Festivals

Hanuman Jayanti

Call Him by any name – Bajrangabali, Pawanputra, Mahavir, SankatMochan, Anjaneya or Maruti – Lord Hanuman signifies divine strength and devotion that we all carry within. This day – Hanuman Jayanti – is celebrated as his birthday which falls on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra. Legend and… Continue reading Hanuman Jayanti

Festivals

Ramnavmi

In the Vedic calendar, Baisakh Sankranti heralds the onset of Chaitra Navratri, which ends with Ramanavami celebrated on the 9th day and Chaitra Navratri Parana on the 10th day. This Navratri, even though less known, has the same significance and follows the same rituals of fasting and observations as the Shardiya Navratri. Along with worshipping… Continue reading Ramnavmi

Festivals

Baisakh Sankranti | Yugadi | Gudi Padwa | Bihu | Jur Sital

Today is the start of the Vedic/Hindu new year. This festival goes by many names in different regions pan-India, however, all of them eventually celebrate the turning of the zodiac sign from Pisces to Aries and is symbolic of new beginnings. Throughout the country, this festival represents different flavours of life such as merriment, energy,… Continue reading Baisakh Sankranti | Yugadi | Gudi Padwa | Bihu | Jur Sital

multicolored powder photo
Festivals

Holi

The Puranas describe Holi as the celebration of love, aptly calling it Kama Mahotsav or Vasant Mahotsav. With a burst of myriad colour, this festival heralds the onset of spring and is celebrated on the last full moon day of the Vedic lunar calendar. There are deep symbolisms to every aspect of this colourful festival,… Continue reading Holi

cold glacier snow landscape
Festivals

Mahashivratri

The night of Lord Shiva – Mahashivratri – is a night-long festival that is held annually in honour of the supreme yogi and the destroyer of illusions. Celebrated on the 14th day of Phalgun month. There are two beliefs around this festival: The first is that this is the night Lord Shiva performed Tandava –… Continue reading Mahashivratri

Festivals

Makar Sankranti

Makar (Capricorn) Sankranti (a goddess) is the festival that honours the Hindu deity, Sankranti, in the month of Capricorn. As legend goes, on this day, Goddess Sankranti overpowered a devil named Sankarasur. The festival goes by many names in various regions, but all eventually celebrate the onset of northward movement of the Sun from Dakshinayan… Continue reading Makar Sankranti