Month: October 2023

KARWA CHAUTH 2023

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Karva Chauth is one of the most popular Indian festivals and is mostly observed in the northern side of the country. It is a celebration of love, marriage and the unbreakable bond shared between a husband and wife. If we talk about the literal meaning of Karwa Chauth, it means offering ‘Argya’ to the moon using an earthen pot known as Karwa on the Chaturthi of the Kartika month. The festival falls on the fourth day of the dark fortnight in the Kartika month every year. It is also known as ‘Nirjala Vrat’. Karva Chauth is a one-day festival where married Hindu women observe fasts for the health and safety of their husbands. 

It begins with a small early morning prayer and is usually followed by “Sargi” – a food platter containing dry fruits, parathas, curry and coconut water. Women consume Sargi after their bath as it is believed to be a healthy meal that allows them to prepare for the day’s fasting. It keeps them energetic and allows them to stay without food or water for the entire day.  In evening they break their fast after making various offerings and sighting the moon, which is also one of the most important celestial bodies according to Hindu mythology. Women perform puja for their husbands before the moon sighting. After this, they see the moon through a sieve and then catch a glimpse of their husbands through the same sieve. It is also believed that when a wife looks at her husband through a sieve, all negative emotions are filtered through it. Women pray for the long life of their husbands and ask Lord Shiva to protect them from every harm or difficulties. It is also believed that this festival brings peace, happiness and joy into their married life. 

There are various tales and stories which shows the reason behind this celebration. According to one of such stories there was a beautiful queen named Veervati who was the only sister among seven loving and caring brothers.  On her first ‘Karwa Chauth’ she was at her parent’s house and doing Karwa Chauth fast. She was waiting eagerly in the evening for the moonrise as she was suffering from hunger and thirst. Seeing her suffering like this pained her brothers. They created a mirror with the Peepal tree in their backyard and tricked Veervati into believing that the moon had seen. She believed them and broke her fast. Unfortunately, news arrived that her beloved husband was dead. She was completely devastated and started running towards her husband’s house. She met Goddess Parvati on her way. Maa Parvati revealed that she was tricked by her brothers. Then she kept Karwa Chauth vrat with full devotion and by seeing her dedication ‘Yama’ the ‘Lord of Death’ restored life to her husband. This katha is quite popular and usually heard by women while observing the fast.

In recent times, husbands have also started observing fasts for their wives. The gesture has made the festival extra special as it signifies love, understanding and compassion from both sides.

Sharad Purnima 2023

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Purnima holds a lot of importance in Hinduism, but the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Ashwin i.e. the Sharad Purnima is considered to be the biggest Purnima in Hinduism. It is celebrated on a full moon day which marks the end of monsoon. It is also known as Kojagari Purnima or Kaumudi (moonlight) celebration. From the astrological point of view, the moon is considered to be the closest to the Earth on this day. The rays of the moon are believed to contain nourishing elements due to which there is a rain of rays of Amrit (nectar) from the moon on earth on this day. That’s the reason why people make kheer at night, keep it under the moonlight and then eat the kheer in the morning so that they can lead a healthy life. This year Sharad Purnima is on:

Date: Saturday, 28th October 2023

Purnima Tithi Begins: Morning 04:17 AM (October 28, 2023 at 04:17 PM)

Purnima Tithi Ends: Night 01:53 AM (October 29, 2023, at 01:53 AM)

The word ‘Sharad’ focuses on the ‘Sharad Ritu’ (season). Though it is a festival of harvest, it has religious significance for the followers of Vaishnavism as well. It is believed that the individuals who worship Goddess Lakshmi and keep a fast during the day are blessed even if they do not have Lakshmi Yog in their astrological horoscope.

On this auspicious day, people observe fasts, perform puja, take sacred baths, worship Lakshmi-Vishnu, and celebrate with traditional dances and folk songs. There is a special rule for worshipping Mahalakshmi on this day.  On this day, people stay up late at night to offer prayers to the moon goddess.  People, especially newly wedded couples, keep fast for the entire day to receive blessings for good health, wealth, and happiness.

According to a legend, on this day, the Moon God narrated the story of Lord Rama to Maharishi Valmiki, which inspired him to write the epic Ramayana. This day also marks the end of Lord Rama’s 14 years exile and his return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.  Another folk tale states that the Moon was once cursed by his father-in-law Daksha, to wane daily as punishment for neglecting his 27 wives (the 27 daughters of Daksha). On Sharad Purnima, the Moon and his wives reunite, which is why moon is believed to shine with its unparalleled brightness on this day, hence the name ‘Sharad’. The bright harvest moon represents prosperity, and its rays epitomise the divine nectar of immortality, as per Hindu beliefs.

