Festival of the nine nights. A period in which special prayers are offered to Shri Parvati, also called Goddess Durga. It celebrates her victory over the demon, Mahishasur.
Deshehra, also called Vijayadashmi, is one of the fascinating festivals of India and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm for ten continuous days. The first nine nights are spent in the worship of goddess Durga and hence these nights are known as "Navaratri". This festival falls in the month of Ashwin (September / October). The tenth day of the Deshehra day is in honour of Durga Devi.
It also commemorates the death of the evil king Ravana along with his son Meghanath and brother Kumbhakaran, at the hands of Rama. People all over India and Indians abroad all look forward to this one of the more popular Hindu festivals and spend days in making an effigy of Ravana so that it can be set alight and reduced to ashes as this marks the victory of good over evil.
Legend of Deshehra
According to the Ramayana, Rama was the exiled prince of Ayodhya. While living in the forest, his wife Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Rama, assisted by army of monkeys led by Hanuman, attacked Lanka to rescue her.
A fierce battle resulted between the two armies for many days, as it was proving very difficult to beat the mighty Ravana. Rama then prayed for nine days to nine different aspects of Durga and accumulated enough strength to defeat Ravana. Durga divulged the secret to Ram how he could kill Ravana.
Then after vanquishing Ravana, Ram with Sita and Laxman returned victorious to the kingdom of Ayodhya on Deshehra day. Therefore, the festival of Durgotsava and Deshehra is celebrated more in honour of Lord Rama than Durga Devi.
The birthday of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, the ideal devotee and first successor in the lineage of Gunatit Gurus established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
The night Bhagwan Krishna graced the Gopis of Vrundavan by playing the Maha Raas with them on the banks of the sacred Yamuna.
On this day, one's wealth is worshipped and prayers are offered to God for the wisdom to use one's wealth for noble and virtuous purposes only.
'Dhan' means wealth. In the past cows formed a person's wealth. Over time both were offered pujan on this day. Today, Hindu Dharma's scriptures have advocated procuring wealth only through the codes of Dharma - by the sweat of one's brow. According to the Law of Karma, wealth acquired by any other means will create discord in one's life as well as in society. Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth, and Lakshmi - in the form of currency are offered pujan (worship).
The latent sentiment is that this purifies our earnings and so that we may use it with 'vivek' (discrimination). It is said that wealth used for self is termed 'Dhan', that for others - 'Lakshmi', that for unethical purposes - 'alakshmi' (sinful) and that for God - 'Mahalakshmi.'
The sentiment underlying Lakshmi pujan is that the Lakshmi-'wealth' we have acquired is ultimately the result of God's grace. For this we thank Him on this day.
Prayers are offered to protect one from the evil forces of life.
This festival occurs on Aso vad 14, also known as 'Narak Chaturdashi' because Lord Krishna vanquished Narkaasur. Devotees pray and ofter pujan to Hanumanji to remove inauspiciousness and fear of evil spirits and beings.
Origin
The evil king Narkaasur, also known as Bhaumaasur, of Prag-Jyotishpur, confiscated all the beautiful and valuable objects in the world. Rampaging through the 3 'lokas', he also looted the ear-rings of Aditi, mother of the devas.
When the devas prayed for succor, Shri Krishna and Satyabhama vanquished Narkaasur, releasing the 16,000 women captives. In jubilation, the devas celebrated the occasion by lighting 'divas'. When Narkaasur lay dying, he prayed to Shri Krishna, 'Let those who bathe before sunrise on my death anniversary not go to hell.' The Lord granted the boon.
In essence this means that one who has been enlightened within - become 'Brahmarup' - will not fear death. For this we need to eradicate our 51 'bhutas', namely: Maya's 3 'gunas', 10 'indriyas', 10 'pranas', 4 'antahkarans', 5 'bhutas', 5 'vishayas' and 14 'devatas' of the indriyas - by obeying the Satpurush. In becoming brahmarup and offering devotion to Parabrahma, we truly celebrate Kali Chaudash.
Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important festivals in the Hindu calendar. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. It is celebrated 20 days after Deshehra. This day Lord Rama together with Sita and Laxman returns to the kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Thousands of DIYAS (lamps) are lit to create a world of fantasy. Upon the completion of the 14-year exile, Lord Rama returned and these Diyas were lit for miles around every kingdom to welcome the divine king and queen of Ayodhya. Even today the Diyas are lit and placed in every room of the home and even outside the house, this has given Diwali the name of “Festival of Light”.
The legend has it that on this day goddess Laxmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. She brought with Her wealth and prosperity for mankind. On that day, Laxmi Puja was performed to honour Her and as such, every year on Diwali day, Hindus perform Laxmi Puja and pray to Mata Laxmi for prosperity to mankind. Every room in every home is thoroughly cleaned and well-decorated to welcome goddess Laxmi so that she may come and bless the home. On this day everyone will dress in new and colourful clothes and jewellery and visit their friends and family bearing gifts of Mithai and dry fruits. Amongst the business community Diwali is the last day of the financial year and is said to be the time to start new ventures.
