2017 Fasts Feasts and Festivals

Fasts Feasts and Festivals

With brief explanations of why and how they should be observed

Jyotishacharya Shastri Pundit Roshan Singh

Gold Medalist and Recipient of Award of Honour from the All India Federation of Astrologers
Societies and

Akhil Bhartiya Saraswati Jyotish Manch (India)
Ayurvedic Health Care Practitioner – American Institute of Vedic Studies

Marriage Officer / Justice of the Peace / Commissioner of Oaths

The intention in compiling this almanac is to provide the reader with dates and times when the
various fasts feasts and festivals are to be observed.

In addition simple explanations are provided of why and how they should be observed.
We do request your forgiveness for any errors or omissions as this is the first of our publication of

this sort but pray that you will benefit spiritually from our attempt. Your suggestions of how to
better the presentation will be appreciated.

2017

ECLIPSE

11 February Lunar Penumbral Visible in South Africa 00h32 to 04h55
This should be strictly observed by expectant mothers.
Avoid the use of any sharp instruments.

26 February Solar Eclipse Partially visible in South Africa. 14h11 to 19h36
07 August Lunar Partial visible in South Africa 17h48 to 22h53
21 August Solar Eclipse not visible in South Africa

FULL MOON DATES

12 January (Thursday) Paush Purnima
10 February (Friday) Magh Purnima
12 March (Sunday) Phalguna Purnima
11 April (Tuesday) Chaitra Purnima
10 May (Wednesday) Vaishakha Purnima
09 June (Friday) Jyeshtha Purnima
09 July (Sunday) Ashadha Purnima

07 August (Monday) Shravana Purnima
06 September (Wednesday) Bhadrapada Purnima
05 October (Thursday) Ashwin Purnima
04 November (Saturday) Kartik Purnima
03 December (Sunday) Margashirsha Purnima

AUSPICIOUS MARRIAGE DATES

January 1 5 6 10 12 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 25 28 29 31
February 1 2 3 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 19 21 23 24 28
March 1 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 23 24 25
April 1 7 8 9 11 12 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 28 29 30
May 4 6 7 8 10 14 15 16 18 21 22 23 26 27 28Evening 31
June 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 14 17 18 19 20 25 27 28 29 30
July 1 2 3 9 10 11 15 16 17 20 21 38 29 30
August 2 4 7 17 19 22 24 26 27 28 29 30
September 2 3 4
October 1 2 5 6 7 10 11 14 15 17 20 21 22 25 27 28
November 2 4 6 11 13 14 15 16 19 21 23 25 26 29 30
December 1 3 4 9 12 13 14 21 23 26 27 28 31

SANKRANTI

In Hindu calendar there are total twelve Sankranti in a year. All twelve Sankranti
can be divided into four categories which are known as Ayan, Vishuva,
Vishnupadi and Shadshitimukhi Sankranti

Among all Sankranti, Makar sankranti is the most significant one and it is
observed throughout India. Due to the popularity of Makar Sankranti, it is just
known as Sankranti. In South India, Makar Sankranti is observed for four days.

Sankranti days are considered good for charity activities and all auspicious
ceremonies are avoided on the day of Sankranti(s).

2017

14 January (Saturday) Pongal, Makar Sankranti

12 February (Sunday) Kumbha Sankranti

14 March (Tuesday) Meena Sankranti

13 April (Thursday) Solar New Year, Mesha Sankranti

14 May (Sunday) Vrishabha Sankranti

15 June (Thursday) Mithuna Sankranti

16 July (Sunday) Karka Sankranti

16 August (Wednesday) Simha Sankranti

16 September (Saturday) Kanya Sankranti, Vishwakarma
Puja

17 October (Tuesday) Tula Sankranti

16 November (Thursday) Vrischika Sankranti

15 December (Friday) Dhanu Sankranti

Auspicious dates to perform the Shri Satyanarayan Puja

Shri Satyanarayan Puja is performed to seek blessing of God Narayan which
is one of the forms of Lord Vishnu. The Lord in this form is considered an
embodiment of truth. Although there is no fixed day to perform Satyanarayan
Puja but doing it during Purnima or Pournami is considered highly auspicious.

Devotees should observe the fast on Puja day. The Puja can be done in the
morning as well as in the evening. However performing Satyanarayan Puja in the
evening is considered more appropriate as devotees can break the fast with
Prasadam in the evening. The Satyanarayan Vrat Katha comprises of 18 000
verses that were spoken by Suta Goswami Maharaj in the presence of 88 000

learned Rishi’s and Sadhu’s. The assembly was attended by the great monarch
and ruler of Bharat (India) and Dev Rishi Narad in the forest of Naimisharanya.

In this day and age people listen to 5 stories of persons who heard the
Satyanarayan Vrat Katha and what became of them in their next lives. One is
therefore encouraged to listen to the Vrat Katha that these persons listened to.
For example the poor brahman know of Sadanand became Sudama, the friend of
Bhagvan Sri Krsna in his next life. The wood cutter (ladrihara) became Nishad
or the boatman that crossed Lord Rama over the Ganga River. Tungadwaj the
very charitable and kind person became Maharaj Dasharat (the father of Lord
Rama) in his next life. All of these persons returned to the Kingdom of the Lord
after having seen and taken personal darshan of the Lord.

In this way one is encouraged to listen to that great Katha that crossed these
persons over and delivered them back home, back to Godhead.

2017

12 January (Thursday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Paush Purnima)

10 February (Friday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Magha Purnima)

12 March (Sunday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Phalguna
Purnima)

10 April (Monday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Chaitra
Purnima)

10 May (Wednesday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Vaishakha
Purnima)

08 June (Thursday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Jyeshtha
Purnima)

08 July (Saturday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Ashadha
Purnima)

07 August (Monday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Shravana
Purnima)

05 September (Tuesday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Bhadrapada
Purnima)

05 October (Thursday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Ashwin
Purnima)

03 November (Friday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Kartik Purnima)

03 December (Sunday) Shri Satyanarayan Vrat (Margashirsha
Purnima)

PITRU PAKSHA

Pitru Paksha is a 15 lunar day’s period when Hindus pay homage to their
ancestors, especially through food offerings. This is done by the sons and family
members to open up the passage for the soul to return to the Kingdom of the
Lord.

According to South Indian Amavasyant calendar it falls in the lunar month of
Bhadrapada beginning with the full moon day or day after full moon day.

According to North Indian Purnimant calendar this period falls in the lunar month
of Ashwin beginning with the full moon day in Bhadrapada or next day of full
moon day.

It is just nomenclature of lunar months which differs and both North Indians and
South Indians perform Shraddha ritual on similar days.

Panchak

The passing away of the soul from the physical body has to be during an
auspicious time to determine its onward journey. The exact moment of death
occurs according to ones accumulated Karma. The meaning of Panchak is –
Five (Paanch), Panchak is decided by looking at the position of the moon.
When moon transits through Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meena (Pisces), then it is
known as Panchak, during this time the moon passes through the five
Nakshatras. We can also say that the second half of Dhanista Nakshatra,
Satabhisha Nakshatra, Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra, Uttara Bhadrapada
Nakshatra, Revati Nakshatra, and these five Nakshatra (constellation) together
are called Panchak.

During the time of Panchak, it is not good to do any auspicious work. It is said
that the work done during this time has to be done five times. If a deadbody is
cremated in Panchak, proper ‘Panchak Shanti’ should be done otherwise it is
said to lead to five deaths in the same family. This is not a supersitition as we
have seen practical examples of persons and families that have had to suffer
the consequences of not taking the necessary steps when a person dies in the
period of panchak.

The following are the panchak dates and a simple yet perfect account of what
happens to the soul at the time of death.

Panchak or inauspicious dates and times of death

02 to 06 January comm. 00h57 ends 12h16

29 Jan to 02 February comm. 07h21 ends 17h44

25 Feb to 01 March comm. 15h43 ends 23h48

21 to 25 April comm. 10h48 ends 18h26

18 to 23 May comm. 18h41 ends 04h55

15 to 19 June comm. 00h55 ends 13h57

12 to 16 July comm. 06h29 ends 20h53

08 to 13 August comm. 12h41 ends 02h21

04 to 09 September comm. 20h22 ends 08h14

02 to 06 October comm. 05h20 ends 16h02

25 to 30 November comm. 22h27 ends 12h43

23 to 27 December comm. 04h55 ends 22h06

Process of Dying

Q: What happens, in what sequence, when the soul leaves the human body?

A: There's no one exact way for all. How and when a person will leave his body
and where he will go depends mainly on his guna and karma (joined with
interventions by others through blessings, prayers, rites, etc.)

