2nd November, 2012: Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival wherein married women observe
a fast and worship the karwa filled with water (or make an offering
of a karva filled with sweets). As the name signifies, karwa means an
earthen pot with a spout, used in prayers. Chauth corresponds to the
fourth day leading to the name Karwa Chauth. The event falls on chaturthi
tithi after the full moon in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar,
about nine days before Diwali.
It is customary for married women to fast the entire day without food
or water for the longevity of their husbands’ lives, well-being and
prosperity. A woman who keeps this vrat or fast is acclaimed as Saubhagyavati
(a joyous state of wifehood). In the evening they listen to the Karva
Chauth katha and the fast is over after moonrise.
2nd November, 2012: Ganesh Chaturthi
Vrata
Lord Ganesha
Ganesha, the foremost god of the Hindu pantheon is beheld as the most auspicious
God of new beginnings and widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom,
prosperity and good fortune. Devotees of Lord Ganesha, who intend to
observe a fast on Ganesha Chaturthi, wake up early in the morning and
take a bath. After wearing laundered clothes, they head towards the
nearest temple or perform a small puja at their home, to offer prayers
to the deity.
When people fast on Ganesh Chaturthi, they either opt for the nirjal vrat
(a stringent, waterless fast) or phalahar vrat (a diet). Devotees are
allowed to have sweets including til ke ladoo , gajak and rewari along
with tea and coffee. In order to concentrate, the devotees chant mantras
invoking Lord Ganesha and sing bhajans in his praise. It is believed
that if one observes a fast on Ganesha Chaturthi with sincerity, he
is blessed with health, wealth and prosperity.
7th November, 2012: Ahoi Ashtami
Goddess Ahoi
Celebrated in autumn on Ashtami (eighth day of a lunar fortnight), the Ahoi
Ashtami is a festival before Diwali when women pray for their children.
The ritual is usually celebrated in the Karthik month (October-November)
of the Hindu calendar.
Very similar to Karva Chauth, although not overly
popular, the Ahoi Ashtami is a fast specifically observed by mothers
for the well-being of their sons.It is performed mostly by people living
in Northern India when pure water is offered to stars in the evening
by mothers praying for the long life of their sons.Families having children
do worship goddess Hoi and seek her blessings for a fruitful Diwali
which is just a week away.
10th November, 2012: Rama Ekadashi
It is observed on the eleventh day in Krishna Paksha
of the Kartik month according to the North Indian calendar.
Brahma Vaivarta Purana
An account of the legend and the significance of
Rama Ekadasi is given in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. In a conversation
held between dark-hued Krishna and Yudhistira, Lord Krishna details
the story of prince Shobhana who attained salvation in his next life
by keeping the fast of Ramaa Ekadasi.Shobhana ruled a kingdom on Mount
Mandarachala and his wife Chandrabhaga finally enjoys marital bliss
with him.
11th November, 2012: Dhanteras/ Dhanwantari
Jayanti
Dhanteras ushers in Diwali, India’s festival of lights.
Marking the first day of the five day Diwali festivities; it is a harbinger
of good fortune. Dhanteras falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar
day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November).
Dhan in Dhanteras stands for wealth and teras means the thirteenth.
Goddess Lakshmi Riding Uluka, the Owl
On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth
and good fortune relies on Uluka the owl to carry her wherever she disperses
her material and spiritual riches on this day in particular.
Dhanwantari, the Physician of the gods
Also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodashi
It is celebrated in honour of Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods
and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Dhanteras is celebrated with joyous abandon all over India
and is particularly significant for the business community for whom
it is customary to purchase precious metals on this day.
11th November, 2012: Lord Shiva's Pradosh
Lord Shiva
Pradosh means dusk and this fast is kept for propitiating
Lord Shiva. With his blessings all desires are fulfilled and one attains
spiritual enlightenment.Generally people observe Pradosha Vrata on every
trayodashi tithi (13th lunar day falling in Krishna and Shukla Pakshas)
in the evening.
12th November, 2012: Chhoti Diwali
The day before Diwali, is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali
or Naraka Chaturdasi on a smaller scale, with fewer lights being lit
and bursting of crackers.
Naraka Chaturdasi
Naraka Chaturdasi: Satyabhama was infuriated by Narakasura's
malice towards women and Krishna granted her a boon to fight the demon,
rescued the imprisoned women plus recover Goddess Aditi's earrings.After
the demon was slain, Lord Krishna married all the sixteen thousand women
to spare them disgrace.
12th November, 2012: Roop Chaturdashi
The Ineffably Beautiful Lord Krishna
A person’s visual appearance is enhanced by
worshipping Lord Krishna on this day.A saint used to live in a place called Hiranyagarbha.
