List of Hindu Festivals, importance of Hinduism Festivals

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) Festival Guide

Vijayadashami is a combination of two phrases Vijaya and Dashami, which means “Success” and “Tenth”. Vijayadashami is well known as Dasara, Dusshera or Dussehra. The festival is celebrated in the month of Ashwin on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha. It marks the end of Navratri. Dussehra is one of the major festivals in India and celebrated in a different way in different regions for different reasons. In the northeast states & some other parts, it is celebrated as Durga Puja and it marks the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. In other parts of India Vijayadashami is celebrated as Dussehra, which marks god Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana. On Dasara, effigies of Ravana are filled up with woods and burnt with fireworks, indicating the destruction of evil.

Maha Navami

Maha Navami is the 9th day of Navratri festival and the day before Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami). The festival is celebrated on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin (Ashwayujam). According to mythological stories, Devi Durga battled against the king of demon Mahishasura for nine days. On the ninth day, Goddess won the battle. On Mahanavami Goddess worshipped as Sidhidatri or Saraswati - the deity of knowledge and wisdom.

Navratri & 9 Avatars of Goddess Worshipped on The 9 Days

What is Navratri? Navratri, nine holy nights are most auspicious days in Hinduism. The festival is celebrated to mark the victory of the Goddess Shakti over evil (Mahishasura). The festival has a profound religious significance. Navratri is celebrated five times a year – Vasanta or Chaitra Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, Sharad Navaratri (Sharadiya Navratri), Paush Navaratri and Magha Navaratri. Based on their local calendar, people celebrate the festival in different months. In Telangana, Navratri is celebrated as Bathukamma. Why is Navaratri Celebrated for 9 Days & 9 Colours? People observe fast during the nine-day festival with dedication. Each day has its speciality. The nine nights of the festival commemorate the nine avatars of Goddess Shakti (Durga). Each day is dedicated to the distinct avatar of the goddess. Each day of the Navratri stands with the particular colour & each colour signifies something during the nine days of the festival. The first c…

Indira Ekadashi And Rituals To Do

When is Indira Ekadashi? Indira Ekadashi is one of the auspicious days for Hindus. It falls on Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) Ekadashi, the 11th day of Hindu month Ashwin. As per Gregorian calendar, this festival falls in September or October. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on Indira Ekadashi. One should offer Tulsi leaves, fruits, and flowers to the Lord at the time of the puja. As Indira Ekadashi falls in Krishna Paksha (Pitru Paksha), it is dedicated to ancestors and it is also called as Ekadashi Shradh. The main objective of this day is to pray to the forefathers or ancestors for deliverance from sin and its consequences. Once as Lord Krishna said to Yudishter Maharaj, a person fasts on this day, he can get rid of all sins and his forefathers who have fallen into hell are liberated. One of the important responsibilities of the family members is to cook food in a pure environment, offer it to Lord Krishna and then offer the Lord’s Prasada to the for…

Vasant Panchami 2019 Date

Vasant Panchami is also known as Basant Panchami or Shri Panchami and Saraswati Panchami which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring (usually in Magh month). Vasant Panchami 2019 Date - Sunday, 10th February Vasant Panchami is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati Devi and worshipped on this day. One of the most famous rituals of Vasanth Panchami is initiating education to the children which is known as Akshara Abhyasam or Vidhya Abhyasam. Schools and colleges arrange puja to seek blessings of the goddess . Pens, notebooks and pencils are placed in front of goddess Devi’s feet. Vansant Panchami is celebrated on Panchami Tithi day during Purvahna Kala which is between the sunrise and the midday. Purvahna Kala is also the time when people perform puja including schools and colleges. People dress up in yellow color as it signifies the brilliance of nature and the vibrancy of nature. Kesar halwa is prepared on this special occasion which is made of flo…

Thaipusam

Thaipusam is also spelled as Thaipoosam. The festival is celebrated by Tamil community on full moon day in the month of Thai. Pusam refers to a natchathiram (star), which is at its highest point on this day. According to the Gregorian calendar, Thai month falls in January – February. The festival is dedicated to Hindu God Lord Murugan. Murugan is also known as Skanda, Murugan, Shanmukha, Kartikeya, Subrahmanya, Guha, etc. Skanda Sasti Kavasam Tamil Lyrics. It is believed that on this day, mother of Murugan – Goddess Parvathi presented a spear to Murugan to help him to destroy the demon Tarakasura. Celebrations on Thaipusam Thaipoosam celebrations take place in all Murugan Temples worldwide. The festival is celebrated not only in India but most of the South East Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Fiji. Kavadi Attam A Major feature of this festival is Kavadi Attam (Burden Dance), it is a ceremonial sacrifice. Body …

Mattu Pongal or Kanuma Festival – A Festival of Cattle

Mattu Pongal or Kanuma is one of the many festivals associated with seasons and is associated with winter harvest. It is celebrated on the third day of Sankranthi Festival. The first day is called Bhogi. The second day is Sankranthi. The third day is Kanuma (a festival of cattle), it is a very important festival to farmers who consider cattle as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Prayers to them for helping with a successful harvest season. On this day, usually, all farmers, clean cattle and cattle sheds and the sacred cows are decorated with colors and marigold flowers. Kanuma or Mattu Pongal is a festival which is dedicated to cows, farm animals and farm equipment and also offering flowers and worshipped as well. Significance of Mattu Pongal (Kanuma) It is believed that on this day Lord Krishna saved people and animals of Gokulam by lifting Govardhana Hill. Jalli Kattu is the famous local game in Tamilnadu, which plays in this season. Mukkanuma Festiv…

