore

2010-06-28T10:18:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Bangalore

Durga Puja one of the holiest festival for Bengalis is being celebrated all over India. It is celebrated for 10 days and but in some cities is celebrated for less day. Durga Puja is also celebrated in Bangalore with Great Spirit, as there are many big pandal set up in every corner of the city and all the Bengali community including other caste people visit this pandal to worship and take the blessings of goddess Durga.

Durga Puja in Bangalore is carried by Bengali Association and at this time people of Bangalore get in full form. The local Bengali people come together and celebrate Durga Puja. The Puja that is carried by the Association takes place in the RBANMS ground. During this season, Bengali children have a ballet dance. You can also witness Kathak and Odissi dance during this occasion. There are stalls where you can get Bengali sweets, people throng to this stall to have bite of Bengali sweets.

In Koramangala, the sarathi social groups conduct Durga Puja, every year you can get to watch new performance during the first of the Durga Puja. Apart from the traditional dance and songs, you can also catch the glimpse of modern rock and dance.

Thousands of people throng to these pandals which are magnificently structured, with large idol of goddess Durga and people visit to get one glimpse of the idol and get the blessings of goddess.

You can also visit Brooke Fields- where Poorva Bangalore Association conducts Durga Puja. Apart from Durga Puja, you can also enjoy the various shows that take place.

All in all, the festive season like Durga Puja in Bangalore have special place and people enjoy this festive mood in full mood. The city really glows up at the time of Durga Puja and all the pandals have long queues of worshippers.

Tags: Durga Puja Bangalore Durga Puja in Bangalore Durga Puja in Bangalore Durga Puja Karnataka Durga Puja

Durga Puja in West Bengal

2010-06-28T10:02:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in West Bengal

Durga puja is known to be one of the important festival in west Bengal and is also celebrated in other places like, Orissa, Assam and West Bengal. Durga puja takes place in the time of autumn and is the biggest celebration in India which takes place for 9 auspicious days.

According to Hindu mythology, this occasion was started by lord Ram who offered his offering before Durga entering into battle with Ravan who kidnapped sita. It is also said that goddess Durga itself comes to this land to free from all evils.

In the times of Durga puja you will see that there are many pandal which are decorated in honor of Durga Puja. You can see peoples having fast, festival dishes, singing devotional songs and some other aspects which are taken place. There are thousand people who visit these pandal to offer their praying to goddess Durga.

This festival starts with the first day called as Mahalaya. The face of the god gets unveiled in the time of bodhon. Women observe fast in this day for well being of their family. Goddess is worshipped as kumara and reveals herself in her true Mahasaptami and on these day the celebration reaches in its peak. People wear new cloths, dance all over the possession, chanting of mantras and also can hear the rhythmic beat of dhak (drums). On the last of the festival called as Vijay Dashami idol of goddess Durga is immersed in water after performing all the rituals.

The 10th day of festival is really the exciting day as there are various dishes are prepared according to the mood of people. Dishes like Rasgulla, Sondesh, Mislti Doi and Luchi. Many people throng to get these dishes which also can be eaten in various pandals.

Goddess durga is the god of intelligence, power, wealth and mercy creator and destroyer of the universe.

Tags: Durga Puja West Bengal Durga Puja in West Bengal Durga Puja in West Bengal Durga Puja Kolkata Durga Puja

Durga Puja in Tripura (Agartala)

2010-06-28T09:58:00.001-07:00

Durga Puja in Tripura (Agartala)

Durga puja in Tripura is celebrated in full swing and happiness as whole state comes together to celebrate this festival. This festival is really a jubilant for the people of Bengali community in Tripura. Apart from people of Bengali community other community too come and join the festival. In this region Durga puja is celebrated for four consecutive days between the month of September and October.

In Tripura, Durga Puja is celebrated on mass scale with puja pandals constructed all over the cities. There are many pandals which also worship the idol of Karthik, Laxmi. The actual festival starts in the day of Mahashasti, which is the sixth day of Mahalaya. On this day priest unveils the idol known as bodhan. On the next the puja of Mahan Saptami is initiated with priest offering flowers, sweets etc.

On the day of Maha Saptami, there is Sandhi Puja (evening prayer) and Kumari puja (worship of young girls takes place and people offer pushpanjali to Durga idol.

Tripura is the only state in India where its government takes all the essential measures in the time of Durga festival. There is a famous temple called as Ujjayamata temple, where this festival is celebrated and continues to abode the princely state. In Tripura Durga puja is celebrated since the time of Manikya Dynasty.

Durga puja is Tripura is celebrated in big manner and all the high and small section of society come together and celebrate. There are some place where you’ll see that idol of Durga is being dressed in tribal ornament and dresses.
In the time of pre-puja time people in Tripura get busy with their shopping everyone look for best puja apparel.

Durga puja in Tripura is always being the varied and multidimensional. Durga puja in Agartala means big pandals with good decorations which mesmerize people while visiting.

Tags: Durga Puja Agartala Durga Puja in Tripura Durga Puja in Agartala Durga Puja Triputa Durga Puja

Raksha bandhan

2010-02-06T02:12:00.001-08:00

Raksha bandhan is the festival of brothers and sisters celebrated widely among Hindus. It is the symbol of a bond of protection which a brother promises to his sister. It stands for the emotional relationship of brothers and sisters. Rakhi festival falls on the full moon day of shravana month (august). Hence raksha bandhan is also known as shravana purnima.

In Hindu mythology, there are many instances of rakhi purnima. Once lord Krishna was hurt and was bleeding profusely at the wrist region. Then all his wives and servants were searching for cotton. Mean while Draupadi, Krishna’s sister tore a piece from her sari and tied to stop bleeding. Krishna was immensely pleased with this act and promised Draupadi that he will protect her life long. As promised, Krishna helped Draupadi during vasthra-apaharana by giving her saris all through. Another story of Yama, the lord of death and his sister Yamuna was also in prevalence. It is told that Yamuna tied a sacred thread to yama and seeks his help. Thus from that time rakhi purnima has got this specialty.

