Holidays

Makar Sankranti January 14, 2024

Makar Sankranti

Makara Sankranti, also known as Makaraa Sankrānti or Maghi, is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, in reference to deity Surya (sun). It is observed each year in January. It marks the first day of sun's transit into the Makara (Capricorn), marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.

Uttarayan as Makar Sankranti is called in Gujarati, is a major festival in the state of Gujarat which lasts for two days.

14 January is Uttarayan.
15 January is Vasi-Uttarayan (Stale Uttarayan).

Gujarati people keenly await this festival to fly kites, called 'patang'. Kites for Uttarayan are made of special light-weight paper and bamboo and are mostly rhombus shaped with central spine and a single bow. The string often contains abrasives to cut down other people's kites.

In Gujarat, from December through to Makar Sankranti, people start enjoying Uttarayan. Undhiyu (spicy, baked mix of winter vegetables) and chikkis (made from til (sesame seeds), peanuts and jaggery) are the special festival recipes savoured on this day. The Hindu Sindhi community in western regions of India, that is also found in southeastern parts of Pakistan, celebrate Makar Sankranti as Tirmoori. On this day, parents sending sweet dishes to their daughters.

 

Republic Day January 26, 2024

Republic Day

Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India

India achieved independence from British Raj on 15 August 1947 following the Indian independence movement noted for largely peaceful non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi. The independence came through the Indian Independence Act 1947 (10 & 11 Geo 6 c 30), an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into the two new independent Dominions of the British Commonwealth (later Commonwealth of Nations). India obtained  its independence on 15 August 1947 as a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general. The country, though, did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. On 28 August 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr B R Ambedkar as chairman. While India's Independence Day celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of two years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution.

Delhi Republic Day parade is held in the capital, New Delhi organised by the Ministry of Defence. Commencing from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), Raisina Hill on Rajpath past the India Gate, this event is the main attraction of India's Republic Day Celebrations lasting three days.  The parade showcases India's Defence Capability, Cultural and Social Heritage.

Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and other civil forces also take part in this parade.

Maha Shivaratri March 08, 2024

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva. There is a Shivaratri in every luni-solar month of the Hindu calendar, on the month's 13th night/14th day, but once a year in late winter (February/March, or Magha) and before the arrival of Summer, marks Maha Shivaratri which means 'the Great Night of Shiva'.

It is a major festival in Hinduism, this festival is solemn and marks a remembrance of 'overcoming darkness and ignorance' in life and the world.  It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, noninjury to others, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva. The ardent devotees keep awake all night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingams. This is an ancient Hindu festival whose origin date is unknown.

According to a few God realized Yogis, Maha Shivaratri was the day when Shiva drank poisonous negativity to protect the world.  The Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several Puranas, particularly the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana.  These medieval era Shaiva texts present different mythologies associated with this festival, but all mention fasting and reverence for icons of Shiva such as the Lingam.

Holi March 25, 2024

Holi

Holi is a festival that marks the arrival of spring and also known widely as the Festival of Color, it takes place over two days, and is celebrated as religious festival, festival of color and love, as well as the triumph of good versus evil.

Every year the festival celebrations begin on the evening of the full moon that comes in 'Phagun' (between the end of February and the middle of March), carrying on into the next day. This year, it begins on March 28.

The first evening is known as Holika Dahan. Festival-goers traditionally gather around a bonfire to celebrate the victory of good over evil. They perform religious rituals, which include prayers that any evil inside of them is destroyed.

The following day is called Dhuleti. This is when the famous colorful powders are thrown, mixing with water from water guns and water balloons.

Holika, the sister of the Hindu demon king Hiranyakashipu. The demon king was granted immortality with five powers: He could be killed by neither animals nor humans, He could be killed neither indoors nor outdoors, He could be killed neither during the day nor at night, He could be killed on neither land, water nor air, He could be killed by neither projectile nor handheld weapons.

When his immortality turned him evil and he began to kill anyone who disobeyed him, his son, Prahlad, decided to kill him. When the king found out, he asked his sister Holika for help; in their plan she would wear a cloak which stopped her from being harmed by fire and take Prahlad into a bonfire with her. However the cloak flew from Holika's shoulders while she was in the fire and covered Prahlad; he was protected but she burnt to death.

Lord Vishnu then appeared to kill Hiranyakashipu by sidestepping his five powers. He took the form of Narasimha, who was half-human and half-lion; he met him on a doorstep, which is neither indoors nor outdoors; he appeared at dusk, which is neither day nor night; he placed his father on his lap, which is neither land, water nor air; and he attacked him with his lion claws, which are neither projectile nor handheld weapons.

