Celebration of Makara Sankranthi, Pongal 2010
In Hindu temples drums resound and bells ring. Conch shells and clarinets usher in the joyous occasion. It provides the farmers a break from their monotony of traditional farming. The festival is celebrated for a period of four days in Tamil Nadu. “Bhogi”(celebrated January 13th) is the day when old clothes are got rid off and it is the beginning of a new life. On the second day, that is Pongal (celebrated January 14th) fresh milk is boiled early in the morning and is allowed to spill over. Savories and sweets are prepared and people visit each other’s home and exchange greetings. The third day known as Mattu Pongal is the day to offer thanks to the buffaloes and cows as they are made use of for ploughing. On the last day, which is Kanum Pongal, people go out on a picnic.

Colorful Rangoli designs decorate the houses and the front porch of the houses. People wear new clothes and buy jewelry. Women wear gold and silver ornaments.

Rituals of Makara Sankranthi
As a symbolic gesture with regard to bountiful harvest rice is cooked in new pots till it spills over. In the temples rice is cooked, chanting of prayers herald the festival and vegetables, sugarcane as well as spices are offered to the Gods. To exonerate themselves of previous sins, the devotees consume the offerings. Farmers also worship some crops in the form of puja. People bathe in holy waters and worship the sun. The belief is that a person who dies on this day will go to heaven.

Makara Sankaranth is a joyous occasion for farmers as well as ordinary people. It is day to be thankful for what we have- good food. For farmers, it is celebration of bountiful harvest.

2010 Navaratri Dates – Navaratri 2010 starts on Friday, 8th October

2011 Navaratri Dates – Navaratri 2011 starts on Wednesday, 28th September

2012 Navaratri Dates – Navaratri 2012 starts on Tuesday, 16th October

2013 Navaratri Dates – Navaratri 2013 starts on Saturday, 5th October

“Nava ratri” meaning “nine nights is celebrated twice during the year. It is observed in the beginning of summer and then once again when winter sets in. By worshipping Goddess Durga one is bestowed with wealth, prosperity and good health. Durga is another principal form of Parvati. It is divine to worship “Shakti”. It is celebrated during the initial nine days of the brighter fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September/October). The tenth day of the festival occurs at the same time as Dusshera or Vijyajdashmi.

Legend of Navaratri
Demon Mahishasura was so powerful that none of the Gods could destroy him. The gods went to Goddess Durga for help. Each God presented her with a powerful weapon. Equipped well with such weapons, Goddess Durga destroyed the demon. The place where the demon died was Mahishpur. Now it is known as Mysore.

Celebration of Navaratri
It is a nine day festival. In Mysore, it is celebrated with much gaiety. Bejeweled elephants are taken around the city. People within the community come together and sing bhajans and dance. The Dandiya-raas as well as the Garbaas, traditional folk dances and songs of Gujarat are performed. Even abroad also the festival is celebrated in all its splendor.

In West Bengal Goddess Durga is worshiped for ten days and puja and dance recitals are organized. On the final day, procession of the idol is held before it is immersed in the river waters.

The Navaratri celebration is an auspicious occasion for family and friends to get together and exchange greetings. In some places young girls, who are yet to be married are worshipped.

Ritual of Navaratri
Mother Goddess Durga is invoked. She is the Goddess of energy. Navaratri ritual performances are divided into three sets. The initial three days are devoted to invoking the powerful goddess Durga to get rid of impurities, defects and vices. Then, the mother goddess is worshiped as Lakshmi, who will bestow us with wealth. The final three days are spent worshiping as Mother Goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order to be blessed from all angles of life, it is essential to worship Mother Goddess for nine consecutive days.

The images of the Goddess are placed in homes and temples throughout the nine days’ celebration. Fruits and flowers are offered to the deity and bhajans are sung in praise of her.

In West Bengal and elsewhere in India, the Bengalees set up pandals (Cloth abodes) to worship Goddess Durga’s idol. It is a nine days’ affair celebration. The priests perform the puja and flowers and sweets are offered to the deity. The devotees wear new clothes. It is an occasion for social get-together.