The last lunar eclipse of the year is on the date of Sharad Purnima this year. This lunar eclipse can be seen in India due to which its Sutak period will be valid. According to the Vedic calendar, this lunar eclipse will start in India from 01:06 am on October 28 and will continue till 2:22 am. The Sutak period of this lunar eclipse will start 9 hours before the eclipse. In this way, Sutak will start from 4:44 pm on October 28, which will continue till the end of the eclipse.

Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Sharad Purnima 2023! May this auspicious full moon night bring your health, wealth, and eternal bliss.

Importance of nine kanya pujan

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Let us know what is the result of worshiping a girl of which age during Navratri. In Devi Bhagwat, nine girls have been described as incarnations of Navadurga. For this, girls should be worshiped from two years to 10 years. The girl of 2 years is called Kumarika, the girl of 3 years is called Trimurti, whose worship is done with finances, the age and over all power is increased. By worshiping it, there is happiness and prosperity in the house. By worshiping four year old girl Kalyani, problems related to marriage are solved. Health issues are resolved by worship of five years old girl Rohini.

navratri 2023

By worshiping six year old girl Kalika, our enemies come to an ended. By worshiping seven year old girl Chandika, one can gain VICTORY, PROSPERITY and FAME. By worshiping eight year old girl Shambhavi, problems and troubles gets ended. By worshiping nine year old girl Durga, one gets relief from many diseases. By worshiping 10 year old girl Subhadra one attains salvation. In Devi Bhagwat, these NINE girls are considered to be the true embodiment of Kumari Nav Durga. Girls above 10 years of age should not be included in Kumari Puja.

Durga Pujo: A Celebration of Divine Femininity and Cultural Extravaganza

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Feelings. Homecoming. Togetherness. Durga Puja is associated with all of these things and more for Bengalis. It is the most anticipated holiday of the year and is much more than a simple religious carnival. This colourful festival is a great celebration of the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and is mostly observed in West Bengal, India, but is also observed by Bengali people around the world. We will examine the significance, customs, and cultural facets of Durga Pujo in this blog.

Ten days of fasting, feasting, and Durga worship make up the full Durga Puja season. But the most significant portion of the holiday is the final five days. The following events are observed:

Shasthi – 2 Kartik 1430 (October 20, 2023 – Friday) is the Durga Puja day”Amantran,” and “Adhibas” at 8:31 in the morning. Shasthi marks the arrival of Goddess Durga and her four children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya, and Ganesh on our planet. On this day, the handcrafted, multicolour goddess statues that have been placed for the festival are presented.

Saptami – 3 Kartik 1430 (October 21, 2023 – Saturday) The “Nabo Patrika” of Durga Devi, the “Kola Bou” bathing, “Saptami Puja,” which takes place between 7:05 and 9:28 am, and the “Durga Puja” at midnight, which takes place between 10:58 and 11:46 pm. The divine presence of Goddess Durga is summoned into the idols on Saptami, the first day of Durga Puja, at a ceremony known as Pran Pratisthan

Ashtami – 4 Kartik 1430 (October 22, 2023 – Sunday) Ashtami Puja occurs before 9:28 am. Bolidan – after 5:18pm, Sandhi Puja is conducted between 4:54pm – 5:42pm.

During Kumari Puja, the goddess is adored as a young, unmarried young lady dressed as Goddess Durga. The significant Sandhi Puja, which is conducted in the evening, honours Goddess Durga in her Chamunda avatar, who during her conflict with the buffalo monster Mahishasura killed Chanda and Munda. 

Durga Puja: Navami – 5 Kartik 1430 (October 23, 2023 – Monday) Navami Puja between 7:06 and 8:31 and 9:28 in the morning. The final day of devotion, known as Navami, is marked with a maha aarti (large fire ceremony) to signify the conclusion of the rites and prayers. On this day, Goddess Durga, who is revered as Mahisasuramardini, Everyone wears their finest, most glitzy attire. The goddess’ preferred bhog (meal) is made, offered to her, and then given to followers.

Dashami – 6 Kartik 1430 (October 24, 2023 – Tuesday) Dashami Puja are held between 7:06 and 9:28.