During this day, sisters tie a sacred or holy thread to her brothers and give sweets to them. Rakhi is a thread of love and affection. Brothers promise their sisters that will take care and protect them all through their life. This auspicious occasion builds an emotional bonding among them. During this time, markets will be full of rachis and gifts. People exchange gifts and sweets. They celebrate the festival with spiritual fulfillment.

Ganesh Chathurthi

2010-02-06T02:11:00.003-08:00

Ganesh chathurthi is the most beloved festival for Hindus. It is celebrated as the birth day of lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is the god of luck and is worshiped before starting any work. The elephant-faced Ganesh is the son of lord Shiva and Parvathi maatha. He is also known as Ganadhi- pati which means leader of gods. Ganesh chathurthi falls in the month of badrapadha (Aug / Sep) on the fourth day of bright fortnight.

Ganesh chaturthi finds its instance in Hindu mythology. After killing the demon king Mushikasura, goddess Parvathi appoints Ganesha as the leader of all gods. His birthday is celebrated as Ganesh chathurthi. Another story of the moon is also in prevalence. On this day, Ganesha was fed with many modaks and laddus and his tummy was really full. Then the moon saw him and laughed at him sarcastically. Due to the dristi of moon, the stomach of Ganesha burst. Then goddess Parvathi gave a curse to moon that on this day if any one sees the moon without performing the puja, will suffer from bad things. Hence people on this day perform puja with great reverence and bhakti.

People celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm. Many mandaps are set up in the streets and idols of Ganesh maharaj are placed all over. The puja takes place for 10 days and on the 11th day the deities are carried in procession, finally immersed in any water body near by. People celebrate the festival by keeping small idols of in their houses and decorating it beautifully. There will be cultural programs like dancing, bajans etc. in those 10 days. Ganesh chathurti is a beautiful festival for Hindus.

Chhat Puja

2010-02-06T02:11:00.001-08:00

Chhat puja is also known as surya shashti or Dala chat. Sun god is worshipped in chat puja. It is widely celebrated by Hindus in Bihar. It falls on the 6th day (chat) of Karthik month (late Oct / Nov). Sun god is known for his purity and braveness. The sun rise and sun set are known for the cycle of birth and re birth.

In Hindu mythology, chat puja has its prominence. It is told that Draupadi performed chat puja and worshipped sun god with great reverence. The result of the vratha helped Draupadi and her family during there vanavasa a lot. Sun god gave his blessings to her and guarded them.

Chat puja is performed with great reverence and esteem for 4 days. The first day, ritual bath is taken by the performer. House and surroundings are cleaned properly and the devotee sleeps on the floor for the four days. Pure vegetarian food is taken by devotee without any salt in it. Next day he will completely fast (upavasa) and give offerings to sun god (aarghya). On the 4th day, under the covering of sugar cane sticks, diyas are lit and offered to sun god. This lighting of lamps is known as Kosi. Songs and bajans/folk songs are sung in the name of god known as chat geet.

Scientifically, chat puja has a great prominence. The radiation energy of the sun will be received by the devotee and hence vitamins, other body requirements will be full filled. Due to fasting, detoxification of the body takes place. Spiritually, mental relief will be acquired. Chat puja is performed greatly in the sun temples, with great respect.

Bihu

2010-02-06T02:10:00.003-08:00

Bihu is the state festival of Assam. It is celebrated on the occasion of preparation for cultivation of fields for cultivation. It generally falls on March every year. Bihu is also known as the new year for Assamese. It is celebrated for about 7 days.

There are 3 types of bihu. They are bhogali bihu/ magh, rongali bihu or boharg bihu, kati bihu or kongaali bihu. Goru bihu is the festival where cows are worshipped. It is celebrated on 1st day of bihu. Second day is manuh bihu which is celebrated as New Year day. On the day of goru bihu, cow (gomatha) is worshiped. Cow is treated as the abode of gods and goddesses and is worshipped with great reverence. Bhogaali bihu is celebrated after the harvest.

People celebrate the festival with great pomp and gaiety. Greetings and good wishes are 0exchanged between friends and relations in the form of gifts, largely sweets. Special dishes are made on the occasion of bihu like pitha, laru; jolphares. The rejoicings which give vitality to the celebrations extol the invincibility of all that is virtuous, noble and sublime. People dress themselves in boisterous colours and perform the puja. People revel and rejoice with family and friends receiving and offering felicitations and sweets. People sing and dance merrily and this is known as bihu dance. Songs sung are known as bihu geets or bihu folk songs or husori’s. On the whole bihu is the festival for Assamese, which they celebrate with great joy and happiness.

Bhai Dooj

2010-02-06T02:10:00.001-08:00

Bhai Dooj is a Hindu festival most popularly celebrated in Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is a festival that stands for the emotional relationship of brothers and sisters. It falls on the 2nd day of Sukla paksha (dark fortnight) during Karthika month. It builds a spiritual bonding among the brothers and sisters. Sisters perform this pooja for the well being of their brothers and also seek protection from their brothers.

The story of lord Krishna and his beloved sister Subadhra is know as the base for the festival. It is said that lord Krishna after killing the demon, Narakasura, comes home. After coming back to the kingdom, Krishna’s sister, Subadhra invites him to her house. Then she feeds him with a good meal and puts an auspicious red tilka on his forehead and gives aarthi, the holy light of flame. The story of Yama and Yamuna is also famous regarding the festival and hence it is known as Yama dwiteeya.

Sisters on this day invite their brothers to their homes and treat them with a good meal. After the puja, they put the holy tilak on their forehead and show aarthi, the holy light of flame to them. They wish their brothers all luck and good and ask for their protection and care. Special sweets are made on this occasion like shrikand poori. It is like a get together of brothers and sisters and their family. This also brings up the bond between the families. Bhai Dooj is a festival of love and emotional bond.

