Beautiful Christmas festival 2016

Only four days left for great festival of the year Merry Christmas or 25th December. It is a great festival of Christians and celebrated by every people all across the world. It falls every year on 25th December, on this day people  do lots of preparations and decorations of church, house, shop etc before the event celebration start.

On this special day there is a big tradition of distributing gifts to their nearest and dearest ones, and specially children wait for this day when Santa comes and give the gift's. Every one enjoy this Christmas festival by singing, dancing, party and by giving Christmas cards etc. Women wears the white saree with different design's and children wears the white Gown or new clothes on this day and visit church to pray. Christians celebrates this festival on the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ. 

Dhanu Sankranti specialty from Odisha.

Dhanu Sankrati is an most important day in Hindu calender and on that day Lord Sun enters into the Dhanu Rashi. In 2016 , Dhanu sankrati will be held on december 2016. This is the beginning of Dhanu Masha. In odisha it is a great festival, most people offer special puja and paryer to Lord Jagannath on this day. On this day Lord Jagannath wear the New clothes and special sweets Dhanumua offer to our Lord Jagannth.

Dhanu Mua

In many places of India,people worshiped to Lord Surya(Sun God) and take dip in holy rivers.

In odisha, a special delicious sweet made of unboiled rice flakes known as Dhanumuan which prepared on that day. The famous Dhanu yatra held on Dhanu Sankrati at Baragarh town and it held for ten to eleven days.  

Bhagavad Geeta Jayanthi in 2016

"Gita Jayanti" is an annual celebration which dedicated to the day when Lord "Krishna" give his philosophical teachings  to prince Arjun on the first day battle of Kurukshetra. When prince Arjuna did not want to fight against his cousins, the Kauravas in the battle field. On that time Lord Krishna explain the truth of real life and the philosophy of Karma and Dharma to prince Arjun. That's way giving birth to one of the world's greatest scriptures, the Gita.

At the temples of ISKON gita Jayanti is celebrated with special offer to Lord Krishna. 

Gita Jayanti

Today Lord Jagannath patitapaban Darshan

Today Lord Jagannath patitapaban Darshan
Margasira masa Krishna Nabami.

Lord Jagannath.

Manabasa Mahalaxmi Gurubara puja 2016

Manabasha Gurubar puja is a great festival for all Hindu odia married women's. It is the worship of mother Goddess Laxmi on the month of Margasira masa as per odia calendar. In 2016 Manabasha Gurubar puja held on 17th November, 24th November, 1st December, then 8th December. Odisha people believed that Mother Laxmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Story of Manabasha Gurubar Puja.

The traditional story of Manabasha gurubar puja is from the ancient period that is called "Laxmi Puran". On that time untouchables people were not allowed to pray, worship in the temples or in society. At that time Sriya a women from untouchable caste challenge to pray and worship goddess kamala(other name of Laxmi maa). Sriya wash her house with neat and cleanness and put mother Laxmi image in her house and art beautiful alpana design's of laxmi feet and lotus flower, when maa laxmi comes out of Shreemandir and visit every house she see one house which have beautiful alpana design's , entered the house with full of joy and fulfill the wishes of syria chandaluni.

Now the real story starts when Laxmi got separated from Lord Jagannath at the behalf of brother advice Balabhadra. She want's to end the difference of untouchable , rituals and worship on earth, and told god for every one is equal. Then mother Laxmi leave the shreemandira Lord Jagannath House,both Jagannath and Balabhadra suffered so much even they have nothing to eat food and water. The punishment of Laxmi had a strong punishment on both brothers for 12 years. Soon they realized the importance of Laxmi Mata and bring her back to their home. But Mother Goddess laxmi entered to the temple in one condition that there will be no caste system on earth.

