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The word “Akshaya” literally means free from decay. The devotion exhibited on this particular day will never perish but gain permanency. The festival and the fast are observed on the third day of the bright half of the Vaisakha. This day is also said to be the first day of the Satyayuga. On this day a fast is observed and Brahmins are provided with lood giants and olhel c(li►le items in charity. Vishnu and Lakslimi arc worshipped with offerings of tulsi leaves, flowers, incense, lamps, water from the holy Ganga and naivedya. Having a bath in the holy Ganga or in other rivers is considered to be extremely auspicious on this day. Devotees gather to worship Lord Badrinarayan whose portals are opened on this day with numerous offerings.A chariot festival of Lingaraj is held at Bhubaneswar along the lines of the chariot festival of Lord Jagannath at Puri. The idol of Lord Lingaraj is taken out in a giant wooden chariot to Rameshwar Temple. It is a major local festival, which is witnessed by thousands of devotees and spectators alike.Baisakhi is a festival of North India, more prominently in Punjab, which marks the arrival of the harvesting season. The festival always falls on April 14 and marks the beginning of the solar year. Just before the festival the farmer returns home with his bumper crop, the fruit of his whole year’s hard labour. This festival is celebrated to thank God for the good harvest for during that year and the coming year also. Early in morning of Baisakhi, people take a dip in holy rivers. Fairs are organized at various places in Punjab, where besides other recreational activities, wrestling bouts are also held. The Sikhs celebrate this day by visiting gurudwaras and distributing kada prasad. Processions led by the Panj Piaras or the five religious men are taken out. Kirtans and recital of passages from the Granth Sahib are also organized in gurudwaras, where people line up to receive the delicious prasad and perform kar sewa—that is, offering help in the daily chores of the gurudwaras. The most sacred pilgrimage centre is Amritsar, where the Golden Temple is situated. This day is of immense religious import to the Buddhists because Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree in the town of Gaya on this auspicious day. The day is also known as Buddha Purnima in some parts of the country.A great festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Sundareshwara with the fish-eyed goddess Meenakshi is held in Madurai with great religious fervour in the month of Chaitra (March-April). The festival lasts for a period of ten days and revolves around the Meenakshi temple, which constitutes An extraordinary example of Dravidian Architecture. The most impressive festival of Madurai is the wedding anniversary, which is referred to as Meenakshi Kalyanam. Innumerable devotees from all corners of India gather together on this occasion.In Puri (situated in Orissa) the summer festival of Lord Jagannath is celebrated with much enthusiasm and religious fervour. It is also celebrated in Bhubaneshwar, Balanga and Baripada. It commences on Akshaya Tritiya, which is sometime in and around April-May and continues for a
Period of 21 days.On every day of the festival, images of the deities are taken out in a grand procession to tanks placed in the neighbouring areas and are rowed out into richly ornamented boats to the accompaniment of dance and music. The Bhaund Yatra is performed on the last day of the celebrations.This is believed to be an extremely sacred day and therefore a fast is observed on every eleventh day of the bright and dark half of the month. The eleventh day is set apart for religious exercises and fasting and is a day dedicated especially for the worship of Lord Vishnu. It is a popular belief that Lord Vishnu transformed himself into Ekadashi in order to redeem mankind from sins and this day is specifically significant as it is considered to be an embodiment of Lord Hari himself. A total of twenty four Ekadashi fasts are observed in the span of one year and Nirjala Ekadashi is one among them of greater importance. On the preceeding day only one meal is taken and Sandhya is performed. The evening is spent by worshipping the Lord Vishnu and the night is engaged in prayer and meditation. There are strict regulations to be followed during these days. Eating rice is entirely Forbiddenon the day of Ekadashi.
A combination of milk, ghee, curds, honey and sugar called Pancharnritha is prepared and offered to the image of the Lord on the night of Nirjala Ekadashi. The deity is decorated with elaborate and intricate jewellery and ornaments and the puja is done using many lamps, flowers, water, incense and so on. After the rituals have been completed clothes, grains, umbrellas, fans and other items are distributed among Brahmins as charity.This is a festival, which is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of the Jyeshtha. “Dasara” literally means that which takes away ten sins. People wake up early in the morning and proceed towards the Holy Ganges to have a dip. Having a bath in the Ganga on this propitious day is believed to cleanse away sins and make people wholly pure again. As a result of this, the banks of the river remain crowded on this day, especially in and around the holy cities of Haridwar, Varanasi, Rishikesh, and so on.This is a festival in which women are the main participants and it is celebrated in the months of March-April on the third day of the bright half of the Chaitra. Gangaur—an eighteen day festival—is an extremely prominent local festival in Rajasthan. It is also celebrated in many parts of Northern India with great fervour. It commences from the day after Holi with special worship and prayers to Gauri the consort of Shiva.This is a festival that is chiefly celebrated in and around Maharashtra on the initial day of Chaitra in the months of March and April. The Chaitra Pratipada marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year when people wake up early and wear new festive clothes after cleaning up their houses. Houses are adorned with vibrant rangoli designs and frequently a silk banner is hoisted and worshipped. The exchanging of greetings and sweets is generally followed. Gudi Parva is celebrated as the New Year day by Maharashtrians. It is also known as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and marks the commencement of the spring season. Gudi Parva is considered a very auspicious day. New business enterprises are initiated, house-warming pujas are performed, and people may also decide to buy gold, silver or assets on this day.