Sri Krishna Janmastami

2010-01-26T09:13:00.001-08:00

Sri Krishna Janmastami
    Krishna, who stands on the same pedestal as Rama in the esteem of the Indians, is worshipped as the fount of urge to action in fulfillment of oneself. His birth anniversary – Janmashtami is marked by ardent worship and devoted propitiation of Krishna. Gaily attired and fasting devotees congregate at well-lit temples all over the country and hold sessions of devotional music and dance.

    Sri Krishna Janmastami is also known as Gokulastami. It generally falls in the month of august or September. Some people celebrate Janmastami for two days, where the first day is called gokulastami and the second day is kalastami. Krishnastami is known as the birth day of lord Krishna. According to mythology, lord Krishna was born to eliminate evil from the world and taught us the most eminent “bhagavdgita”, which directs humans into a good path. He was born to kill the demon king Kansa. Krishna is known for purity and spirituality.

    People celebrate Janmastami with great pomp and gaiety. Idols of Radha and Krishna are placed in temples and homes. Ritual baths are performed and the idols are decorated with flowers beautifully. People put “Krishna’s feet “(small designs of feet with rangoli) in front of their houses believing that Krishna would come home on this day. Dahi-handi is a popular event performed on this day, where enthusiastic men try to break an earthen pot which tied at about 15-20 feet high. Person/group who breaks it will get the prize money. People also worship cows on this day. On the whole Krishnastami is a fun filled festival with spiritual values.

Saraswati Puja

2010-01-26T09:12:00.001-08:00

Saraswati Puja
Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of learning and arts. Her appearance and attire represents peace and purity as she is fair skinned, in a white dress and seats on a swan and holds veena in her hands. She is goddess of arts like music, dance etc. She symbolizes the supreme Vedic knowledge. It is also told worshipping the mother of Vedas, Goddess Saraswati, gives intellect, alertness and hence Saraswati puja is done. Saraswati is also said to be a form of river.

In North India, Saraswati puja is done on one of the days of navaratri. In south, Saraswati puja is done specially on Vasanth panchami/ Sree panchami. It falls in the month of Maagha (Jan/Feb). Vasantha panchami is said to be birthday of Goddess saraswati. In West Bengal, south India etc it is a big spring time celebration.
On this day various deities of Saraswati are placed and worshipped, with great respect and fervour. People put rangolis with a fish design in it, and believes that it beings luck to them. Goddess is worshipped with berries, flowers, and fruits. The idols of Saraswati are decorated with flowers and turmeric and then puja is done. Varieties of sweets are made on this day. Kids are made to write for the first time in their life, on this day. Students place their books in front of goddess and pray for her blessings.

Saraswati puja is celebrated with great pomp and joy in Saraswati peetams etc. Basara, in Andhra Pradesh performs many poojas and vratas on this day, with great reverence.

Ram Navami

2010-01-26T09:11:00.003-08:00

Ram Navami
        Sri Rama Navami is one of the popular festivals of Hindus. Lord Sree Rama is known as uttampurusha in whole epics of India. Ram navami is celebrated on ninth day (navami) in the month of Chaitra (March / April). Lord sree Rama was born to kill the evil from the world. He is the one who set principles for humans how to lead life ethically. Sree Ram is known for his purity and righteousness.

        In Tretha Yuga, king Dasaratha had no kids for a long time. Then he performed a yagna and was blessed with four children and Lord Sree Rama was the eldest. He killed the evil demon, Ravana, and thus placed “rama rajya” in the world. Sree Rama was born on the day of navami and his birthday was celebrated as sree Rama navami. Rama is known as the ideal person in all aspects.

        People celebrate this festival with great pomp and gaiety. Temples are decorated with green leaves and banana plants. Deities of Sita and Rama are cleaned with ritual baths and decorated beautifully with flowers. Sita Rama kalyan is performed on this day for the idols with Vedic mantras. Pooja is performed with great reverence and respect. A special drink made with jiggery and water (panakam) is distributed as prasada. In many temples food is given to old and poor people (anna dhanam) after the kalyan of the deities. At the end of the day, various cultural programs like harikathas, bajans, keerthanas etc are performed in temples. Ram navami is performed with great respect and bhakti.

Puri Rath Yatra

2010-01-26T09:11:00.001-08:00

Puri Rath Yatra
Studded with exquisite temples, Puri is one of the four great Hindu pilgrimage centers of India. The most beautiful, Jagannath temple, was built on the Nilgiris in 12th century A.D, in typical Oriya style of architecture. Puri rath yatra is also known as Rath Yatra or chariot procession draws pilgrims from all parts of India. The festival symbolizes Krishna’s journey from Gokul or Mathura. It takes place around june-july, when the image of Jagannath, the lord of the universe is taken out from Sri Mandir through the lion gate.

It is then placed on an immense wooden chariot of temple structure for the processional journey to Gundicha Ghat, about two kms away. The chariot nearly forty five feet high, is supported by 16 wheels and is followed by two smaller ones of Balbhadra, lord Krishna’s brother and his sister, Subhadra. The images return to the temple after eight days. It is common belief that anyone who takes part in pulling the chariot becomes free from the cycle of birth and re birth.

People from different parts of the world turn up to see the procession of Lord Jagannath, with retinue of elephants, camels and dancers. The festival of puri rath yatra is a full scale manifestation of the spiritual and cultural traditions deeply rooted in the name of Krishna. Many bajans and keerthan will be sung during the procession. Lord Jagannatha will be decorated beautifully with flowers etc and many rituals baths will be performed before the rath yatra begins. Pilgrimage to Puri is really a spiritual relief.

Mahashivratri

2010-01-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

Mahashivratri

It is the grand night of Lord Shiva. It is said to be Shiva’s favorite day and believed that worshipping him on this day will being moksha/ liberation. Mahasivaratri falls on new-moon day in the month of Maagha (Feb/March).