The day on which brothers are invited to dine at their sister's house.
Comes once a year after diwali. The sister applies the tikka on the brother’s forehead. The Puja is usually performed in the mother’s house before the brothers leave for work. This is one of the many festivals in India which re iterates the importance of family ties.
Dooj comes two days after Diwali. Many years ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited His sister Yamuna (Yami) and she put the auspicious tilak on his forehead, they ate talked and enjoyed together and exchanged special gifts as a token of their love for each other and Yamraj and the name itself denotes the day of the festival i.e. Diwali falls on the absolutely dark night of Amavas (new moon), Since then it became imperative for the brother to go to his sister's house to celebrate Bhaiya Dooj. On Bhaiya Dooj, the tikka is applied on the brother's forehead. It is a day dedicated to sisters. We have heard about Raksha Bandhan (brothers day). Well this is sister’s daynounced that anyone who receives tilak from his sister on this day will never be thrown. The sister usually goes in the morning and does the Puja in the mother's house, before the brothers leave for their places of study or work.
On January 14 the sun enters the rashi Capricorn. This is known as Makar Sankranti. Sankranti means the entry of the sun from one zodiac to another.
Eighty years ago, this event fell on 12th or 13th January. In the future it will progress to 15th, 16th and so on. From the south the sun shifts northwards, Hence the day is also known as Uttarayan. Daylight hours increase from this day. The actual sankranti occurs in an extremely short period.
The sun's sankranti also occurs in other rashis, as do other planets. However only the sun's sankranti into Makar is considered auspicious and meritorious. According to Jaimini rishi, 12 hours and 46 minutes pre-and-post sankranti are considered sacred. During this time-span, the cow, edible food, money, vehicles, clothes, flowers or grass are donated to Brahmins, the poor and ascetics; resulting in infinite punya(merits).
Uttar Path
'Uttar path' - the north is considered redemptive - the path to mukti while the south is Lord Yama's path (king of Hell). The south symbolises mundane life - 'bhautikvaad.' It is the path of spiritual degradation. The north is the path of spirituality - 'adhyaatma.'
Ritual
During Makar Sankranti it is a tradition for thousands of pilgrims to bathe in Prayag, at the confluence of three sacred rivers; Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, known as Triveni Sangam. In south India, the eve of Makar Sankranti is known as 'Bhogi.' All the waste bric-a-brac in the house is heaped in the front and burnt. Makar Sankranti is also known as Pongal. 'Pongal' means 'to overflow.' Rice is cooked in milk and the rice is allowed to flow over the rim. The symbolism is that one's home should brim with wealth.
In Gujarat grain from the new harvest is used to cook 'khichdo'. Cows and trees are also offered pujan since man's existence depends on them. People forget and forgive ill will. For this, they ritually offer each other food balls made of sesame seed and jaggery. This is common in Maharashtra too. In east India, at Gangasagar, thousands of pilgrims throng to Kapil Muni's ashram on this day for darshan.
Adults, children, even aged men and women, spiritedly fly kites all day.
This festival is celebrated on the night of (Maha) vad 14, when Lord Shiv manifested as Shivaling. There are numerous stories extolling the glory of Mahadev (Lord Shiv) in the Puranas. He has been worshipped in Bharat (India) since ancient times. Archaeologists have discovered his meditative-postured murti in Mohenjo-daro. Initially his murti was worshipped. Later this was replaced by the Shivaling, symbolically representing the jyoti-flame of the fire, and not as a phallic symbol, as has been persistently and ignominiously misrepresented by non-Hindu writers since colonial times. The Shvetashvatava Upanishad (1-13) refers to Shivaling upasana-worship.
Two other significant events occurred on Maha Shivaratri; the onset of Dwapar yuga and the manifestation of the 12 Swayambhu Jyotirlingas of Bharat.
Glory
The Shiv Puran relates a story of Maha Shivaratri's glory.
In ancient times, a Bheel (forest inhabitant) named Gurudruha trudged through a forest to hunt deer. At night, without having sighted a single animal, he unknowingly climbed a bili tree on the banks of a lake. Later at night, a doe arrived to drink water. Gurudruha aimed his bow and arrow at her. While aiming, he unknowingly dropped some bili leaves and his drinking water below on a Shivaling. The deer then requested him to allow her to entrust her fawns to her husband, after which she would return. After much haggling he agreed. While awaiting her return, he stayed awake by aimlessly plucking leaves and dropping them below. Again they fell on the Shivaling. Thus he unknowingly performed its puja while remaining awake all night.
Finally the doe returned with her family, She informed him that along with her, he'd have to kill her family too. As he aimed, some more leaves fluttered down on the Shivaling. The collective punya (spiritual merit) accrued from the puja performed unknowingly, eradicated all his sins. This purified his heart. Repenting his flawed life of sin, he set the deer free. As he sat repenting, Lord Shiv manifested in front of him and granted a boon, "You shall be born in a town known as Shrungver, as a man named Gruha. Lord Vishnu will grace your home as Lord Rama and redeem you."
