Category: Festivals
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Onam: Honouring King Bali
Onam is observed during the Hindu solar month of Simha (Chingam) on the day of the Shravana Nakshatra and marks the end of 10 days of festivities. Onam is celebrated in parts of Tamil-speaking regions, but most significantly in Kerala where it is one of the most important festivals. In addition to marking the harvest,…
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Heralding the arrival of Ganesh
Ganesh is the deity who creates and removes obstacles that guide an individual towards a spiritually evolved life. This Deva grants success, prosperity, abundance, inner joy and intelligence. Ganesh is the Deva of beginnings and doorways; hence his blessings are sought ahead of all undertakings and milestones. In addition to his centrality in worldly life,…
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Janmashtami 2024
Krishna is one of the incarnations of Vishnu, embodying the most playful aspects of the absolute Brahman (Lila Purshottam). A highly complex character, Krishna appeals to different types of spiritual seekers who approach him as an adorable child, a romantic youth, a mighty warrior, an astute statesman or a guru of yogic practice. Though its…
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Festival of Chariots and Kutchi New Year
Ratha Yatra; the festival of chariots, involves the presiding deity of a temple going on a procession in a wooden chariot pulled through the surrounding streets. The timing of this festival varies between temples. Here in the UK, South Indian temples that follow ancient Agama traditions hold Ratha Yatras through the spring and summer months.…
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Hindus bring Holi to Ancient British Castle
Saturday 23rd March 2024: 3,000 people attended a Holi celebration in the grounds of Corfe Castle in Dorset. The event was organised by the Bournemouth Poole Christchurch Indian Community group in collaboration with the National Trust; a charity that supports places of natural and historic beauty across Britain. Built by William the Conqueror in the…
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Narasimha Chaturdashi observed today
Narasimha is the half man-half lion incarnation of Vishnu who vanquished Hiranyakashipu in order to protect his devotee, Prahalada. On his appearance day (Vaishaka Shukla Chaturdashi), Hindus fast through daylight hours and perform a puja at sunset; the time at which Narasimha appeared. One of the most ferocious Vaishnava deities, he is invoked for protection…
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Akshaya Tritiya and appearance of Parashurama
Today, 10th May 2024, Hindus mark Akshaya Tritiya. It is regarded as one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, which grants success and growth for any spiritual or worldly endeavours (i.e making investments or getting married). Acts of charity and extra spiritual acts on this day confer extra merit. The day is…
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Hindus celebrate a historic Rama Navami
The appearance of Rama; one of the most popular avatars of Vishnu is observed today (Chaitra Shukla Navami). As Rama, Vishnu set the example of ideal human values. Unlike other avatars, where Vishnu displayed his superhuman traits, Rama lived as a man experiencing a life of emotional conflicts, psychological upheaval and personal tragedies. And despite…
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Mesha Sankranti – Hindu Solar New Year
The Sankranti (transit) of the Sun into Mesha Rashi (Taurus) is celebrated as the New Year* by Hindu communities that follow the Solar Hindu calendar. This largely includes the Assamese (Rongali Bihu), Bengali (Pohela Boishakh), Bodo (Bwisagu), Maithali (Jur-Sital), Malayalam (Vishu), Odia (Pana Sankranti), Punjabi (Vaisakhi), Tamil (Puthandu) and Tullu (Bisu) Hindu communities. The name…
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Varsha Pratipada, Chetichand & Vasanta Navaratri
The first day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha marks the start of the year in most regions of Bharat that follow the Lunisolar Hindu calendar*. This New Year festival (Varsha Pratipada) is marked by Marathi, Konkani, Kanadinga, Telugu, Kashmiri and Sindhi-speaking Hindus and by some members of Hindi, Nepali and Rajasthani linguistic groups. Ugadi, Yugadi and…
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Hindu festival of light begins today
Diwali is a multifaceted festival with different Hindu communities marking this time of year with their own unique narratives and customs. The duration of Diwali differs across regions, with many Hindus starting 6 days of festivities today. Diwali is perhaps the best example of how Hinduism gives space to a level of diversity, often unseen…
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Hindus express gratitude for public service on Raksha Bandhan
The festival of Raksha Bandhan, which was marked in August, is traditionally associated with the renewal of sibling bonds, where sisters tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) on the wrists of their brothers. This symbolises protection, and comes from the idea of protective feminine power. Across the diaspora, Raksha Bandhan has also become a time to…