    In mythology Mahasivaratri has got a eminent story. It is told that the re-union of Lord Shiva and Parvati (Shakti) took place on Mahasivaratri after the event at Dakshayagna where Shakti maatha burns her own self to ashes. It is the day when Lord Parameswara performed “Rudra-tandava”, which is the dance of creation, perpetuation and destruction. It also finds its mention in Mahabharata, where Bhismacharya, in his last stage, explain the greatness of Mahasivatri to king Chitrabhanu. He tells a story of a hunter who unconsciously does puja to Shivalinga with Bael (Bilva) leaves and does fasting on the day and night of Mahasivaratri. Lord Shiva blesses the hunter with liberation/moksha though he worshiped him unknowingly. Such is the love of Shiva on his creations.

    People on this day wake up early in the morning and does puja to Lord Shiva in “Lingam” form. Vratha and abhisheka/ ritual bath is performed to Shiva with milk, honey, sandalwood paste, water, ghee etc. People with great reverence recite the panchakshari manthra i.e. “Om Namah Sivayah”. Worshipping bola Shankar with great reverence pleases him and he grants all the wishes. People do fasting on the day and night and doesn’t sleep in the night. This is known as “Jagaram”. People drink “Thandri”, a special drink as prasada after puja.

    Shivaratri is greatly celebrated in Varanasi and watching it will be a great bliss. Shivaratri leaves you with a real peace of mind.

Kali Puja

2010-01-26T09:08:00.001-08:00

Kali Puja
    Kaali maata is ferocious and fearful form of goddess Shakti. She is the personification of strength and Shakti. She is the omnipotent power and enlightens the divine purity. Kali puja is done as a remembrance of triumph over evil energies. It is done on the night of karthika amavasya in the month of ashwini (oct/nov). It is known to kill ego in people .She is one of the 10 incarnations of Shakti.

    Kali puja has a mythological instance. Once upon a time there were 2 demons, shambu and Nishambu got virtues from Lord Shiva and started thinking that were great. They started war on Indra and started disturbing all the gods. Then all the gods went Lord Vishnu who advised them to seek the help of Shakti maatha. Then all gods worshipped goddess Shakti and she took the form of Goddess Shakti and she took the form of Goddess kali and killed both the demons in a fearful way. She emerged/evolved to destroy evil from the world; Dakini and Jogini are the escorts of kali.

    People celebrate it with great respect and reverence. All the houses will be decorated with flowers and rangolis. People perform puja at the might time to gain blessings of Kali maatha. Many bajans and parayana’s are done in the memory of her. People lit lamps all over their houses and burn crackers as a symbol of triumph of good over evil.

    In all the Shakti peetas, Tantrik puja will be done. All Hindus perform kaali puja with great reverence.

Haridwar Kumbh Mela

2010-01-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

    Kumbh mela is one of the greatest and the most important of the Indian fairs takes place once in every three years, at one of the four places: Nasik, Ujjain, Prayag and Haridwar. Hindus from all over the country come in millions for a holy dip in the river Ganges. It is believed that the water of the river Ganges acquires the healing effects during the day’s ok Kumbh mela and can cure many ailments. It is also believed that taking a dip in the river Ganges during kumbh mela has the power of washing away all the sins and one can become free from the cycle of birth and re birth.

    Haridwar kumbh mela has a mythological value. When gods and demons were churning the ocean of milk (kshirasagara madhanam), a pot of nectar (amrutham) was evolved. To hide it from the demons, gods hide the pots of nectar in four different places and one drop falls on the ground, where kumbhamela is conducted.
    More than 15 million people take part in Kumbh mela. Sadhus of every sect, pilgrims in search of salvation, fakirs and teachers descend in huge hordes to these holy places, in an unprecedented exhibition of religious and commercial fervor. Originally the fair also served the purpose of having a meeting place and for theological debate among the religious heads of various sects of Hindu religion, called “Shastrartha”.

People like scantily dressed fakirs from the Himalayas, yogis who sit on beds of nails can be seen here. Kumba mela is the most important fair in India.

Holi

2010-01-22T01:30:00.000-08:00

The festival of colors, Holi, is a famous festival of Hindus. It is pompously celebrated not only by Hindus but also people of other religions, strengthening the feeling of secularism in India. It is more of fun festival than religious where people of all ages enjoy the festival. Holi is also known as day of Dhulandi. Holi is “spring festival” where people celebrate with good harvests and fertility of land. It is celebrated on full moon day in the month of Phalguna (March). It is the festival of beauty and is fun filled.

Holi is celebrated on the occasion of Holika Dahan, where the demon Holika with Prahalada, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu was set ablaze. Magically, demon Holika was burnt to ashes where as Prahalada was not harmed even an inch. This shows the victory of good over the evil. “Kamadahana” was another event where Kamudu (Manmadha) was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva and was given a re-birth by the prayers of Rati devi. The story of Radha Krishna was also in existence.

Beauty filled celebrations of Holi have lots of colours in it. People squirt coloured water on each other with syringes, water balloons, water guns etc. Abeer and Gulal make halchal in the celebrations. In olden days, traditional and natural colours like haldi, kumkum, neem etc were used. Pouring coloured water on their loved ones was called “Madhanotsav” or “Vasanthotsav”. It was a real fun filled festival for unmarried people in those days.

Now-a-days various chemicals are been used as colours. They have many side effects on skin, eyes, kidney etc causing blindness, skin allergy etc. So people should be really careful in selecting the colours and enjoy the festival glamorously.

Tags: Holi, Festival of Colors, Dolyatra, Basanta-Utsab, Doul Jatra, Dhulheti, Dhulandi, Dhulendi, Holika,Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Srilanka, Hindu diaspora, Suriname, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, UK, USA, Mauritius, Fiji, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Braj, god Krishna, Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, Barsana, Holi Festival, Delhi Mumbai, Chennai Kolkata, Bangaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Noida, ncr, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Jammu, Gujarat, London, New York, Australia, New Zealand, Canada

Navratri

2010-01-22T01:25:00.000-08:00

Navratri is one of the important festivals in India. Navratri is a festival celebrated in the remembrance of “battle won by good over evil”. Goddess Shakti is worshipped during the festival of Navratri in various forms like Durga, Chandi, Ambica, Rajeswari devi etc.