Once he tried to invoke the Lord by praying to Him. He performed austerities
but faced a lot of problems.
Hence the saint was distressed. The saint asked Narad
Muni why he had to face so many problems despite worshipping the Lord.
Narad Muni told him that he had prayed in an inappropriate manner.
Narad Muni suggested that the saint keep a fast on
the day of Chaturdashi in the Kartik Krishna Paksha and worship Lord
Krishna on this day. Narada assured the saint that he would become beautiful
and healthy if he did so. The saint followed all principles of the fast
and became healthy. Thus Narak Chaturdashi came to be known as Roop
Chaturdashi.
On this day, a person should wake up early and
take a bath. He should put some Apamarg leaves in water before
taking a bath. A four-faced lamp should be kept in a platter for worshipping
the Lord. Roli, jaggery, gulal and flowers should also be kept in this
platter.
After worshipping Lord Krishna, lamps should be lit
in different corners of the house. Ganesha and goddess Laxmi must be
worshipped with dhoop and lamps. Lamps are also donated on this day.
Fourteen lamps dedicated to Lord Yama are lit in the southern direction.
A devout worshipper is freed from all sins and problems.
12th November, 2012: Hanuman Jayanti
Shri Hanuman Mandir, Sarangpur
Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated in honour of the birth
of Hanuman, the monkey god widely propitiated throughout India. He was
born to Kesari (the Wind God) and Anjani. Hanuman, the mighty ape that
aided Lord Rama in his expedition against evil forces, is one of the
most popular idols in the Hindu pantheon. Believed to be an avatara
of Lord Shiva, Hanuman is worshipped as a symbol of physical strength,
perseverance and devotion.
13th November, 2012: Diwali / Shri Lakshmi
Pujan
Significant Events related to Diwali:
Diwali, the Festival of Lights
Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya: Diwali celebrates the
return of Lord Rama, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya
after a 14 year exile, and a war in which he killed Ravana, the demon
king. It is said that the denizens of Ayodhya lit ghee lamps to light
their path in the darkness. Lord Rama journeyed from South India to
his kingdom in the North. He passed through the south earlier; because
of which the festival is celebrated a day before in South India.
Ardhnarishwar Shiva
Austerities of Shakti: According to the Skanda Purana, goddess Shakti observed
21 days of austerity from ashtami of shukla paksha (eighth day of the
waxing period of moon) to attain half the body of Lord Shiva. This fast
is known as kedhara vrata which is completed on Deepavali when Lord
Shiva accepted Shakti as the left half of his form and appeared as Ardhanarishvara.
Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja: Lakshmi Puja marks the most important
day of Diwali celebrations in North India. Hindus worship Lakshmi, the
goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the God of auspicious beginnings.Hindus
leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can
step in. Rangoli patterns are drawn on the floors and the most popular
is the lotus flower because images of Lakshmi show her either holding
a lotus or sitting on one.There is much feasting and Diwali lamps make
it easy for Lakshmi to find her way to favoured houses.
Goddess Laxmi is Worshipped as Kali in Bengal
The goddess is worshipped in her dark form as Kali
in the Bengali and Oriya areas of India. Diwali marks the last battle
in the period of Chaturmas when the demons become all powerful and must
be wiped out.
14th November, 2012: Annakoot or Sri Goverdhan
Puja
Lord Krishna Lifting Mount Goverdhan
Lord Krishna’s lifting of Goverdhan Mount for seven
days at a stretch before Diwali inaugurates the ethos of shringara bhakti.Dark-hued
Krishna admonishes the people of Vraja not to become a prey to ritualistic
Vedic worship of Indra Pujan but instead engage in a more humanistic
dharma of love by worshipping Goverdhan.
Annakoot
Soon after the prayers and aarti were done as per
customary norms, 56 sumptuous delicacies were ceremoniously raised as
bhoga (offerings of food) before the deity (Mount Goverdhan). After
the Lord relished the feast, it was the Vrajwasis turn to approach the
mount of food and savour prasad. Now, the Lord asked them to take a
round of the mount, which measures 21kms or 14 kos.
Krishna granted a boon that from now onwards Goverdhan
was no more a mount but his svarupa or living presence and any person
who takes a parikrama or circumambulation of Sri Girirajji will be certainly
blessed with the fulfilment of all his desires. Ever since, the parikrama
of Sri Girirajji is undertaken by millions of devotees almost daily,
not just the annual one on the day of Annakoot or the monthly circumambulation
on every Poornima (the night or day of full moon).