Jhoti Design's

Rituals

During the margasira month houses are kept neat and clean and beautiful alpana is drawn to welcome Goddess Laxmi. on Thursday every odia women's wake up very early in the morning and clean the house with broomstick and cowdung. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi never visit a house if it is dirty and untidy. Women's wear the new clothes of white with red combination saree on the puja time. On that day every doorsteps or entrance are decorated with jhoti or chita. The decoration of puja is from a bamboo pot which is full of new paddy known as mana. From ancient people believed that mother laxmi visit the house at the time of puja. This puja continue for 4 Thursdays and on that month the 4 Thursday delicious tasty cuisine was prepared like manda pitha, Khiri, kakara, atalika, chitau, bada, chakuli etc and distributed to their neighbors. On this day every women read Maha Laxmi Puran. It is a great festival. Jai maa Laxmi.

Laxmi Maa

Today Amla Navami festival celebrated by every Indian women.

The festival of Amla Navami is celebrated with great joy by Indian women. Women celebrate this puja and pray for the success and welfare of their family.

Aanvla Navami is called as Akshaya Navami. On this special day they celebrate the puja and give some daan-punya activities to the poor people. In West Bengal, this day is observed as Jagaddhatri Puja which is a form of Goddess Durga.

 On the day of Aanvla Navmi , women wake up early in the morning and then take bath in the nearest pond and wear new clothes which is fully pure.

Every women comes near by places gather and move to the place where aanvla tree is present and if the tree is not present then branch of the tree is brought and set in a muddy area or kalash which is filled with water.

Always puja is performed in a good direction. This puja is performed by while facing towards east. First pure water  offered to the tree and then milk, moli, roli, arua chawal, jaggery, batasha, aanvla, and new saree and some money.Diya and agarbati are lit infront of the tree then all womens put tilak on their forehead.

On this festival a special Parikrama is done by the women in which they revolve around the tree for 8 or 108 times and while they move they wrap the raw white thread or red moli around the aanvla tree.

After Parikrama, all women sit together and listens the story of Aanvla Navami katha.Finally  Devotees take the dharshan of Goddess Radha at sakhi gopal temple or any radha krishna temple. After visiting the temple devotees take the prasad under the Aanvla tree.

Hindu people celebrate Navratri festival 2016.

Happy Navratri to everyone......

The Special nine day festival of Navratri is already started today and dedicated to Goddess Maa Durga. For nine days devotees celebrate the navratri with great joy and happiness and most places people unite and play the garba and dandiya dance with colorful clothing. 

Happy Navratri.

Every day Goddess Maa Durga wear the specific color sarees and take the nine Durga Avatars. This festival always symbolizes the victory of good over bad. Every people believed that who worship Goddess maa durga and observe fasting for nine days will be blessed with good health, prosperity. Specially Navratri is all about playing Garba Raas, Dandiya and eating yummy delicious sweets.

Love u all. Jai Mata Di

Maa Samaleswari (Dhabalamukhi Besha) on Mahalaya.

Lakhs of devotee come to sambalpur for holy darshan of "Maa Samaleswari" on friday in a special Avatar called "Dhabalamukhi Besha".

Maa Samalei attracts several devotees everyday usually looks red. But on that special day she turns white apparel that is called Mahalaya. On that day Every people believed that the darshan of the Dhabalamukhi Besha of Maa brings peace and prosperity for the devotees.

Jai Maa Samalei

Many devotees beleived that the darshan of Dhabalamukhi Maa Samalei is as good as taking a holy dip in the Ganga. That's way it is called Ganga darshan

From before night devotees wait for offer puja to maa samalei on friday and they lined up in a long queue to enter the temple. On that day to take darshan it will take 5 to 6 hours.But you can't feel the pain of waiting in a long line. On that day devotees wear the New saree to visit Maa samalei.

This Dhabalamukhi Besha will continue for two days friday and saturday and after that the Navaratri Puja starts for nine days . On the special Navaratri, maa samalei take different avatars like Sailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kusumanda, Skandhamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagouri and Raja Rajeswari.  During these nine days, the temple was full of devotee from several corners.
Jai Maa Samalei.