There are some legends behind the celebration of Gudi Parva. It is believed that Brahma fashioned the Universe on this day and Satyayuga (The Age of Truth and Justice) started. It is also assumed that on this day, Rama killed King Vali and (Shri Rama went back to Ayodhya triumphant.)A grand bathing festival is held in Orissa on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima or a full Moon day in the months of May – June. The images of Lord Jagannath are brought in an elaborate parade at this propitious instance to the bathing platform for their ritual yearly ablutions. A hundred and eight pots of sacred water is poured upon the deities and they are then attired in Gaja Visha before they are made to retire into seclusion for a period of around fifteen days, which is
commonly called “Anavasara Period”.This is believed to be the day when Lord Hari or Vishnu retires to sleep on the bed of Sheshanaga. It commences on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the months of June-July and draws to an end on the eleventh Tithi of the bright fortnight of Karttika in the months of October to November. This four month period of the rainy season is known as Chaturmasya and it is during the course of this period that such propitious events such as weddings, thread-ceremonies or upanayanam and so on are prohibited. It is during this period of four months that the sages and rishis remain in meditation at one specific place.In Trichur, Pooram is an extremely important and significant festival, which has become an annual event. On this day a procession of about thirty richly ornamented elephants bearing the ceremonial umbrellas pass through the impressive temple entrance tower and form a line in the open ground. The popular belief is that on this day shiva (the temple deity Vadakkunnathan) rides on the elephant, which is at the centre. The elephants circle around the temple shrine in accompaniment to music generated by pipes and trumpets. This is usually followed by a fantastic display of fireworks, which goes into the wee hours of the morning.Sita—the consort of Lord Rama is also known as Janaki as she is the daughter of King Janaka. In honour of Janaki Navami, a fast is observed on the ninth day of the bright half of Vaisakha. It is popularly believed that Sita sprung on this day from a furrow as the king was ploughing the field. The name “Sita” literally means a furrow. Sita was in reality Goddess Lakshmi in a human
form who descended upon this world in order to exhibit all the ideals of the perfect Indian woman such as purity, compassion, faithfulness, spirit of unselfishness, sacrifice and every other imaginable female virtue.On the full moon day in the month of March-April on Chaitra Shuhla Purnima, the Lord Hanuman is worshipped all over the country either alone or along with Lord Rama. Most temples of Lord Rama contain an idol of Hanuman as well. Hanuman Jayanti—the birth anniversary of Hanuman, the son of Maruti—the Wind God and Anjana Devi is celebrated with much enjoyment And religious dedication, Strict fasts are observed by large numbers of people who also offer rigorous prayers in addition to reading the Ramayana and the Hanuman Chalisa. The idol of Lord Hanuman is given a new coat of vermilion colour along with clarified butter and then decorated with numerous ornaments.This is a festival, which is sacred to the Goddess Parvati who is the consort of Lord Shiva and is purely an event for girls and ladies. It was on this auspicious day that Parvati came together with Shiva after a lengthy separation as a result of which Parvati declared the day sacred and is believed to have said that whoever invoked her blessings on this particular day would come to gain whatever it was that they desired. This is a festival, which is celebrated annually in most parts of India and most especially in the State of Rajasthan on the third day of Ashadha. Numerous processions bearing images of Parvati are taken out escorted by richly ornamented elephants, camels and horses that are symbolic of Parvati leaving her parent’s house for her husband’s. Prior to the commencement of the procession, the goddess is worshipped in the traditional manner.On the fourteenth day of the bright half of Vaisakha, Lord Vishnu incarnated himself in the Narasimha or Man-Lion form in order to free all his devotees and the world at large from the depredations of the demon king Hiranyakasipu, who had received the boon of immortality from Lord Brahma. On this auspicious day people from all over the country observe fast, give away cows, grains and robes in charity to the poor as well as to Brahmins and meditate on Narasimha seeking his grace. The Man-Lion form of Lord Vishnu is symbolic of the omnipresence of God, his love, concern and compassion for his devotees as well as the triumph of good over evil.

Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as Parashurama Jayanti. It is believed that Parashurama (Lord Rama with an Axe) on this day brought about the end of the cruel and evil-minded kings and princes
Twenty one times in revenge against an insult caused upon his father. The story provides us with a great example of filial piety, submission, asceticism, respect and Brahminical power. Parashurama is believed to be the sixth incarnation of Vishnu who descended upon Earth in order to end the tyranny of certain Kshatriya Kings.Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama who is believed to be the seventh reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama was born on the ninth day of the Hindu month Chaitra and that is why that day is called Ram Navami. Ram Navami is one of the most important festivals of the Vaishnav sect of Hindus. In some parts of India, it is a nine-day festival known as Vasanta Navratri.