15th November, 2012: Bhai Dooj
Puja Thali
It is a ceremony performed by Hindus on the second
day after Diwali. Sisters celebrate the loving adulation for their brothers
by putting an auspicious tilak of vermilion or sandalwood paste on their
foreheads. They perform an aarti to their brothers, honouring them for
protective care and pray for their well-being. Brothers load sisters
with lavish gifts and bless their younger sisters, pledging protective
support.
15th November, 2012: Yama Dwitheya Snan
Yamaraj with His Sister Yami
Tradition has it that the older sister takes her brother
by the hand and the two bathe together in the Yamuna. Yamuna is the
twin sister of Yamaraj, the god of death, and it is said that she intervenes
on behalf of brothers and sisters to protect them from the depredations
of her brother.
After bathing custom has it that the brother and sister
go to the Yamuna-Yamaraj temple and offer prayers there. Afterwards,
the sister marks her brother’s forehead with tilak, symbolizing her
wishes for his long life. Then they will exchange sweets and gifts and
the brother usually offers a sari or some other piece of clothing to
his sister.
Yama, the God of Death
Bhai Dooj or Beej is called Yama Dwitheya as it's
believed that on this day, Yama, the God of death and the custodian
of Naraka, visits his sister Yami. She puts the auspicious mark on his
forehead, praying for his well being. It is an implicit belief that
anyone who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will never be
flung into hell.
16th November, 2012:Vrischika Sankranti
Vrischika Sankranti
Chhath Puja: 17th November to 20th November, 2012
Devotees Salute the Setting Sun
The word Chhath denotes number six in Hindi and begins on the sixth day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik (October-November.) It is a festival celebrated by Biharis on the sixth day after Diwali; a 4 day long celebration accompanied by rituals or Suryashashthi. The festivities comprise of fasting, folklores, hymns on the celestial Ganges or any fresh water body. Chhat Maiya is celebrated on the banks of the Ganges in Patna and Yamuna in Delhi with thousands of hands offering ‘Arghya’ to the sun making it an ethereal sight.
Naha Kha (bathe and eat):17th November
Kharna/Lohanda (fasting ends after sunset;followed by a 36 hour long fast):18th November, 2012
Sandhya Argh (evening offerings: 19th November, 2012
Suryaudaya Argh (offerings next morning):20th November, 2012
Paran (breaking the fast):20th November
17th November, 2012 Shri Ganesh Chaturthi
Vrata
Lord Ganesha
21st November, 2012: Gopashtami
Lord Krishna, the Cowherd
An important festival it is dedicated to Lord Krishna
and is observed on the eighth day of the waxing phase of the moon in
the month of Kartik (October – November). Gopashtami celebrates Krishna's
becoming an independent cowherd. Gau Puja or worship of cows, is undertaken
in many regions of India.
It is believed that Lord Krishna was allowed to
herd cows, the wealth of his village, for the first time on this day
by Nanda, as he had been only looking after calves up until then. Mother
Yashoda and Nand Baba are delighted to see their pampered Krishna take
on his responsibilities. Invariably it is a great boon to Dama &
Sumangal, Krishna's sakhas, since they can play spirited antics with
the dark god now.(Shrimad Bhagavat-Canto 10,chapter XI, verse 37) It's
in the forest that Krishna kills Vatsasura, Bakasura, Aghasurr and other
demons. Lord Brahama is fascinated by His childlike, playful activities
here and decides to take away the cows.( chapters 13 to 15 of the 10th
Canto, Shrimad Bhagavat)
The festivities are a major event in Vrindavan,
Mathura, Nathdwara and other sites closely related to the cowherd god.
In Nathdwara, cow herders bring hundreds of cows and their calves to
the temples and the cows are beautifully decked for the occasion. Gopa
Ashtami was a festival meant for boys but it is said that Radha dressing
up like a boy, joyously took part in it.Those worshipping the balgopal
or child form of Lord Krishna can offer the special makan-mishri bhog
to Him.
22nd November, 2012: Akshay Naumi
Women Celebrate Akshay Naumi in Patna
Also known as Amala Naumi, it is the ninth day of
waxing phase of the moon in Kartika Month.The popular belief is that
the Treta Yuga started on this day An important event on Akshay Navmi
is the distribution of alms and receiving of presents. It is observed
as Akshay Navami Parikarama Divas in North India. Goddess Jagadhatri
is worshipped on this occasion in West Bengal. Legend has it that Lord
Surya (Sun God) worshipped Goddess Durga on this day and was rewarded
properties that he possesses.
The Romantic Dalliance of Shri Radha-Krishna
Millions throng Vrindavan from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana
and so on for the joint parikrama or circumambulation of Mathura-Vrindavan,
which takes around 6 hours. The famed 84 kos parikrama of Braj which
covers Mathura, Goverdhan, Barsana, Vrindavan and Gokul, and began on
Sharad Poornima is on in full swing and will take a week to complete.