Dwutibahan Osha – The typical Odia Osha

In Odisha, markets were fully crowded with mothers for individual purchases for ‘Pua Jiuntia’ and for Dwuitibahan Osha. This festival dedicated the special bond between mother and her child. All over Odisha mothers fasting the whole day without drinking water for the well being of their children.

Dwuitibahan is a unique festival of Orissa. This festival is celebrated in every rural village and town of Orissa in the month of Aswina. On that day Mothers wear the New saree and  worship Lord Dutibahana in an open space with full of decorated chandua and Amba Taran (mango leaves) and flowers. On this Puja, mothers take various types of fruits and also offer   108 duba, 108 unbroken arua rice, the thread, Mua (made of puffed paddy). After offering puja, mothers came to their home and tied the thread in her child's hand.

On Next day mother takes a holy dip in a nearby river, and prepare the 21 types of vegetable curry, kheer, and suji manda and offer to the Lord Duitibahan and distribute the Prasad to their neighbours after that mother breaks her fast with full devotions... 

Lord Krishna Janmashtami festival at home.

It is not always possible to celebrate Lord Krishna Janmashtami festival  with a great way. You may be a Lord Krishna devotee who lives far from a Krishna temple or cannot visit the temple due to any problem. But you need not to be depress.

Today is Lord Krishna birth , First you have to choose a clean and a very quiet place like home puja mandir and place the balgopal or Krishna's statue or picture in the home puja room. But first You have to choose an image of Lord Ganesha and then put lord krishna image . Light a Ghee lamp in front of the images along with marigold flowers,Gangasuili flowers and  fruits, sweets like ladoo or Teel ladoo or anything you wish to offer to the Lord. First pray to Lord ganesha then light the lamp. 
Then you Pray and meditate on Lord Krishna. Offer flowers , Tulsi leaves to the lord and put some yellow silk Short bastra(Small Dhoti) and light incense. So, use the tulsi leaves in plenty because Lord Krishna loves it too much and love the yellow color. At the time of pooja Chant 'Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaya'. When the Pooja is complete, distribute the various fruits and delicious sweets as prasad.

Several temples prepare a delicious dishes to offer to Lord Krishna then the devotees. On house you can prepare the Lord Krishna favorite dish like Kichidi, Ladoo and Kheer and offer to Balgopal. Read the Bhagvat Gita or Srimad Bhagvat to feel closer to Lord Krishna.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare

Raksha Bandhan Festival.

One of the traditional and famous festivals of India, Rakhi festival is celebrated among Hindu. It signify the  brother and sister relation bonding, during Rakhi festival, the sister performs Aarti (prayer) and applies the tilak on forehead, and ties rakhi (a sacred pure thread) on the brother’s hand for wishing his well being. In return, brother promise to protect his sister in any cases and give some special Gifts to his sister like Traditional sarees, dresses and some also gives Golden Jwellery and etc.

Rakhi shopping in Market.

When it Falls: It Falls on the full moon day of Shravana month(August) of the Hindu calendar.

It's Significance:  It Keep the strong bonding of a brother and sister relation.

Main attractions: On Rakhi whole markets show a colourful various designs of rakhis and sweets

Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath 2016

Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath Observed five times during a year. Specially the Golden besha happened on "Bijaya Dashami" Means Dusshera in the month of October, "Kartik Purnima" in the month of November,and "Pausa Purnima" in the month of December, "Magha Purnima" in the month of January finally on  Asadha Ekadashi in the month of July at the time of Rath Yatra. The Golden or suna Besha  observed on the chariot(Rath) in front of Lord Jagannath Temple, and the other four Golden Besha are happened in the temple which is called "Ratana Singhasana".The three Gods are decorated with different types of gold ornaments during swarna Besha and wear the traditional Khandua Silk saree. 

Odia Festival Sudasha Vrata.