Into the non-material heaven, Vaikuntha, goes a minimum people - those who
are perfectly cleansed of all karma (positive and negative). From there they
don't return into the material world anymore. This is the perfection of life.
Heaven, as it's usually understood, in the Vedic universe scheme refers to
svargaloka, subtle material dimension in this universe. It's accessible to people
with very good karma and they remain there for relatively long time (even
millions of earth years), but not permanently since even the material universe
isn't permanent. These cases aren't usual nowadays in the West.
Most of those who leave 'upward' get into a bit lower sphere, pitriloka, the
dimension of ancestors, where they stay for some time (approximately from
months to tens of years) before they again reincarnate on Earth.
But many people nowadays go to lower than human level (animal, etc.) due to

their negative karma. If their karma is really bad they go first to hellish
dimensions or become ghosts. Also these existences are temporary yet the
intensity of suffering gives them a semblance of almost eternity.

From accounts of dying persons and hospital staff coupled with the sastric
descriptions (mainly Vedanta sutra, BG, Puranas) these things happen:

There is a strong loss of interest in life; a dull outlook on life and the world; the
disappearance of the taste; all the close people seem very distant; a feeling of
the inevitability of something; a desire to repent all the sins; the feeling of
eternity.

Physical symptoms: bones become prominent as the flesh, as well as eyes,
start to 'sink in'; the nose becomes thinner and sharper; the look becomes
absent; facial gestures disappear; the body becomes unfamiliar and wooden;
the person refuses food and then also drinks; if there are pets, esp. cats and
dogs, they start to behave unusually

Several days/hours before death the person enters the terminal phase. Often it
has a form of terminal restlessness (a medicinal term, see below). He may see
his dead ancestors and friends as well as specific ativahika (escorting) devatas
and may communicate with them (which the hospital staff and relatives
present there usually consider delusive).

The body then gradually turns cold starting from extremities. This is due to the
detachment of the prana and subtle senses, parts of the subtle body, from the
gross body (Chandogya Upanisad 8.12.2-3, Vedanta sutra 2.4.7-8, SB 4.28.23).

If the person is very attached to his body, he may remain in a coma for some
time trying to postpone his exit.

The exit itself happens through various bodily orifices, as per one's karma and
destination (BG 14.18), "the silver cord being broken" (Ecclesiastes 12:6).

If the person is impious and quite sinful, the messengers of Yamaraja, called
the Yamadutas, fierce, horrible looking persons with twisted features, copper
red flaming hairs that stand on end, black in complexion and frightening to
behold, appear at the deathbed of the person in question and drag him forcibly
from his body with ropes and chains. This scene so frightens the person that he
literally dies of fright. They then pack up the subtle body of the person in a bag,
where they take the soul, now covered only by the subtle body of mind,
intelligence and false ego, to the abode of Yamaraja for judgement. He is taken
over long stretches of hot, dry sands, and along the way he is insulted in
various ways by other horrible creatures and bitten by dogs. He is suffering
terribly on this journey and he wishes it would end.

Garuda Purana 2.2.8 says that those who commit suicide (and die a violent
death in general) become ghosts. However, when it does end he is taken
before Yamaraja, the fierce demigod in charge of death and punishing the
sinful. He is forced to accept a position of suffering according to his sins in
hell(s) which exist at the bottom of the universe, just above the Garbhodaka
Ocean. In this hellish region called the Naraka, there are approximately 27
hellish places. He gets an airy, unbreakable body based on his specific karma
(Garuda Purana 2.18.40) to suffer in.

As an example of this a person who has engaged in the slaughter and eating of
other innocent animals will enter into Krimibhojana, wherein he will exist as a
worm who is eating the tail of another worm as that worm is eating his tail.
There are many such hells just according to the crimes committed. One may
find the complete description in the last chapter of the 5th canto of the SB.

After such intense and horrible forms of suffering the living being is thrown
again into the lower species of life just suited according to his sinful desires in
his human life.

However, persons who are not quite that sinful may expect a more peaceful
departure from the body. At the time of death, death is denoted as the
moment when the spirit soul departs from the material gross body. At that
time the soul, covered by the subtle body of mind, intelligence and false ego,
leaves the body. The subtle body always travels with the soul wherever he
goes within this material world and therefore the living entity has a continuity
of material experience throughout his different lifetimes.

Death may come from a variety of causes, but when it actually happens the
first thing that a person experiences is total blackness. All is dark, but this lasts
only for a moment. The Supersoul, situated right next to the soul, illuminates a
hole which appears to the soul to be a light at the end of a tunnel. In fact the
darkness which appears is the body but now that it is dead it is devoid of
consciousness and now we are seeing it from the inside for the first time.

There are some 101 different passageways (Prasna Upanisad 3.6) through
which one might depart from the body. One may only go through one of these
at the time of death. These passageways are called nadis, or channels of
consciousness. According to Garuda Purana 1.67 death occurs when both main
(spine) nadis, Ida and Pingala, are at work. Under normal conditions they
switch. One might understand them to be the major nerve channels of
channels of energy flow within the body, but the exact medical synonym is not
available to us at this time. In any case one will depart from one of these nadis
to his next destination. We do know that one who departs from the anus or
genital goes to the lower regions, wherein one who departs from the upper

portion of the body goes to the higher regions. Those who depart from the top
of their skulls, from the hole known as the brahma randhra, the place where
the three bones in the skull meet, will attain the regions of Brahman.

Description of yogic death by merging the elements of one's body into mahat-
tattva is given in SB 1.15.41-42, 2.2.30, 4.23.15-18, 7.12.30-31, Vs 4.2.15-16,
etc. This process goes on in yogi's consciousness. Sridhara Swami speaks about
giving up attraction to different sense objects (BG 2.67) and merging the sense
into their objects (tan-matras).

The Supersoul illuminates only one of these passageways according to the
karma of the soul. He selects the passageway just according to the previous
activities of the living entity and as soon as it is illuminated the soul naturally
wants to move towards the light. As soon as he is out of the body, he feels
relieved of the burden of the material frame and starts to move, naturally
drawn towards his next form. He's lead by various guides called ativahika
devatas. Description is in Vedanta-sutra 4.2.7-4.3.16. At that time he will
experience the world from the point of view of the subtle body and will see
things much clearer than they are seen through the present body. Just try to
imagine how much more beautiful the world must be when seen through
spiritual eyes!

Vedanta-sutra describes that not-too-sinful persons go to higher planets.
According to NDE they may meet their departed relatives there. After time
alotted by their karma they must return to earth though.

"In the process of sacrifice, the living entity makes specific sacrifices to attain
specific heavenly planets and consequently reaches them. When the merit of
sacrifice is exhausted, the living entity descends to earth in the form of rain,
then takes on the form of grains, and the grains are eaten by man and
transformed into semen, which impregnates a woman, and thus the living
entity once again attains the human form to perform sacrifice and so repeat
the same cycle. In this way, the living entity perpetually comes and goes on the
material path. The Krsna conscious person, however, avoids such sacrifices. He
takes directly to Krsna consciousness and thereby prepares himself to return to
Godhead." (BG 8.3 p., quote from Chandogya Upanisad)

"The Personality of Godhead said: Under the supervision of the Supreme Lord
and according to the result of his work, the living entity, the soul, is made to
enter into the womb of a woman through the particle of male semen to
assume a particular type of body." (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.31.1)

When the embryo is about seven months of age it is sufficiently developed to
support consciousness and the baby awakens in his new body and immediately

moves, sometimes kicking the mother from within in a vain attempt to get out
of the horrible entanglement that he has found himself in.

If he is pious, this horrible condition of having the arms and legs jammed into
the chest as one is bent over in the foetal position, causes the soul to pray to
the Lord as follows, "O Lord, this condition is terrible. Please save me from this
situation and get me out of this womb immediately and I promise to serve You
in this lifetime for sure." However, as soon as he takes his birth he becomes
too much attached to all the attention and service being rendered him by
mother and family members and he forgets all about serving the Lord and falls
totally into maya again.

Avoid the process of rebirth, it is not auspicious in any way.

01 Sunday English New Year
02 Monday English New Year starts on 1st of January, the first day
of modern Gregorian calendar also called as Western
Calendar and Christian Calendar. Gregorian calendar
was reformed in year 1582 to the Julian calendar and
stored January 1st as a New Year Day. Gregorian calendar
is widely adopted by most of the countries and celebrates
January 1st as New Year Day as well as December 31st as
New Year's Eve.

Vinayaka Chaturthi
Each lunar month in Hindu calendar has two Chaturthi
Tithis. According to Hindu scriptures Chaturthi Tithi(s)

belongs to Lord Ganesha. The Chaturthi after Amavasya
or new moon during Shukla Paksha is known as
Vinayaka Chaturthi and the one after Purnimasi or full
moon during Krishna Paksha is known as Sankashti
Chaturth.

Although Vinayaka Chaturthi fasting is done every month
but the most significant Vinayaka Chaturthi falls in month
of Bhadrapada. Vinayaka Chaturthi during Bhadrapada
month is known as Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesha Chaturthi
is celebrated by Hindus all over the world as the birthday
of Lord Ganesha.