Navaratri is indeed celebrated with much fervor all over India. Goddess Durga is invoked in order to ensure personal well-being.

2010 Kali Puja Dates – Kali Puja 2010 is on Friday, 5th of November

2011 Kali Puja Dates – Kali Puja 2011 is on Wednesday, 26th October

2012 Kali Puja Dates – Kali Puja 2012 is on Tuesday, 13th November

2013 Kali Puja Dates – Kali Puja 2013 is on Sunday, 3rd November

Kali Puja
Kali is the ferocious image of Goddess Durga, and is a powerful Goddess. She is much worshipped by the Bengalees. Kali puja is performed to diminish all negativity and egos that prevent material prosperity and spiritual progress.

The Kali puja is performed on the Kartik Amavasya night during October/November. The purpose is to seek help from the Goddess to get rid of evil forces outside and inside us.

Legend of Kali
Kali in a mood of killing spree began destroying everything that she came across. Lord Shiva wanted to put an end to this and threw himself under her feet. She was amazed by this and she was so awe stricken by the episode that her tongue stuck out of her mouth. She put an end to her killing spree. Since then the common image of Kali that one comes across is her standing on one foot on Shiva with her huge tongue stuck out.

According to the legend, the demons, Nishambhu and Shambu, happened to disturb the peace and tranquility of Indra, who is the king of the gods in his empire ( the heaven). After long battles the gods lost complete hope and the demons became more stronger. The god sought refuge in the mountains, the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The gods took help from Mahamaya Durga, who is the goddess of Shakti. Kali was born out of the forehead of Durga and was known as Kal Bhoi Nashini. She was created to save the earth as well as heaven from the demons. Accompanied with Dakini and Jogini, her two escorts, she set out to get rid of the demons.

Much chaos prevailed all around and Kali after killing the demons wore their heads as a garland around her neck. In the process of killing she lost control and started killing anybody she came across. The god ran for help and the only person who could help out was Lord Shiva, the consort of Durga. Lord Shiva decided to lay down in her path and seeing him under feet, Kali immediately came back to her normal senses and stopped the rampage.

Celebrations of Kali Puja
It is great festival in West Bengal and it is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. Lamps are lit in the honor of Kali Mata. Candles are lit up in the houses. Children and adults burst firecrackers. The devotees decorate their houses and rangoli designs are drawn in the front of courtyard and houses. In the evening elaborate puja is performed. The devotees seek protection from her and relief from hardships. In fact, most people do not sleep that night.

Ritual of Kali Puja
It happens to be a tantrik puja and is performed during the Amavasya at midnight in the month of November.

Kali Puja is performed by devotees for protection from evil forces and also to overcome hardships. In West Bengal it is a great event and an auspicious occasion.

Al-Hijra or Muharram 2010 starts on Tuesday, 7th of December for 29 days till Tuesday, 4th of January.

Al-Hijra or Muharram 2011 starts on Saturday, 26th of November for 29 days till Saturday, 24th of December.

Al-Hijra or Muharram 2012 starts on Thursday, 15th of November for 29 days till Thursday, 13th of December.

Al-Hijra or Muharram 2013 starts on Tuesday, 5th of November for 29 days till Tuesday, 3rd of December.

Muharram is not any particular day, but beginning of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four months which is considered to be holy. The other are Dhul-Qa’adah, Dhul-Hijjah as well as Rajab.

Legend of Muharam
This is an auspicious occasion in Islamic history. On this day, Allah is considered to have created the heavens and the earth on this day. He blessed many of the His prophets with bounties and saved them from the clutches of the enemies.

Allah is considered to have created Hazrat Adam during this month and pardoned him for any of his mistakes he has committed. Hazrat Noah’s Ark reached successfully Mount Judi during this period many centuries ago. God is supposed to have saved Hazrat Ibrahim from the fire. He also rescued Hazrat Musa from the clutches of Pharaoah in the month of Muharram.

The legend also holds that during the month of Muharram many centuries ago, approximately October 20th 680 A.D., an incident took place at Kerbala on the banks of the river Euphrates.

