Tag Archives: Indian Festivals Legends & Stories

Mauni Amavasya: Freezing cold water of the Ganges and the mist enveloping the bathing Ghats casts its magical spell over lakhs of devotees who head to Allahabad on Mauni Amavas. The festive occasion of Mauni Amavas is considered to be the holiest day to take a dip in the Ganges and rinse oneself of their past sins that they might …

Shab-E-Miraj means the “night of Ascent“. It was the blessed night when the Holy Prophet of Islam was spiritually transported to heaven and he reached the highest stage of nearness to God Almighty which is beyond ordinary human comprehension. The Ascent took place on 27th day or Rajab, 2 years before Hijra. The journey was not with a physical body …

Sakat Chauth Vrat is observed on the fourth day of Krishna paksha, (the fading phase of moon) in the month of Magha according to Hindu lunar calendar. In 2025, Sakat Chauth will fall on January 17 (Friday). Sakat Chauth Vrat: Sakat Chauth is also called Ganesh Chauth or Tilkuta Chauth. Lord Ganesha and the Moon God are worshiped on Sakat …

Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. According to the lunar calendar, when the sun moves from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn or from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana, in the month of Poush in mid-January, it commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South …

Lohri: Sikhs Bonfire Harvest Festival – Amidst the freezing cold weather, with the temperature wobbling between 0 – 5 degree Celsius and the dense fog outside, everything seems stagnant in the northern part of India. However, below the apparently frozen surface, you would be amazed to find a palpable wave of activity going on. People, especially in the northern states …

Three Kings Feast (The Epiphany): A very popular event in Goa (India) is the Feast of Three kings. This feast is celebrated on the Festa dos Reis or Three Kings Day (The Epiphany) on January 6 every year. It takes place in the village of Verem in North Goa and those of Chandor and Cansaulim in South Goa. The Feast …

The Mahakumbh Mela (the festival of the sacred pitcher) is anchored in Hindu mythology. It is the world’s largest public gathering and collective act of faith. This congregation, primarily, includes Ascetics, Saints, Sadhus, Sadhvis, Kalpvasis and Pilgrims from all walks of life. Kumbh Mela, in Hinduism, is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 …

Christmas Day Information: Christmas is a Government holiday in India. It is one of the two major Christian celebrations that are officially observed around the world. Along with Easter, it is considered a high holy day and a time of great celebration for Christians. In US & Europe, it is highly appropriate to throw a company Christmas party. The holiday’s …

Margashirsha Purnima: According to the Hindu scriptures, Margashirsha is regarded as a month of dedication. The full moon day falling in this month is known as Margashirsha Purnima. Moon is worshiped on the day of Margashirsha Purnima because the moon was blessed with Amrit on this day. Margashirsha Purnima is also celebrated as Dattatreya Jayanti. Lord Dattatreya was born on …

Dhanu Sankranti marks the day when Sun enters in the Sagittarius or Dhanu Rashi. Dhanu Sankranti marks the beginning of the ninth month in Hindu Solar Calendar. This  symbolizes the beginning of the auspicious Dhanur mas for the Vaishnava sect. On this day, Lord Surya or the Sun God is worshiped. Devotees take a dip in the sacred rivers like …