Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was ready to consider a ceasefire in Gaza as early as April 2024, six months into the war, according to a report by The New York Times. The plan, which included a proposed six-week truce and the release of hostages held by Hamas, was drafted and shared secretly with Egyptian […]
The US State Department is firing more than 1,300 employees on Friday in line with a dramatic reorganisation plan from the Trump administration that critics say will damage America’s global leadership and efforts to counter threats abroad. The department is sending layoff notices to 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers with domestic assignments in the United […]
Lebanon has no plans to have normal relations with Israel at the present time, and Beirut’s main aim is to reach a “state of no war” with its southern neighbour, the country’s president said Friday. President Joseph Aoun’s comments came as the Trump administration is trying to expand the Abraham Accords signed in 2020 in […]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to Washington this week netted President Donald Trump another nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize he covets, but the ceasefire the U.S. leader sought for the war in Gaza didn’t emerge. Despite Trump throwing his weight behind a push for a 60-day truce between Israel and Hamas, no breakthrough […]
What is Purnima? Purnima is the Sanskrit word for the day of a full moon. What makes purnima special? In most Sanatan Dharma cultures (and other religions/cultures), purnima is a very auspicious day celebrated with many festivals. Some examples are Kartik Poornima, Buddha Poornima and Guru Purnima to name a few. Scientifically, on this day, […]
Introduction This article intends to break down the structure of all Hindu scriptures. There is a definitive structure which most who consider themselves educated in Sanatan Dharma do not know and this article intends to draw the lines (where applicable) to help anyone understand. Though some meanings and interpretations may defer, the underline knowledge, sources […]
Introduction The literal translation of Upanishads is “to sit near” or “to sit next to”. This is in relation to a student sitting next to his or her teacher. The Upanishads form part of the most revered text in Sanatan Dharma, the Vedas. It is the latest and latter part of the Vedas and hence […]
Gita Jayanti, the celebration of wisdom encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita! It’s observed on the day when Lord Krishna delivered the sacred scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, taking place on the brink […]
It’s a beautiful celebration observed by Hindus, especially in the South Indian culture. Picture rows of oil lamps adorning homes, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere. This is the what you will see in places that observe this auspicious occasion. Kaarthigai Deepam is essentially the Festival of Lights, celebrated on the full moon day of […]
Makar Sankranti, celebrated annually on January 14th, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, or Makara in Sanskrit. It’s not just a date on the calendar it’s a celebration of nature, spirituality, and the profound connection between the two. Origins and Significance: Rooted in ancient Indian traditions, Makar Sankranti holds […]
Thai Pongal, a harvest festival that fills the air with the aroma of freshly harvested crops! It’s a significant celebration for Tamil Hindus and is typically observed in the Tamil month of Thai, which falls in January. The word “Pongal” translates to “boiling over” or “overflowing,” and the festival is named after the traditional dish […]
Introduction Adhik Maas, also known as the extra or leap month in the Hindu lunar calendar, is a fascinating and occasionally occurring phenomenon. Understanding the Hindu Lunar Calendar: Observances and Traditions: The Story of Adhik Maas and Lord Vishnu: The assignment of Adhik Maas (the extra or leap month) to Lord Vishnu is often associated […]
Introduction Annakut Govardhan Pooja is a joyous Hindu occasion that marks the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. The occasion is observed with devotion, elaborate rituals, and the offering of a diverse array of food items to Lord Krishna. Historical Background […]
Introduction Chitra Pournami is a vibrant celebration that revolves around the beauty and spiritual significance of the full moon in the month of Chaitra. Though not directly originating from specific Vedic scriptures, the festival has evolved over time and is deeply ingrained in Hindu culture. Observances and Significances: Vedic Connection While Chitra Pournami itself may […]
Introduction Dhan Trayodashi, falling on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartik (October-November), is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Bharat. The term “Dhan” means wealth, and “Trayodashi” refers to the thirteenth day. Dhan Trayodashi is rooted in various Puranas, particularly the Vishnu Purana and the Skanda Purana. The […]
Introduction Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism. This festival of lights signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is marked by vibrant decorations, family gatherings, and the illumination of countless lamps. Origins and Legends Ramayana Connection: In the […]
Introduction In the supreme realm of Sanatan Dharma, the ancient religion that forms the foundation of Hinduism, Ekadashi holds a sacred place. This significant ritual of fasting carries deep spiritual meaning and is observed on the 11th day of each Hindu lunar fortnight. By abstaining from food and performing various religious activities during Ekadashi, devotees […]
Introduction Holika Dahan, also known as Choti Holi or the Festival of Bonfires, is a vibrant Hindu celebration observed on the night before Holi, the Festival of Colors. This ancient festival holds deep cultural and mythological significance, offering a spectacle of fire, rituals, and joyous festivities. Date and Timing Holika Dahan usually takes place on […]