Sudasha Brata ( Sudasa vrata) is a traditional festival or puja of odisha, it specially observed when there is a rare combination of shukla paksha thursday and dasami in oriya calendar at the time of Rath Yatra. Goddess Maa laxmi is worshipped on that  day, on this suadasha vrata puja 10 manda pitha(Made of Rice and coconut) and offering to goddess Laxmi. Mostly in odisha Married women worship the puja  for the well being of their family.
Women's wear the new saree and offer the puja.

Hera Panchami festival held in Lord Jagannath Temple.

A Traditional and great event, held in the puri temple, which is called the Hera Panchami Festival .It is such a unique and ritual festival which held during the period of Rath Yatra. It is also known as the ritual of Goddess Maa Mahalaxmi. 

Hera panchami held at puri temple.

As 'Hera' means to 'see' or to 'visit', this ritual is named after the word.  It is said that Goddess maa "Mahalaxmi" goes to Gundicha Temple secretly in anger and broke a small wooden plank from Lord Jagannath's chariot(Rath) is broken off and comes back to Shreemandir.  'Hera Panchami' is a part of divine human character attached to Lord Jagannath. Lakhs of devotee come to visit this hera panchami festival.

Sankashti Chaturthi 2016

Every lunar month in Hindu calendar has two Chaturthi Tithis. The one after Purnimasi or full moon during Krishna Paksha is known as Sankashti Chaturthi and the one after Amavasya or new moon during Shukla Paksha is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi.

Although Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is done every month but the most major Sankashti Chaturthi falls in month of Magha according to Purnimant School and in month of Paush according to Amavasyant School.

If Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday it is called Angarki Chaturthi and it is careful highly positive. Sankashti Chaturthi fast is mostly observed in Western and Southern India especially in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Celebration of Raja Festival in Coastal Area

Raja parba or Raja Festival or Mithuna Sankranti is a four day long festival. The Raja festival is one of the major festival in odisha. In Every Year Raja festival falls on 14th June. The Raja Festival falls in mid june.

The first day is called pahili raja,Secod day is Mithuna Sankaranti, third day is Basi raja. The final fourth day is called Vasumati snana.

During these three days women and girls take rest from house hold work and wear new Saree,Alata,and ornaments. Its similar to Ambubachi Mela. The most popular among numerous festivals in Orissa, Raja is celebrated for three consecutive days. 

Just as the earth prepares itself to whence its thirst by the incoming rain the unmarried girls of the family are groomed for impeding matrimony through this festival.

Believes About Raja festival:-
This festival is believes that mother goddess Earth or the divine wife of lord vishun undergoes menstruation during the first three days. the fourth day is called as vasumati adhua.

Rituals of Raja festival:-
During the three days women are given a break from household work and time to play indoor games. Unmarried girls wear in new fashion dress or traditional sare and Alatha in feet. 

All people abstain from walking barefoot on earth. Generally various Pithas are made of which podopitha, and Chakuli pitha are main. People play a lot of indoor and outdoor games. girls play swings tieed on tree branches whereas aged ladies play Cards and Ludo. Many villages organise kabbadi matches among young men.

Today celebrate in Chandra Darshan

Chandra Darshan is the first day of moon finding after no moon day. In Hinduism, the new moon day is known as Amavasya and the first finding of moon after new moon has devout import. 

People observe a day long fast and break it after sighting new moon on Chandra Darshan day.

Predicting the first day of Chandra Darshan is always a testing task for Panchang makers. The moon is observable only for a short span of time on the first day of Chandra Darshan and that is just after the sunset. 

In other words, the moon sets about one hour after sunset and can be sighted only after sunset due to person in the same possibility as that of the sun. Hence the moon can be sighted only after the sunset, when it is also going to be set.

Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2016

Maharana Pratap (1568-1597 C.E.) was a Hindu Rajput King of Mewar in Rajasthan, India. Maharana Pratap belonged to the Sisodiya clan of Rajputs. He is revered and worshipped by many royal families in Rajasthan for his bravery and courage.

 As per historical records, Maharana Pratap was born on May 9th, 1540 according to Julian calendar. Julian calendar is obsolete and it has been replaced by Gregorian calendar. According to Proleptic Gregorian calendar Maharana Pratap was born on May 19th 1540.

