Krishna Janmashtami

Janmashtami celebrates the incarnation of goodness on earth in the form of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is also known as Kanha or Govinda. this festival celebrate in this year 2015 Data 5th September(Saturday). 

Janmashtami is the amalgamation of two words Janma and Ashtami. It symbolizes Krishna taking birth on Ashtami. Ashtami means the eighth day of a month. Janmashtami is also popular as Gokulashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, and Saatam Aatham.

The name Krishna belongs to the lunar calendar, as he was born on the eighth day or Ashtami of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight). 

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month. Since it celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the day is also popular as Krishna Janmashtami. This festival celebrate in  men's, women's, girl and boy's.
They wear new traditional saree and dress.

Niladri Bije is the last festival of Ratha Yatra.

Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhdra, sister Goddess Subhadra will enter Shree Mandir on Shukla Paksha Triyodashi of Ashadh mass. This is know as "Niladri Bije. This festival celebrate in Today.
Lord Jagannath wear green color clothes, Lord Balabadhra wear yellow color cloths, and Davi Subhadra wear red color clothes.

While Lord Balabadhra and Subhadra are allowed to enter and take Ratna Singhasan, Lord Jagannath finds himself obstructed at Sing Dwara, Jayabijaya Dwar. Lord Jagannath movement himself in to  the Mandir, offers Garland, Sweet to Goddess Lakshmi and take Ratna Singasana.

Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival

Chhath Puja is one of the most important Hindu festival.Chhath Puja is observed for a period of four days during the month of Kartika. Chhath Puja ritual includes holy bathing, Vrat (fasts) and other holy severities. Chhath Puja is dedicated to Sun god, Surya. Devotees pay reverence to Lord Surya during Chhath Puja by bowing before the Sun.

It is believed that Draupadi was an ardent devotee of Lord Surya (the Sun god). Due to her devotion toward Surya, she was gifted with the unique power to cure even the most deadliest diseases. Draupadi possessed the energy that helped the Pandavas to regain the kingdom.

This festival celebrate on 4th day.
First Day Of Chhath Puja: Nahai Khai
Nahai means to bathe, and Khai means to eat. On the first day of Nahai Khai, devotees take a holy bath in a holy lake or river, to purify their sins. 

Second Day Of Chhath Puja: Kharna
On Kharna, devotees observe Vrat for a time-period of almost 8 to 12 hours. This fast includes abstaining from drinking water. Thus, the day of Kharna involves an anhydrous fast. People terminate the fast during evening after performing Surya Puja.

Third Day Of Chhath Puja :Sandhya Argha
Sandhya Arghya means evening offerings. On the third day of Chhath puja, devotees prepare food offerings.

Fourth Day Of Chhath Puja: Suryodaya Argha
This is the last day of Chhath Puja. On the day of Suryodaya Argha, devotees reach to the banks of the rivers to offer to the rising Sun.
The festival celebrate in women and men. The men's wear dothi and women's wear sharee.

Lohri Festival

The Lohri festival is celebrated with sheer joy by people.Many cultural events take place and people enjoy every bit of this festival. Lohri is the harvest festival and is celebrated by Sikhs. It is basically the festival of Punjab and Haryana. The celebrations of Lohri start early morning and people wish each other for blissful Lohri.
Punjabi farmers see the day after Lohri (Maghi) as the financial new year. It is a very important day. The farmers celebrate Lohri as such. New agricultural tenancies commence on Lohri and rents are collected on this day.

The festival has been twinned with the astrological festival of Maghi celebrated in the rest of India as Makar Sankranti. Other cultures observe winter solstice as per its original meaning. Lohri falls in the month of Paush.
Lohri festival food:
It is traditional to eat Gajak, Sarson da saag with Makki di roti, radish, ground nuts and jaggery. It is also traditional to eat "til rice" which is made by mixing jaggery, sesame seeds and rice.

