Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day (teras) of the Krishna paksha (the waning cycle) of the lunar month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. It heralds the beginning of the five days of Diwali, the biggest festival for Hindus in India and all over the world.
The biggest celebration for Hindus, the festival of lights (Diwali or Deepavali), is celebrated on the amavasya night of the month of Ashvin (usually in late October or early November). The festival, which celebrates among many things, the return of Lord Rama (of the Ramayana) to his native land of Ayodhya after completing fourteen years of stay in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana.
Ganesha Chaturthi (31st Aug in USA / 1st Sep 2011 in Europe/India) is celebrated on the fourth (chaturth-) day after the new moon (amavasya) in the Hindu month of “Bhadrapada” (usually in August-September). It is a culmination of ten days of festivities in the honor of the chief (eesha) of Lord Shiva’s celestial hordes (ganas), Lord Ganesha. Gana also means Read more…
Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day (teras) of the Krishna paksha (the waning cycle) of the lunar month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. It heralds the beginning of the five days of Diwali, the biggest festival for Hindus in India and all over the world. Dhanteras falls on October 26th, 2008.
Dhanteras also has great importance for the trading and business communities in India. Homes and businesses undergo a tremendous transformation via extensive cleaning, renovations and decorations. Traditional artwork of rangoli designs are made to welcome the Lakshmi – Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi puja is performed in the evenings and naivedya – a collection of traditional sweets – is offered as prasad to the Goddess.
The festival of Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated as the “birthday” of Lord Ganesha in many parts of India. Ganesha Chaturthi is perhaps the most actively celebrated festival in the state of Maharashtra. The festival last for ten days – beginning on the fourth day after the new moon in the month of Ashwin. Traditional celebrations include the decoration of statues of Ganesha in every household.
Stay in Touch!
Article Topics
bhagavad gita compassion diwali dohas durga education empathy faith fasting Festival ganesha gayatri gita Guru hinduism inspiration Krishna lakshmi love mantra Mantras meditation Moon navaratri Parvati poetry poornima prayer puja rahim rakhi raksha bandhan rama ramayana sankranti saraswati Service Shiva sloka upanishad Vedanta vedas Vishnu vivekananda yoga