In North, especially in West Bengal, Navratri is celebrated with radiance and Durga puja is done with great respect and bhakti. In south, Navratri is celebrated for nine days where goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped. Eighth day of navratri is Durgastami and ninth day is Maharnavami. On the tenth day “ayudhapuja” is done where puja is done to new vehicles, gadgets, agricultural instruments etc.

Coming to the mythological background, Navratri is celebrated in triumph when God Rama became victorious over the demon Ravan, the evil king. It is celebrated on the occasion of killing evil in the world. Another story tells about the return of Pandavas to their kingdom after aranyavasa on this day. It was also told that on this day Dakshayagna was conducted. Navratri is celebrated every year in the month of Ashwini (i.e. oct/nov).

In those nine days of Navratri people celebrate the festival with pomp and gaiety. Dandiya and Garba dances are widely held during the nights of Navratri. People dress themselves in new clothes and different varieties of recipes are cooked. People greet and wish each other. On those nine days, young girls display dolls of different varieties and it is known as “bommala koluvu” in south India. “Ravana dahana” is done on the day of navratri as a remembrance of the victory of righteousness.

Navratri is a festival of radiance and joyous celebrations.

Tags: Navratri, Navaratri, Navarathri, Durga Puja Festival, Vijayadashami, Dasahara, Vasantha Navaratri, Gupta Navaratri, Sharana Navaratri, Poushya Navaratri, Magha Navaratri, Ram Navami, Dussehra, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, London, Dubai, Festival, Singapore, Delhi Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, India

Dussehra

2010-01-22T01:20:00.000-08:00

Also called Vijayadasami in south India, is one of the famous festivals of Hindus. Dussehra means killing of evil/bad. It is the festival celebrated on the occasion of the victory of the righteousness over evil. The festival of Navratri is concluded by dussehra. It is celebrated on the tenth day of ashwini month (oct/nov). Goddess Durga is worshipped with great reverence on dussehra.

Dussehra epitomizes the victory of God Rama over the evil king Ravana. It also reminds the return of Pandavas to their kingdom, after 14 years of vanavaasa (residing in forest).

            Dussehra is celebrated with great fun and cheerfulness. Various statues of Durga devi are placed allover the towns and cities and worshipped an on the day of dussehra the deities are immersed in water. Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, uniquely celebrates dussehra. Mysore is the place that first comes to the mind when one thinks of dussehra. A grand procession of goddess Chamundeswari devi is taken on ambari(elephant) along the streets of Mysore. It is really splendid and feast to eyes to watch the ceremony.

On the day of Dussehra, people wear new clothes and wish each other. Buying new things is custom on day of Dussehra. People celebrate it with great joy and happiness. “Aksharaabhyasa” i.e. teaching a baby for the first time is mostly done on the day of Dussehra. Variety of sweets and recipes are made. Durga puja is done by the end of the day. Various dramas are played in the temples based on the stories related to Dussehra which will be a great pleasure to watch.

Dussehra is really a wonderful festival.

Tags: Dussehra Festival, Dusehra Festival, Vijoya Dashami, Vijayadashami, Dasara Festival, Navaratri, Durgotsav, Durga Puja Festival, Dasha-Hara, Vyasa puja Delhi Mumbai Chennai Kolkata Pune Bangalore Hyderabad Chandigarh London Canada USA UK Australia Europe Singapore Dubai Gulf France New York Chicago California America Africa

Diwali

2010-01-22T01:11:00.000-08:00

Diwali is also called as Deepavali in south India. Diwali is the festival of lights. It is the most glamorous festival of Hindus. Diwali means “Array of diyas” or “row of lights/ diyas”. This radiant festival is celebrated all over with great fun and joy. Lakshmi puja is done on the day of Diwali with great respect and people believe that worshipping goddess Lakshmi brings great prosperity to them.

Diwali has a mythological history, where Satyabhama, beloved wife of Lord Sri Krishna, killed the demon Narakasura. On the occasion of his death, people celebrated by lighting the lamps. It symbolizes the victory of righteousness over evil and also the empowerment of women. It is also the day when Vamana, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, won over Mahabali. On this day, it is told that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana and ruled his kingdom thereafter happily. Diwali is celebrated on amavasya (newmoon day) in the month of ashwini (oct/nov).

Deepawali is celebrated with great fun and luminosity allover. It is especially a festival of children. People buy gold on this day and it is known as “dhanteras”. Festival starts with greetings and sweets. Sweets have a major part in the festival. Crackers/ fireworks are the special attraction of the day. From small children to an old person, everyone enjoys celebrating with crackers. It appears as if stars have come down to earth leaving the sky (hence a new moon day). “Harikathas are popular where some people enact the play of mythological stories.

Diwali is truly a festival of glow and brilliance, showering happiness on people.

Tags: Diwali Festival, Deepavali Festival, Deepawali Festival, Dipavali, Dipawali Festival of Lights India UK USA Canada Australia Punjab Rajastha Jaipur Delhi UP Himachal Pradesh Jammu Bihar MP Mumbai Bangalore Pune Hyderabad Bangalore Kolkata Chennai Lucknow Chandigarh Celebrate Festival of lights

Makar Sankranti

2010-01-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Makar Sankranti

The festival full of joy and pleasure for both childs and adults. It comes on 14 the january every year. People of India used to celebrate this festival. The speciality of this festival is "Kite".Lot 's of kites are flying in the sky on this day. Nowadays different types of kites available in lot of variety.

During this day people used to wake up early in the morning and worship the god "sun" by giving water and flowers. During this day people also do charity. People used to donate or give grains, money to brahmin and poor peoples. It was said by our ancient peoples that for doing punya makarsankrati is the best day.

Also one more story related to makarsankrati and it was that Bhishma had died during this day. And people used to tell that The person who dies during this day have no rebirth.

