Category: festivals

  • Ganesha Chaturthi – History and Celebration

    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…

  • Janmashtami – Celebrating Lord Krishna

    Krishna Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth Divine Incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It falls on the 8th day of the dark half of the month (in the waning part of the lunar cycle between the full moon and the new moon) of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is a festival celebrated with great devotion…

  • On Creation and Destruction – Brahma and Shiva

    On the one hand, we have Brahma the creator – he, looking in all four directions, creating the three universes, with the five elements at his disposal. He is said to create all that exists. On the other hand, we have Shiva, the destroyer. He, of the long-matted hair through which the Ganga is said…

  • Significance and Observance of Guru Purnima

    The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashaad (July-August) is considered extremely auspicious and is observed as a day to pay homage to, and celebrate the presence of the divine Gurus or teachers in our lives. It is an occasion to meditate on the Guru and also provides a unique opportunity for new…

  • Karva Chauth – Celebrating Women

    Karva Chauth is celebrated on the fourth day (-chauth) of the waning moon (the period after Sharad Poornima). It will be celebrated in 2011 on 15th October, ten days before Diwali. According to tradition, women keep a day-long fast and pray to Goddess Parvati for the health and longevity of their husbands. Read full article…

  • On Faith and Seasons

    The seasons through the year often bring varied emotions to the front for most of us. It could be summer, winter, or the rains. Or it could be spring or autumn. Every season seems to bring its own colors, traditions, festivals, memories and moods which affect our spiritual nature.