Articles Index
Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya is one occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Vedic Calendar. It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would never fail.
Usher in the New Year
Characteristic of the Indian cultural mélange, Hindus in various states of India celebrate the new year in their own ways. Find out more about Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Nava Varsha and Navreh.
Ganesh Chaturthi
About the Great Ganesha festival. Read how to celebrate this auspicious occasion and pray for inner strength and success in all your undertakings...
Onam: Carnival of Kerala
A look at how the people of Kerala go crazy over the state festival of Onam, with ten days of feasting, boat races, song, dance and merriment
Why Celebrate Maha Shivratri?
Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna (Feb / March) when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Here's why to celebrate Shivratri.
Hindu Festivals Calendar 2009
A date-wise list of Hindu holidays, fasts, feasts, festivals and religious occasions for 2009
Lohri: The Bonfire Festival
Amidst the cold weather, everything seems stagnant in northern India, until it's time for the winter celebrations of Lohri, the long-awaited bonfire festival. It's not just a break to thank God for a bountiful life on earth with rituals and revelry, but more…
Krishna Janmashtami
Janmasthami - the birthday of Hinduism's favorite Lord Krishna is a special occasion for Hindus, who consider him their leader, hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and friend all rolled into one. Find out our Hindus celebrate this day.
Bhai Dooj: Brother-Sister Ritual
Soon after Diwali, sisters all over India ceremonialize their love by putting an auspicious vermilion spot on the forehead of their brothers as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. A closer look at the tradition of Bhai Dooj.
10 Days with the Mother Goddess!
It's festival time again! Every year during this time, Hindus observe ten days of ceremonies, rituals, fasts and feasts in honour of the supreme mother goddess Durga. Here's how to celebrate Navratri, Dusshera, Durga Puja and Vijayadashami.
Navaratri: The 9 Divine Nights
Hindus mark the advent of winter with 9 nights/days of fast and prayer to Durga, the Mother Goddess who embodies all the power of the universe. What's the significance? Why Durga? Why this time of the year? Why 9 nights? Find out...
Vasanta Navaratri
Swami Sivananda retells the legend behind the 9-day ritual in springtime during which the devout Hindu seeks the blessings of the Divine Mother Goddess or Devi.
The Kumbh & Ardhkumbh
A primer on the great Indian bathing festivals - the Kumbh & the ArdhKumbh - where millions of people congregate to bathe in the icy waters of the holy rivers to wash away their sins.
Hindu Haikus: 4 Holy Days
A selection of four haikus – a Japanese verse form – that capture poignant thoughts of the festive season around Diwali – Karva Chauth, Dhan Teras, Deepavali major and Deepavali minor – succinctly defining these four auspicious days of autumn.
The Guru Purnima
The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July-August) is observed as Guru Purnima, a day sacred to the memory of the ancient sage Vyasa, who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata. Find out how to celebrate the day and more...