While Hiranyakashipu and Holika came to represent evil, Vishnu and Prahlad came to represent good. The story shows the victory of good over evil, which is why it is tied to the festival.

The colored powder - or gulal - thrown on the second day of the festival comes from the legend of Krishna. Anyone at Holi is fair game to be covered in the perfumed powder as a celebration of Krishna and Radha's love, regardless of age or social status. The powder also signifies the coming of spring and all the new colors it brings to nature.

Holi 2018

2024
03/25/2024
2025
03/14/2025
2026
03/04/2026
2027
03/23/2027
Hanuman Jayanti April 23, 2024

Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman or Bajrang Bali is a staunch devotee of Lord Sri Rama, the incarnation of truth and virtue. He has been addressed by Sri Tulsidas as Ram Bhakta Shiromani, or the crest jewel of all the devotees of Sri Ram. He is addressed by various names like Pawan Putra, Anjaneya and Hanuman.

Therefore, Hanuman Jayanti is the pious day on which Sri Hanuman descended on earth in order to serve the purpose of his eternal master, Lord Ram. and he, being an pure devotee of Sri Ram is revered by all Ram bhaktas.

Lord Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Rama and is widely known for his unflinching devotion to Sri Rama. Hanuman is the symbol of strength and energy. He is said to be able to assume any form at will, wield the gada (including many celestial weapons), move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds and equally rival Garuda in swiftness of flight.

Lord Hanuman is worshiped as a deity with the ability to attain victory against evil and provide protection. The puja for Hanuman Jayanti can be done in Brahma Muhurtam i.e. 4:43 am to 6:19 am on March 31 and from sunrise till 6:06 pm.

Hanuman Jayanti

2024
04/23/2024
2025
04/12/2025
2026
04/02/2026
2027
04/20/2027
Shubh Nori Nem August 14, 2024

Shubh Nori Nem

Some facts about Nori Nem

  • The Noli Nom Vrat is also known as Nori-Naum/Nori-Nem Vrat       
  • This vrat is observed in the month of Shravan on the ninth day (Navmi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha).
  • Nori Nem Vrat is observed by couples who want to have children in the hopes that they are blessed with a child. 
  • On the Nori Nem , the husband and wife fast from morning to evening.  At night they take food together.  The Vrat is continued annually on the same day till the couple gets a child.
  • Women observe this vrat for the welfare of their children.
  • Nori is taken from the word Nevla or Mongoose and Nem means Navam or Ninth.

What’s eaten on this day:

  • Vadoo & nine different kind of beans
  • Rotla made from Juwar flour or Arad flour

Legend:

There was a poor Brahmin.  His wife was full of faith and devotion displaying losts of spirituality .  she had unswerving faith in the gods and goddesses.  She had become a mother and loved her infant child more than her own life.  She used to observe the Vrat of Nori- Nem with full devotion.

One day her infant child was sleeping in the cot.  She went to the village well to fetch water for her house.  Her husband had gone to the temple.  Thus her infant was left alone in the house.  Just then a black snake slowly descended from the roof of the house and climbed upon the cot.  The infant in the cot was awake with an innocent smile on the face.  The snake kept staring at the infant and then raised its hood in preparation for striking the infant.

Within a fraction of a second, before the fangs of the snake can deliver its deadly poison to the infant’s feet, a mongoose caught hold of the snake and removed it from the cot.

Just then the infant’s mother returned to the house.  She saw the mongoose and the snake and immediately realized what had happened.  Her vrat of Nori-Nem  was rewarded.  Devata had come as a mongoose to save the life of her child.

Independence Day August 15, 2024

Independence Day

Independence Day is annually celebrated on 15 August, as a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India still retained King George VI as head of state until its transition to full republican constitution. India attained independence following the Independence Movement noted for largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British India was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to religious violence. On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and gives an address to the nation.

Independence Day, one of the three National holidays in India (the other two being the Republic Day on 26 January and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on 2 October),  is observed in all Indian states and union territories. On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the 'Address to the Nation'. On 15 August, the Prime Minister hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site of Red Fort in Delhi. Twenty-one gun shots are fired in honour of the solemn occasion. In his speech, the Prime Minister highlights the past year's achievements, raises important issues and calls for further development.  He pays tribute to the leaders of the Indian independence movement. The Indian national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', is sung. The speech is followed by march past of divisions of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces. Similar events take place in state capitals where the Chief Ministers of individual states unfurl the national flag, followed by parades and pageants.

