2015 Govardhan Puja, Annakut Puja

Most of the time Govardhan Puja day falls next day after Diwali Puja and it is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna overcome God Indra. Sometimes there might be one day gap between Diwali and Govardhan Puja.

Govardhan Puja celebrations are proposed during Pratipada Tithi of Kartik month. Depending on starting time of Pratipada, Govardhan Puja day power falls one day before on Amavasya day on Hindu calendar.

Gowardhan Puja is also known as Annakut Puja. On this day food made of cereals like wheat, rice, curry made of gram flour and leafy vegetables is cooked and offered to Lord Krishna.This festival celebrate in all women's and Men's They wear traditional clothes. 

In Maharashtra the same day is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padva. The day commemorates victory of Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, over King Bali and subsequent pushing of Bali to Patal Lok (the underworld). It is believed that due to boon given by Lord Vamana, Asura King Bali visits the Prithvi Lok from the Patala Lok on this day.

Most of the time Govardhan Puja day coincides with Gujarati New Year day, which is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Kartik month. Depending on starting time of Pratipada Tithi, Govardhan Puja celebrations could be done one day before Gujarati New Year day.

Naga Chaturthi This festival celebrate in Women's

Naga Chaturthi Osha is a fasting practical by women in Orissa and is held on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Kartik (September-October).

This fast is mainly observed by women to look after the family members from snake bite. Lord Pingala, the serpent god, is worshipped in the form of a snake image.

The image is made of gold, silver or of rice paste close to an ant-hill. The snake deity’s blessings are sought for the welfare of their families and children. Naga Chaturthi is one of the major festivals of Orissa. This festival celebrate in women’s and wear new saree.

According to the myth, a merchant's wife had betrayed the trust of her 'Sangata' and also the serpent Mother Goddess (Naga Mata). All her six sons died of snake bite. The seventh son was married to a princess, who had faithfully observed this fast and she had been blessed by the Naga Mata to be 'Aisulakshani' or the virtuous wife whose husband would not die before she died. Therefore though her husband was accursed and was bitten to death, he was restored to life along with six elder brothers.

Kaarthigai Deepam festival celebrate in Tamil nadu

Kaarthigai Deepam is a festival of lights, celebrated in the Tamil month of Kaarthigai. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Kaarthigai month which coincides with Krithikai star. It is also think abouted as the addition of the Deepavali festival. In some houses, they double the number of lamps every day from the day of Deepavali and this way, they end up with a number of lamps on the day of Kaarthigai Deepam.

It is celebrated in a special manner in Thiruvannamalai. Lord Shiva asks Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu to find out the exact location of his head and his feet. Since Lord Shiva takes a massive form, they are not able to find out anywhere. Then Lord Shiva takes the form of a jyothi (light of fire) on the hill of Thiruvannamali. Therefore, this festival is also known as Annamalai Deepam. Here, a special torch is lighted on the zenith of the hill and it is believed that Lord Shiva's jothi will be visible on this day.

Lord Muruga took the form of six children in a lake called "Saravana Poigai". On this day, all his six forms were joined by Parvathi(his mother) and this way, he had six faces. Special poojas are performed to Lord Muruga.

On this day, people clean the houses. In the evening, they draw kolams (rangoli) in the front of the house and also place some lamps on it. The lamps(Agal) are placed in the pooja and lighted.This festival celebrate all men's and women's and wear in new clothes.   Then the Deeparathana is done in which the lamps are moved to different places in the house. The lamps glow all over the streets on this day. The lamps are arranged near the doors and windows and also in the balconies. In this way, people of Tamil Nadu celebrate Kaarthigai Deepam for three days.

Mewar famous festival in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Mewar festival is celebrated every year with lots of joy and happiness by the people of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India to welcome the coming of the spring season (king of the seasons). It is the 2nd World Living Heritage Festival of the India which is celebrated annually in the Udaipur. 

It is a three days long and full of fun filled actions from 2nd of April to the 4th of April. It is celebrated in the heritage city of India called Udaipur to lead an ancient culture and traditions of the India as well as to protect all the ancient living heritages of the Mewar, Rajasthan.

Mewar festival is celebrated every year by organizing lots of fun filled activities showing tradition, culture and arts renewal of the Mewar region. A colorful event of the rang is organized every year to celebrate the living traditions of the Mewar. People get indulge in this event and enjoy this fun-filled occasion to get take partd in the festival as well as learn local arts directly from the professional artists. This festival celebrate in all women’s and wear  white with red color saree.

