The festival of Janmashtami has many rituals and customs associated with it. The ceremony of Janmashtami is very simple with the chanting of mantras as the priest bathes the idol with Ganga jal (holy water), milk, ghee, oil and honey. All these ingredients are poured from a conch shell. Once this Janmashtami ritual is over, the devotees break their day …
Read More »What are the Different Names of Krishna? 108 names of Krishna
There are approximately 108 names of Lord Krishna, some of his common known names are: Different Names of Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the favorites in Hindu mythology. He is known for his role in the famous Mahabharata war and for the good deeds he did for the sake of humanity. People know him by many names as he …
Read More »What is the story behind Nag Panchami?
Story behind Nag Panchami: Human beings soon after stabilizing from nomadic venture started the ritual of worshiping the nature and everything that was helpful to them in one or another way. It helped them construct a system that was derived from the beliefs in social organizations, local cults and deities. Humans thus started exploring nature and started sorting a culture …
Read More »On which date do we celebrate Nag Panchami?
On which date do we celebrate Nag Panchami? Nag Panchami is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India. It is celebrated in most of the parts of the country. However the celebrations are at its best in Bengal, Maharashtra and Southern part of the country. The tradition of worshiping snake is very long in India, even before the arrival of …
Read More »How to celebrate Nag Panchami? Festival of snakes
How to celebrate Nag Panchami? It is on the fifth day of the bright half of the Shravan that Naga Panchami, or the festival of snakes, is celebrated in India. Snake worship, no doubt, owes its origin to man’s natural fear of these reptiles. However, in Hindu culture, they own a prominent place. Hindu mythologies are filled with stories and …
Read More »What is History behind Muharram?
What is History behind Muharram? Koran became the final word for Islam after the demise of Prophet Muhammad. A loyal follower of Muhammad was elected as his successor and he and his successors reigned peacefully. But during the time of Ali, the prophet’s Son-in-Law, there was opposition from many sections. Ali and his elder son, Hassan were killed. His youngest …
Read More »What is Muharram? Martyrdom of Imam Hussain
What is Muharram? Martyrdom of Imam Hussain – It is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Instead of joyous celebration, Muslims mark the beginning of the New Year by taking up the black attire of sorrow and participate in mourning gatherings in which the sacrifices of Husayn and his companions are commemorated. It is one of the four months …
Read More »What do muslims do in month of Muharram?
What do muslims do in month of Muharram? The month of Muharram is also associated with many auspicious events in Islamic history. Allah is supposed to have created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He give His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their …
Read More »Muharram: What is the tragedy at Karbala?
Muharram: What is the tragedy at Karbala? In the month of Muharram many centuries ago, (approximately October 20th 680 A.D.), an event took place in Iraq (Asia) at a place known as Karbala on the bank of the river Euphrates. Muharram: What is the tragedy at Karbala? A large army, which had been mobilized by the Umayyad regime, besieged a group …
Read More »What are Islamic mourning rites and rituals (Muharram)?
What are Islamic mourning rites and rituals (Muharram)? On Ashura, the Muslims take out processions carrying colorfully decorated tazias (bamboo and paper replicas of the martyr’s tomb) embellished with gilt and mica. Colorful replicas of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s tomb at Karbala are also carried in procession and buried at an imitation Karbala. The mourners walk barefoot to the beat of …
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