On this day, people observe a fast. Many devotees fast for nine days. In all the Ram Mandirs, aarti and puja are performed during the noon hours, the time of Lord Rama’s birth. Prasadam of sweets and fruits are given to people attending the puja. The idols of Lord Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman are adorned with new clothes, jewellery and flowers. Devotees visit various Ram Mandirs and offer sweets, flowers and fruits.This is celebrated through-out the country (but the chief festival is at Puri in Orissa) on the second day of the bright half of Ashadha and the chariot procession of Sri Jagannath is taken out through the streets and the main markets. The car festival of Puri is renowned all over the world and innumerable people from all parts of the globe come together to celebrate this momentous occasion. The grand Jagannath shrine was built in the 12th century and is considered one of the four great seats of Pilgrimage in India. On the occasion of this propitious day, Lord Jagannath is taken out in a huge procession in a colossal chariot, which is supported by sixteen wheels, drawn by thousands of devotees who compete with one another to have this honour. The other two chariots are of Baladeva and Sulthadra who are the brother and sister of Sri Krishna.Adi Shankaracharya is considered one of India’s greatest saint philosophers from time immemorial. He is a symbol of our country’s cultural and expressive harmony and balance inherent in everything. This festival is held in honour of Adi Shankaracharya’s birth anniversary and is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the Vaisakha. In North India however, it is celebrated on the tenth day.On the thirteenth day of the fortnight of Jyeshtha or in some places on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima, the fast of Vata Savitri, which is meant only for married women, is observed. This is a fast observed by married Hindu women for the sake of the longevity and prosperity of their husbands. This festival follows the well-known story of Savitri and Satyavan. Savitri is the epitome of wifely devotion.
The Vata or the Banyan is a sacred tree among the Hindus and much in the same way as Savitri, it is the desire of every Hindu woman to never die as a widow. On the day that Satyavan died, Savitri worshipped the Vata tree and similarly on Vata Savitri day women wake up early in the morning and worship the Vata in groups after their daily ablutions. The tree is watered in a ceremonial manner and then sprinkled with red powder after which they wrap raw cotton threads around its trunk. Parikrama is done right after this where the women go around the tree seven times. Once they return home, the women paint a banyan on a wall, which is considered sacred, and then decorate it with turmeric powder and sandal and worship it. Once the fast is broken, items such as clothes, fruits and so on are placed in a bamboo basket and given in charity to the Brahmins.At KheerBhawaniinKashmir, this is a festival that is celebrated on the eighth day of the bright half of Jyeshtha in the months ranging between May and June. Numerous people gather together from the neighbouring hill areas and get together at the shrine to celebrate the birth festival of the Goddess. “Naivedya” is offered by the worshippers after prayers. The people of the hills congregate to sing joyful hymns and songs praising Bhawani. Hundreds of Kashmiri Hindus visit the shrine of Kheer Bhawani, their personal Goddess, on a regular basis.This is a festival, which is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of the Jyeshtha. “Dasara” literally means that which takes away ten sins. People wake up early in the morning and proceed towards the Holy Ganges to have a dip. Having a bath in the Ganga on this propitious day is believed to cleanse away sins and make people wholly pure again. As a result of this, the banks of the river remain crowded on this day, especially in and around the holy cities of Haridwar, Varanasi, Rishikesh, and so on.A grand bathing festival is held in Orissa on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima or a full Moon day in the months of May – June. The images of Lord Jagannath are brought in an elaborate parade at this propitious instance to the bathing platform for their ritual yearly ablutions. A hundred and eight pots of sacred water is poured upon the deities and they are then attired in Gaja Visha before they are made to retire into seclusion for a period of around fifteen days, which is
commonly called “Anavasara Period”.Guru Vyasa or Ashadha Purnima falls on the full moon day of Ashadha and is a festival which dates back to time immemorial. It is a day which has been set apart for the veneration and worship of the Guru or teacher. Students in ancient times used to obtain their education in Ashramas or Gurukulas and the students would worship their teachers and pay respect to them on this day by giving them their “Gurudakshina” (offerings and payment) in accordance to their resources. The students and devotees fast on this day and worship their gurus and seek their blessings. This day is also known as Vyasa Purnima as Rishi Vyasa was a great Guru himself.Also known as Hari Tritiya, this is chiefly a women’s festival and it falls on the third day of the bright half of Shravana. Women of all ages on this day rejoice and make merry by exchanging gifts, singing and amusing themselves on swings hung in the houses and gardens. This is celebrated on a very grand scale in Uttar Pradesh and most especially in Braj Mandal. People prepare numerous sweets and delicacies on this day at home and enjoy themselves immensely.This is observed on the fifth day of the bright half of Shravana, which is in the months of July-August. Cobras and other snakes are worshipped on this day with milk, lamps, sweets and even sacrifices. Naga images in silver, stone, wood and so on are bathed with water and milk and then worshipped by reciting several mantras. A strict fast is observed and the Brahmins are fed on this day. Snake deities are also regarded as the guardians of the riches of the earth and ocean. Hindus deify snakes and regard them with veneration. This may be due to their association with the Gods. Shesha or Ananta, the king of serpents forms the couch for Lord Vishnu. The King of serpents, Vasuki adorns the neck of Lord Shiva forming a crest over the Lord. This day is dedicated to snakes and they are worshipped with milk and fruits.Nirjala Purnima is celebrated in order to pacify and placate the wrath of the Sea God Varuna, on the full moon day of Shravana. Sailors, fishermen and others living in the coastal areas of Southern India chiefly observe this festival, which also marks the end of the monsoon. Coconuts are offered to die sea on this occasion and in the event of the sea being far away, people proceed towards the nearest tank, pool or other water source and present the coconut.This is a festival, which is observed in Orissa on Shravana Purnima, and it generally falls in the month of August. The Swinging Festival of Lord Jagannath is celebrated on this day where the image of Lord Jagannath is positioned on a richly ornamented swing. It is believed that the Lord is made to relax to the accompaniment of music and dance. This is a celebration, which is observed
specially in the Jagannath Temple at Puri and other shrines for a week prior to the Shravana Purnima. The end of this festival is marked by the full moon day of the month.The word “Raksha” literally means protection and this festival is celebrated on the full moon day of Shravana in the months of July-August. On this propitious day women and girls tie a thread, which resembles an amulet around the right wrist of their brothers as an indication of protection against evil during the course of the following year. The thread is known as a “Rakhi” and is composed of a few twisted threads made of colourful cotton or silk or possibly even threads of silver or gold. The brothers are expected to give their sisters gifts or money and any other valuables in return while the sisters are expected to feed their brothers with dry fruits, sweets and other delicacies.