Shivji also blessed the deer which attained a better destiny.
The Garud and Skand Puranas cite similar versions, about a king named Sundersenak and an evil hunter named Chand, respectively.
Ritual
On this day, fasting and night vigil - jaagaran, are advocated. Hindus worldwide perform Shiva puja with bili leaves(Aegle marmelos) and milk abhishek. On Mt.Girnar in Saurashtra, a grand mela is held, where people throng to have darshan of sannyasis and mystics.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan has enjoined devotees to celebrate the day by doing Shiva puja and faraar in the Shikshapatri (79) and pujan with Bili leaves (Shik. 149). He has also included Shiv among the five foremost deities of the Hindu Dharma (Shik.84). Additionally, He regards Shiva and Narayan with equanimity (Shik.47).
During His time, He consecrated Lord Shiv's murti in the Junagadh mandir, as Siddheshwar Mahadev. Continuing the tradition, HDH Pramukh Swami has consecrated the murtis of Shiv-Parvati in the new Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Neasden, London, where the festival is celebrated with great eclat, with special puja and milk abhishek, every year.
Holi, the festival of colour, falls on the full moon in the month of Phalgun (February/March). The festival marks the end of the year according to the Indian calendar, and the spirit of festivity is alive in every Hindu household. It is celebrated throughout India in early spring with great happiness. Holi comes when the cold winter months give way to summer.
In most parts of North India the day Holi is celebrated is declared as a 'Holiday and people are seen on the streets throwing coloured powder at each other. As a harvest festival, Holi is celebrated on the full moon night with a community bonfire, around which people gather to give Agni (fire), the messenger of the gods, new food grains and sweetmeats as their seasonal offerings. Bonfires date back to the days of Hiranya kashyap, when he ordered his son Prahlad (the great bhakt of Lord Narayan) to be burnt alive.
The next day is the real day of Holi. From the morning onwards, people gather and play Holi. They visit each other's houses, carrying colour and water, drenching each other as they visit different places. Holi is played with pichkaris (spraying water) and Gulal. Gulal is made up of numerous colours such as pink, magenta, red, yellow and greens. The colour, noise and entertainment that accompany the celebration of Holi bears witness to a feeling of oneness and sense of brother-hood. No other festival brings home the lesson of spiritual and social harmony as well as the festival of Holi!
In the old days, Holi was a much more leisurely festival, celebrated by whole communities who stopped work for days to dance and feast. Rang bhar se, chunariya bhige was the erotic theme of the day. Raas and other folk dances in the North and a variety of colourful folk dances in the South mark the festival. A number of people made and drank bhang to the point of intoxication.
Ram Navami is dedicated to the memory of Lord Ram. It occurs on the ninth day (navami). The festival commemorates the birth of Ram who is remembered for his preperous and righteous reign. Ramrajya (the reign of Ram) has become synonymous with a period of peace and prosperity. Mahatma Gandhi also used this term to describe how, according to him, India should be after independence.
The fifth day of Shravan, in July / August, is dedicated to snake worship.
The Naag culture is quite common in India. Snake charmers start gathering snakes, thereby saving the lives of the young serpents. Live cobras or their images are worshipped. Worshippers search for holes where snakes are likely to be found. When they have found a hole, they make periodic visits, placing before it milk, bananas, and other food that the snake is likely to consume. Snakes are worshiped in many forms may they be made of metal, stone or even in the form of a drawing. Then offerings of milk, ghee and water are made even to the image of a snake. It is believed that in reward for this worship, snakes will never bite any member of the family.
Shiva is also worshipped since he wears snakes as ornaments. Snakes are feed milk and sweets, and released into the forests.
A legend has it that Krishna, one of Vishnu's avatars, killed Kaliya and liberated the people. Naag Panchami has prevailed ever since.
Janamashtami (also known as Krishan ashtami or Gokul ashtami) is a festival dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna and commemorates his birth.
Krishna’s birthday falls on the eight day (Ashtami of Krishna Paksh) of a lunar fortnight i.e. 8th day after Raksha Bandhan, hence it is named as (Krishan + ashtami) which comes sometime in August and is celebrated over two days.
The first day is Krishan ashtami or Gokul ashtami. The second day is called Kaal ashtami or more popularly Janam ashtami.
At midnight between the first and second days the birth of Lord Krishna is replicated with pomp and ceremony. Delicacies are prepared from milk and curds that Krishna loved. The temples all over the world witness an extravagant and colourful celebration on this occasion. The image of the infant Krishna is bathed at midnight and is placed in a cradle, amidst the blowing of the Shankh (conch shell) and the ringing of bells. Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion.
Sri Krishna, the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the most popular avatar and all other deities are regarded as his manifestation. His story and his exploits (leela) are numerous and very well known. To the Hindu, he is the supreme statesman, warrior, hero, philosopher, teacher and god himself.
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