Telugu Hanuman Jayanthi celebrate in 31st May 2016 (Tuesday)

Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated for 41-days which starts on Chaitra Purnima and ends on the tenth day during Krishna Paksha in Vaishakha month. In Andhra Pradesh devotees begin 41-days Deeksha on Chaitra Purnima and conclude it on Hanuman Jayanthi day.

Buddha Purnima is a great festival of Weavers.

Buddha purnima or Buddha Jayanti is a Buddhist festival which dedicated to the Great Spiritual Teacher Gautama Buddha's Birthday. Buddha purnima always falls on the full moon day in the Vaishakh month. 

On that day many buddhist visit temples by wearing new clothes and listen to monks what they talk about Lord buddha. Most of the buddha temples decorated with lots of flowers and lights and people offer fruits,flowers, candles and pour water on the statue for a pure and new beginning. In India weavers celebrate Lord Buddha festivals with a great way. Many Buddhist serve vegetarian food to the poor people and new clothes. 

Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrate is 10 Tuesday May 2016

Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi. Varad means “asking God to complete any desire one has”. Lord Ganesha blesses devotees with knowledge and serenity who observe this fast. The wisdom and patience are two virtues whose meaning is known to human kind since ages.

Ganesha Puja on Vinayaka Chaturthi is done during afternoon which is midday according to Hindu calendar. The Muhurta to worship lord Ganesha during afternoon is listed along with Vinayaka Chaturthi dates.

 Location based Vinayaka Chaturthi Days

It is important to understand that fasting day for Vinayaka Chaturthi might change for two cities even if those cities are within same Indian state. Fasting for Vinayaka Chaturthi depends on sunrise and sunset timings and it is observed when Chaturthi Tithi prevails during midday.

Hence Vinayaka Chaturthi fasting might be observed on Tritiya Tithi i.e. one day before Chaturthi Tithi. As midday time depends on sunrise and sunset, which are different for all cities, it is important to refer Hindu calendar like this website which lists location based Vinayaka Chaturthi days. As generating location based dates are time strong most sources ignore this fact and publish single list for all Indian cities.

Indian Festivals are famous because of the type of foods we prepare during celebration

We indian love foods and love to share it with friends and families. in each festival we have some uniqueness in food types. What is your favourite one?

The Aloha Festivals are an annual string of free cultural celebrations observed in the state of Hawaii in the United States.

The Aloha Festivals are an annual string of free cultural celebrations observed in the state of Hawaii in the United States. 

It is the only statewide cultural festival in the nation. It features concerts, parades, street parties called ho‘olaule‘a as well as different other special events planned for occupant and tourist families.

Aloha Festivals celebrate in Hawaii in the United States

The festivals used to be multi-island, but it has since been scaled down to just the island of Oahu.

Shri Vallabhacharya Jayanti 3rd May 2016 (Tuesday)

Shri Vallabhacharya was a devotional logician, who founded the Pushti sect in India. Shri Vallabhacharya was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. He worshipped Shrinathji form of Lord Krishna. He is also known as Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya.

Vallabhacharya was born in Kashi now Varanasi, India in 1479 A.D. He belonged to a Telugu Brahmin family. According to Purnimant lunar calendar followed in North India, he was born on Krishna Paksha Ekadashi during Vaishakha month. According to Amanta lunar calendar, he was born on Krishna Paksha Ekadashi during Chaitra month. It is just name of the month which differs in both calendars and the birth anniversary of Shri Vallabhacharya is observed on the same day.

Hanuman Jayanti 2016 celebrate all over India.

Hanuman (Lord Bjrangbali) Jayanti is celebrated every year by the people in India to celebrate the birth of Hindu Lord, Bajranbali. It is celebrated annually in the month of Chaitra (Chaitra Pournima) on 15th day of the Shukla Paksha.