Rakshabandhan August 19, 2024

Rakshabandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the love, bond, and duty between brothers and sisters. The word Raksha means Protection and Bandhan means Knot, basically Raksha Bandhan means the Knot of protection. The festival is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month Shravan. On the day, sister ties rakhi on her brother’s wrist and pray for his happiness and prosperity. The brother in return gives her a gift and a promise to protect her. Raksha Bandhan literally translates into 'the bond of protection'.

History: It is believed that before the epic battle of Mahabharata, Draupadi tied a rakhi on Krishna's hand when he hurt his finger while setting off his sudarshan chakra against evil king Shishupala who had insulted the Lord over hundred times. As Krishna's slashed finger bled, Draupadi tore a piece from her sari and tied it around Krishna's hand. Krishna in return vowed to protect Draupadi against all adversities in future.

According to Bhavishya Purana, during the war between gods and demons, Lord Indra, the deity of the sky, rains and thunderbolts, defeated demon king Bali after his wife Sachi tied a thread around his wrist. The holy thread was blessed with prayers and was given to Sachi by Lord Vishnu. Since then the power of sacred thread became popular and women started tying it on men’s wrist to protect them from the evil spirit.

“phulon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai
ek hazaron mein meri behna hai...”

2024
08/19/2024
2025
08/09/2025
2026
08/28/2026
2027
08/17/2027
Janmashthami August 26, 2024

Janmashthami

Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna. It is said that Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day or 'Ashtami' of the holy month, Shravana, according to the Hindu calendar. Lord Krishna is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who took birth as a son to Devaki and Vasudev to rid Mathura-wasis (People of Mathura) from the evil and merciless rule of King Kansa.

Born to Devaki and Vasudev, the little lord had to be taken away to the care and nurture of Yashoda and Nanda right at the time of his birth. It was prophesied that the eight son of Devaki and Vasudev would be the cause of Kansa's death. To stop the prophecy from coming true, the evil king had imprisoned Devaki and Vasudev, going on to kill all their six children. But his fate was doomed, and on the night of Krishna's birth, the Gods guided Vasudeva to carry little Krishna to Vrindavan to Yashoda and Nanda, where Krishna spent his childhood, and years later went on to take the life of Kansa as predicted.

At Vrindavan, Krishna was the most notorious child, known across the village for his mischief. Maakhan or white butter was Little Krishna's favourite. It is said that Mother Yashoda would herself feed Krishna his favourite delight Makhan Mishri (sweetened white butter) every day, but so fond was Krishna of Maakhan that he would even go stealing butter across his village as soon as it was churned, much to the dismay his mother, who had to ultimately tie him to a pole to keep him from stealing butter.

The impish act earned him the famous name 'Maakhan Chor'.

2024
08/26/2024
2025
08/15/2025
2026
09/04/2026
2027
08/25/2027
Ganesh Chaturthi September 07, 2024

Ganesh Chaturthi

Lord Ganesh's homecoming is celebrated in the month of Bhadra, according to the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in the months of August or September. The festival ends on the tenth day of bringing him home, to signify his return to Mount Kailash to his parents Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most colorful and exciting 10-day long celebrations. Ganeshotsav or Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in order to commemorate Lord Ganesh's birthday. Ganesh Chaturthi is observed by installing Lord Ganesh's idol at home for a period of 10 days after which it is immersed in the river. The visarjan is followed by loud chanting of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudcha Varshi Lokar Ya', which means 'Lord Ganesha, come back soon next year.'

According to the yogic principles, our material life as well as our spiritual journey starts from the 'Muladhara' chakra which is controlled by Lord Ganesha. Hence, to complete our life cycle without any obstacles, we need the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Since He is the one who gets rid of all the obstacles from our lives, we worship Lord Ganesha before beginning any important work.

It is believed that Goddess Parvati created little Ganesh using the dirt off her body while having a bath and sent him to guard the door while she was bathing. Lord Shiva, who had gone out, returned at that time. Unknowingly, little Ganesh stopped him from entering. An enraged Lord Shiva severed the head of the little child after a heated argument. Looking at an angered and vexed Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva promised her to give Ganesh a new life. The followers were sent to search for a head; however all they could bring was a head of an elephant. Lord Shiva fixed the elephant's head on the child and brought him back to life. That's how he was named Gajanan.

