In 1893, Lokmanya Tilak transformed the annual domestic Shri Ganesh festival into a large, well-organised public event to build a new unity between people and generate nationalistic fervour against the British colonial rule.
Our scriptures say that immersion of Shri Ganesh’s Idol must be done in flowing water or a reservoir. However, some people view the ‘immersion of the Idol’ as an act that causes water pollution, famine etc.
This word is derived from ‘duhu’ and ‘avam’. ‘Duhu’ means that which is far away and ‘avam’ means that which brings closer. Thus, that which brings the distant Pavitraks (Subtlemost particles) of Shri Ganapati closer is the durva.
At many places during Ganeshotsav, people vie to sing Aratis loudly to the accompaniment of ear-splitting musical instruments. Avoid this; sing Aratis after understanding their meaning, with the correct pronunciation and slowly.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Shrikrushna was born on Shravan Krushna Paksha Ashtami (Eighth day of the dark fortnight of Shravan) at midnight, when the moon was in Vrushabh formation with the lunar asterism, Rohini.
Rangapanchami is celebrated on Phalgun Krushna paksha Panchami (Fifth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalgun). Today, at many places the festival of Rangpanchami is celebrated on the day after Holi.
On Datta Jayanti, the Dattatreya Principle is one thousand times more active on Earth as compared to the other days.
If one begins a vrat, it should be completed and not given up in the midst. Scriptures recommend ‘penance’ if there is a break in a vrat, deliberate or by accident.
Chaturmas is reserved the year for penance, austerities, fasting, bathing in holy rivers and religious observances for all. Devotees resolve to observe some form of vow. Let’s explore Chaturmasya and its importance in this article.
It is difficult for the common man to perform conducts according to the Vedas. To overcome this difficulty, Puranas (18 sacred Holy texts by Sage Vyas) have mentioned the observance of vrats. Let us understand various vrats and their significance.