Spanning across nine days, the festival of Jagannath Rath Yatra has been celebrated for approximately 500 years. As much as the festival displays splendour and grandeur, it is first and foremost a lesson on humility and devotion. Jagannath comprises of the words Jaga meaning universe and Nath which means Lord. As one of the incarnations… Continue reading Jagannath Rath Yatra
Tag: Goddess
Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej is celebrated on the third lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Vaishakh month of the Hindu calendar. The Sanskrit word ‘Akshaya’ comprises of ‘A’ (not) and ‘Kshaya’ (erode). It means that which does not decay, diminish or erode. According to Vedas, the Treta Yug commenced on Akshaya Tritiya. This… Continue reading Akshaya Tritiya
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
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
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
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
Mahalaya
Today is Mahalaya. This marks the beginning of Goddess Durga's journey to Earth for the culmination towards the 10 day festival. The Mahalaya chanting is recited (or played) early morning in the households to invoke the divine presence of the Goddess and is extended as an invitation to grace us with blessings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_KgtBWbKmM