In Southern India, this function is better known as Avani Avittam and involves the exchange of the old holy thread with a new thread which has been duly worshipped with saffron and turmeric paste. Libation of water is offered to the ancestors and the Rishis on this occasion. This day is of special significance to a Brahmin boy who has freshly been invested with the holy thread as it helps him recall the glory and significance of religion. Vedas are also read and duly recited on this occasion and the day includes the exchange of sweets, visiting relations and friends as well as sending “Rakhis” by post to brothers who live in places far away.A majestic fair is held in Bihar during the sacred month of Shravani where numerous devotees fill up water from the holy Ganga and carry it upon their backs to offer it to the Shiva Lingam at Deogarh. The entire distance is covered on foot and the pilgrims, clad in saffron proceed chanting the name of the Lord. Pilgrims congregate in large numbers at the main shrine in Deogarh and present a remarkable sight.This is the most significant festival in the whole of Kerala. It is celebrated in and around the months of August-September, which are the Malayalam months of Chingam corresponding to Bhadra. Onam is primarily a harvest festival, which is associated with four continuous days full of feasting and making merry in addition to the snake boat races. It is believed that on the day of Onam, Bali—the legendary king of Kerala makes a visit to his people and the kingdom. A clay figurine of Vamana—the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day in temples and homes. The younger members of the family are gifted clothes and valuables by the elders. The”Snake” boat races of Kerala are very famous throughout the world.Skanda Shashti is celebrated in Southern India with enormous religious dedication and commitment in the Tamil month of Tulam, which falls in the months ranging between October-November. The second son of Shiva is named Skanda and is also known as Karttikeya or Subramanya.
His birth revolves around a unique story where Shiva cast his seed into the fire and it was received by the Goddess Ganga later Krittika cared him and for this reason he got six heads and the name Karttikeya. The baby was born for in order to destroy the Demon Taraka. In South India there are six places, which are connected with his existence and work and therefore are regarded extremely sacred. Skanda Shashti is the celebration of the day on which Taraka was overpowered. Hymns are sung, kirtans recited and events from his life are performed at this time. The celebration commences six days prior to the Shashti.Karttika Purnima is celebrated by the Sikhs as Guru Parva and Guru Nanak’s birthday. However it is observed by Hindus as a day when God incarnated himself in the form of a Matsya or Fish. Vishnu assumed the Fish Incarnation in order to save the progenitor of the human race from torrents. Any generosity displayed and acts of godliness observed on this day are supposed to receive great religious value. Having a bath in the holy Ganga or in any other holy water body is believed to be of particular spiritual importance. The Lord Shiva is worshipped on this occasion and the giving away of a bull, which is the divine mount of the Lord, as a present to a Brahmin is considered to be of immense spiritual importance. Huge cattle fairs are attended by huge numbers of devotees. Innumerable pilgrims take bath here by immersing themselves in the holy waters on this day as they seek the blessings of the Lord and engage in the joviality of the scene.The eighth lunar day of the dark half of Margashirsha is known as Bhairava Ashtami. Bhairava is also known as Shiva’s Gana or in other words his lesser form of appearance. He is dreadful in appearance and temperament and is worshipped in order to acquire victory, wealth, elimination of obstructions and recuperation from sickness. As an appalling aspect of the Lord Shiva, he disciplines the sinners, and for this reason bears a rod. As a result he is also called Dandapani as Danda literally means a staff. His mount is a dog and hence, he is called Swaswa. On this day, people after having executed their early morning ablutions and chores, worship Bhairava and his mount with offerings of sweets, flowers and so on. The dogs are provided with milk, sweets and such other treats. At night the devotees keep vigil and expend their time narrating anecdotes relating to Bhairavanath. Deceased ancestors are also offered oblations and libations at daybreak after bath, after which Kala-Bhairava is worshipped.In the South, Vaikuntha Ekadashi is celebrated in the month of Margashirsha, on both the eleventh days of the bright and dark fortnights, with great earnestness. Disciples observe a strict fast and stay wide awake throughout the night and perform kirtan, jap and have contemplative sessions. In the temple, an entryway is left open on this day and the devotees go by it. This is indicative of their entrance into heaven or Vaikuntha.The Bhagvad Gita Jayanti is celebrated on the eleventh day of the bright half of Margashirsha in the months of November-December. It is supposed that on this day Lord Krishna educated Arjuna on the revered wisdom of the Gita in the battleground of Kurushetra, and therefore made obtainable to the entire human race the Divine song. It is a fraction of the well-known epic Mahabharatha.Shivaratri is considered a festival as well as a vow. In literal terms it means the ‘Night of Shiva’ and is observed on Shiva Chaturdashi of Phalguna, which falls on the fourteenth day of the dark half of Phalguna in the months of February-March. The disciples stay wide awake throughout the night deep in thoughts revolving around such meaningful topics as meditation, jap, kirtan or in the reading and recitation of Shiva Mahima Stotra and Shiva Tandava Stotra. The `Lingam’, which is the representative symbol of the Lord Shiva, is worshipped with numerous offerings. Bel leaves are considered very sacred and dear to Shiva. Innumerable devotees gather at the Shiva shrines and expend the