Introduction Maha Shivaratri, translated as the “Great Night of Shiva” or “A great night of auspiciousness” is a Hindu occasion observed in reverence to Lord Shiva. Falling on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalguna (usually February or March), Maha Shivaratri is a time of spiritual awakening, devotion, and […]
Masi Magham is a significant occasion observed in the Tamil month of Masi, which typically falls between February and March. It holds cultural and spiritual importance among Tamil Hindus and is often associated with sacred baths in rivers or water bodies during the Magham star. Origin and Mythological Significance Samudra Manthan: The story of Samudra […]
Introduction Thai Poosam, an auspicious occasion celebrated by millions of Hindus, primarily Tamilians, is a poignant expression of devotion and spiritual fervour. Date and Occurrence It is celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai, which typically falls between January and February in the Gregorian calendar. The bright full moon is […]
Introduction Vasanth Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is a joyous Hindu festival that heralds the arrival of spring. Celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Hindu month of Magha, which usually falls in January or February, this festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, music, and arts. Significance and Symbolism […]
The Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas or Nutan Varsh, is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy in the state of Gujarat, India. It is observed on the first day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in October or November of the Gregorian calendar. Calculation of Gujarati New […]
Guru Purnima, a sacred Hindu festival, unfolds on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha (June-July). It stands as a beacon of reverence, a day when devotees express gratitude to their Gurus, acknowledging their pivotal role in the journey of enlightenment. The source of all your spirituality stems from guru. Historical and Cultural […]
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to honour the birth of Lord Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Lord Rama. This auspicious day falls on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Chaitra, typically in March or April. This day holds profound spiritual significance, celebrating the embodiment of devotion, strength, and unwavering loyalty […]
Hindu Calendar The Hindu calendar, also known as the Panchang is a combination of lunar and solar influences. It incorporates lunar months and solar years. The lunar months align with the phases of the moon, while the solar year marks the time it takes for the Earth to complete its orbit around the sun. Structure […]
Kartik Purnima, also known as Dev Diwali or Tripuri Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik (October–November). It holds immense spiritual significance and marks the end of the Kartik month. Kartik Purnima and its significance are primarily mentioned in the Skanda Purana, one of the […]
Krishna Ashtami, also known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a Hindu occasion celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna in around 3228 BC, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It typically falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). The Origin of Krishna Ashtami […]
Maha Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. It is celebrated on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September). While Ganesh Chaturthi is not directly mentioned in […]
Mahalaya Pitru Paksha, also known as Pitru Paksha or Shraadh, is a Hindu ritual dedicated to honouring and paying respects to one’s ancestors and deceased relatives. It is observed during the lunar month of Bhadrapada, specifically during the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight). The practice of Pitru Paksha is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the […]
Naag Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpent deities, particularly the snake god, Naag. It is celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight in the month of Shravana (July-August). Origin of Naag Panchami The origin of Naag Panchami is rooted in Hindu legend, where serpents are often associated […]
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali or Roop Chaudas, is celebrated on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Ashwin (October-November). It precedes the main day of Diwali. The festival is associated with various stories, but it doesn’t have a specific mention in a particular Hindu scripture. […]
Narasimha Jayanti is a sacred Hindu occasion that celebrates the appearance of Lord Narasimha, a unique and fierce incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Narasimha Jayanti finds its roots in Hindu legend, specifically in the Bhagavata Purana. The festival marks the divine intervention of Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha (half-man, half-lion) to protect his devotee […]
Navaratri, a vibrant and spiritually significant Hindu occasion, is a celebration of the divine feminine energy. Navaratri finds its roots in various Hindu scriptures, including the Markandeya Purana and the Devi Mahatmya. This period symbolizes the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and the triumph of good over evil. Significance of Navaratri […]
The sacred Hindu festival of Nori Nem, celebrated mainly in Gujarat, India, is more than a tradition, it’s a story of a mother’s unwavering love and the divine intervention of the goddess Nori Maa. Nori Nem, where “Nori” translates to mongoose, and “Nem” signifies the ninth. This festival falls on the ninth day of the […]