03 Tuesday Skanda Sashti
Skanda is a popular Hindu deity especially among Tamil
Hindus. Lord Skanda is son of God Shiva and Goddess
Parvati. In south India, Skanda is considered as the
younger brother of Lord Ganesha while in north India
Skanda is considered as the elder brother of Lord
Ganesha. God Skanda is also known as Murugan,
Kartikeyan and Subramanya.

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.

Skanda Sashti is also known as Kanda Shashti.

05 Thursday Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708 C.E.) 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.

According to Gregorian calendar Guru Gobind was born on
1st January 1667. Either we follow Julian or Gregorian
calendar the Hindu date of birth of Guru Gobind falls on
the same day. According to Hindu calendar it was
Saptami, Paush, Shukla Paksha, 1723 Vikram
Samvat when Guru Gobind Singh was born. The date of
birth of Guru Gobind Singh has no controversy which is
often found with other Gurus and Saints.

Nanakshahi calendar which was developed recently fixed
the Guru Gobind Singh's Jayanti on 6th January and later
revised it to 5th January. This date has sparked on-going
controversy and it seems that currently Hindu calendar is

06 Friday getting used to fix the Jayanti of Guru Gobind Singh
08 Sunday similar to Jayanti of Guru Nanak which is always fixed on
Kartik Purnima according to Hindu calendar.

Masik Durgashtami, Shakambhari Utsavarambha
Durgashtami fasting is observed every month during
Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha. On this day devotees of
Goddess Durga worship Her and observe day long fast.

The most significant 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.

Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
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.

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.

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

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

Masik Karthigai
Karthigai Deepam is mainly celebrated by Tamil Hindus.
It is one of the oldest festivals celebrated by Tamil
people. Houses and streets are lit up with rows of oil
lamps or Deepam in the evening of the festival day.

Karthigai Deepam and Karthikai Deepam are used

09 Monday interchangeably. Karthigai Deepam takes its name from
Nakshatra Karthikai or Krittika. Karthigai Deepam is
performed on the day when Krittika Nakshatra is
prevailing. Karthigai Deepam is done in honor of Lord
Shiva. According to Hindu Mythology on this day Lord
Shiva converted himself in an endless flame of light to
prove his supremacy to Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.

Although Karthigai day is observed every month but the
most significant day falls in month of Karthikai (which is
same as Solar month Vrischika in other Hindu
calendars).

Rohini Vrat
Rohini Vrat is significant fasting day in Jain community.
Rohini Vrat is mainly observed by women for the long life
of their husbands. Rohini is one of the Nakshatra out of
twenty-seven Nakshatra in Jain and Hindu calendar.

Rohini fasting is observed on the day when Rohini
Nakshatra prevails after sunrise. It is believed that those
who observe Rohini fasting can get rid of all types of
sorrows and poverty. The Parana of Rohini Nakshatra is
done during Margashirsha Nakshatra when Rohini
Nakshatra ends.

There are twelve Rohini fasting days in a year. Usually
Rohini Vrat is observed for three, five or seven years
continuously. The advisable duration of Rohini fasting is
five years and five months. Rohini fasting should be
finished with Udyapana.

2017

09 January (Monday) Rohini Vrat

06 February (Monday) Rohini Vrat

05 March (Sunday) Rohini Vrat

01 April (Saturday) Rohini Vrat

29 April (Saturday) Rohini Vrat

26 May (Friday) Rohini Vrat

22 June (Thursday) Rohini Vrat

20 July (Thursday) Rohini Vrat

16 August (Wednesday) Rohini Vrat

12 September (Tuesday) Rohini Vrat

10 October (Tuesday) Rohini Vrat
06 November (Monday) Rohini Vrat
03 December (Sunday) Rohini Vrat
31 December (Sunday) Rohini Vrat

10 Tuesday Pradosh Vrat
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.

2017

10 January (Tuesday) Bhauma Pradosha
Pradosh Puja
25 January Vrat (S) Time
08 February
23 February (Wednesday) Pradosh 19:01 to
09 March Vrat(K) 19:24
25 March
(Wednesday) Pradosh 18:58 to
08 April Vrat(S) 21:07

(Thursday) Pradosh 18:51 to
Vrat(K) 21:03

(Thursday) Pradosh 18:40 to
Vrat (S) 20:56

(Saturday) Shani 18:26 to
Pradosh 20:47
Vrat (K)
18:09 to
(Saturday) Shani 20:35
Pradosh
17:54 to
20:24



Pradosh 21:03
Vrat (S)

11 Wednesday Arudra Darshan
Arudra Darshan is a Tamil festival and this day is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Arudra Nakshatram, which is
also known as Thiruvaathirai Nakshatram, during
Maargazhi Masam is considered highly auspicious. On
this day Arudra Nakshatra also coincides with Pournami.

On this day Nataraj form of Lord Shiva is worshipped
during Arunodaya along with holy chanting from Vedas.
Being dedicated to Nataraj form of Lord Shiva this day is
also considered as the birthday of Lord Shiva. In rest of
the India it is Maha Shivaratri which is considered as
the birthday of Lord Shiva.
It is a day when students of the great kala or dance fast
and offer prayers to Lord Shiva to bless them so that they
too can dance for the pleasure of Lord Krsna as He does.

12 Thursday Paush Purnima
Paush Purnima is a significant day in Hindu calendar. It
marks the beginning of one month long austerity period
which is observed during Magha month. In lunar calendar
followed in North India Magha month starts from the next
day of Paush Purnima.

During Magha Mahina people take early morning bath in
the Ganga or in the Yamuna throughout the month. The
tough winter season in North makes austerity period
more difficult. The daily bathing starts from Paush
Purnima and ends on Magha Purnima. It is believed that
all charity work done during this time are fructified easily.
Hence people offer charity to needy according to their
capacity.

The holy dip at Dashashwamedh Ghat at Varanasi and
Triveni Sangam at Prayag is considered highly
auspicious and important on Paush Purnima day. It is
believed that the holy dip on the auspicious day of Paush
Purnima liberates the soul from the continuous cycle of
the birth and the death.

Shakambari Jayanti is also observed during Paush
Purnima. The followers of ISKCON and Vaishnava
Sampradaya start Pushyabhishek Yatra on this day.

Shakambari NavratriNavratri

13 Friday Magha Begins *North, Lohri
14 Saturday Lohri is a popular festival celebrated by Punjabi people of
Sikh faith as well as Hindu faith. Lohri is mainly Sikh
festival however the day of Lohri is decided based on
Hindu calendar. Lohri is closely linked to Hindu festival
Makara Sankranti and it is celebrated one day before of
that.

Pongal
Pongal is a Hindu festival which is observed by people of
Tamil Nadu. 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
discard unused items. In Punjab the same day is
celebrated as Lohri by Sikh community.

Thai Pongal day is celebrated by boiling freshly harvested
rice with fresh milk and jaggery in a new clay pot. While
boiling the concoction, people let the milk spill over the
pot as an auspicious sign of material abundance and
prosperity. Later the concoction of rice, milk and jaggery,
known as Pongal, is topped with brown sugar, Ghee,
cashew nuts and raisins. Freshly cooked Pongal is first
offered to the Sun God as a gratitude for good harvesting
and later served on banana leaves to the people present
in the home for the ceremony. Traditionally Pongal is
cooked at sunrise at an open place.

Thai Pongal is the first day of Thai month according to
Tamil Solar Calendar. Thai is the tenth solar month in
Tamil Calendar. Thai Masam is known as Makar in other
Hindu calendars.

Next day of Thai Pongal is known as Mattu Pongal.
Cattles are decorated and worshipped on Mattu Pongal
day.

The last and final day of Pongal is known as Kaanum
Pongal. It is time for family reunions in Tamil Nadu.

Makar Sankranti
The time between Makar Sankranti and 40 Ghatis
(roughly 16 hours for Indian locations if we consider 1
Ghati duration as 24 minutes) from the time of Makar
Sankranti is considered good for auspicious work. This

15 Sunday duration of forty Ghatis is known as Punya Kaal.
Sankranti activities, like taking bath, offering Naivedhya
(food offered to deity) to Lord Surya, offering charity or
Dakshina, performing Shraddha rituals and breaking fast
or Parana, should be done during Punya Kaal.

If Makar Sankranti happens after Sunset then all Punya
Kaal activities are postponed till next day Sunrise. Hence
all Punya Kaal activities should be done in day time.

In Tamil Nadu Makar Sankranti or Sankranthi is known as
Pongal. In Gujarat and Rajasthan Makar Sankranti is
known as Uttarayana. In Haryana and Punjab Makar
Sankranti is known as Maghi.

Sankashti Chaturthi
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.

Although Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is done every month
but the most significant 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 considered highly auspicious.
Sankashti Chaturthi fast is mostly observed in Western
and Southern India especially in Maharashtra and Tamil
Nadu.