Ashtyaam lilas, showcasing the playful dalliance of Shri Radha-Krishna
from dawn to dusk are being enacted in Vrindavan.
24th November, 2012: Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi
Dev Prabhodhini Ekadashi
Utthana Ekadasi, or Prabodhini Ekadashi, is observed
during the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Kartik (October
– November). The importance of Dev Prabodhini Ekadasi is narrated
to Sage Narada by Brahma in the Skanda Purana. Observing this Ekadasi,
a fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu, gets rid of the remorse of committed
sins and leads to liberation or moksha.
The famous Tulsi Vivah is performed on this particular
day by some communities and on the day after Ekadasi in some regions.
The Chatur Mas period comes to an end and the famous Kartik Month Pandarpur
Yatra is completed on this day. Marriages can take place from now onwards.
24th November, 2012: Tulsi Vivah
Goddess Tulsi's Marriage to Shaligram ji
Tulsi Vivah or the ceremony of Tulsi's marriage to
Vishnu or Krishna His incarnation, can be performed any time between
Prabodhini Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima. Usually it is performed on the
eleventh or the twelfth lunar day depending on the region. The wedding
of Tulsi marks the end of the monsoons and the beginning of the Hindu
wedding season.
The legend of Tulsi Vivah and its rites are revealed
in the Padma Purana. According to Hindu mythology, the basil plant was
a woman named Vrinda, a synonym of Tulsi. She was married to the Jalandhar,
a demon-king. Due to her pious nature and devotion to Vishnu, her husband
became invincible. Even Shiva, the destroyer, could not defeat Jalandhar.
So He requested Vishnu, the preserver, to find a solution. Vishnu disguised
as Jalandhar violated Vrinda. Her chastity destroyed, Jalandhar was
killed by Shiva.
Vrinda cursed Vishnu to become black in colour and
be separated from his wife. Thus, he was transformed into the black
Shaligram stone and in the Rama Incarnation, his wife Sita was kidnapped
by Ravana and separated from Him. Vrinda then burnt herself on her husband's
funeral pyre due to the shame. Vishnu transferred her soul to a plant
called Tulsi. According to a blessing by Vishnu, Vishnu in the form
of Shaligram married Tulsi on Prabodhini Ekadashi. To commemorate this
event, the ceremony of Tulsi Vivah is performed to commemorate this
event.
25th November, 2012: Shiva's Pradosh Fast
26th November, 2012: Vaikunt Chaturdashi
Vaikunth, the Abode of Lord Vishnu
Vaikunth Chaturdashi is observed on the fourteenth day
of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik Month. This festival is dedicated
to Maha Vishnu who did puja of Lord Shiva on this day. As per legend
Vishnu visited the holy city of Varanasi for worshipping Shiva. Lord
Vishnu wanted to offer 1000 flowers to Shiva. To test the religious
devotion of Vishnu, Shiva hid one flower. Finally Vishnu realized that
one flower was missing and offered His lotus eye to Shiva.
Shiva Presents the Sudarshan Chakra to Vishnu
Shiva was very pleased with Vishnu's unflinching devotion
and presented Him the sudarshan chakra or divine disc. Vaikunth Chaturdashi
is celebrated with great fervour in Vaishnava Temples and devotees offer
1000 flowers to Vishnu during the puja. Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Ashtottram,
Vishnu Stuti and Vishnu Purana are religously recited on this particular
day.
28th November, 2012: Kartik Poornima
VrataKartik Poornima (Kartik purnima) is celebrated on the full moon of Kartik
(November–December) and the month long Kartik Snan is over. It is
also known as Tripuri Poornima or Tripurari Poornima. It is sometimes
called Deva-Diwali - the festival of lights of the gods and coincides
with Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Shiva Kills Tripurasura
The Poornima derives its name from Tripurari, an
epithet of god Shiva who as Tripurantaka ("Killer of Tripurasura")
killed the demon Tripurasura on this day.The killing of the demon by
Shiva overjoyed the gods and they pronounced the day as a festival of
illuminations. This day is also called "Dev-Diwali" - the
Diwali of the gods.
Kartik poornima is the birthday of Matsya, god Vishnu's
fish-incarnation (avatar). It is also the birthday of Vrinda, personification
of the Tulsi plant and of Kartikeya, the god of war and son of Shiva.
Shri Radha-Krishna
This day is particularly dear to Radha, the beloved
of Krishna for it is believed that Krishna and Radha danced rasa and
Krishna worshipped Radha on this day.
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