entire night involved in acts of dedication and holiness. Special puja and prayers are held at sacred places such as Varanasi, Tarakeshwar, Baidyanath, Balkeshwar, Rameshwaram and Ujjain. The disciples maintain stringent fasts and do not partake in even a drop of water. Lord Shiva is considered to be the Destroyer and is capable of dissolving every thing into nothingness, but simultaneously has the authority to restore and reproduce that which has been devastated and degenerated. He is considered a very powerful God who is greatly revered.This falls on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadra in the months of August-September. On this propitious day Lord Vishnu who is believed to sleep on the bed of Ananta (the Serpent Shesha), in the creamy sea is worshipped and meditated upon. While Vishnu takes rest in his abode, his companion Lakshmi kneads his feet in order to help him relax. A fast is observed on this day and fruits, sweets, flowers, etc. are offered to the Lord in worship. A string coloured in turmeric paste is attached on the upper right limb during the course of meditation. Vishnu is also known as Shesha-Shayi Vishnu. This bound thread is indicative of added defense against wickedness and guarantees prosperity and contentment. During the course of their exile in the forest, the Pandava Princes were advised by the Lord Krishna to observe this fast in order to recover their lost kingdom, prosperity, standing and cheerfulness.Dasara, which is also known as Vijaya Dashami, is an extremely popular Hindu festival, which is celebrated all through the country with much fun fair and joy. It is observed on the tenth day of the bright half of Ashvin in the months of September-October. The multihued Dasara fair is extremely well renowned. On the occasion of this favourable day, Lord Rama is worshipped, prayed and meditated upon in order to obtain his blessings and favour. It is a joyous occasion in which people come together with much excitement and happiness to celebrate the festival.Diwali, which is better known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant and well-liked festival, is celebrated all through the lenght and breadth width of the country. It falls on the last day of the dark half of Karthiha in the months ranging from October-November.There are numerous myths and legends behind this festival. One popular belief is that on this propitious day Goddess Lakshmi who is a symbol of eternal prosperity and wealth visits the houses of people as a result of which the citizens all over the country clean up their houses, organizations and stores and embellish them generously to welcome the Goddess. It also honours the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. It was on this day that Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura. A couple of days prior to the festival, the houses are whitewashed and washed clean. The exterior of every building is decorated and at night all the corners of the house are lit up with bright earthen lamps or candles accompanied by an elaborate display of fireworks which goes on deep into the early morning hours. People wake up in the early hours of the morning and after the completion of their daily work and morning ablutions, wear their new clothes and rejoice in the festivities. Account books are opened on this day and people of all ages and sections of society meet and greet one another with much love and affection distributing sweets to one another and enjoying the celebrations.Two days preceding Diwali, on the thirteenth day of the dark half of Kartika, Dhan Teras or Dhanvantri Trayodashi is observed with enormous delight and cheerfulness. In particular the physician-community worship Dilaiivantri, who is considered to be the physician of gods and who materialized at the churning of the ocean. He is also named Sudha-pani, as he emerged from the deep sea bearing nectar in his hands. The people wake up in the early hours of the morning and garb themselves in new clothes after their morning ablutions and then observe a fast. At sunset an earthen-lamp is customarily lit in front of the door of every house, and the fast is broken. Fresh utensils are purchased on this day as it is considered extremely propitious.The birth of Lord Ganesh is on the fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapad (August-September). This festival is celebrated for I 0 days from Ganesh Chaturthi to the final tenth day of his immersion. In several states of India, but especially in Maharashtra, clay idols of Ganesh in varying sizes are made and sold. The idols are purchased and brought home the day previous to Ganesh Chaturthi when women keep fast and invoke the blessings of goddess Parvati, who is Ganesh’s mother. On the day of immersion, which is either the 3rd, 5th, 7th or 10th day after performing “Puja” the idol is taken out in a procession by people who dance and sing. On the 10th day—the Anant chaturdashi day the sea ‘ruins are packed with a surging mass of humanity as the idols of Ganesh are carried towards their watery rest.Govardhana Puja is celebrated on Pratipada, which is the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartika in the months ranging from October-November. This day is associated with an appealing incident in the life of the Lord Krishna when he elevated the Govardhana Mountain and balanced it by his little finger for seven days and sheltered the cows as well as the people from the torrents of rain sent by an infuriated Lord Indra who is the God of Heaven and Rain. Till today it is an accepted practice for people from all quarters of the country to arrive in throngs to worship and circumambulate Mount Govardhana. It is also an accepted practice to decorate cows, bulls and cattle on this day and worship them.It is believed that Sri Krishna the supreme God made an appearance on the eighth day of the black half of Bhadra in the months of August-September as a result of which the day is popularly known as Janmastami or Krishna Janmashtami. It is celebrated in all corners of India with enormous eagerness. The condition in which the Lord