Sakat Chauth
Krishna Paksha Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha
and devotees observe Sankashti Chaturthi fasting on
each Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. However Krishna Paksha
Chaturthi during month of Magh is also observed as
Sakat Chauth and it is observed mainly in North Indian
states. Sakat Chauth is dedicated to Goddess Sakat and
women observe fasting on the very same day for well-
being of their sons. The legend of Sakat Chauth
describes compassionate nature of Goddess Sakat.

There is Sakat village in Rajasthan and it has temple
dedicated to Goddess Sankat. The deity is famous as
Sankat Chauth Mata. This temple is about 60 K.M. from
Alwar and 150 K.M. from Jaipur, the state capital of
Rajasthan. One can visit Sakat Mata Temple to get
more information on Sakat Goddess.

On Sakat Chauth Lord Ganesha is also worshipped.
Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day brings happiness
and prosperity.

Sakat Chauth is also known as Sankat Chauth, Til-Kuta
Chauth, Vakra-Tundi Chaturthi and Maghi Chauth.

Magh Bihu
Magh Bihu is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam and
it marks the end of the harvesting season in the region.
Magh Bihu is observed on the first day of Magh month as
per Bengali Panjika. Magh Bihu is the Assam celebration
of Sankranti and the celebrations last for a week. The
festival of Magh Bihu is dedicated to Agni, the Lord of
Fire. However in the rest of India the festival of Sankranti
is dedicated to Surya, the Sun Lord.

Magh Bihu is synonym of feasts and bonfires which begin
one day before of Magh Bihu. The day preceding Magh
Bihu is known as Uruka which is the last day of Poush
month as per Assamese calendar. On Uruka day people
erect makeshift huts, known as Meji, from bamboo,
leaves and thatch. The food for feasting is prepared inside
Meji and a community feast is held on the Uruka night.
The Meji is burned the next morning and the ashes are
scattered on the farmlands to increase fertility.

Magh Bihu is also known as Bhogali Bihu and Maghar
Domahi.

19 Thursday 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.

However Indian government has decided to observe
Swami Vivekananda's Gregorian date of birth as National
Youth Day. Hence National Youth Day of India is
celebrated each year on 12th January since 1985.

Swami Vivekananda was modern Hindu saint and follower
of Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. He was disciple of

Ramakrishna. He founded Belur Math, Ramakrishna Math
and Ramakrishna Mission.

Kalashtami
Kalashtami, which is also known as Kala Ashtami, is
observed 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 significant 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.

23 Monday Shattila Ekadashi
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.

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.

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

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

25 Wednesday Pradosh Vrat
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.

26 Thursday Masik Shivaratri
Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and
Shakti. Each month, Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna
Paksha is known as Masik Shivaratri.

Masik Shivaratri in month of Magha is known as Maha
Shivaratri according to Amavasyant School. However
according to Purnimant School Masik Shivaratri in month
of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. In both schools
it is naming convention of lunar month which differs.
However both, Purnimant and Amavasyant Schools,
celebrate all Shivaratris including Maha Shivaratri on
same day.

According to Indian Mythology, in the midnight of Maha
Shivaratri, Lord Shiva was appeared in form of Linga.
Shiva Linga was first worshipped by Lord Vishnu and
Lord Brahma. Hence Maha Shivaratri is known as birthday
of Lord Shiva and devotees worship Shiva Linga during
Shivaratri. Shivaratri Vrat is popular since ancient time.
In Hindu Puranas we get references of Shivaratri Vrat.
According to scriptures even Goddess Lakshmi, Indrani,
Saraswati, Gayatri, Savitri, Sita, Parvati, Rati observed
Shivaratri fast.

2017

Shivaratri
Puja
Time

26 January (Thursday) Masi 23:59 to
24 February (Friday)
26 March (Sunday) Shivaratri 24:42+

Maha 23:58 to

Shivaratri 24:43+

Masik 23:49 to

Shivaratri 24:37+

24 April (Monday) Masik 23:40 to

Shivaratri 24:31+

24 May (Wednesday) Masik 23:37 to

Shivaratri 24:31+

22 June (Thursday) Masik 23:42 to

Shivaratri 24:37+

21 July (Friday) Masik 23:47 to

Shivaratri 24:40+

20 August (Sunday) Masik 23:45 to

Shivaratri 24:36+

18 September (Monday) Masik 23:37 to

Shivaratri 24:25+

17 October (Tuesday) Masik 23:30 to

Shivaratri 24:15+

16 November (Thursday) Masik 23:31 to

Shivaratri 24:13+

16 December (Saturday) Masik 23:43 to

Shivaratri 24:24+

27 Friday Republic Day
India commemorates the day of 26th January as Republic
Day. In 1950 on the very same day Constitution of
India came into force. It is the same day when
Declaration of Independence was promulgated by the
Indian National Congress and this day were chosen to
honor that event.

It is one of the three national holidays of India, including
Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti. Being a
gazetted holiday all government offices and most
businesses are closed on Republic Day.

The main parade takes place in the national capital New
Delhi, at the Rajpath before the president who unfurls the
national flag. Celebrations are also held in state capitals
where the Governor of the state unfurls the national flag.

Mauni Amavas
It is believed that the water of the most sacred and holy
river in Hinduism, the Ganga, turns into the nectar on
Mauni Amavasya day. Due to this belief Mauni
Amavasya day is the most important day in Hindu
calendar to take holy dip in the Ganges.

28 Saturday According to North Indian calendar, Mauni Amavasya falls
29 Sunday in the middle of Magha month and also known as Maghi
Amavasya. Many people take pledge to take holy dip in
31 Tuesday the Ganges not only on Mauni Amavasya day but also
during whole Magha Mahina. The daily bathing ritual
starts on Paush Purnima and ends on Magha Purnima
day.

During Kumbh Mela, Mauni Amavasya is the most
important bathing day at Prayag in Allahabad and known
as the day of Amrit Yoga and the day of Kumbh Parva.

Mauni Amavasya is also known as Mauni Amavas
(मममम ममममम). As name suggests it is also the day of
silence in Hinduism when people take pledge to observe
one day fasting by not uttering a word throughout the
day.
Gupta Navratri Begins
Magha Navratri, also known as Gupta Navratri, is nine
days period dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti or
mother Goddess. It falls in the month of Magh during
January or February.

Chandra Darshan
Chandra Darshan is the first day of moon sighting after no
moon day. In Hinduism, the new moon day is known as
Amavasya and the first sighting of moon after new moon
has religious significance. 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
challenging task for Panchang makers. The moon is
visible 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 being in the
same horizon as that of the sun. Hence the moon can be
sighted only after the sunset, when it is also going to be
set.

Ganesha Jayanti
Ganesha Jayanti is observed as the birth anniversary of
Lord Ganesha. As per Hindu calendar, it is observed on
Shukla Chaturthi during Magha lunar month and currently
coincides with January and February months in Gregorian
calendar.

Ganesha Jayanti during Magha month is mainly observed
in Maharashtra and coastal regions of Konkan. In most

part of India, the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha is
observed during Bhadrapada month and known as
Ganesha Chaturthi. Similar to Ganesha Chaturthi,
Madhyahna Vyapini Purvaviddha (पपपपपपपपपपप)
Chaturthi is considered as Ganesha Jayanti.

It should be noted that Ganesha Chaturthi is one the
most famous festivals in Maharashtra, however it is not
observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha
unanimously. It is Ganesha Jayanti during Magha month
which is considered as the birth anniversary of Lord
Ganesha.

February 2017

01 Wednesday Vasant Panchami

02 Thursday Skanda Sashti

03 Friday Ratha Saptami, Narmada Jayanti

04 Saturday Bhishma Ashtami, Masik Durgashtami, Masik
Karthigai

06 Monday Rohini Vrat

07 Tuesday Jaya Ekadashi, Bhishma Dwadashi

08 Wednesday Pradosh Vrat

10 Friday Magha Purnima, Chandra Grahan, Purnima Upavas,
Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Lalita Jayanti, Thai Pusam

11 Saturday Phalguna Begins *North

12 Sunday Kumbha Sankranti

14 Tuesday Sankashti Chaturthi

16 Thursday Yashoda Jayanti

17 Friday Shabari Jayanti

18 Saturday Kalashtami

19 Sunday Janaki Jayanti

21 Tuesday Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti

22 Wednesday Vijaya Ekadashi

23 Thursday Pradosh Vrat

24 Friday Maha Shivaratri

26 Sunday Phalguna Amavasya, Darsha Amavasya, Surya
Grahan

27 Monday Chandra Darshan
28 Tuesday Phulera Dooj, Ramakrishna Jayanti

March 2017

01 Wednesday Vinayaka Chaturthi

03 Friday Skanda Sashti

04 Saturday Ashtahnika Vidhan Begins, Masik Karthigai

05 Sunday Masik Durgashtami, Rohini Vrat

08 Wednesday Amalaki Ekadashi

09 Thursday Narasimha Dwadashi, Pradosh Vrat

11 Saturday Chaumasi Chaudas, Masi Magam

12 Sunday Chhoti Holi, Holika Dahan, Vasanta Purnima, Dol
Purnima, Purnima Upavas, Ashtahnika Vidhan Ends,
Phalguna Purnima, Lakshmi Jayanti, Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu Jayanti, Attukal Pongala

13 Monday Holi, Chaitra Begins *North

14 Tuesday Bhai Dooj, Bhratri Dwitiya, Meena Sankranti,
Karadaiyan Nombu

15 Wednesday Shivaji Jayanti, Sankashti Chaturthi

17 Friday Ranga Panchami

19 Sunday Bhanu Saptami, Sheetala Saptami

20 Monday Basoda, Sheetala Ashtami, Kalashtami, Varshitap
Arambha, Autumnal Equinox

24 Friday Papmochani Ekadashi

25 Saturday Pradosh Vrat, Shani Trayodashi

26 Sunday Masik Shivaratri

27 Monday Chaitra Amavasya, Darsha Amavasya, Somvati
Amavas

28 Tuesday Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi

29 Wednesday Chandra Darshan, Jhulelal Jayanti

30 Thursday Gauri Puja, Gangaur, Matsya Jayanti

31 Friday Vinayaka Chaturthi

January

1 New Years Day A day to reflect upon the past year and to consider how one can make
changes and adjustments to ensure that one vows to lead a better life from this day

onwards. One celebrates the successes one has made and finds ways and means to learn
from ones failures as every failure is a stepping stone to success.