Lord Hanuman, a dedicated Parambhakta of the "Lord Rama", and worshipped all over  India by the people for his deep devotion to Lord Rama. On the day of Hanuman Jayanti festival, all the Hanuman temples become full of crowd as people started puja from early morning after a holy bath. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great way by the people and it is an important festival of the Hindus. This festival is celebrated in cultural and traditional way.
"Happy Hanuman Jayanti"

"Kumbh Mela" The greatest gathering festival in India.

Everyone is too excited  for the start of the great spiritual fair, the Simhast 2016 in Ujjain in India. This spiritual (Kumh mela) gathering is marked as one of the great biggest spiritual gatherings festival ever in the world ever held. 

At the time of Simhast 2016, the entire Ujjain city and from every corners of worshipers , devotees , priests, Sadhus and saints offering prayers and engaged with a deep meditation. 

Kumbh Mela 2016 starts from April 22 to May 21 2016. It will be take place at ujjain on the banks of Shipra River in Madhya pradesh in India.

Teej is a time for celebration all over the colorful state of Rajasthan

Teej is a time for celebration all over the colorful state of Rajasthan - women and young girls dress in green, swings or 'jhoolas' are hung from trees and decked with flowers, the women sing and dance in gay abandon, heralding the start of the rains gods. 

An important festival in Rajasthan, Teej is also a day for joy in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar. Teej celebrates the advent of the monsoon- a cause for celebration, indeed- and is appropriately observed by the donning of green clothing which symbolises the greenness of rain-fed fields. 

Teej is traditionally celebrated by women, who go their parents' home for the festival. New clothes, usually gifted by the woman's parents, are worn, and women gather jointly to fast and to offer prayers to the goddess Parvati, whose devotion to her husband, Shiva, is considered exemplary. On Teej, an idol of the goddess, bedecked in red and gold clothing, is taken in a procession, accompanied by chanting and hymns.

Kottakkal pooram, celebrated during March-April is attractive for its cultural festivity.

Kottakkal, the seat of Ayurvedic treatment is also famous for its temple festival. Kottakkal pooram, celebrated during March-April is attractive for its cultural festivity. During the seven days, famous classical artistes of the country perform here.

Kottakkal Pooram is the annual festival at the Sree Vishwambara temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Dhanvanthari. As per Indian mythology, Dhanvanthari is the patron god of medicine and health. This Festival celebrate in men and wear in traditional white color clothes.  

People belonging to all religion can join in this festival and therefore making it more popular. The festival days are made proud with a variety of programmers. The important music maestros perform Hindustani and Carnatic music each day. 

The performance of Kathaklai, Ottanthullal and Chakyarkoothu make this festival a rare visual treat. The panchavadya (traditional orchestra) performance is an awesome experience and people gather in hundreds to enjoy this. 

These together make this festival a amazing cultural festival enjoyed by all sections of people apart from its religious import.

Masik Kalashtami celebrate is 31 Thursday 2016

Kalashtami, which is also known as Kala Ashtami, is experiential every month during Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Devotees of Lord Bhairav keep fast and worship Him on all Kalashtami days in the year.

The most important Kalashtami, which is known as Kalabhairav Jayanti, falls in the month of Margashirsha according to North Indian, Purnima to Purnima, lunar month calendar while Kalabhairav Jayanti falls in the month of Kartik in South Indian, Amavasya to Amavasya, lunar month calendar. 

However both calendars observe Kalabhairav Jayanti on the same day. It is believed that Lord Shiva was appeared in form of Bhairav on the same day.

Kalabhairav Jayanti is also known as Bhairav Ashtami.

Amalaki Ekadashi Vrat 19th March 2016 (Saturday)

Phalguna Shukla Paksha Ekadashi is known as Amalaki Ekadashi. Amalaki Ekadashi falls between Maha Shivaratri and Holi. Currently it is observed in month of Ferbruary or March in English calendar. 

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

Masik Durga Ashtami 2016

Durgashtami fasting is observed every month during Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha. On this day devotees of Goddess Durga devotion her and observe day long fast. 

