Category: Festivals
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Diwali: festival of inner illumination
This week, Hindus across the world celebrate Diwali which can span up to 6-7 days. There are several puranic narratives and rituals associated with the many days of Diwali celebrated by different communities. Cutting across diverse regional customs is the ritual of lighting rows of lamps signifying the cultivation of truth, knowledge and inner divinity…
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Hindus observe the festival of victory
Today is the festival of Vijayadashami; Dussehra, Dasara, Dashain and Bijoya.This sacred day marks the end of the Navaratri/Durga rituals and marks Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Rama also observed Durga puja and secured the Devi’s blessings which led to his victory over Ravana, which is also observed today. The day also recalls the Mahabharata, where…
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Durga’s Autumnal Festivals
This month, Hindus across the globe kick off the Hindu Autumn festival season with observances dedicated to Adishakti (feminine cosmic power) in the form of Durga. The embodiment of unconquerable force, the fierce Durga manifests from the combined powers of the Devas as a mighty warrior who vanquishes the Asuras Mahishasura, Shumba-Nishumba, Chand-Munda etc. Hinduism…
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Vishvakarma Puja: festival of the divine architect
Vishvakarma is the Hindu deity of crafts and architecture and is largely worshipped by Hindu artisan and craft communities. In the Puranas and Itihasas, Vishvakarma is credited for designing Krishna’s Dwarka, the Pandava’s Indraprastha and Ravana’s Lanka as well as creating the weapons of the great Devas such as Vishnu’s Chakra and Shiva’s Trishula. Vishvakarma…
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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…