3 Milad – un – Nabi
The Prophet's Birthday, or Milad un Nabi as it is commonly known in Muslim culture,
is celebrated in most of the Muslim countries and in India as well. The day is
celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated in
the third month of the Islamic calendar. While the Shias celebrate it on the 17th of
the month, the Sunnis celebrate on the 12th of the month, according to the Islamic
calendar. The date of this festival varies in the Gregorian calendar.

5 Guru Govind Singh Birthday
Guru Gobind Singh Ji is the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. He was the only son of Guru
Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. He was born to Mata Gujri Ji on December 22nd, 1666 at Sri
Patna Sahib Ji in Bihar when his father was on a preaching mission to holy places in
Assam. Birth name of Guru Ji was Gobind Rai. He was received Guruship at the age of
nine after the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji at Delhi.

12 Paush Purnima

Paush Purnima comes on the full Moon day of the Magha month of the Hindu Lunar
Calendar. This date is considered very auspicious to take a Holy Dip in the holy rivers
of India.

It is believed that by taking these Holy Dips a person is freed from all the sins of this
birth and the previous one. We have to pay for all the sins we commit in all our lives.
We get stuck in the vicious cycle of our own Karmas.

To break this cycle and start afresh we can observe this sacred day of Paush
Purnima. Devotees from all over the country descend to the banks of various rivers
and take a Holy Dip there. It is believed that this washes away all the dirt of our soul.
After the Holy Dip, they perform the Surya Puja (worship of Sun) and chant Mantras.

The Legend
Paush Purnima is also celebrated as Shakambari Jayanti. On the day of Paush
Purnima, Goddess Shakambari came down on Earth as the incarnation of Goddess
Shakti. Goddess Shakambari is believed to be the Goddess of fruits, vegetables and
leaves. As per the legends, long back there was a severe drought and it did not rain
for over a hundred years. All the animals, humans and plants started to die. Seeing
this, the Goddess Shakti incarnated as Shakambari Devi and showered ample rain to
let the Earth regain its life. In a few temples a nine day Shakambari Navratri ends on
Paush Purnima.

Celebration of Paush Purnima
Lord Satyanarayana is worshipped on this day across many Krishna Temples as this
day is observed as Bhadrapad Purnima. Lord Krishna is worshipped using Til (sesame
seeds), Supari (betel nut), fruits, flowers, Roli and vermilion (Kumkum). Panchamrit is
distributed among all the devotees. It is made of milk, Til (sesame seeds), honey,
banana, Ganga Jal (Holy water of river Ganga), Tulsi (basil) and sweets. Along with
Lord Krishna, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are also worshipped.
People all over the country celebrate Paush Purnima by taking Holy Dips in the
sacred rivers. It is believed that by doing this all the unfulfilled wishes come true and
we get detached to the past sins we have done.

Spiritual Significance of Paush Purnima
It is believed that by observing this day we get rid of the past Karmas and begin a
new life. The auspicious day of Paush Purnima is also known for fulfilling all the
desires of the devotees. This day also marks the last full Moon day of the winter
season. So, understanding the immense significance of the day, we all should use

this opportunity to burn the baggage of past. While carrying the baggage of the past
Karmas we are not able to live our life to the fullest. By observing festivals like Paush
Purnima we can end the darkness around us and within us.
Days like Paush Purnima make us believe that we are all connected to the Universe
and the changes in it affect us to a large extent. Our traditions teach us to live in
synchrony and harmony with the Universe. Living with the flow makes our life much
easier and simpler. These festivals are nothing but a way to tune the human kind to
the rhythm of the Universe. We do not exist as separate entity and are a part of this
vast Universe. Therefore, it is very significant to tune ourselves with the entire
Universe.

8 Pausha Putrada Ekadashi
According to the legend, Suketuman, the king of Bhadravati and his queen Shaibya
were upset due to the deficiency of progeny. The couple was worried about their
lost souls after death due to the absence of any Shraadh ritual as they don’t have
any son to perform such rites. On frustration, Suketuman left his kingdom and went
to the forests. Wandering the forests for few days, the king reached the ashram of
some sages on the bank of Mansarovar on the day of Putrada Ekadashi. After
knowing the reason for king’s frustration, the sages advised Suketuman to observe
the fast pf Putada Ekadashi to attain a son. Suketuman followed the advised of the
sages and returned to his kingdom to observe the Putrada Ekadashi fast along with
his wife. Soon, the couple was blessed by a son with the grace of Lord Vishnu, who
grew up to become a gallant king in future.

Pausha Putrada Ekadashi is a highly auspicious day to please Lord Vishnu and seek
blessings for your child’s wellbeing. Know the story and vrat vidhi for this Ekadashi.
And keep chanting the given dhun!

“Shri Krishna Govinda Hare Murari
He Nath Narayan Vasudeva”

Pausha Putrada Ekadashi – Puja Vidhi







The Kavady prayer and penance is observed over 10 days by devotees. The devotee has to
abstain from various things like alcohol, drugs etc. They have to observe celibacy and
maintain a vegetarian diet for this entire period. The Kavady procession is seen as an
outward demonstration of mass devotion to God as Lord Muruga.
There are various reasons for carrying the Kavady but the two main categories are firstly to
express thanks to Lord Muruga or to ask Muruga for help in overcoming a particular
problem.
According to mythology, Iduman, one of the disciples of Agasthiyai, was asked to bring to
hills - representing the two forces inherent in all living beings (Siva and Shakti). Iduman,
carried these two hills with a - Kavady a beam across his shoulder with one hill suspended
on each end. Mid way through the journey he sat his burden down in order to rest.

When he was ready to resume, he found that the hills were too heavy to pick up. As he
prepared to forcibly pick them up he saw Lord Muruga in the way and he angrily asked him
to move out of the way, Muruga refused.
Iduman was annoyed a battle broke out between Lord Muruga and Iduman whereby
Iduman was destroyed. Muruga through his eternal mercy revived and pardoned him, a
change came over Iduman and he became Lord Muruga’s greatest devotee. He carried the
first Kavady out of absolute devotion to the Lord. Lord Muruga also made Iduman his gate
keeper. That is why when a devotee goes to the famous Pazhanimalai temple one must first
pray to Iduman and then proceed to the main temple.

What is a Kavady?
It is a Tamil word meaning flattened pole with loads at the ends. The Kavady carried in a
religious procession also has a pole with a semi circular arch. The arch is decorated with
flowers and palm leaves. The loads attached to the ends of the pole are brass vessels filled
with milk or other offerings. Peacock feathers and a vel are also attached.

A brass pot filled with milk can also be carried for Lord Muruga as an offering and it is called
“Paal Kodum”.
One question which is often asked by devotees is can I fast for Kavady without carrying a
Kavady.

The answer to this question is definitely “YES”. One does not have to only carry a Kavady to
show devotion to Lord Muruga. By observing the 10 day fast and attending the 10 day
prayer at the temple is also seen as devotion towards Lord Muruga. Devotees please
remember it is your love and devotion towards the Lord that is important.

Why is a flag raised and a 10 day fast observed?
The flag which is raised on the first day. Firstly marks the beginning of the 10 day fast and
the observance of the Kavady festival.
The flag also serves as a reminder that one should start fasting and go to the temple.

The meaning of the banner or flag
The Sevel (Rooster) symbolises the approach or the dawn of knowledge. It is the Sevel that
proclaims the coming of the sun in the east. The sun is the heavenly body that dispels
darkness. The Sevel on the banner announces the approach of knowledge which will destroy
all ignorance. The 10 day fast or sadhana is the clearance of ones mind, body and soul. By
fasting and going to temple and praying for 10 days devotees become spiritually charged
and uplifted to carry their Kavady.

