Karva Chauth is an extremely important festival that is observed on the fourth day of Krishna paksha in the Vedic month of Kartik, just nine days before Deepawali. Karva means an earthen pot and Chauth means fourth in Devanagari, and it symbolises the love and devotion between married couples. Observed in Northern India primarily by… Continue reading Karva Chauth
Tag: Goddess Parvati
Gowri-Ganesha
The bringer of auspicious beginnings and remover of obstacles – Lord Ganesha is the deity that millions of Hindus call upon when starting something new. Ganesha Chaturthi marks the start of the festival that honours His arrival on earth for 11 days of festivities. In Southern India, this festival is known as Gowri-Ganesha Habba and… Continue reading Gowri-Ganesha
Teej
During the lush months of monsoon, a three-part festival of Teej is celebrated and observed by women in India. The first is the Hariyali Teej, honouring the greenery, observed on the Shukla Paksha of Shravan, the second is the Kajari Teej, honouring the black monsoon clouds, observed on the Krishna Paksh Tritiya, and the third… Continue reading Teej
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
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