During this day people went to the terrace and fly the kites. Also they used to prepare their meal in terrace i.e 'Khichadi". Womens also come to the terrace and give til ladu and gur to everyone. As giving gur and til during this day is considered punya in this day. This day is ull enjoyment day for everyone.

Durga Puja in Different Corners of the Globe

2009-12-18T03:02:00.001-08:00

Since time immemorial man has been worshipping a supreme power. This power is sometimes called Shakti, Sristi, Iswari or something like that. In the Hindu scriptures Durga is the Divine Mother who is worshipped in various forms too. Sometimes she is called Durga, sometimes she is called the Adi Satkti Mahamaya and sometimes she is called Chandika. Actually all are immersed into one. The aspect is different.

Actually Durga is the only Goddess in the Hindu scripture who is worshipped in different forms. She is referred to as the Durgatiharini or the Woman who can remove our weal and woes, safeguards us amid all precarious states. As a result she is worshipped at every corner of the globe with the purpose of enjoying the essence of material prosperity. Without her blessings material gains are impossible.

Devi Durga is worshipped at every corner of the globe where the Bengalis live. The Bengali community waits all the year round when the days of the Durga Puja come. The worship of Durga means the evocation of the auspicious spirit to get the better of the evil spirit. Keeping the point in view not only the Bengalis but also the devotees of Durga arrange different pujas round the globe so that the evil force is exhausted for good from the surface of the earth.

Mother Durga is worshipped with solemnity in different corners of our beautiful planet. The Bengalis and the other Indians who reside in different parts celebrate Durga puja with much fun fare. Even the people of the other nations never lag behind. They too come forward with the same zeal and enthusiasm. In the US Mother is worshipped in Arizona with active enthusiasm. In California too the people are beside themselves with joy when the arrival of mother is declared.

In Santa Barbera, Santiago, Lost Angeles, Colorado, in the counties of the UK, in Germany, Belgium and France in the countries of the Far East Mother is worshipped with heartfelt homage. Different cultural programs too are organized by the puja committees to sway the people in the melody of non stop glee.

Durga Puja and the Bengalis

2009-12-18T03:01:00.001-08:00

There is the frown of cyclone, the destruction of flood; the wink of recession in every corner of the globe yet Durga puja is always welcome in Bengal. There is poverty, there is humiliation, there is uncertainty yet the Durga puja comes every year in the gloomy corners of west Bengal and makes the people vibrant with mirth and glee. The people of Bengal wait with expectant eyes casting in the horizon when the time would come, the air would be filled with the smell of seuli and ponds would be colorful with the lotuses.

The Durga puja of four day gala celebrations in the month of autumn is celebrated with much enthusiasm in every corner of Bengal. The Bengalis for the four days are rich in all respect. There is the arrangement of dainty dishes in every house. There is new dress on every body whether young or old. There is no whip of poverty, no scourge of ill feelings. Bengalis for the four days are emperors in all respect.

Bengalis are romantic, people of other states opine. Yes there is the color of romanticism in all corners. In the decoration of pandals, in the illuminations of homes and streets, there is galore of enthusiasm at every aspect. The Bengalis gather together in new dress to savor the essence of the best of romanticism in every aspect round the clock for four consecutive days.

People forgetting he barriers of age and social strata flock together in the puja pandals to celebrate the days. It is the time of social get together as well as the reunion at home when the dear ones come back home after a long stay in the foreign lands to have the warmth of their own hearth. The Bengalis are rich for those four days in all respect.

Durgapuja in India

2009-12-16T02:18:00.003-08:00

On comes autumn and with it comes the festivity all over India. The blue sky, the kas flower, the golden sun beams all add essence to the festive moments. Everybody in Bengal and abroad are beside themselves with joy as mother Durga is about to come with her children or in various forms to shower peace and gaiety amid her sons and daughters who are torn with strife and misery round the year. Mother comes to add balm to bruised hearts of her dear ones.

In Bengal the mother takes the domestic guise. She comes here to her father's house after the long sojourn in her husband's abode far away in the snow clad Kailash. Mother's such guise reminds us of an Indian woman who comes to her father's house with her sons and daughters after a long gap. In Bengal mother and the Bengali house wife is equated into one. But in other parts of India mother is worshipped in different guises.

All over India Navaratri is celebrated as a part of the Durga Puja. During this Navaratri or Nine Nights the goddess is worshipped in three forms, Durga, Saraswati and Laxmi. The three idols are worshipped to offer human being three important things, to revive the inner self, knowledge and wealth and all kinds of resources. On the 9th day of Navaratri the Ayudhya Puja is celebrated. On this occasion the tools and instruments that are used for cultivation are worshipped.

On the tenth day the Vijayadashami is celebrated with pomp and grandeur to have an edge over the evil. On this day the mother kills the Mahisasura to bring back peace in the earth. Sweets are exchanged among all; every one embraces his near ones with cordial warmth. There is absolute share of goodwill. Vijaya Dashami is called Dussera to some corners. This is a day to celebrate the victory of Rama over Ravana the epitome of evil force.

Durga Puja in Kolkata

2009-12-16T02:18:00.001-08:00

The preparations of Durga puja festival starts when the rainy season is about to bid good bye and the black clouds still keep floating in the blue sky. Everyone irrespective of caste, creed and religion paying no heed to affluence or sheer poverty begin to count the days when the mother would come and fill the days packed with boredom and daily strife with endless mirth and frolic.

Those who work in the govt. sectors or semi government sectors, those who work in private sectors, those who toil hard to meet the expenses of their livelihood begin planning what would be the puja budget. It is the time to decorate their homes with different hues, don good clothes and make the little children happy with gifts of new garments, furbishing the home with renewed vitality.

Bengal is flooded with exceptional mirth and glee. There is the frown of cyclone and flood yet the Bengalis never step back, come back with full stride to combat the odds. It is the time not to brood over anything. It is the time to be drifted in the wave of eternal pleasure. Comes Mahalaya with the Mahisaurmardini, the baritone voice of Birendrakrisna Bhadra fills the air with the hymns of Devi Durga. People throng in the ghats of the rivers to pay homage to their ancestors in the form of Tarpan.