The Vel
Lord Muruga’s Vel is strong, straight and pointed, representing our spinal cord running
through the spinal column, to the top most part of our brain, which is the highest point of
knowledge. The Vel is the spear of wisdom, penetrating the intellect, seeking ultimate
reality. A deadly foe to the arrogant, to the lower natured it affords strength and protection
to the awaken soul.

The Mayil (Peacock)
The Peacock represents his Vahana (vehicle) symbolising his conquest over ego, vanity and
pride. By Lord Muruga sitting on the Peacock it symbolises the control he has over our pride
and ego.
Valli and Dheivany consorts of Lord Muruga
Valli is Icchashakti the power of will and Dheivany Kryashakti power of action.

Why yellow?

The ancient tribes in India started the Kavady festival by worshipping the rising sun. They
believed that the sun could provide heat and light but symbolically it could also burn up sins
and redeem devotees.
They recognized the sun as Lord Muruga.
The sun was seen as a yellow colour which is associated with Kavady.
That is why devotees wear yellow for Kavady.

Types of Kavadies
Various Kavadies one can carry
Manjal (turmeric powder)/worries and debts
Pushpa (Flowers)/ progress and success
Paal (Milk)/ Good life and prosperity
Thayier (Sour milk)/sickness
Illanier (tender coconut)/conceiving
Then (Honey)/truthfulness and honesty
Ellemichaai (Lime)/enemies
Vibhoothi (Holy ash)/blessings
Panier (Rose water)/ wealth and progress
Ney (Ghee) liberation
Meaning of the following?
Vetri-vel – The Vel of victory
Haragarogara – Hail, Hail, Hail Oh Lord
The six-syllabled mantra chanted for Lord Muruga
OM SARAVANABAVA NAMAHA/POTRI

SA – CONFERS THE PROSPERITY OF SHAKTI
RA – GIVES THE WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE
VA – BESTOWS HAPPINESS OF ENJOYMENT
NA – PROTECT FROM ALL FORCES OF EVIL
BA – CONFERS MORALITY
VA – CONFERS THE LIFE OF BLESSEDNESS

26 Ratha Saptami
Ratha Sapthami – An auspicious day to worship the Sun god
Adi Deva Namasthubhyam Praseeda Mama Bhaskara
Divakara Namsthubhyam Prabhakara Namosthuthe:
Ratha Sapthami is a very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. The Sun god travels in the
north and south directions in a year. These are called Uttarayanam(the first half of the year)
and Dakshinayanam(the second half of the year). The first half is considered most auspicious
than the second half of the year. This is the day that Surya was born to sage Kashyapa and
his wife Adithi.
Importance of Surya in Hinduism and Science
Surya is considered as an important god because he is the source of life. That’s why he is
placed in the center of navagrahas (nine planets). Scientists found out that sun is the center
of all nine planets and all of them orbit around the sun. Our sages found out this truth
thousands of years ago and mentioned at several places in the Hindu scriptures. In fact, the
characteristics of the sun and all the nine planets have been clearly described in the Vedas.
One can identify these characteristics in the “navagraha manthra”, and are similar to what
the NASA scientist described in their research findings. This is a great testimony to state that
many aspects of Hindu faith are scientifically important.

26 Indian Republic Day

30 Jaya Ekadasi

Bhaimi Ekadasi (Jaya Ekadasi) It is said that if one observes upavasa on this day then one
receives entrance to Visnu's abode, even though one has not performed the other vratas of
the year. NOTE: The half day fast (vrata) for the appearance of Lord Varahadev is also
observed on this Ekadasi day, and the utsav (festival celebration - pujas and feasting, etc.) is
observed on the Dvadasi, which is when He appeared.

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "Oh Lord of the lords, Sri Krishna, all glories unto You! Oh Master
of the universe, You alone are the source of the four types of living entities " those born
from eggs, " those born from perspiration, " those born from seeds and " those born from
embryos. You alone are the root cause of all, Oh Lord, and therefore You are the creator,
maintainer and destroyer. "My Lord, You have so kindly explained to me the auspicious day
known as Sat-tila Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the
month of Magha (January - February). Now please explain to me the Ekadasi that occurs in
the light fortnight (shukla or Gaura paksha) of this month. By what name is it known, and
what is the process for observing it? Who is the presiding Deity that is to be worshipped on
this sublime day, which is so very dear to You? Lord Sri Krishna replied, "Oh Yudhisthira, I
shall gladly tell you about the Ekadasi that occurs during the light half of this month of
Magha. This Ekadasi obliterates all kinds of sinful reactions and demoniac influences that
may be affecting the spirit soul. It is known as Jaya Ekadasi, and the fortunate soul who
observes a fast on this sacred day is relieved of the great burden of ghostly existence. Thus
there is no better Ekadasi than this, for it truly bestows freedom from birth and death. It is
to be honoured very carefully and diligently. So you to listen to Me very attentively, Oh
Pandava, as I explain a wonderful historic episode regarding this Ekadasi, an episode that I
have already related in the Padma Purana. Long, long ago in the heavenly planets, Lord
Indra ruled his celestial kingdom very nicely, and all the devas (demigods) living there were
very happy and content. In Nandana Forest, which was beautifully graced with Parijata
Flowers, Indra drank ambrosia whenever he liked and enjoyed the service of fifty million
celestial maidens, the Apsaras, who danced in ecstasy for his pleasure. Many singers, led by
Pushpadanta, sang in sweet voices beyond compare. Chitrasena, Indra's chief musician was
there in the company of his wife Malini and his handsome son Malyavan. An Apsara named
Pushpavati became very much attracted to Malyavan; indeed Cupid's sharp arrows pierced
the core of her heart. Her beautiful body and complexion, along with the enchanting
movements of her eyebrows, captivated Malayavan. "Oh King, listen as I describe the
splendid beauty of Pushpavati: She has incomparably graceful arms with which to embrace
a man like a fine silken noose; her face resembles the Moon; her lotus eyes reached almost
to her lovely ears, which were adorned with wonderful and costly ear-rings; her thin,
ornamented neck looked like a conch, having three lines; her waist was very slender, the
size of a fist; her hips were broad, and her thighs like the trunks of banana trees; her
naturally beautiful features were complemented by gorgeous ornaments and garments; her

breasts were highly raised emphasizing her prime of youth; and to look upon her feet was to
behold newly grown red lotuses. Seeing Pushpavati in all her heavenly beauty, Malyavan
was bewitched at once. They had come with the other performers to please Lord Indra by
singing and dancing enchantingly, but because they had become so enamored of each
other, pierced through the heart by the arrows of Cupid, lust personified, they were utterly
unable to sing or dance properly before the lord and master of the heavenly realms. Their
pronunciation was wrong and their rhythm careless. Lord Indra understood the source of
the errors at once. Offended at the discord in the musical performance, he became very
angry and screamed, "You useless fools! You pretend to sing for me while in a stupour of
infatuation with each other! You are mocking me! I curse you both to suffer henceforth as
pisachas (hobgoblins). As husband and wife, go to the earthly regions and reap the reactions
of your offenses.' Struck dumb by these harsh words, Malyavan and Pushpavati at once
became morose and fell from the beautiful Nandana Forest in the kingdom of heaven to a
Himalayan peak here on planet Earth. Immeasurably distressed, and their celestial
intelligence vastly diminished by the effects of lord Indra's fierce curse, they lost their sense
of taste and smell, and even their sense of touch. It was so cold and miserable high on the
Himalayan wastes of snow and ice that they could not even enjoy the oblivion of sleep.
"Roaming aimlessly hither and thither in those harsh altitudes, Malyavan and Pushpavati
suffered more and more, from one moment to the next. Even though they were situated in
a cave, because of the snowfall and cold their teeth chattered ceaselessly, and their hair
stood on end because of their fright and bewilderment. In this utterly desperate situation,
Malyavan said to Pushpavati, 'What abominable sins did we commit to have to suffer in
these pisacha bodies, in this impossible environment? This is absolutely hellish! Though hell
is very ferocious, the suffering we are undergoing here is even more abominable. Therefore
it is abundantly clear that one should never commit sins." And so the forlorn lovers trudged
onward in the snow and ice. By their great good fortune, however, it so happened that very
day was the all auspicious Jaya (Bhaimi) Ekadasi, the Ekadasi of the light fortnight of the
month of Magha. Because of their misery they neglected to drink any water, kill any game,
or even eat whatever fruits and leaves were available at that altitude, they unknowingly
observed Ekadasi by fasting completely from all food and drink. Sunk in misery Malyavn and
Pushpavati collapsed beneath a Pipal tree and did not even try to get up. The Sun had set by
that time. The night was even colder and more miserable than the day. They shivered in the
frigid snowfall as their teeth chattered in unison, and when they became numb, they
embraced just to keep warm. Locked in each others arms, they could not enjoy neither sleep
nor sex. Thus they suffered through the whole night under the powerful curse of the deva
Indra. "Still, Oh Yudhisthira, by the mercy of the fast they had by chance (unknowingly)
observed on Jaya Ekadasi, and because they had remained awake all night, they were
blessed. Please hear what happened on the next day. As Dwdasi dawned, Malyavn and
Pushpavati had given up their demoniac forms and were once again beautiful heavenly
beings wearing lustrous ornaments and exquisite garments. As they both looked at each
other in amazement, a celestial airplane (vimana) arrived on the spot for them. A chorus of
heavenly denizens sang their praises as the reformed couple stepped into the beautiful
aircraft and proceeded directly to the heavenly regions, buoyed up by the good wishes of
everyone. Soon Malyavan and Pushpavati arrived at Amaravati, Lord Indra's capital city, and
then they immediately went before their lord (Indradev) and offered him their cheerful
obeisances. "Lord Indra was astonished to see that they had been transformed, restored to
their original status and forms so soon after he had cursed them to suffer as demons far, far