Upcoming Bohag Bihu is on 14 April 2016 (Thursday)

Bohag Bihu is a non-religious harvesting festival celebrated in the beautiful state of Assam. This is one the most appointed festivals for the Assamese people. Assam being an agriculture based state celebrates three Bihu’s in a year namely the Rongali Bihu in April which marks the opening of the sowing season, Kati bihu in October/November which marks the completion of sowing and the Magh Bihu in January which marks the advent of the harvest season.

Rongali means happiness and celebration. Rong means colours and signifies happiness and limitless celebrations thus it is a festival of cheerfulness. The first day of the festival is the Goru Bihu which according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar falls on the last day of the year. On this day the cows are given bath and bedecked with garlands.

Cows are worshipped on this day and the old ropes tied to them are replaced with new on this day and they are let loose on this day. Next is Manuh bihu. This day is the first day of the New Year and it is for humans. On this day people take bath early in the morning and seek blessings from their elders. Gamosa- a very traditional Assamese cotton towel and bihuan are gifted to the elders on this day. People wear new and traditional clothes and celebrate the New year..

Navratri begins

The Indian festival of Navratri has been follow-on from two words—"Nav" + "Ratri", which means "nine nights" in English. This festival is prevalent throughout India, but it is more prominent in the state of Gujarat and Bengal.

Hindus celebrate this festival to express their affection to the goddess of power, Durga. The worship of the goddess Durga continues for nine days. Each day, a different form of the goddess is worshiped. Bengal ladies worship this festival and wear traditional yellow color saree.

Following the nine days of rituals and worship, the 10th day is famous as Dussehra, which is also known as Vijay- Dashmi. It is celebrated to mark the success of mythical King Lord Rama over the King of Sri Lanka, Ravana. 

Skanda Sashti, Kanda Sashti Vratam 2015

Skanda is a popular Hindu deity especially among Tamil Hindus. Lord Skanda is son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati and younger brother of Lord Ganesha. God Skanda is also known as Murugan, Kartikeyan andSubramanya.

Skanda Sashti, the sixth day in the light half of the month of Aippasi, is celebrated in Saivite temples all over Tamilnadu, and with an extra quantify of majesty in temples dedicated to Subramanya. This festival celebrates in all men and women’s wear in newclothes. Skanda Sashti commemorates the demolition of wickedness by the Supreme General Kartikeya, son of Shiva, and is celebrated with the dramatic enactment of Soora Samhaaram. Bring up must be made of the grand celebrations at Tirupparankunram, Tiruchendur and the remaining 'Aaru Padai Veedu' temples of Murugan.

Sashti Tithi is dedicated to Lord Skanda. Devotees keep fast during Shukla Paksha Sashti day. For Skanda Sashti Vratam the day when Sashti Tithi is combined with Panchami Tithi is preferred. Hence Skanda Sashti Vratam might be observed on Panchami Tithi.

Anant Chaturdashi(Ganesh Chaturdashi)

Anant Chaturdashi is a festival experimental and famous by Jain and Hindus. Some people speciously refer to it as Anant Chaturthi. One may note that Chaturthi is the fourth day of the lunar fortnight, while Chaturdashi is the fourteenth. In the normal course, Anant Chaturdashi falls 10 days after Ganesh Chaturthi.

This is an important day in the Jain calendar of festivities. Jains observe Paryushana in the last 10 days of the bhado month, Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Anant Chaudas is the last day of Paryushana. This festival celebrate in all women's and men's  wear in new clothes.  Kshamavani, the day the Jains ask for forgiveness for any mistakes they have made intentionally or otherwise, is observed one day after Anant Chaturdashi.

Parasurama Jayanthi

In PARASURAMA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as a brahmana(priest) in this world. He was brought in this world to punish all kshatriyas who had become superior and were restraining the brahmans in the world. He was born to Jamadagni and Renuka, and belonged to the Brighu clan. 

Parashurama was always carrying an knife nearbyed to him by Lord Shiva of whom he was an ardent devotee. Kartavirya a powerful king, once went to Jamadagni's home when he was out, and after a meal, stole the Kamadhenu cow, which was believed to give endless quantity of milk. 

Jamadgni was enraged and he went and killed the king and brought Kamadhenu back. On hearing this the son of the king came back and killed Jamdagni.This festival celebrite on all men's and women's,  wear in new clothes.

Parasurama was enraged at this and went and avenged the death of his father by killing all kshatriyas in 21 battles. His story is story of the supremacy of brahmans over the kshatriyas. 

Kamada Ekadashi Poojan

Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is famous as Kamada Ekadashi. It is next Ekadashi after Chaitra Navrati and Rama Navami. At this time it falls in month of March or April in English calendar. 