2024
09/07/2024
2025
08/27/2025
2026
09/14/2026
2027
09/04/2027
Micchami Dukkadam September 07, 2024

Micchami Dukkadam

On the last day of Paryushana (in Jainism) it is commonly used to seek forgiveness, and it means - If I have offended you in any way, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word or deed, then I seek your forgiveness.

The Jain festival popularly known as Paryushan Parva organized every year in the auspicious month Bhadrapad of the Hindu calendar extends from the fifth day to fourteenth day of the bright fortnight. It is celebrated annually for self-purification and uplift is meant to adhere to the ten universal virtues in practical life; and leads us on the right path, far from the mad strife for material prosperity, which ultimately leads us to our true destination i.e., salvation. The non-Jains also express high reverence for this Jain festival. All members of Jain community- high and low, young and old, and males and females, participate with full vigor and zeal in the various religious rituals and cultural programs. They listen with rapt attention to the holy sermons of the saints and learned Jain scholars arranged during the ten-day festival. In these celebrations lie dormant the seeds of the well being, peace and happiness of the common man. On the eve of this festival all activities, which add to social discord or bitterness are declared taboo from the temple pulpits. These celebrations harbinger social harmony and amity and preach the lofty Jain motto Live and Let live.

2023
09/19/2023
2024
09/07/2024
Navratri October 03, 2024

Navratri

Dussehra(Vijayadashami) October 12, 2024

Dussehra(Vijayadashami)

Vijayadashami also known as Dasara, Dusshera or Dussehra is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navratri every year. It is observed on the tenth day in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin, the seventh month of the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.

Vijayadasami is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. In the eastern and northeastern states of India, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore dharma. In the northern, southern and western states, the festival is synonymously called Dussehra (also spelled Dasara, Dashahara).  In these regions, it marks the end of 'Ramlila' and remembers God Rama's victory over the demon Ravana, or alternatively it marks a reverence for one of the aspects of goddess Devi such as Durga or Saraswati.

 In most of northern and western India, Dasha-Hara (literally, 'ten days') is celebrated in honour of Rama.

While Dussehra is observed on the same day across India, the festivities leading to it vary. In many places, the 'Rama Lila', or the brief version of the story of Rama, Sita and Lakshamana, is enacted over the 9 days before it,  but in some cities such as Varanasi the entire story is freely acted out by performance-artists before the public every evening for a month

In Gujarat, both goddess Durga and god Rama are revered for their victory over evil. Fasting and prayers at temples are common. A regional dance called Dandiya Raas, that deploys colorfully decorated sticks, and Garba that is dancing in traditional dress is a part of the festivities through the night.

Diwali October 31, 2024

Diwali

Diwali, or Deepavali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that we light outside our homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.

The Diwali festival actually runs for five days, with the main celebrations happening on the third day in most places in India.

Hindus interpret the Diwali story based upon where they live:

  • In northern India they celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps.
  • Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
  • In Gujarat, people celebrate the festival by lighting lamps and offering prayers. New year shopping spree, cleaning homes, preparing dishes, wearing new clothes, bursting crackers, meeting people and going places – It’s all about socio-religious-recreation. Deepavali brings in hope, hope brings in faith and when there is faith, there is love in our Hearts – Gujaratis just spread love and when there is love, peace prevails. In all interpretations, one common thread rings true—the festival marks the victory of good over evil.
  • Diwali in Gujarat begins with (October 28, 2024) Agyaras, This falls on the 11th day of Aso Vad month of the Gujarati calendar or the month of Ashwin.
  • (October 29, 2024) - Vaaghbaras also known as Vaak Baras. On this day people clear their account ledgers (khata) today and not enter into new transactions using new ledgers only after Labh Panchm.
  • (October 30, 2024) - Dhanteras. 'Dhan' means wealth and 'teras' refers to the 13th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to celebrating prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed into the home and gold is purchased. Laxmi Pujan is performed in Gujarati homes.
  • (October 31, 2024) - Kali Chaudas. Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Kali is worshiped in West Bengal, while demon effigies are burned in Goa.
  • (October 31,, 2024) - Diwali (Amavasya). This darkest day of the month is the most significant day of the Diwali festival in north and west India. Lakshmi is worshiped on this day, with a special puja performed in the evening.
  • (November 02, 2024) - New Year. In north India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. In Gujarat, It is celebrated as the start of a new year.
  • (November 03, 2024) - Bhai Bij. It's dedicated to celebrating sisters, in a similar way that Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to brothers. Brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.

Diwali 2017

2023
11/12/2023
2024
10/31/2024
2025
10/21/2025
2026
11/09/2026