The most important Durgashtami, which is known as Mahashtami, falls in month of Ashwin during nine days Shardiya Navratri festivities. Durgashtami is also spelled as Durga Ashtami and Masik Durgashtami is also known as Maas Durgashtami or Monthly Durgashtami.

This year Masik Durga Ashtami

17-Jan (Sunday)         Masik Durgashtami

15-Feb (Monday)         Masik Durgashtami

16-Mar (Wednesday) Masik Durgashtami

14-Apr (Thursday)    Masik Durgashtami

14-May (Saturday)         Masik Durgashtami

12-Jun (Sunday)         Masik Durgashtami

12-Jul (Tuesday)         Masik Durgashtami

11-Aug (Thursday)         Masik Durgashtami

09-Sep (Friday)         Masik Durgashtami

09-Oct (Sunday)         Durga Ashtami

08-Nov (Tuesday)         Masik Durgashtami

07-Dec (Wednesday) Masik Durgashtami

Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat 5th March 2016 (Saturday)

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

Shabari Jayanti 2016 1st March 2016(Tuesday)

Shabari Jayanti is experiential yearly on Krishna Paksha Saptami in the month of Phalguna as per North Indian solar calendar. 

However in Amanta lunar chart, followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Southern Indian states, Shabari Jayanti is observed during Magha lunar month. 

However in both calendars Shabari Jayanti is observed on the same day. 

Yashoda Jayanti 29th February 2016 (Monday)

Yashoda Jayanti is observed annually on Krishna Paksha Shashthi in the month of Phalguna as per North Indian lunar calendar. 
Yashoda , also spelt as Yasoda, is the foster-mother to the god Krishna and a wife of Nanda in the Puranic texts of Hinduism. 
Within the Bhagavata Purana, it is described that Krishna who was born to Devaki, was given to Yashoda and Nanda in Gokul exchanging her daughter Subhadra by Krishna's father Vasudeva on the night of his birth, for his protection from Devaki's brother, Kansa, the king of Mathura.

Sankashti chaturthi 26th February 2016

Each lunar month in Hindu calendar has two Chaturthi Tithis. The one after Purnimasi or full moon during Krishna Paksha is known as Sankashti Chaturthi and the one after Amavasya or new moon during Shukla Paksha is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. 
If Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday it is called Angarki Chaturthi and it is considered highly auspicious. 
Sankashti Chaturthi fast is mostly observed in Western and Southern India especially in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Attukal Pongala 23rd February 2016 (Tuesday) 2016

Attukal Pongala is a famous Malayalam festival celebrated annually at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. 

It is a 10 days event commencing on the Karthigai star of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. 

On the ninth day of the festival the world famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place. This Festival Celebrate in all women and wear in white color saree.

Pradosh Days, Pradosham Dates 2016

Pradosh Vrat, which is also known as Pradosham in South India, is observed to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.

Pradosh Vrat is observed on both Trayodashi Tithis, i.e. Shukla Paksha Trayodashi and Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, in lunar month. Some people distinguish between Shukla and Krishna Paksha Pradosham. 

When Pradosham day falls on Monday it is called Soma Pradosham, on Tuesday it is called Bhauma Pradosham and on Saturday it is called as Shani Pradosham.

Jaya Ekadashi 18th February 2016 (Thursday)

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

2016 Amavasya Days, New Moon Days

Amavasya is new moon day in Hindu calendar. It is significant day as many rituals are performed only on Amavasya Tithi. Amavasya falling on weekday Monday is known as Somvati Amavasya and Amavasya falling on weekday Saturday is known as Shani Amavasya.

All Amavasya days are appropriate to perform Shraddha rituals to appease ancestors. Amavasya day is also appropriate day to perform Kalasarpa Dosha puja.

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti

Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) is a university in Rohtak, Haryana, India. It is accredited with grade'A' by NAAC. Established in 1976 and named after the saint Dayananda Saraswati, the university offers courses in a number of fields of study at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. 