One can get rid of all type of sins by observing Kamada Ekadashi fasting. In Hinduism killing a Brahman or Brahmin is the most deadly sin one can commit. It is believed that even sin of Brahmin killing is purged by observing Kamada Ekadashi fast.

Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is needed to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti

Shivaji Bhonsle (1630-1680 C.E.) was a great fighter King of Marathas who traditional the Maratha kingdom. He was born in 1630 to Shahaji Bhonsle and Jijabai near the city of Junnar in Pune district, Maharashtra. Shivaji Bhonsle is popularly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji. 

Scholars have two different opinions on the correct date of his birth. The one group proposition February 19, 1630 and the other proposes April 6, 1627 as the birth date of Chhatrapati Shivaji. 

The date of February 19, 1630 has been accepted as the birth anniversary of Shivaji Jayanti by the government of Maharashtra. However, very few people realize that this date is marked on Julian calendar and not on the Gregorian calendar currently used throughout the world. 

Varuthini Ekadashi

Varuthini Ekadashi is observed during Krishna Paksha of Vaishakha month according to North Indian Purnimant calendar and Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month according to South Indian Amavasyant calendar. However both North Indian and South Indian observe it on the same day. at this time it falls in month of March or April in English calendar. 

Parana means breach the fast. Ekadashi Parana is ready after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. It is needed to do Parana within Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not liability Parana within Dwadashi is like to an offence. 

Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to live down before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. This festival celebrate in women’s and wear traditional saree. The most favorite time to break the fast is Pratahkal. One should avoid breaking the fast during Madhyahna. If due to some reasons one is not able to break the fast during Pratahkal then one should do it after Madhyahna. 

At times Ekadashi fasting is optional on two following days. It is advised that Smartha with family should observe fasting on first day only. The exchange Ekadashi fasting, which is the second one, is optional for Sanyasis, widows and for those who want Moksha. When exchange Ekadashi fasting is suggested for Smartha it coincides with Vaishnava Ekadashi fasting day. 

Ekadashi fasting on both days is optional for staunch devotees who seek for love and affection of Lord Vishnu. 

Tailang Swami Jayanti

Tailang Swami (1607-1887 C.E.) was a great Hindu Yogi who has divine powers. For most of his life Tailang Swami stayed in Varanasi, India. It is believed that Tailang Swami was an life of Lord Shiva due to which few disciples referred him as The Walking Shiva of Varanasi. Tailang Swami lived a very long life of around 280 years. Tailang Swami was also known as Telang Swami and Trailanga Swami. 

Tailang Swami was born in Holia at Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh. His parents, the devotees of Lord Shiva, named him Shivarama. His parents died when he was 40 years old. After death of his parents he renounced the society and did divine follow for twenty years. Later he went on a pilgrimage. It is believed that he get toed Prayag in 1733 and got settled down in Varanasi in the year 1737. 

His birth anniversary is celebrated as per Hindu lunar calendar and falls on Ekadashi Tithi in the month of Pausha during Shukla Paksha.   This day celebrates all men’s and women’s and there wear new clothes. The day of his birth anniversary coincides with Pausha Putrada Ekadashi. 

Dussehra

Dussehra is a popular festival famous by Hindus all over India, though with different names. It is also known as Vijayadashmi, as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife - Sita. In other words, it signify the triumph of good over evil. The renowned victory is recreateed to the day. 

In the northern parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, his giant brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in vast open lands. rockets and crackers are located inside the effigies.

Actors dressed as Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana enact the final moments of the fight, at the Ramlila land. After the passing of the climax of the war with Ravana, the character playing Rama shoots an arrow with a flaming tip at the effigies from a safe distance and the crowd bursts up in cheer, as the crackers catch fire. All people wear in new clothes. 

The passion and the cheers sometimes even drown the deafening blast. Merriment ensues, as people indulge themselves games, dance and music that are held at the fair.

Muharram

Muharram is practical by the Muslim community across the world in memorial of the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain along with his family and followers, who were killed in the Battle of Karbala in AD 680. The telepathist's son-in-law Ali, and Ali's elder son Hassan, are also remembered during this time as having suffered and died for righteous causes.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar which marks the start of the new Islamic year. This festival celebrite in all men and women. Men wear new white color kurta and womens wearsaree. It is also one of the four months wherein fighting is harshly prohibited as the word Muharram has been derived from 'haram' which means "forbidden".