below his celestial kingdom. Indradeva ask of them, 'What extraordinary meritorious deeds
have you performed so that you could give up your pisacha bodies so quickly after I cursed
you? Who released you from my irresistible curse? "Malyavan replied, 'Oh lord, it was by
the extreme mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna (Vasudeva) and
also by the powerful influence of the Jaya Ekadasi, that we were released from our suffering
condition as pisachas. This is the truth, Oh master, because we executed devotional service
to Lord Vishnu (even performed unknowingly - by ajnata sukriti) by observing the day most
dear to Him, we have happily been restored to our former status." "Indradev then said,
'Because you served the Supreme Lord Sri Keshava by observing Ekadasi, you have become
worshippable even by me, and I can see that you are now completely purified of sin.
Whosoever engages in devotional service to Lord Sri Hari or Lord Shiva becomes
praiseworthy and worshippable even by me. Of this there is no doubt.' Lord Indradev then
gave Malyavan and Pushpavati free rein to enjoy each other and wander about his heavenly
planet as they wished. "Therefore, Oh Maharaj Yudhisthira, one should strictly observe a
fast on the sacred day of Lord Hari, especially on this Jaya Ekadasi, which frees one from the
sin of killing even a twice born brahmin. A great soul who observes this fast with full faith
and devotion has in effect given all kinds of charity, performed all kinds of sacrifice, and
bathed in all the Holy places of pilgrimage. Fasting on Jaya Ekadasi qualifies one to reside in
Vaikuntha and enjoy unending happiness for billions of yugas - indeed, forever as the soul is
eternal. Oh great king, Lord Sri Krishna continued, one who even hears or reads these
wonderful glories of Jaya Ekadasi achieves the blessed merit attained by performing an
Agnistoma fire sacrifice, during which the hymns from the Sama-veda are recited." Note on
Cupid: Kamadeva, lust personified, has five names according to the Amara-kosha dictionary:
kandarpa darpako 'nanga kamah pancha-sharaih smarah "Cupid has five names; (1) Cupid;
(2) Darpaka, 'he who prevents future events'; (3) Ananga, 'he who has no physical body'; (4)
Kama, 'lust personified'; and (5) Pancha-sharaih, 'he who holds five arrows' ". Kandarpa: In
the tenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita (BG 10:28.) Lord Sri Krishna says, prajanash casmi
kandarpah; "Of causes for procreation, I am Kandarpa". The word Kandarpa also means
"very beautiful". Kandarpa appeared as Lord Krishna's son Pradyumna in Dwaraka. Darpaka:
This name indicates that Cupid can perceive what is to take place and prevent it from
happening. Specifically, he tries to impede pure spiritual activity by alluring one's mind and
forcibly engaging one in material sense enjoyment. Ananga: Once, when Cupid disturbed
the meditation of Lord Shiva, that powerful deva (demigod) burned him (Cupid) to ashes.
Still, Shiva gave Cupid the benediction that he would act in the world even without a
physical body - like a ghost. Kama: In Bhagavad Gita BG 7:11.) Lord Sri Krishna says,
dharmaviruddho bhuteshu kamo'smi: "I am sex life which is not contrary to religious
principles." Pancha-sharaih: The five arrows with which Cupid pierces the mind of the living
entities are taste, touch, sound, smell, and sight. These are the five names of the
empowered deva Cupid, who enchants all living entities and makes them do whatever he
wants. Without receiving the mercy of Guru and Krishna one cannot resist his power. Thus
ends the narration of the glories of Magha-shukla Ekadasii, or Jaya Ekadasi, from the
Bhavishya-uttara Purana.

FEBRUARY

1 Vasant Panchmi

Vasant Panchami is a famous festival that marks the end of the winter season and ushers in
the springtime. Sarasvati is the Hindu goddess of the Vasant Panchami festival. Young girls
wear bright yellow dresses and participate in the festivities. The color yellow holds a special
meaning for this celebration as it signifies the brilliance of nature and the vibrancy of life.
The whole place bursts with yellow during the festival.
People dress in yellow and they offer yellow flowers to others and to the gods and
goddesses. They also prepare and feast on a special pastry called kesar halwa or kesar
halva, which is made from flour, sugar, nuts, and cardamom powder. This dish also includes
saffron strands, which gives it a vibrant yellow color and mild fragrance. During the Vasant
Panchami festival, India’s crop fields are filled with the color yellow, as the yellow mustard
flowers bloom at this time of the year. Pens, notebooks, and pencils are placed near the
goddess Devi's feet to be blessed before they are used by students.

7 Magha Purnima

Magh Purnima will be celebrated on Tuesday, 3 February, 2015. According to Brahma
Vaivarta Purana, Lord Vishnu resides in the water on Ganges on this day. Hence, it is
believed that even touching the holy water of Ganges on this day provides salvation. It is
also believed that Lord Vishnu is most impressed when a person takes a bath in the holy
rivers on this day. Even fasts, donations or charities don’t impress him as much.

Magh Purnima is also known as Maghi Purnima. It is believed that a person is freed from all
kinds of sins and problems if he takes a bath in Ganges on this day. It also provides peace of
mind and purity. A person should chant "Om Namah Bhagvate Vasudevaya Namah" while
taking a bath.

Magh Purnima Worship

Lord Satyanarayana’s katha is organized on the day of Magh Purnima. Banana leaves,
panchamrit, supari, pan, sesame seeds, red thread, sindoor, kumkum, durva etc. are used to
worship Lord Satyanarayana. Panchamrit includes milk, honey, bananas, ganges water, tulsi
leaves and sweets. Flour is also fried and sugar is mixed with it. This is used as prasad. Lord
Satyanarayana is worshipped after the katha. After this, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Mahadev and
Lord Brahma’s aartis are sung. Prasad and Charnamrit are distributed among everyone.

9 Thai Poosam Kavady

13 Kumbha Sankranti

During Kumbha Sankranti the Sun is in a transitory phase and is moving from Makar Rashi to
Kumbha Rashi. Of the twelve Sankranti that occur during any given year, Kumbha Sankranti
is the eleventh in the year. Many communities across Eastern India celebrate Kumbha
Sankranti with full religious fervor. The Punya Kaal Muhurta for Kumbha Sankranti during
2015 will last from 07:05 to 08:33. During this, the Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta will last for 23
minutes and this would start from 08:09 and last till 08:33.

Kumbha Sankranti is also closely associated with Kumbh Mela which is considered to be
biggest and the most auspicious religious gathering in the world.Legends of Kumbha
SankrantiKumbh Mela is being held since 629CE. King Harshavardhana was the ruler during
this phase. Bhagavad Puran also makes a mention of Kumbha Sankranti which falls during
the period of Kumbh Mela. Devotees take bath in River Ganges on the occasion of Kumbha
Sankranti. Devotees ensure their presence in any of holy cities through which the Ganges
passes. Ganges in Haridwar, Yamuna in Allahabad, Shipra in Ujjain and Godavari in Nasik are
some of the places where devotees take bath on the occasion of Kumbha Sankranti.

15 Vijay Ekadasi

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, “Oh Lord Sri Krishna, O glorious son of Vasudeva, please be
merciful to me and describe the Ekadasii that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month
of Phalguna (February-March)

Lord Sri Krishna replied, “Oh Yudhisthira, Oh king of kings, gladly I shall tell you about this
great fast, known as Vijaya Ekadasii. Whoever observes it certainly achieves success in this
life and the next. All the sins of one who fasts on this Ekadasii and hears its sublime glories

are eradicated.

Narada Muni once asked lord Brahma, who sits on a lotus flower about the Vijaya Ekadasii.
Sri Narada said, ‘Oh best of all the demigods, kindly tell me the merit one can achieve by
faithfully observing Vijaya Ekadasii.’
Narada’s great father then replied, ‘My dear son, this oldest of fasting days is pure, and it
nullifies all sins. I have never revealed this to anyone until today, but you can understand
beyond any doubt that this Ekadasii bestows the result indicated by its name… (Vijaya
meaning Victory).

