The Festival of Divine Energy and Devotion: India, the land of diverse cultures and traditions, celebrates a multitude of festivals throughout the year. Among these, Navaratri holds a special place, observed with great reverence and enthusiasm across the country. Shardiya Navaratri, in particular, marks the most auspicious of the four seasonal Navaratris, celebrated during the autumn (Sharad) season. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, representing the triumph of good over evil and the nurturing energy of the universe.
Shardiya Navratri is a prominent Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga and her nine different avatars, known as Navdurga. It's celebrated in the autumn season, typically in September or October. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and seek blessings from the goddess throughout the nine days.
Ganpati baapa morya, Mangalmurti morya! This is a chant that is said in chorus and vibrates in every street, every lane, and every house during Ganesh Chaturthi. Vinayaka, also known as Ganesha or Ganpati, is made of two words: “Gana” and "pati." “Gana” means a group (attendants of Lord Shiva are called Gana), and “pati” means the leader. Hence Ganpati means the leader of the ganas of Shiva.
A Festival of Love and Protection
श्री गणेशाय नमः “गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्वरष्ुुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरुः। गुरुुः साक्षात ्परंर्ब्ह्म तस्मैश्रीगुरवेनमुः॥
Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that narrates the life of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya. It’s an epic that captivates the reader or listener, from the start to the end. One can find love, duty, hatred, devotion, envy, valor, diplomacy, philosophy, ethical dilemma, temptations, leadership, and even grief in this narration.
There are numerous days throughout the year celebrated as Hindu Nav Varsh (New Year). Its observance is determined by the lunar, solar, lunisolar calendar or the Panchanga. The exact day of the Hindu Nav Varsh changes every year, in accordance with the calculations in the solar sidereal years. Hindus in different regions (states) in India and across the world celebrate the Nav Varsh in their own unique way, following customs and traditions that are exclusive to that particular region. It is celebrated differently in different parts of the country.
In our endeavour to attain eternal happiness, we have ended up equipping our lives with amenities, making life easier, more comfortable and enjoyable. However, have we really changed ourselves? Cavemen fought with their sticks and stones; modern man fights with weapons and bombs. Despite higher means of enjoyment, eternal happiness remains an elusive dream for most of us.
Meditation has been around for thousands of years. Early meditation was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is most often used to relax and lower stress. Meditation is very useful practice which should be part of our daily routine.
Krishna Janmashtami also known simply as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami is one of such festivals celebrated to commemorate the birth of Sri Krishna. Hindus celebrate the day displaying immense joy of devotion and love to their beloved Krishna and his mate Radha.