The festivity begins when the dhaks are beaten in different pandals. If we track back we find that the first Durga puja of the Bengali took place in the district of Nadia in the year 1606. Actually in those by gone days the pujas were limited in the families who were exceedingly well off. The puja that is called the oldest one was the puja of the Sabarna Chowdhury family of Barisha in Kolkata in the year 1610. The initial community puja was held in 1910 in an old locality of the then Calcutta.

The Myth of Akalbodhana

2009-12-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

Actually Durga Puja is scheduled in the period of spring. This Puja is known as the Basanti Puja. This is the right time of worshipping mother Durga according to the Hindu Scriptures. But Durga Puja in this perfect time is not accepted by the devotees, they prefer worshipping mother in the shukla paksha in the month of autumn. Hence the Puja is referred to as the Sharadia Puja. But according to the scriptures this is not the exact period of worshipping mother Durga. It is untimely worshipping; hence it is called the Akalbodhana.

The Durga Puja according to the Hindu scriptures is associated with the story of Lord Rama. His wife mother Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana. Rama with the aid of the monkey army crossed the sea and reached Lanka now Sri Lanka, the then abode of Ravana. Ravana was a horrible demon. Hence it was very hard to slay him.

Rama finding no way to slay the demon king tried to seek the favor of the gods and goddesses. Ravana though was nothing but a demon was a fervent worshipper of Lord Shiva. As advised by the lord Shiva Rama determined to worship Durga to seek her favor. His intention was to slay Ravana at any cost and rescue Sita from his grip.

Rama had no other option before him than to arrange the Puja of the Mother. It was not the suitable period to worship her but out of sheer plight he had to evoke her untimely that is in Akal time. For this reason this Puja is called the Akalbodhana. This Puja was to be held with 100 blue lotuses. Rama could not manage all the flowers; he was able to collect only 99. As it was the ritual to offer 100 lotuses he had to offer his blue eye instead of the lotus that was remaining.

Devi Durga was pleased with his devotion and offered him the boon to slay Ravana at ease. Armored with the boon Rama killed Ravana on the Astami Tithi in a fierce battle.

Five Days of Durga Puja

2009-12-11T08:02:00.001-08:00

There is a wise saying in Bengal that here there are 13 sacred festivals in 12 months. The adage goes like this 'Baro Mase Tero Parvana'. Actually it is so. Bengal is always bubbling with different kinds of festivities without discrimination of caste, creed , and social status.

The grand social festival Durga puja is celebrated for five days, but the planning, programming and calculations go round the year. With the end of a puja starts the planning of the next puja. The Bengalis always wait for the five days when they would be overwhelmed with endless joy. Durga puja in Bengal is never celebrated as a religious festival it has a deep rooted socio-cultural background since time immemorial.

With the Mahalaya the festive occasion starts but actually from the Sasthi or the sixth day of the Tithi the puja begins. There is Bodhana or the invocation of the Eternal Mother Devi Durga.With solemn pledge everyone prays to the goddess to come to his house with grace and offer name, prosperity, glory and treasure. The donning of new dresses starts on the very day.

On the Mahasaptami the mother is worshipped with heart felt devotion. The devotees offer flower offerings at her lotus feet. Children's joy knows no bound. Wearing new dresses they fly hither and thither just like butterflies. The elders too are not spared. They go on after their own sweet will.

Mahaastami is a very auspicious day. On that day it is called that the Demon Mahisasur was killed by Devi Durga. All the Bengalis observe the day either with fasting or taking diet for just once.

On Nabami the sadness prevails all around as the mother's sojourn is about to end. Mother would have to go back to her own abode leaving behind her distressed sons and daughters. This thought gets the better of the Bengalis and they begin to writhe in pain.

On Dashami the joy, the tempo of sobriety diminishes. Mother is ready to depart. The idols are immersed in the rivers or tanks. All bid good bye to mother with tearful eyes. The yearly spell of fun comes to an end. Now all have to wait for a long year when the mother would come back again to fill the earth with endless glee.

The Chronicle of Mahishasur

2009-12-10T07:58:00.003-08:00

Durga Puja is associated with the slaying of Mahishasur, the buffalo demon. He was the son of an asur whose name was Rambha. Mahishasur was the son of Rambha and a buffalo mother. He had the power to transform himself anytime into a buffalo or a human being.

This Mahishasur wanted to rule the Universe. With this view he began to meditate hard. He was so determined to his meditation that Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe appeared before him and wished to offer him boons. Mahishasur demanded to be the emperor of the universe along with the blessing of immortality. He claimed that he must not be killed by any human being or any god. His desire was fulfilled.

Having been totally safe with the armor of the boons Mahishasur ravaged the Heaven and he earth. The gods were so terrified that that left Heaven to some safer places. Terror loomed large in the whole of the universe.

One day the gods held a meeting and decided to meet Lord Shiva to seek his help. They met Shiva and told him of their misery. Lord Shiva was so enraged that his third eye blazed. Out of the blaze a woman was born. She was combined with the powers of the other gods too. This woman was named Durga. She was decorated with the arms of the gods and was sent to combat Mahishasur.

Devi Durga attacked Mahishasur with a fighting spree. The fight continued for nine days. On the 10th day the demon was killed. Thenceforth Durga was called Mahishasurmardini or the demolisher of the demon Mahishasur. Mahishasur at last realized that all his brags were nothing but empty vaunts to the divine power. He prayed fervently to Devi Durga to bestow mercy on him so that he might be purged from sin. The Devi felt compassion for him and allowed him a place at her lotus feet.