Bhogi

The first day of 4-day festival Makara Sankranthi (Pongal) is celebrated as the Bhogi. The theme of these festivals is thanksgiving to nature and gods who blessed people with a good harvest. This day is celebrated as Lohri in Panjab. Significance of Bhogi Festival The significance of this festival is winter crop season celebrations and remembrance of the deity Sun. People welcome the Sankranthi (Utharayan) on the next day with the warm atmosphere, when the sun enters into Utharayan from Dakshinayan. The festival is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra who is the God of Clouds, Rains and Nature. Lord Indra is worshiped for the abundance of harvest, thereby bringing plenty and prosperity to the land. Rituals on Bhogi The day starts with the bonfire (bhogi mantalu) in the early hours of the morning (Before Sunrise). The contents of this bonfire are the waste material cleaned up from the home and cow dung cakes (pidakalu). Girls dance around the Bhogi mantalu by singing…

Utpanna Ekadashi Significance, Rituals & Dates

Ekadashi (11th day) of Krishna Paksha (Waning Phase of the moon) during the month of Margashirsh is known as Utpanna Ekadashi, it is also Known as Uttpatti Ekadashi. It is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Vishnu over demon "Murasura". According to some legends, the birth of Ekadashi Matha took place on this day. Main deities of Utpanna Ekadashi are Mata Ekadashi and Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated on the same day but Hindu month names are called with the different name in different states. In Tamilnadu, it falls in the month of Karthigai Masam or Aippasi. In Kerala, it is celebrated on Vrischika Masam or Thulam. whereas in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra it falls in the month of Karthika (Kartik). ***In Northern states, it falls in the month of Margashirsh, because they follow Purnimant Calendar. Read more about Amant and Purnimant Calendars. Rituals To Do On Utpanna Ekadashi Devotees offer praye…

Tholi Ekadashi 2017 Date or Dev Shayani Ekadasi or Hari Sayani Ekadasi 2017 Date

Tholi Ekadasi 2017 is falling on 4th July. About Tholi Ekadasi Shukla Paksha ( Waxing Phase of Moon) Ekadasi in the month of Ashada is known as Tholi Ekadashi or Dev Shayani Ekadashi. It is also called as Hari Shayani Ekadashi or Ashadi Ekadashi (as it falls in Ashada month). It is believed that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep from this day. Why is it called as Tholi Ekadashi? Chatur Maas Vrat begins from this day. As this Ekadasi falls in the first month in chatur maas vrat, it is called as Tholi Ekadasi. In Vaishnava temples the day is celebrated with great zeal. Tholi Ekadasi is auspicious and one of the main festivals in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana.

Festivals in Phalguna Masam or Phalgun Mahina

Mahashivarathri & Holi are the famous festivals that fall in the month of Phalgun or Phalguna Masam. Purnimant Calendar is followed in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar. But all the festivals will fall on the same day as per Gregorian calendar. For understanding more, read about Amant & Purnimant Calendars. List of Festivals in Phalgun Masa or Phalguna Masam Amant Festivals Purnimant Festivals Phulera Dooj Vijaya Ekadashi Amalaki Ekadashi Maha Shivarathri Holika Dahan Phulera Dooj Holi Amalaki Ekadashi Sheetala Ashtami Holika Dahan Papmochani Ekadashi Holi Ranga Panchami Know more about 12 Hindu Months.

Festivals in Magh Mahina or Magha masam

Magh - Magha Masam is one of the auspicious months in Hindu calendar. Ratha Sapthami & Vasantha Panchami are the famous festivals in this month. Amant calendar is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Purnimant Calendar is followed in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar. But all the festivals will fall on the same day as per Gregorian calendar. For understanding more, read about Amant & Purnimant Calendars. List of Festivals in Magh Masa or Magha Masam Amant Festivals Purnimant Festivals Vasant Panchami Sankat Chauth Ratha Sapthami Shattila Ekadashi Bhishma Ashtami Vasant Panchami Jaya Ekadashi Ratha Sapthami Vijaya Ekadashi Bhishma Ashtami Maha Shivarathri Jaya Ekadashi Know more about 12 Hindu Months.

Festivals in Paush or Pushya masam

Paush Putrada Ekadashi and Paush Purnima are auspicious festivals in Paush Month or Pushya Masam. Amant calendar is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Purnimant Calendar is followed in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar. But all the festivals will fall on the same day as per Gregorian calendar. For understanding more, read about Amant & Purnimant Calendars. List of Festivals in Paush or Pushya Masam Amant Festivals Purnimant Festivals Paush Putrada Ekadashi Saphala Ekadashi Banada Ashtami Paush Putrada Ekadashi Shakambhari Purnima Banada Ashtami Paush Purnima Shakambhari Purnima Sakat Chauth Paush Purnima Shattila Ekadashi Know more about 12 Hindu Months.

Festivals in Marghashirsha or Margashira Masam

Marghashirsham or Margashira Masam - Dattatraya Jayanthi, Annapurna Jayanti are most auspicious festivals in this month. Amant calendar is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Purnimant Calendar is followed in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar. But all the festivals will fall on the same day as per Gregorian calendar. For understanding more, read about Amant & Purnimant Calendars. List of Festivals in Kartik or Karthika Masam Amant Festivals Purnimant Festivals Vivah Panchami Kala Bhairava Jayanthi Gita Jayanthi Utpanna Ekadashi Mokshada Ekadashi Vivah Panchami Dattathreya Jayanthi Gita Jayanthi Annapurna Jayanthi Mokshada Ekadashi Saphala Ekadashi Dattathreya Jayanthi Annapurna Jayanthi Know more about 12 Hindu Months.