When Lord Rama was exiled to the forest for fourteen years, He, the goddess Sita, and His
divine brother Lakshmana stayed at Panchavati as mendicants. Mother Sita was then
kidnapped by the demon Ravana, and Lord Rama seemingly became bewildered like an
ordinary man by distress. While searching for His beloved consort, the Lord came upon the
dying Jatayu and thereafter killed His enemy Kabandha.. The great devotee-vulture Jatayu
returned to Vaikuntha after telling Rama how His dear Sita had been abducted by Ravana.

Later, Lord Rama and Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, became friends. Together they
amassed a grand army of monkeys and bears and sent HanumAnji his minister to Sri LankA,
where he was able to see Janaki (Srimati Sita devi) in an Ashoka grove garden. He delivered
Lord Rama’s message and showed the ring proving his authenticity for rendering such great
service to the Supreme Lord Sri Rama.“ ‘With the help of Sugriva, Lord Rama proceeded
toward Sri Lanka. Upon arriving at the shore of the ocean with the army of monkeys, He
could understand that the water was uncommonly deep and hostile. Thus He said to
Lakshmana, “Oh son of Sumitra, how can We earn enough merit to be able to cross this vast
ocean, the unfathomable abode of Varuna deva? I can see no easy way to cross it, teeming
as it is with sharks and other ferocious aquatics.

Lakshmana replied, “Oh best of all beings, Oh origin of all the devas, Oh primal personality,
the great sage Bakad Albhya lives on an island just four miles from here. Oh Raghava, he has
seen many BrahmAs come and go, so aged and wise is he. Let us go to him, take his darshan
(audience) and ask him how We can safely reach Our goal.

So Rama and Lakshmana proceeded to the humble Ashrama of the incomparable Bakad
Albhya Muni. Approaching him, the two Lords paid Their respectful obeisances to him as if
he were a second Vishnu. Bakad Albhya could immediately understand, however, that Sri
Rama was actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who for His own reasons had
appeared on the Earth and was enacting just like a human being.

Rama, “ said BakadAlbhya, “Oh best of the human beings, why have You come to my lowly
abode?

The Lord replied, “Oh great, twice born brahmin, I have come here to the ocean shore with
My phalanx of monkey and bear warriors in order to cross the sea and conquer LankA and
its demon horde headed by Ravana. Oh greatest of sages, please be merciful unto Me and
please tell Me how I can cross this vast ocean. That is why I have come to your Ashrama
today.

The sage said, “Oh Lord Sri Rama, I shall tell you of the most exalted of all fasts, observing
which You will surely conquer Ravana and be eternally glorified. Kindly now listen with full
attention.

On the day before Ekadasii, fashion a water pot of gold or silver, or even copper. Even clay
will do if these metals are unavailable. Fill the pot with pure water and then decorate it
nicely with mango leaves. Cover it and place it near a holy altar upon a mound of seven
grains (the seven grains are barley, wheat, rice, corn, chickpeas, kukani, and dahl or peas).
Now take Your morning bath, decorate the water pot with flower garlands and sandalwood
paste, and inn the concave lid atop the pot place there the barley, pomegranate, and
coconut. Now with great love and devotion worship the water pot Deity form and offer Him
incense, sandalwood paste, flowers, a ghee lamp, and a plate of sumptuous foods. Remain
there awake that night beside this sacred pot. On top of the lid filled with barley, etc., place
a golden murthy of Lord Sri Narayana.

When Ekadasii dawns, take Your morning bath and then decorate the water pot with fine
sandalwood paste and garlands. Then worship the pot again with first class incense, lamps,
sandalwood paste and flowers dipped in sandalwood paste, and then devoutly/devotedly
place many kinds of cooked food, pomegranate, and coconut before the water pot. Then
remain awake over night.

When the Dwadasi dawns, take the water pot to the bank of a holy river, or even to the
shore of a small pond. After worshipping it again properly, Oh King of kings, offer it with all
the aforementioned ingredients to a pure hearted brahmin, expert in the Vedic sciences. If
You and Your military commanders observe the Vijaya Ekadasii in this way, You will surely
be victorious in every way.

Lord Sri Ramachandra Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, did just as Bakad
Albhya Muni instructed, and thus He conquered all demoniac forces. Similarly, anyone who
observes the Vijaya Ekadasii in this way will always be victorious in this mortal world, and











obscenities at it as if at Holika. Then everywhere one hears shouts of 'Holi-hai! Holi-hai!'.

The tradition of burning 'Holika' is religiously followed in Gujarat and Orissa also. Here,
people render their gratitude to Agni, the god of fire by offering gram and stalks from the
harvest with all humility.

Further, on the last day of Holi, people take a little fire from the bonfire to their homes. It is
believed that by following this custom their homes will be rendered pure and their bodies
will be free from disease.
At several places there is also a tradition of cleaning homes, removing all dirty articles from
around the house and burning them. Disease-breeding bacteria are thereby destroyed and
the sanitary condition of the locality is improved.

The Legend of Radha-Krishna
The Legend
Young Krishna is known to be very playful and
mischievous. The story goes that as a child, Krishna
was extremely jealous of Radha's fair complexion since
he himself was very dark.

One day, Krishna complained to his mother Yashoda
about the injustice of nature which made Radha so fair
and he so dark. To pacify the crying young Krishna, the doting mother asked him to go and
colour Radha's face in whichever colour he wanted.
In a mischievous mood, naughty Krishna heeded the advice of mother Yashoda and applied
colour on her beloved Radha's face; Making her one like himself.

Well, there is also a legend to explain Krishna's dark complexion. It so happened that once a
demon attempted to kill infant Krishna by giving him poisoned milk. Because of which
Krishna turned blue. But Krishna did not die and the demon shriveled up into ashes.
The beautiful scene of Krishna's prank in which he played colour with Radha and other gopis
has been made alive in myriad forms in a number of paintings and murals.

The Celebrations

Somehow, the lovable prank of Krishna where he applied colour on Radha and other gopis
using water jets called pichkaris gained acceptance and popularity. So much so that it
evolved as a tradition and later, a full-fledged festival.
Till date, use of colours and pichkaris is rampant in Holi. Lovers long to apply colour on their
beloveds face and express their affection for each other.

This legend is wonderfully brought alive each year all over India, particularly in Mathura,
Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon-the places associated with Krishna and Radha.
In fact, the entire country gets drenched in the colour waters when it is time for Holi and

celebrate the immortal love of Krishna and Radha.

In some states of India, there is also a tradition to place the idols of Radha and Krishna in a
decorated palanquin, which is then carried along the main streets of the city. All this while,
devotees chant Krishna's name, sing devotional hymns and dance in the name of the lord.

5 Phalguna Purnima

Lord Chaitanya is none other than the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna
Himself. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, advented Himself as Lord
Caitanya Mahaprabhu, appearing in Sridhama Mayapura in the city of Navadvipa, Bengal in
the year 1407 AD. Sri Krishna Caitanya manifested his divine mercy in Kali Yuga by delivering
the Hare Krishna maha mantra and thereby saving the most fallen souls. The divine
appearance of Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu is celebrated on the full moon of the month
of Phalguna (February-March). This is the most auspicious day for all Gaudiya Vaisnavas. He
appeared as the son of Jagannath Mishra and Srimati Saci devi. Srimati Radharani becomes
greatly depressed when Krishna is not around. Krishna is unable to understand the reason
behind this. In order to do so, He incarnates as Lord Chaitanya. Thus, Lord Chaitanya is the
incarnation of Lord Krishna in the form of a devotee and with the bhava (mood) of Srimati
Radharani.

14 Sheetala Ashtami

Sheetla Ashtami is celebrated after a few days from Holi. Goddess Sheetla’s worship begins
from Ashtami Tithi in Krishna Paksha of Chaitra month. This year, it will be celebrated on
Monday, 24th March, 2014. Goddess Sheetla is worshipped on this day. Stale and cold food
is offered to Goddess Sheetla on this day. This is known as Basauda. The same food is eaten
as Prasad. It is distributed among devotees in the form of Naivedya.

Sheetla Ashtami Fast Eliminates Diseases

In Skanda Purana, Sheetla Mata’s Stotra has been called Sheetlashtak. It is believed that
Sheetlashtak was written by Lord Shiva. Sheetla Mata is worshipped as an important Hindu
Goddess. The magnificence of Goddess Sheetla has been explained in numerous religious
scriptures. Goddess Sheetla has been talked about in Skanda Purana in detail. Sheetla Mata
is usually associated with chickenpox. She can be seen holding a pot, soup, broom ad neem
leaves. She rides a donkey.

Sheetla Ashtami Worship

As mentioned earlier, stale and cold food is offered to Sheetla Mata on this day. This is
known as Basauda. This is done on the day of Ashtami. Devotees also fast on this day and
worship Goddess Sheetla. Sheetla Mata’s story is also recited. After this, she is worshipped