Mythology of Durga Puja

2009-12-10T07:58:00.001-08:00

In the long past as per the Hindu Scriptures a demon who lived on the earth earned the favor of Lord Brahma( The Creator) and was bestowed the power of being undefeatable by any man or Deity. Having been shielded with the particular boon Mahishasura began the reign of terror. People were tortured brutally and the gods who reigned in the Heaven were driven too. The gods prayed to Lord Shiva to save them from the torture of the horrible demon. Shiva became very angry to hear of the details of the tortures and His third eye blazed. From the blaze of His third eye a woman was born. All the gods worshipped her and decorated Her with their arms and ammunitions. Their energy was also transferred to that woman who was named as Mother Durga. Mother Durga rode on a lion and slayed Mahishasura in a battle that lasted for nine days.

According to the Bengalis Durga is not only a Goddess who uprooted the evil force from the earth she is a lady of our own house hold with her children, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya and Ganesha. She lives with her husband Lord Shiva in the Kailas a peak in the Himalayas. Every year for four days She visits her father's house on the earth along with Her kids. Her parents eagerly look forward for the arrival of their dear daughter who has to pass the days amid sheer poverty as Her husband Shiva does nothing , only smokes ganjika( hashish) and dozes all the time accompanied by His associates who are none other than the spirits and ghosts. The Bengalis have tinged the Durga episode with the weal and woes of their house hold life.

Another story goes with Durga Puja. Rama having desired to rescue his wife Sita abducted by the fierce demon of Lanka Ravana worshipped Devi Durga to seek Her blessings. Durga was pleased and the battle was started on Saptami. Ravana was slain on Dashami. As Rama worshipped Durga in an unconventional time it is regarded as the Akal Bodhana or untimely worship.

Different Kinds of Durga Puja

2009-12-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

Durga Puja is not only limited in the Bengali circles it is celebrated with pomp and grandeur by almost every section of people irrespective of caste and creed. The images may be different but the motto is one, to worship the goddess of might in any way. The Puja rituals vary from one state to another as India is land of diverse communities. But the worship of the mother is done with solemnity at every corner of the country.

Durga Puja in West Bengal is a yearly festival of five days. The Bengalis all over the world are beside themselves with joy when the moment of the Puja comes. The mother is worshipped here as an idol with ten hands, carrying different arms in each hand. She is fierce looking while slaying the demon Mahisasur. There are various stories regarding the inception of Durga Puja in Bengal. Still whatever they may be Durga Puja in Bengal is unmatched.

In Punjab the people basically observe Navaratri. There goes a ritual of drinking milk for consecutive seven days and to break the fasting on the day of the Navami. They too worship the idol of Durga and celebrate the Puja days with feast and frolic. Some take food once and help the beggars with different gifts. The custom of worshipping little girls as the embodiments of Shakti or Power is prevalent as in West Bengal.

Gujarati people worship Devi Amba and celebrate Navaratri. Every Gujarati celebrates the festive occasion with Dandia dance or Garba dance round the clock.

In Kerala the Durga Puja denotes the time of initiating education among the children between the age group three to five. Here the Puja continues for ten days.

In Maharashtra the Durga Puja is celebrated with solemnity. Everyday a garland is placed before the goddess. On the ninth day the garlands are removed together.

Mahalaya: Count Down of Durga Puja Starts

2009-12-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

The Pitri Paksha or the fortnight is referred to the fore fathers. During this period the Hindus offer homage to their ancestors, their Pitas with specific offerings. In the month of September- October, in the Hindu month of Bhadra from the full moon day after the Ganesh Puja to the next full moon day is called the time Mahalaya. It is associated with the dark fortnight and best suited to do rites to please the demised souls of the ancestors.

In the Hindu scriptures it is told that the souls of the ancestors live in the Pitri Loka or the abode for the fathers. The place is located in between the Heaven and the earth. They eagerly wait for the offerings paid to them by their dear ones, living on earth, during this period. If they are offered the gifts or Tarpana they are pleased and bless their dear ones from the core of their hearts. Keeping this in mind the Hindus all over the globe pray offers to their ancestors with solemnity to seek their blessings.

The bell of the mirth of Durga Puja gongs with the Mahalaya. Now the time is ready to visit Goddess Durga to visit the earth to bless her sons and daughters who are busy to worship her. Her sojourn on the earth is for four days but the count down starts from the very day of the Mahalaya. The time of the arrival of the Goddess is called Devi Paksha or the period of the Goddess when her rule predominates, when she comes to the earth to uproot the evil forces and establish the reign of peace and serenity.

On this very day many people throng on the banks of the rivers clad in new dress to offer their homage to their ancestors with the chanting of mantras. This ritual is named as the Tarpan.

The Durga Puja

2009-12-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

Durga Puja that symbolizes the dominance of Women power over the Asura power (the evil power) and the virtual extinction of the evil force from this earth is a festival packed with much fun fare. The four day Puja is the much coveted period to the Bengalis round the globe. Every Bengali whether in India or abroad rejoices after the heart's content being associated with friends and relatives. In a word Durga Puja is nothing but a Puja of gala get together.

During Durga Puja everyone irrespective of caste, creed and religion is beside himself with joy and tries to forget malice, hatred, ill feelings. Actually Durga Puja brings a sense of fraternity and imbibes with the idea of global friendship. With the rhythm of dhak ( a kind of drum) the dance with the dhunuchi (the pot where myrrh is burnt) is a well known sight in every pandal. The misery is thrown away for the four days and sheer mirth prevails. In the places inhabited by the Bengalis there is annual holiday for five days.

Durga Puja is celebrated for five days, Sasthi, Saptami, Astami, Nabami and Dashami. There are different mantras on different days and different rituals too. Everybody clad in new dress gathers in the Puja pandals to pay homage to the Goddess Durga. The joy of the kids and the youths knows no bound. This is a period of going after the own sweet will and to do anything without caring the frowns of the seniors. For four days there is the arrangement of dainty dishes at every home. The only aim for the four days is eat, drink and be merry. No restrictions, no red eyes of the doctors, no hard frowns of the elders only arrogance and zeal to go after the will prevails.

Now Durga Puja is not limited with the small span of the Bengali courtyard. It has become a global Puja where every nation takes part to be motivated with the idea of slaying the evil power at any cost and be drifted in the ripples of sheer mirth and laughter.