Goddess Durga returns to her husband’s home on Dashami, which is also the day the statues are taken away for immersion. Folks pay visits to their loved ones and friends to bless them. Elaborate dinners are shared along with sweets. The day’s attire is conventional and traditional.

During the five days, intricate temporary shrines, referred to as “pandals,” are built to hold the idols. Each of these pandals aspires to outshine the others in terms of innovation and aesthetic expression, with a wide range of variation in size, design, and topic. It is open to visitors to take in the craftsmanship and artistic skill on show. The Bengali culture is honored during Durga Pujo, which is more than just a religious feast. The Dhunuchi Naach, in which devotees dance while holding incense pots, is one of the most well-known traditional dances.

On the final day, married ladies take part in the custom of Sindoor Khela, in which they mark each other’s foreheads with vermilion and the idol of the goddess. This represents the enjoyment of married life and the ties of sisterhood.

Navratri: The Triumph of Goddess Durga and the Celebration of Feminine Power​

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Devi Durga, the goddess of force and strength, is honored during the Indian holiday of Navratri. Nine days are dedicated to the event, representing the goddess Navdurga’s nine manifestations.

The Sanskrit words “Nava” for nine and  “Ratri” for night are amalgamated to form the festival’s name.

The celebration of Navratri is devoted to the adoration of the goddess Durga in all of her forms. The divine feminine spirit that surrounds the universe is celebrated throughout this period of vivid colours, energising dances, magnificent feasts.

Shardiya Navaratri festival lasts nine nights and is believed to be very auspicious. Navratri 2023 date is 15th October and will end on 24th October. After nine days of Navratri 2023, the tenth day is called Vijaydashmi or Dussehra 2023. Shardiya

Navratri 2023
Ghatasthapana/Kalashsthapana muhurat is from 11:44 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. on 15th October 2023.

The meaning of Navratri is rather straightforward: Nav stands for nine and Ratri for night.

According to the scriptures, a demon by  the name of Mahishasura is said to have various powers and the blessing that no man can fight him. He became egotistical and overcame all the gods to create a passage from hell to heaven. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their energies to create the Goddess Durga in order to defeat him. After the battle of 9 days,Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura.

Another myth holds that in order to vanquish Lankapati Ravana in war, Lord Shri Ram also engaged in Shakti Puja for nine days during Shardiya Navratri. Then on Vijayadashami day, they slewRavana.

Hindus adore Maa Durga in nine avatars during Navratri. In Navratri, every day has a unique meaning. There is a description of the compatibility of planets from Navratri worship in works relating to astrology.

Goddess Durga is worshipped in nine different incarnations throughout this time:

1.Shailaputri: Shailaputri, the mountain’s daughter, is honoured on the first day of Navratri.

2. Brahmacharini: The second day is dedicated to Brahmacharini, who stands for the quest of learning and knowledge.

3. Chandraghanta: On the third day, Chandraghanta, who stands for courage and peace, is worshipped.

4. Kushmanda: The universe’s creator Kushmanda is honored on the fourth day.

5. The fifth day is dedicated to  Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya.

6. Katyayani: The sixth day is  dedicated to the worship of Katyayani, the goddess of war.

7. Kalaratri: On the seventh day, followers  seek Kalaratri’s blessings, Durga’s fierce avatar.

8.Mahagauri: On the eighth day, people  worship this purity and tranquillity emblem.

9. Siddhidatri: Siddhidatri, who bestows gifts and possesses supernatural abilities, is honored on the ninth and  last day of Navratri.

In order to obtain the goddess’ blessings, Navratri followers practise fasting and participate in a number of rituals. Typical activities include: Fasting: During Navratri, many devotees maintain fasts by avoiding certain foods or eating only one meal per day. Some choose to follow a strict fruit or water diet. People gather to dance the traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas dances in Gujarat and other regions of India. People create Kolu or Kolu Bommai, colourful displays of dolls and figurines in their houses, in South India. This  The festival of Navratri honours the divine feminine spirit that permeates all facets of our existence and is not merely a religious celebration. It is an occasion for reflection, devotion, and communal harmony. India’s cultural variety and spirituality are effectively captured by the event. Navratri presents a unique chance to connect with the goddess and the essence of femininity inside and around us, whether you decide to participate in the exhilarating Garba dances or simply light an oil lamp and say a prayer.

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