In various places of the Punjab, about 10 to 15 days before Lohri, groups of young and teenage boys and girls go around the neighbourhood collecting logs for the Lohri bonfire. In some places, they also collect items such as grains and jaggery which are sold and the sale proceeds are divided amongst the group.

A popular activity engaged in by boys is to select a group member to smear his face with ash and tie a rope around his wait! The idea is for the selected person to act as a deterrent for people who refrain from giving Lohri items. The boys will sing Lohri songs asking for Lohri items. If not enough is given, the householder will be given an ultimatum to either give more or the rope will be loosened. If not enough is given, then the boy who has his face smeared will try to enter the house and smash clay pots or the clay stove and this festival boy's  wear  kurta and girl's wear Salwar Suit.
Lohri Songs.....
Sunder mundriye ho!
Tera kaun vicharaa ho!
Dullah Bhatti walla ho!
Dullhe di dhee vyayae ho!
Ser shakkar payee ho!
Kudi da laal pathaka ho!
Kudi da saalu paata ho!
Salu kaun samete!
Chacha gali dese!
Chache choori kutti! zamidara lutti!
Zamindaar sudhaye!
Bum Bum bhole aaye!
Ek bhola reh gaya!
Sipahee far ke lai gaya!
Sipahee ne mari itt!
Bhaanvey ro te bhaanvey pitt!
Sanoo de de Lohri, te teri jeeve jodi!

Devasayani Ekadashi(Ashadhi Ekadasi)

Ashadhi Ekadasi, or Ashada Devasayani Ekadashi, is observed during the Shukla Paksha in Ashada Month (June – July). In 2015, the date of Ashadi Ekadasi is July 27.  Pandarpur Yatra culminates on Ashadi Ekadasi and is of great importance in Maharashtra. The day is of a great significance at the Lord Vithal Temple in Pandarpur.

The Palaki of Tukaram Maharaj from Dehu, Palki of Sant Jnaneshwar from Alandi and numerous other Palaki (Palanquin) carrying the silver Padukas of various saints arrives at Lord Vithal Temple in Pandarpur on Ashadi Ekadasi after a 21-day journey. Lord Vithal is an incarnation of Lord Krishna and is a popular deity in Marathi culture.This festival celebrate in children, Men, women's and wear traditional clothes.

The day is also of great importance in several other places. Thousands of devotees also take a holy dip in GodavariRiver on the day and pay obeisance to Lord Rama at Kala Ram temple. This Ekadasi is popularly known as Devshayani Ekadasi.

Karwa Chauth , Hindu Festivals of India

Karwa Chauth is an old age ritual followed by Indian women staying in India or outside. This festival is more popular in North India. On the day of Karwa Chauth, women observe a day long fast and pray for the good health and prosperity of their beloved husbands or the would-be-husbands. This festival observed  in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Women who observe Karwa Chauth fast, wake up before sunrise and get ready to start the fasting. According, to the Hindu customs, it is one of their most sacred fasts. The fast starts from sunrise and ends in the evening, only after seeing the Moon. Throughout the day, women do not consume any food, not even water. The main deities worshiped on this day are Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and their sons, Lord Kartikeya & Ganesha. Women worship the holy God Shiva and Goddess Parvati with ten earthen pots (Karwas) filled with sweets. Once the rituals are done, these Karwas are distributed to daughters and sisters.
The first Karwa Chauth is a very important occasion for every married women. New brides wear their bridal dresses, elegant jewelry and make up. The mother-in-law of the women observing her first Karva Chauth prepares an elaborate meal. Sargi an integral part of Karva Chauth Vrat, it includes Pheni (a sweet made by using milk and semolina), Parantha and various types of fruits and sweets.The mother-in-law then gives her daughter-in-law gifts, which can be jewelry, saree or anything that she wants.
Karwa Chauth this year celebrate in 30 October, 2015.

Bahuda Yatra In puri festival

Bahuda Yatra is the return journey of the three ratha (chariots) during Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra visit Gundicha temple and stay in Adapa Mandapa for a week. After  seven days on staying their , the chariots return to Puri Jagannath temple on the ninth day.  Three Goddess wear traditional clothes.