Krishna took birth was rather strange and mystifying. He incarnated himself chiefly to obliterate wickedness and sin and to launch the principles of Dharma and good conduct.The subsequent day to Dhan Teras, is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi. It is a day devoted to The God of Death or Hell named Lord Yama. It is considered extremely auspicious to have an early morning bath in the wee hours on the morning on this day. Its is believed that the holy worth of those who bathe on this Tithi after the break of day is damaged as a result of which people wake up early in the morning and have a bath before anything else. Prior to the bath, oil is massaged on the body, which is deeply refreshing and cleansing. Following the bath, Lord Yama is offered libations three times in succession in order to gratify and placate him, so that he may spare the persons from the torments of demise. A strict fast is observed and at nightfall lamps are lit in honour of Yama. It is supposed that faithfulness observed on this day to felicitate the Lord Yama releases a man from potential agony in hell.Navratri is observed twice a year—one in the month of Chaitra and again in Ashvin in the months of September-October. This is a festival, which lasts for a duration of nine days. Navratri literally means “Nine Nights”. It begins with the new moon of Ashvin and concludes with Mahanavami on the ninth lunar day of the bright half of the month. Throughout the course of these nine days devotees are expected to maintain a stringent fast and worship Goddess Durga with much concentration. The sole ultimate aim of this festival is to gratify the Goddess Durga and seek her blessings. Young girls below the age of ten who are unmarried are also worshipped and provided with new gifts for the period of these nine days. A purified butter lantern is constantly kept ablaze throughout the celebration. In Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated with immense exhilaration and good cheer and an enormous puja pavilion with an idol of ten-armed Durga
is installed at various differing places. In every one of her ten hands she holds one of the Gods’ special weapons. Durga Puja exceeds all other festivals in Bengal as a result of its recognition and group appeal.Vasanta Panchami or Sri Panchami is the first day of the Spring Season. It signifies an Iteration in the time of year and proclaims the advent of colour, jollity, cheerfulness, appeal, aroma and freshness. Vasanta Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the light half of Magha in the months of January-February. This day is particularly dedicated to the Goddess of Learning named Saraswati. Yellow is a regal colour, and denotes tenderness, radiance, maturity, mellowness and mysticism and on this day yellow robes are worn and sweet rice, tinted with saffron is made ready. The Goddess Saraswati is worshipped and young children are instructed to learn alphabets. In Bengal this day is observed as Sri Panchami and the figurines of Goddess Saraswati are taken out in majestic parades following the ceremonial worship and submerged in the holy Ganga or in any other water body. Vedas are alleged to have been born in the deep crevices of her mind. On this unforgettable day, Shiva scorched Kamadeva to ashes,
by opening his third eye; because he tried to provoke his desire when he was engrossed in absolute meditation. However with divine intervention, Shiva once again made him alive.The fifteenth day of the dark fortnight of Magha, which is one of the most holy months in the Hindu calendar, is well known as Mauni Amavasya. On this day total silence is observed. If this tithi falls on Monday, then it is believed to be all the more propitious. People take a holy dip in the Ganges on this day as it is believed to be extremely meritorious. As a result, many
devotees subsist on the banks of the Sacred Ganga all through the month and every day Take pleasure in having a bath in the holy river. The month long bathing and fasting concludes with the observance of Mauni Amavasya. On Mauni Amavasya, Lord Vishnu is worshipped and people proceed to go around the Pipal tree in a clockwise direction repeatedly. Aswattha or the Pipal is a sanctified tree. The performance of godliness and dedication is held on this day at Prayag, a holy place which oversees the confluence of the three holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, and the Saraswati. Disciples arrive and live here for an entire month and perform a whole set of approved ceremonies and traditional sacrifices which are known as Ixalpa vasa’. 1 he people ale expected to consume an austere meal only once a day. Brahmins and other people are provided with offerings of presents, provisions and so on in charity.Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of Margashirsha in the months of November-December throughout the Country and in particular in Maharashtra Dattatreya is the son of Rishi Atri and Anusuya. Anusuya considered to be a jewel in conjugal fidelity and of a high meritorious
ure. She did rigorous penance in order oduce a son equivalent in virtues to Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha who compose the Hindu trinity. On Dattatreya Jayanti, people wake up in the early hours of the morning and have their daily ablutions in sacred water bodies after which they observe