Besides offering courses on campus, MDU is a collegiate university which provides programs through colleges, institutes and centers throughout the region. MDU Rohtak shares its campus with IIM Rohtak.

Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami 2016

Vasant Panchami day is dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science and technology. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on Vasant Panchami day. Vasant Panchami is also known as Shri Panchami and Saraswati Panchami. 

People worship Goddess Saraswati to get enlighten with knowledge and to get rid of lethargy, sluggishness and ignorance. 

This ritual of initiating education to children is known as Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham/Praasana which is one of the famous rituals of Vasant Panchami. Schools and colleges arrange pujas in the morning to seek blessing of the Goddess. 

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902 C.E.) was a Hindu monk and a patriotic saint of India. According to English calendar he was born on 12th January 1863 into an aristocratic Bengali family of Calcutta. 

However his birthday is celebrated according to Hindu calendar and this day is known as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti. Vivekananda was born on Krishna Paksha Saptami after seven days of Paush Purnima. 

As Jayanti day is decided based on Hindu calendar, it is not fixed on Gregorian calendar like Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti and Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti which are celebrated on fixed day on Gregorian calendar. 

Sant Ravidas Jayanti 2016

Guru Ravidas  was a famous saint of the Bhakti Movement. His devotional songs and verses made a lasting impact upon the Bhakti Movement. Guru Ravidas is also known as Raidas, Rohidas and Ruhidas. 

According to historians Guru Ravidas was born during 1377 C.E. at Mandhuadhe in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. There is controversy on the exact birth date of Ravidas. 

According to some scholars it was year 1399 when Guru Ravidas was born. As per Hindu calendar Guru Ravidas was born on Magha Purnima. Hence his birth anniversary is celebrated on Magha Purnima as per Hindu lunar calendar. 

His birthplace is now known as Shri Guru Ravidas Janam Asthan and it is a major place of pilgrimage for the followers of Guru Ravidas.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti 26th March 2016 (Saturday)

Shivaji Bhonsle  was a great warrior King of Marathas who established the Maratha Empire. 

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. 

2016 Saphala Ekadashi this year falls on 6th January(Wednesday)

Parana means breaking the fast. Ekadashi Parana is done after sunrise on next day of Ekadashi fast. 

It is needed to do Parana inside Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi is over before sunrise. Not doing Parana within Dwadashi is similar to an offence.

Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara. One should wait for Hari Vasara to get over before breaking the fast. Hari Vasara is first one fourth duration of Dwadashi Tithi. 

The most preferred 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.

Shri Tailang Swami Jayanti 2016

Tailang Swami  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 incarnation 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. 

2016 Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Guru Gobind Singh  was the tenth Guru out of total 10 Sikh Gurus. He was born in Patna, Bihar on 22nd December 1666 according to Julian calendar. 

Julian calendar is obsolete and in present time no one uses it. Julian calendar was replaced by Gregorian calendar. This Puja falls on 16th January(Saturday).

Pongal is a Hindu festival celebrate in Tamil Nadu.

Pongal is a Hindu festival which is experimental by people of Tamil Nadu. This festival celebrate in 15 January 2016 (Friday).  Pongal is a four days festival and the most important day of Pongal is known as Thai Pongal. 

Thai Pongal which is the second day of the four days festivity is also celebrated as Sankranti. The same day is observed as Makar Sankranti in North Indian states when people take holy dip in river Ganges.

The day before Thai Pongal is known as Bogi Pandigai. On this day people clean their homes and light bonfire to throw away unused items. In Punjab the same day is celebrated as Lohri by Sikh community. This festival celebrate in all Men and women wear in new cloths.  

This is a oldest agricultural festival Akshaya "Tritiya"

This is the oldest agricultural festival in the State. On this day farmer goes to his field with turmeric powder, sandal paste, paddy seeds mingled with vermilion and rice cakes. 

He takes along with him his plough. In the field, he prays and offers ‘Bhoga’ to goddess Lakshmi and sows fistful of paddy seeds in the field after ploughing it.