Bahuda Yatra time and date.

This festival fall on odiya month of  ashada shukla paksha(July). This year celebrate on 26.07.2015.

Mangala Arati 4.00 a.m. Mailama 4.15 a.m. Tadapa Lagi 4.30 a.m. Rosa Homa 4.30 a.m. Abakasha 5.00 a.m. Surya Puja 5.15 a.m. Dwarapala Puja 5.30 a.m. Besha Sesha 5.30 a.m. Gcpals Ballav and Sakala Dhup (Khechudi Bhoga). 5.30 a.m. to 6.30 a.m. Senapata Lagi 6.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. Mangalarpana 10.15 a.m. Bahuda pahandi 10.15 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. Chherapanhara 1.45 p.m Charaphitiba & Ghoda Lagiba 2.45 p.m. Rathatana Aram bha 3.00 p.m.

Puri yatra in 2015

Jagannath Rath Yatra is an Hindu festival celebrated every year in the Indian travel spot Odisha at Puri. When is Puri Rath Yatra 2015 is going to be held on 18-July,Saturday this year in the holy city of Hindus Puri, which is a part of Char Dham pilgrimages. Jagannath rath yatra 2015 will showcase the majestic presentation of three grand chariots loaded with idols of God.

This religious festival in Jagannath dham Puri is held every year in the months of June or July. Devotees in millions travel Puri Jagannath temple from around the globe to attend this spiritual festival which is believed to be the gateway to heaven.

On the first day of Jagannath rath yatra 2015 or Car Festival 2015 the journey will begin from the Jagnnath temple puri when the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balrama and Devi Subhadra will come out. There are several rituals involved as part of the entire Puri Car Festival procession. At the beginning is Chera Pahara where Gajapati King cleans the street with golden-handled broom before the arrival of chariots. After this, deities are taken out and placed on superbly decorated chariots, this ceremony is known as Pahandi Vijay.

The colossal chariots are made of wood that are keenly pulled by devotees through ropes. After nine days stay at Gundicha Temple the return journey commences which is known as Bahuda Jatra. 

Hera Panchami 2015 Goddess Lakshmi Visiting Jagannath at Gundicha Temple

Hera Panchami  is a unique festival at the Gundicha Temple. . It is observed at the gundicha temple.Hera means to ‘see’ and Panchami means the ‘fifth day’ .on Hera Panchami day Goddess Lakshmi travels to the Gundicha temple to see Lord Jagannath. The visit of Goddess Lakshmi takes place five days after the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Hera Panchami is a domestic affair of the divine couple - Vishnu and Lakshmi.

During the Puri Rath Yatra, the chariots (Ratha) carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are pulled from the Puri Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, here the deities visit their aunt. Lord Jagannath wear Green color, lord Balabhadra wear Yellow color and Goddess  Subhadra wear red color Clothes.

 Once the chariot arrives a little damage is caused to the chariot of Lord Jagannath to signify Goddess Laxmi’s anger on the lord for leaving her alone in the temple. This event is watched with great fun and excitement by the devotees. After the event, the Goddess is brought back to her temple via Hera Gouri Sahi.

The popular belief is that Lord Jagannath had promised his wife Goddess Lakshmi that He will return the next day. But Lord Jagannath does not return the next day. Goddess Lakshmi waits and waits and finally on the fifth day she goes to Gundicha Temple on a palanquin and sees the Ratha of Lord Jagannath outside Gundicha Temple.

Nag Panchami in odisha festival

Naga Chaturthi, also known as Nagula Chavithi or Nagula Chauth, is observed twice a year, in the months of Kartika and Shravana. Indian women observe the day of Nagula Chavithi in order to bring happiness in their children’s lives; Nagula Chavithi is believed to provide protection to children. Naga Puja is also performed by the devotees on Nagula Chavithi. The next day is popular as Nag Panchami.