a fast and expend the day in meditation, prayer, contemplation and worship. They deliberate on the life of Dattatreya, study his works and worship his image with flowers, Lamps, incense, camphor and so on .The devotees take a resolution to pursue the trail of Swami Dattatreya.Holi is an extremely popular festival observed by all without any distinction of caste, creed, status, sex or age and is reflective of a time when everyone comes together forgetting all the differences between them in order to rejoice in the day’s activities. It is observed on the full moon night of Phalguna and signifies the conclusion of winter and the arrival of the season of spring. It is a festival that lasts for two days and on the first night, a bonfire is lit at sunset or in the hours of darkness, and people proceed around it in a circular clockwise direction, which is known as pradakshina. On the subsequent day, people entertain themselves by splattering coloured water and flinging coloured powder on their friends, relatives, neighbours and even unknown passers-by. Different delicacies are exchanged between people and it is customary to visit friends and relatives on this day. On this day people roast and consume fresh corn for the first time in the season.On the fifth day of the bright half of Bhadra in the months between August and September, the Rishi Panchami fast and ceremony are observed. This is principally a women’s fast and festival, however, even a man can observe it for the health and contentment of his wife. The acts of faithfulness and allegiance observed on this day are dedicated to the Sapta Rishis or the Seven Seers who are the sons of Brahma. The Sapta Rishes are worshipped with betel leaf, flowers, camphor and lamp and Devi Arundhati who is the wife of Rishi Vashistha and a shining example of conjugal excellence is also worshipped alongside. On this day at the time of breaking the fast only fruits are taken. Salt, milk, ghee and sugar are entirely steered clear of. Brahmins are given dakshina by the aspirants, which are assumed to gratify the Seven Seers as well as the gods.An impressive festival is held every year at Tirupati in the month of Bhadra, which falls around the months of August and September. Tirupati is especially significant as it is the seat of Lord Venkateshwara who is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees from all corners congregate on this occasion to attain the Lord’s blessings in a festival which lasts ten days. Tirupati, which is situated on the Tirumala hills, is one of the richest temples in the world and the seven hills correspond to the seven hoods of the snake-god Adishesha who constitutes Lord Vishnu’s bed in the deep ocean. It is because of this that Lord Venkateshwara is also known as the “Lord of Seven Hills”. Most infants have their first tonsure ceremony performed here.Radha Ashtami is a festival, which is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadra in the months of August-September. On this day Radha who is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and the beloved mistress and companion of Krishna throughout the course of his youth, creates a timeless image of untainted celestial love. On the morning of Radha Ashthami, after an early bath, the image of Radha is immersed in Panchamrit and then ornately decorated and bejewelled before offering food and worship. A fast is maintained on this day and prasadam is circulated.On the night of full moon of Ashvini, who is also known as the Moon-God, Sharad Purnima is observed. The popular belief is that on the day of Sharad Purnima, the moon showers Amrita or elixir on the earth through his beams. On this fortunate day Kheer which is a concoction of milk and rice is mixed with sugar and specially made in temples and homes, and presented to the Lord accompanied by sounding bells and chanting hymns as well as distribution of prasad to the devotees. In the hours of darkness, the Moon-God is worshipped and offered naivedya.The dark half of the Ashvin in the months of September-October is observed as Pitra Paksh By all Hindus and sacrifices called `Sharardha’ are offered to the deceased and dead ancestors of the family. On every day of the fortnight, offerings of water and little spheres of rice as well as complete meals are presented to the departed relatives by the surviving members of the family. The eldest son or any other elder male member of the family executes the Shradha as a mark of their respect to the dead and offers oblation. A portion of the food and offerings is also provided to the cows and crows. Brahmins are provided for and given dan-dakshina as the popular belief is that whatever is given to the Brahmins will also be obtained by the departed spirits. On the final day of the fortnight, Amavasya oblations are offered to all those dead ancestors whose tithi of their demise is still unknown. For the duration of Pitra Paksha, shaving body hair, snipping hair, wearing new clothes, cutting nails and so on are not permissible.Valmiki is considered the Adi Kavi or the First Poet and his birthday is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashvin in the months of September-October. Valmiki is the author of the well known epic, Ramayana, in the language Sanskrit and is believed to be a contemporary of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic. The creation of the Shloka, which in other words is the epic meter, is accredited to Valmiki. Initially, Valmiki belonged to a lower stratum in society and led the life of a bandit. He later repented his past misdeeds and turned over a new leaf by becoming an ascetic. He ultimately protected Sita when Lord Rama exiled her. On his birthday, Valmiki is worshipped and prayed to fervently. Visual renderings of his face are taken out in jovial parades through the major bazaars and streets and kirtans are also held in temples dedicated to Valmiki.InBengal, Holiiscelebratedas GauraPurnima and is a festival dedicated to Sri Krishna. On this propitious day, representations of the Lord, which are ornately decorated and bedecked with coloured powder, is taken out in a grand parade within a swinging palanquin, which is also in turn lavishly festooned. The procession progresses to the accompaniment of music, numerous instruments and shouts of ‘Jai’, which literally means ‘victory’. Gaura Purnima becomes all the more significant for Bengalis, as it is also the birthday of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is worshipped by many people as the manifestation of the Lord Krishna. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu believed that the real meaning of sadhana is the affectionate recollection of Hari and reciting of his sacred name.There are certain months in every year, which are considered exceptionally sacred, and it is believed that piety shown during these months will be of immense value. These holy months include Vaishakha, Karttika and Magha. Throughout the course of the month of Karttika, an early morning bath taken in any water body is believed to be greatly commendable. A bathing festival, which lasts the entire period of a month, is held in the sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and so on. For the period of the month the devotees observe a strict fast and have a habitual morning bath in the sacred streams. The women in villages and other areas wake up in the early hours of the morning, and set off towards the sacred streams in groups to the accompaniment of prayers and hymns, and following their daily ablutions visit the neighboring temples. They all observe a fast and suspend lights in the sky in little holders from the bamboo tops of their homes or on the riverbanks. These sky lamps are kept ablaze all the way through the month of Karttika to light the path of deceased souls across the sky.The tulsi plant is considered holy and sacred by all Hindus and is grown in homes and temples alike. The tulsi is believed to be the consort of Lord Vishnu and is given a status and reverence for that reason. The women worship it by illuminating a lantern beside it. A fast is observed on this day. Since Tulsi is known as Vishnupriya or the beloved of Vishnu, their marriage is celebrated during Karttika Shukla Ekadashi, i.e., the eleventh day of the bright half of Karttika in the months ranging between October-November. On this day Tulsi was married to Vishnu and therefore the figure of Vishnu is ornately adorned and then taken to the place where the Tulsi plant is cultivated and there the matrimony is ceremonially formalized.

Surya Shashthi
The fast of Surya Shashti is observed on the of the bright fortnight of Karttika in the months of October-November. Women who have a husband and children observe this fast, on the day of Panchami
which lasts for three days. Only one simple single meal with the absence of salt is consumed. On the subsequent day which is known as Shashti, the women who are fasting do not consume even water and worship the sun with “naivedya” and later keep a strict night vigil. The following day is known as Saptami day during which the women immerse themselves in the ghats in the early morning hours after which they break their fast. Brahmins are provided food and gifts on this day and the popular belief is that the fast and godliness observed on this day guarantees a good physical condition, endurance and contentment of the women’s companion and kids.On the full moon day of Magha in the months of January-February, the Float Festival is celebrated at Madurai. Madurai is well-known for its magnificent Meenakshi Refers to the fish-eyed goddess, and it is an additional name of Parvati. The chief portion of the Meenakshi Temple was constructed through the supremacy of the Ruler Tirumala Nayak. Magha purnima is the day of birth of King Tirumala Nayak. On this occasion, representations of Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara (Shiva) are supported on floats and transported to Marriamman Teppahulam tank on floats opulently ornamented and lit luminously. They are then pulled backwards and forwards transversely across the waters of the tank to the supplement of harmonious music and religious songs prior to being taken once again to Madurai.Makara Sankranti generally falls on January 14 and is a day of grand consequence as it signifies the commencement of propitious times. The start of the stage, when the sun Proceeds northwards is believed to be extremely constructive for propitious actions and events. It is celebrated as Pongal in the South, but in the North it is observed as Makara Sankaranti or Uttarayana Sankaranti. On this day numerous Hindus take a holy dip in the Ganges and other holy streams. It is a very important day and the recently harvested corn is cooked and consumed for the first time on this day and offered to Surya and other deities. The deprived are provided with food, clothes, money and so on in charity. At the break of day, following the daily bath, people offer libations to their deceased ancestors and visit the temples.In Assam it is called Magha Bighu or Bhogali Bihu, the festival of banquets. In Punjab, it is observed as Lohri, to signify the conclusion of winter and arrival of summer. Sweets made of sesame, groundnuts, puffed rice, and so on are poured into the fire, and then consumed by the people. It is a time for gatherings, joyousness and cheerfulness as people enter into the spirit of the festival.Pongal is a three-day solemn festival, celebrated in South India on Sankranti, which is a day when the sun passes from one sign of the Zodiac to another. Pongal or Makara-Sankranti marks the start of the sun’s northern course. It is a time of immense joy and merry-making. The first day is Bhogi-Pongal, which is better known as the Pongal of delight and happiness. On this day people swap sweets, presents, take an active part in all kinds of enjoyment and visit all their relatives and friends. The next day is Surya-Pongal, or the Pongal of the Sun. This day is dedicated to the Sun God whose name is Surya. People wake up in the early hours of the morning and after their daily ablutions, cleanse their home after which the married women are expected to boil rice and milk together shouting Tongan Pongal!’. The sweet accordingly readied is then offered to Surya and Ganesha. A segment of it is also given to the cows, and then the people consume it themselves. This festival is called Pongal, which means to ‘boil’ as it revolves around preparing the concoction of boiled rice and milk. The third day is Mattu Pongal or the Pongal of the cows. On this day the cattle are worshipped and people go around them in a clockwise direction repeatedly. The horns are tinted in various colours and decorated with garlands of leaves and flowers around their necks. Pongal also signifies the transformation of the season, and is principally a harvest festival. Pongal is also symbolic of sharing of things with others.

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