A large army belonging to the Ummayyad regime caught hold of a group of persons and forced them to pay allegiance to the Caliph, who was indulging in earthly pleasures. He had deviated from the path of Islamic life. The group of men refused to pay allegiance to him. They were all killed in a battle. The leader of the group was Imam Hussain, who happens to be the grandson of “Holy Prophet”.

Imam Hussain’s martyrdom is a cause to fight anti-Islamic forces. After all, he was cruelly killed and this was a good reason to mourn his death.

Celebration of Muharram
Taziyas are taken out in processions and the rites of mourning are performed with great passion. The taziyas are buried in the local burial ground( Karbala). This is how the Shias celebrate. The Sunnis demonstrate their feelings less and focus on the redemptive quality of the martyrdom.

Ritual of Muharram
Devotees fast in the month of Muharram. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad has said that the best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Muharram. The fasts during Muharram are not compulsory, but those who do fast out of their own will are rewarded by the Almighty. Fasting done on the tenth day of Muharram is known as Ashura. It will result in great rewards.

On Ashura, the Muslims participate in a procession Carrying a colorfully decorated taziyas (bamboo as well as paper replica of the tomb of the martyr), which is embellished with mica and gilt. Colorful replica of the Imam Hussain’s tomb is also carried in a procession and then buried in an imitation of Karbala.

Muharram is an auspicious occasion for the Muslims. Shias and Sunnis celebrate it in a different manner, but it is considered to be a sacred event.

Significance of Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya means that which does not diminish. Naturally, this is the day when one can venture onto something new or purchase new valuable items as it means long lasting and success in the coming future. People all over India celebrate this day by making valuable purchases, or staring new ventures or go on long journeys. Similar to Diwali, and Dusshera, on Akshaya Tritya people buy gold, sliver and other expensive assets. Jewellers keep their shops open till about twilight for the convenience of their customers.

Akshaya Tritiya is also popularly known as “Akha Teej”.

History of Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally considered to be the birthday of Parashurama, who is the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Parashurama, according to the Puranas had reclaimed land from sea along the western coast of India. Even in present times, Goa and Konkan are known as Parashurama Kshetra. He settled 96 exclusively selected families and called them Shanavkuli Brahmans, who were responsible for the cultural heritage in this part of India.

Legend of Akshaya Tritiya
Legend has it that on this auspicious day, Lord Ganesha started writing the great Epic Mahabharata. Mother Ganges or Ganga Devi also descended upon the Earth on this day.

Celebration of Akshaya Tritiya
In India gold is a very auspicious metal and extremely valuable and is a symbol of wealth as well as prosperity. On Akshaya Tritiya people buy gold as it is considered to be very be a very auspicious occasion to do so. Indians celebrate weddings and begin long journeys on this day. New business ventures are also begun on this day.

Ritual of Akshaya Tritiya
Special pujas are performed on this day. People bathe in the holy river waters perform charitable acts. Barley is offered in sacred fire. Lord Ganesha and Devi Laksmi are worshiped on this occasion.

Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious occasion to start afresh. It is good omen to venture onto something new as it will bring long lasting fortune.

Akshaya Tritya is celebrated widely in India. Akshaya in Sanskrit means that which never ends or rather lasts forever. People begin new ventures, conduct weddings and buy valuables on this day as they hope it will last for ever. It is indeed a very auspicious occasion to purchase gold, silver as well as other valuables assets as they will bring lasting good fortune.

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on an auspicious day of the 3rd day of the brighter half of the lunar month (Vaishakha) month of the Hindu calendar.

What makes Akshaya Tritya so Auspicious?
The Sun and Moon are in an exalted position in Aries and Taurus, which makes this day very auspicious. Based on Hindu mythology, Treta Yuga had begun on this day and the holy river Ganges had descended from the heaven onto the earth. Lord Ganesha along with renowned sage Vyasa initiated the writing of Mahabharata.