The women wear new saree and a snake is crafted out of cow dung on the day of Nag Panchami, and placed at the doorstep. The snake is therefore, worshiped as a deity on Nagpanchami. Milk, Kusha grass, sandalwood, Akshat (holy grains of rice) are offered to the snake. The snake deity is bathed with milk, which is believed to free oneself from sins.

Before knowing the different legends associated with Naag Panchami, let’s first discuss the history of Naag Panchami and when it started. It is believed that long before, the Aryans clan arrived in our country, when Nagas resided in India. If we go back to the historical evidences, snake deities were venerated among Nagas. However, soon this tradition came up into Hinduism and gained prominence. In the following part, we will discuss the story that signifies the role of snakes as Hindu deities.

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Masik Ganesh Chaturthi 2015

Ganesh Chaturthi is that glorious day when Lord Ganesha is worshiped, as he is the God of prosperity, good fortune, and wisdom. It is strongly believed that Lord Ganesha was born during the Shukla Paksha (bright half) in the month of Bhadrapada. This day of Ganesh Chaturthi falls in the month of August or September. Hence, the annual and the biggest Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as per that time.

Gupta Gundicha in puri festival

The annual shodasha dinatmaka or 16 day puja beginning 8 days prior to Mahalaya of Ashwin month for goddess Vimala and ending on Vijayadashami, is of great importance, in which both the utsava murty of lord Madanmohan and Vimala take part.
Celebrated for 16 days from Ashwina Krushna dwitiya to Vijayadashami.As per tradition, the idol of Madhaba, along with the idol of Goddess Durga (known as Durgamadhaba), is taken on a tour of the temple premises and Three goddess wear three color traditional silk saree. The tour within the temple is observed for the first eight days. For the next eight days, the idols are taken outside the temple on a palanquin to the nearby Narayani temple situated in the Dolamandapa lane. After their worship, they are brought back to the temple.

NAVA KALEBARA

Celebrated In : Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Orissa Celebrated : Once in every twelve to nineteen years. In the month of : Aashadha (June - July)

Related to the car-festival, an important festival known as 'Nava Kalebara' is held once in every twelve to nineteen years according to the calculation of the year and date. On this occasion the wooden images of the deities are replaced by new ones.

Time For The Festivity

The principle adopted to fix the year of renewal is to find a year, which has two full moons in the month of 'Asadha'. In every three years a lunar month is excluded from the calculation to keep a balance between the lunar and the solar years. This particular month, which is excluded from calculation is known as "Adhimasa" or "Mala Masa" and is considered most inauspicious for any religious ceremony.

The Rituals

For making the new images a number of rituals connected with it are observed. When the date is fixed for the festival the "Gajapati Maharajah" of Puri issues a proclamation to the 'Vidyapati', 'Daitas' and Brahmins well versed in the Vedas to go in search of the trees that would provide logs for making the images.

Generally, this proclamation is issued on the 10th day of the full moon of 'Chaitra'. After the mid-day rituals of the Lord Jagannatha, the 'Mahapatras' receive "Agnya Mala", the garland as a token of permission from the Lord to go in search. Then the Mahapatras carry this garland along with four 'Daitapatis' to the "Anabasara Pindi" (a platform inside the temple) where they are given new garments to wear. From there they go to the Jagannatha 'Math', the place of starting.

Accompanied by the Daitapatis, 'Deulakarana', 'Tudhan', 'Lenka' and four carpenters they go to the temple of 'Mangala' at Kakatpur, which is about 40-km in the north. There they sleep in the temple to obtain permission of the Goddess in dream before proceeding in four batches to four directions in search of the trees.

Ekadashi is a Hindu festival.