Panguni Uthiram, a sacred Hindu occasion celebrating relationships, unity, and divine blessings celebrated by Hindus, particularly in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). It holds immense spiritual significance as it coincides with the full moon day (Purnima) and the Uthiram star, creating a potent cosmic alignment. Origin and Significance The roots of Panguni Uthiram trace […]
Purattasi is a Tamil month that holds immense significance in the Hindu calendar, especially in the Tamil Nadu region. It typically corresponds to the September-October period in the Gregorian calendar. Origin of Purattasi The origin of the observance of Purattasi is rooted in the belief that it is a sacred month dedicated to Lord Vishnu. […]
Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, is celebrated based on the Tamil solar calendar. The date typically falls on April 14th or 15th, coinciding with the solar new year and the vernal equinox. The date is calculated based on the position of the sun, marking the beginning of the month of Chithirai in the Tamil calendar. […]
Raksha Bandhan, a cherished Hindu occasion, is a celebration of the sacred bond between brother and sister. The origins of Raksha Bandhan trace back to Hindu stories. One well-known narrative is the tale of Lord Krishna and Draupadi during the Mahabharata. Draupadi, in a moment of despair, tore a strip of her saree to tie […]
Shitla Satam (also known as Sheetla or Shitala Satam) is a Hindu occasion dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shitala, believed to be the deity of pox and other infectious diseases. The origins and practices associated with Shitla Satam are more rooted in folk traditions, local customs, and community beliefs rather than being explicitly detailed […]
Skanda Shashti is a significant Hindu occasion dedicated to Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya or Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival finds mention in the Skanda Purana, a scripture dedicated to Lord Skanda. It narrates the stories and exploits of Lord Kartikeya, emphasizing his valour and divine role in […]
Sri Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami, is the most important Ashtami and which is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the eighth day of the Navaratri festival. It signifies the divine feminine energy and the culmination of the goddess’s battle against Mahishasura. While Sri Durga Ashtami itself may […]
Sri Durga Navami marks the ninth day of the Navaratri festival, a period dedicated to worshiping the various manifestations of Goddess Durga. This auspicious day celebrates the goddess’s ultimate victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Sri Durga Navami is referred to in the Devi Mahatmya text extracted from the Markandeya Purana. The text narrates the […]
Sri Ram Navami, commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. This occasion finds its roots in the epic Hindu scripture, the Ramayana, written by Sage Valmiki. The Ramayana narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama, emphasizing his principles of righteousness and dharma. Sri Ram Navami holds immense significance as […]
Sri Saraswati Puja is a revered Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts. On this day seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati for success in their academic and artistic endeavours. Goddess Saraswati Revered as the consort of Lord Brahma, the creator in the Hindu trinity, Saraswati symbolizes the […]
Determining the Date: Luni-Solar Calendar Ugadi is celebrated based on the luni-solar calendar, which considers both lunar and solar movements. It usually falls in March or April, marking the beginning of Chaitra month. Astronomical Alignments The date is determined by astronomical positions, specifically the position of the moon and the sun. It aligns with the […]
Vaikasi Visakam or Vaikasi Visagam is a significant Hindu festival that marks the auspicious birth of Lord Murugan, the divine warrior and son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The occasion is celebrated in honor of Lord Murugan’s birth. While there may not be a specific scriptural reference for Vaikasi Visakam, the stories of Lord […]
Varalakshmi Vratam is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, and is observed to seek her blessings for wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Scriptural Significance While there isn’t a specific single scripture exclusively narrating the Varalakshmi Vratam, the festival’s observance is widely inspired by the Skanda Purana. It is believed […]
Venkateswara Brahmotsavam is a grand and spiritually significant Hindu occasion celebrated at the renowned Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It is also celebrated around the world by millions. Story and Origin Once upon a celestial epoch, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, yearned to seek the divine blessings of Lord Venkateswara, a […]
Vijay Dashmi, also known as Dussehra, emerges as a radiant celebration within the broader canvas of Navaratri, marking the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness) and the victory of good over evil. Rooted in the divine tales of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga, this festival resonates with the eternal struggle between virtue and malevolence. […]
In the realm of Hindu astrology, Panchak Yoga holds a unique place, guiding practitioners through specific celestial alignments. Panchak Yoga is a period in Hindu astrology when the Moon aligns with the last five zodiac signs, namely Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemini in western astrology. This alignment is believed to carry both cosmic challenges […]
Situated in Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Ram, the Ram Mandir stands as a monumental fusion of devotion and history. This temple encapsulates centuries of history and cultural significance, embodying the spiritual ethos of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Bharat.