Legends of Akshaya Tritiya
Sudema also known as Kuchela visited Lord Krishna in Dwarka with handful of rice (Aval or poha). Another legend says that the Pandavas received Akshaya Pathram (bowl) from Lord Krishna on this particular day.

How Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated?
The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as it falls on the birthday of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parashurama. The Maha Vishnu Pooja performed on Akshya Tritiya gets rid of sins and helps one attain salvation. The puja can be peformed with some tulsi leaves, flowers as well as rice grains. Lakshmi puja is also performed on this day

Food and clothes are offered to the poor on this day. Alms are given and donations are generously made. In some parts of India, sandals as well as umbrellas are also donated.

People invest in gold, diamonds. Silver and other precious metals as well as real estate Jewelry shops are open till up to twilight for customers to purchase.

So make a fresh beginning on Akshaya Tritiya and let all your aspirations and goals materialize. Akshaya Tritiya is the day that one needs to venture onto something new and look forward to bright and prosperous future.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was trained in the martial arts and fought with his father in several battles. But after the battle at Kartarpur in 1634, he decided to renunciate life and meditate. Although, initially he did not succeed his father as the Guru as his father felt he was not a leader of men, eventually he became the Guru. He led most of life in renunciation and prayer.

How Guru Tegh Bahadur Became Guru?
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s father appointed his grandson Guru Har Rai as his follower, who in turn appointed his son, Guru Harkrishan as his follower. The latter fell sick in 1664 and said the person to succeed him was “Baba Bakala”. After his death many Sikhs went in search of new guru to Bakala village. A rich merchant said he would offer five hundred gold coins to the new Guru, provided his goods reached his home destination safely. His wish was fulfilled and went to the village to visit the Guru and pay his respects. When the merchant came across the Guru, he found him meditating. He placed two of his gold coins in front of the Guru and realized that this humble man was his Guru. Eventually, he became the successor of Guru Harikrishan. People then went to meet him and seek his blessings. He traveled to well known Sikhism centers such as Tarn Taran, Goindwal, Khadur Sahib and Amritsar. He wrote several hymns.

Celebration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Martydom
This is a one day affair celebration which are held in several Gurudwaras. He is honored by all the Sikhs for his resistance against the Muslims.

Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered by all the Sikhs on his birthday for his resistance against the Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb’s attempt to convert him to Islam. The Sikhs visit the Sis Ganj gurudwara, the place where he was beheaded, which is located in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.

Gurus are considered to represent God himself. They are people who can lead one on the path of happiness and help in attaining salvation from worldly existence. People worship their Gurus.

History of Guru Purnima
The Ashad month of Hindu calendar (July-August), which happens to be the full moon day is auspicious day when Guru Purnima is celebrated. It is celebrated in the memory of the great sage Vyasa. Hindus are indebted to him as he edited the Vedas and also wrote 18 Puranas, Srimad Baghvata and the Mahabharata. Dattatreya, who happened to be the Guru of Gurus was taught by Vyasa.

On this day Krishna-dwaipayana Vyasa, who is the author of Mahabharata, was born. Veda Vyasa made several contributions to the Vedic literature.

Celebration of Guru Purnima
On this occasion Vyasa is worshipped and devotees perform puja for their Gurus. People welcome the much awaited rains. And the cool showers provide relief to the parched fields. This is the time for one to begin their spiritual lessons. Devotees intensify their “sadhana” for spiritual attainment. The period of “chaturmas”( four months) begins from this day. Spiritual wanderers sit down together and hold discussions on spiritual affairs. Discourses are held on the Brahma Sutras, which have been composed by Vyasa and Vedantic discussions are held. The spiritual gurus are remembered on this day for their teachings.

Rituals of Guru Purnima
Religious discussions are held and the disciples carry out self-introspection. They offer “pujan” to the guru and pay their respects to the guru in mind, speech and action. They obey his wishes without any reservations. They serve him as they would serve God.

Gurus are obeyed and revered on Guru Purnima day. The devotees seek truth, love and compassion from them. They show undue respect to their knowledge and teachings.

The first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Ji’s birthday is celebrated in the month of Kartik.(October -November) with great fervor and devotion by the Sikhs.