Ekadashi is an hopeful  day dedicate to Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi is a fasting   festival. 
The word Ekadashi has been derived from Sanskrit language where Ekadashi means the 'eleventh day' of the Hindu calendar . Ekadashi occurs twice in a month. Hence, all in all there are 24 Ekadashis in a year. Ekadashi is observed once in Shukla Paksha ( the period of the waxing Moon ) and also, in the Krishna Paksha (the period of the waning Moon) each month in a year.
Ekadashi is also known as 'Ekadasi', 'Harivasara', and 'Hari Din'. The Tithi of Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu . Devotees all around the country and globe, observe first on this day. This is known as 'Ekadashi Vrat'. This festival celebrate is women's, they are wear new saree. 
Many tapy of Ekadashi
 Adhika Masa Ekadasi

 Devshayani Ekadashi – Sayana Ekadasi - Ashadi Ekadasi

 Kamika Ekadasi

 Pavitra Ekadasi – Putrada Ekadashi

 Aja Ekadasi – Annada Ekadashi

 Parivartini Ekadashi – Parsava Ekadasi

 Indira Ekadasi
 Smarta Pasankusa Ekadashi

 Pasankusa Ekadashi

 Rama Ekadasi
 Prabodini Ekadasi – Uttahana Ekadashi

 Uttpatti Ekadashi

 Mokshada Ekadasi - Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vijayadashami in odisha festival

Vijayadashami or Dasaara Vijayadashami is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Ashwin(September - Oct ember). The first nine days are celebrated as Maha Navratri.
Vijaya Dashmi or Dasara has a lot of importance for the Hindus across the country and globe. Let's read more to find out the real importance of Vijaya Dashami or Dasara.
In the Hindu mythology, Dusshera is considered to be one of the most auspicious time when one's faith towards the good is again established. This festival marks the end of one's evilness, bringing faith, prosperity and good times in a person's life. Vijay Dashmi is one of those festivals which signifies the real meaning of good and symbolises the path of righteousness. This festival is celebrated on the 10th day of Ashwin month every year throughout India.The women wear yellow color saree and enjoy this day.

Solah Sombara Brata Dedicated to Lord Shiva

Solah Sombara Brata is observed for sixteen consecutive Mondays and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A devotee can start Solah Somvar Vrat on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in any month. But devotees usually begin the fasting in Shravan or Kartik month. Solah Somvar Vrat is observed by women to get good husbands and many also observe it when they are blessed with a good married life.

It is also believed that observing this Vrat will help in getting one’s wishes fulfilled.

Legend has it that moon (Chandra or Soma) was cursed by Daksha that his body will fade away. It is said that Chandra escaped from this curse after observing the Somvar Vrat.

Solah Somvar fasting begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. Some devotees observe 24-hour fast and they only consume water or tender coconut or copra.Some devotees opt for nuts, milk and fruits while fasting. This day women's wear saree and men wear kurta and visit the temple.

On the 17th Monday of the fasting, special pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva are held. Udyapan is performed on the day.

It must be noted that Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and there are several devotees who observe partial fast on all mondays or do special pujas or visit Lord Shiva temples on the day.

Akshaya tritiya is the famous festival in odisha.

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a holy day for Hindus and Jains.  It falls on the third Tithi (lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the pan-Indian month of Vaishakha and one of the four most important days for Hindus. 
It is an auspicious day of the birthday of Lord Parasurama who is the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesha began to write Mahabharata. Jains celebrate this day to commemorate Tirthankara Rishabha's ending of one-year fast by consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands.

The word "Akshaya" means the never diminishing in Sanskrit and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. It is believed that if you do charity on this day you will be blessed. On Akshay Tritiya, Mrutika worshiped.

The day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures. The legend is that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya continues to grow and bring prosperity. Hence, new ventures, like starting a business, construction, etc. is performed on Akshaya Tritiya and people wear new dress.

Dalkhai is the Famous folk song of sambalpur.

Dalkhai is the most popular folk-dance in western odisha.Its performance is very common on all other festivals such as Bhaijiuntia, Phagu Pune, Nuakhai, etc. This is mostly danced by young women of Binjhal, Kuda, Mirdha, Sama and some other tribes of Sambalpur, Bolangir, Sundargarh and Dhenkanal districts of Odisha in which men join them as drummers and musicians. 