The first ten days of the month are observed as a period of bewailing. After the death of the telepathist Mohammed, the Quran was careful as the final word. The telepathist had named no successor. One fraction of his followers believed that train should remain within Mohammed's family, while another disagreed. After a long argument, Abu Bakr, a loyal follower of Mohammed, was elected as his successor. His reign was peaceful, as was that of his successors. However, during the reign of Ali, Prophet's son-in-law, there was opposition from the masses. Ali was assassinated and his elder son Hassan was poisoned. His younger son Hussain, his family and his troops, were tortured and killed, with Hussain's head being severed and presented to the king.

Bhai Dooj

Bhaiya Dooj is a most important and famous festival of India when sisters make a pray to God for their honey brothers to get a long living and successful life. Sisters perform puja and tika ceremony as well as gets returns gifts from brothers. It is also called in India at various places as Bhau Beej (in the Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka), Bhai Tika (in Nepal), Bhathru Dwithiya, Bhau-deej, Bhai Phota (in Bengal), and Ningol Chakuba (in Manipur).

All the sisters wake very near the beginning in the morning wear the new clothes and worship and pray to God and Goddesses for the better future and health of their brothers. After puja ceremony celebration takes place including tika ceremony by putting vermillion, dahi and rice on their forehead. After this ceremony they do aarti and offer sweet and glass of water to eat and drink. Finally they exchange gifts and take blessing by touching the feet of elders.

It is also celebrated outside the country. It is just like the Raksha Bandhan festival to enlarge the bond of love among brothers and sisters. At this auspicious day sisters make pray to God for the well being and welfare of their special brothers while brothers offer gifts according to their strength in order to show their love and care for their loving sisters. There are variety of stories and legends which are related to the origin and celebration of this special occasion.

Madhur Manantheshwara Festival

The five day annual festival at Sree Manantheswara Vinayaka temple at Madhur in Kasargod is a colorful experience. On the fourth day, the image of the deity (Thidampu) is taken out in a long pageant.

The staging of different folk arts and 'Yakshagana', the dance-drama of Karnataka add to the partying and animation. The temple is committed to Sree Vinayaka (Ganesha), the destroyer of obstacles.

This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best groupd for thought and spiritual studies. A 40 minutes drive away, is the unique Valiyaparamba Backwater stretch.This festival celebrate in all kerala people and wear new saree.  The most scenic Backwaters of Kerala, it is fed by four rivers and is dotted with copious islands. Valiyaparamba is possibly the most scenic Backwaters of Kerala. A cruise centre offering exciting boat rides will soon be opened here. 

Attukal Pongala festival

Faith and beliefs during the Pongala festival celebrated at the famous Attukal Bhagavathi temple in Kerala's capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The festival entered the Guinness verifications for person the largest single grouping of women for a religious activity.

Pongala is a ritualistic presenting of a sweet dish consisting of rice porridge, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins. Gives offer pongala to appease the presiding deity of the temple - the Goddess - popularly known as Attukalamma.This festival celebrate in women’s and wear new clothes.

Only women are allowed to join in the Pongala ceremony. Right from the night before the Pongala day, thousands of women, in spite of of spiritual faith, gather at the temple property and on either side of the roads leading to the shrine, to make the Pongala offering. 

Kottankulangara Festival

The Kottankulangara Festival is an annual Hindu festival in Kerala, India in which thousands of men dress as women. The festival takes place at the Kottankulangara Devi Temple at Chavara, Kerala which is sacred to the goddess Bhagavathy. Every year this festival is celebrated on the 10th and 11th day of the Malayalam Meenam Maasam which falls on the 24th and 25th of the year.

On the festival day thousand of disciple visits the Temple to ask for the blessings of the Goddess Bhagavathy. The men dress up in the female clothes of their choice. Some wear Set saari, Pattu saari, half saari or even dance costumes.

The famous Chamayavilakku is a perfect festival which is held at the Kottankulangara Sree Devi Temple, Chavara near Kollam, Kerala where thousands of men irrespective of their devout belief get dressed up as women to offer prayers to the Goddess Bhagavathy.

Aranmula Vallamkali

The Aranmula Uthrittathi boat race is considered as a ritual than a race that takes place on the Uthrittathi asterism (as per the local Malayalam calendar) during the Onam festival. There is an interesting story associated with the boat race that makes it all the more beautiful.

Legend has it that a devout Brahmin vowed to offer all the requirements for the thiruvona sadya(the grand traditional feast on the day of Thiruvonam) at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Once, the boat known as Thiruvona Thoni carrying these offerings was attacked by enemies. This festival celebrate in all means and wear white color clothes. In order to protect the Thiruvona Thoni people from neighbouring areas sent their  bend boats. Later on, this practice evolved into an offering to Lord Parthasarathy in the form of a snake boat race, held on the Uthrittathi day which eventually became popular as the Aranmula Boat Race.