History of Guru Nanak Ji
Guru Nanak Ji, who was the founder of Sikhism was born 1469 A.D at a place called Tolevandi, which is situated 30 miles from Lahore. He was a great saint and mystic. He was a greet seer and a prolific poet and sang in praise of God. He happened to be a prophet of love, peace, truth as well as renaissance. He was much ahead of his times in his philosophy and thoughts. His ardent followers, the Sikhs are located all over the world and follow the principles of life propounded by him.

Legends of Guru Nanak Ji
Guru Nanak Ji was the son of Kshatriya (warrior) and studied both Hinduism as well as Islam. He did marry but abandoned his family to become an ascetic. He wandered for many years and was influenced by the Hindus as well as the Muslims ( particularly Sufism). The death of Kabir, a Muslim teacher, who died in 1398 made a deep impression on Guru Nanak. He adhered to the Kabirian philosophy,” there is no Hindu,. there is no Mussalman.”

Celebration of Guru Nanak Ji’s Birthday
The anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Ji are known as Gurpurabs (festivals) and are celebrated with dedication and devotion. The Gurpurabs culminate the Prabhat Pheris, which is the early morning procession, which starts from the Sikh gurudwara and then proceeds through localities. Shabads (hymns) are sung. For three days the Akhand Path is read. The holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is read continuously throughout the day without a break. During the festival the Granth Sahib is carried through a procession on a float and is decorated with flowers. The procession passes throughout a city or a village. The procession is headed by 5 armed guards who are representative of the Panj Pyares. The procession is headed by them carrying the Nishan Sahibs, the Sikh flag.

Free sweets are distributed and langar( community lunches are organized) to people of any faith and religion. Men, women and children participate in Kar Seva and serve the community and cook lunch and help in its serving, the “Guru Ka Langar”accompanied with “Karah Prasad”. Sikh devotees visit the Gurdwara, where kirtans ( religious songs) and special programs are held. Gurudwara and houses are well lit.

Rituals of Guru Nanak Singh Ji’s Birthday
A copy of the Granth Sahib is kept in the Gurudwara and is read to the devotees, and the Akhand Path is read all throughout the day. Langar, community lunches are arranged and drinking water facilities are arranged in several places. Kirtans (religious songs)are held and kar seva ( community service by the devotees in the form of serving lunch) is organised. Devotees dress up in their traditional attire and don kirpans, reflecting their warrior qualities. Processions are held throughout the city as well as in the villages.

Guru Nanak Ji was a sage much revered by the Sikhs as well as those belonging to other religious communities. The Sikhs worship him and adhere to his religious philosophy.

On Mahavir Jyanti, Jains celebrate the birthday of the 24th as well as the last Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism, Vardhman Mahavir Ji. His birthday is celebrated in the month of March or early April according to the Gregorian calendar.

Legend of Mahavir
He was born as a prince in 599 B.C. But he renounced the worldly life at an early age when he was only 30. He underwent austere penance till he attained realization. He went around spreading the “message of salvation”, and also taught non-violence to his followers. He had many followers.

Mahavir Ji wanted his followers to attain salvation through abstinence and penance. He favored the donation of clothes, money and grain to the poor.

Celebration of Mahavir Jayanti
The Jain temples are beautifully decorated with colored flags. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit Jain temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on this auspicious day. Grand processions are held in the neighborhood carrying the idol of Mahavir Ji in cradle. Several cultural programs are organized.

Ritual of Mahavir Jayanti
Early in the morning the Mahavira idol is subjected to a ceremonial bath, known as “abhishek”. Subsequently, it is put in cradle and taken around in a procession in the neighborhood. The devotees offer Mahavir Ji idol with fruits, milk, rice, incense, water, lamps. Lectures preaching virtue are held and prayers organized in the temple. After meditation, the devotees eat the prasad( religious food offering).Efforts are made to collect donations to save the cows from slaughter.

Mahavir Jayanthi is an auspicious occasion for the Jains. They spend their time in prayer and meditation and worship the idol of Lord Mahavir.