The dance is accompanied by a rich orchestra of folk music played by a number of instruments known as Dhol, Nisan (a typical giant sized drum made of iron case), Tamki (a tiny one sided drum 6" in diameter played by two sticks), Tasa (an one sided drum) and Mahuri. However, the Dhol player controls the tempo while dancing in front of the girls.

It is known as Dalkhai because in the beginning and end of every stanza the word is used as an address to a girl friend. The love story of Radha and Krishna, the episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, the description of natural scenery are represented through the songs.

The young women dance and sing intermittently. The songs are of special variety with the additive 'Dalkhai Go' which is an address to a girlfriend. While dancing to the uncanny rhythms of the Dhol, they place the legs close together and bend the knees.

The women generally dress themselves in colourful Sambalpuri Saris and wear a scarf on the shoulders holding the ends below in both the hands. Bedecked with traditional jewellery, their robust frames sustain the strains of the dance for long hours.

Danda Nata or Danda Yatra famous festival in Ganjam

Danda Nata or Danda yatra is one of important festival in Ganjam  The danda nata festival is being held in the month of Chaitra of the year. The Danda Jatra is a kind of ritualistic festival. Danda begins on an auspicious day before the Chaitra Sankranti or Meru Parba with traditional worship and fasting. The total number of days for the festival is 13, 18 or 21 days.Only male persons take part in this festival.The participants are known as the 'Bhoktas'. All the `Bhoktas` lead a very pious life for all these days during the festival and they avoid eating meat, fish or cohabiting during this period.
Danda Nata is an Indian dance festival that originated in the Boudha of odisha.Danda Nata is a form of a religious festival that has theatrical and dance components.The dance is done mainly to worship Lord Shiva, the God of destruction of the Hindu mythology. There are other Gods and Goddesses that are worshipped by the spiritual dance also, such as Krishna Ganesh, Kali, and Durga amongst others. The low caste Hindus and the high caste, such as the Brahmins, all participated in the Danda Nata.The people wear in the traditional yellow color saree.

Joranda Mala

Joranda Gadhi is a unique temple built in area of meeting of three villages Joranda,Natima and Patna.The temple is dedicated to  Sunya Shunya Gosain belonging to a sect of Hindus called ascetics of Mahima Dharma.
The festival celebrate at joranda in Dhenkanal District.The festival celebrate in  Magha Purnima day.People from far and near congregate here and a big fair takes place for three days. The surging multitude of Mahima Sanyasis worship Mahima Gosain's Samadhi Pitha on this occasion. It is during this period that the initiation for promoting Bairagi to Apara Sanyasi (superior caste of disciples in Mahima Sect) takes place. The festival celebrate in 3 day and wear new design saree.

Samba Dashami famous festival in Lord Sun.

Samba Dashami is a Oriya festival. This festival worship in the lord Sun. On This day mother's pray to surya for the health of their children.This festival falls on  December –January (Pousha Masa).
On the day of Samba Dashami, the women in the family wake before sunrise. After bathing they prepare dishes such as Khichdi, Oriya Puli, and Ghadghadia Tarkari (a curry), and offer them to the Sun God at sunrise. Each prepared food item is offered in the name of each family member. Once the food items have been offered to the Surya, the women prepare a set of cake-like dishes called Pitha, which include Manda Pitha, Kakara Pitha, Arisha Pitha, BiriLaddoo, Makar Chaula,Chhenaguda, Dhanu Muaan, Khiri, Rasagola, Jhilli, Chhenagaja, and Sweet Curd.The boy wear white color dress and worship the lord sun.
The women in the family view the Sun God through the bowl of turmeric water and offer all the dishes to the Sun God. They read the legend of ‘Samba Dasami Brata Katha’ and pray for the well-being of all family members.In the evening, another Puja is observed as a part of the Samba. This is ‘Mahakala Puja’, in which special Budha Chakuli is offered to Yama.