Holidays Around The World � Hindu Calendar

Hindus Celebrate The Birthday of Lord Rama

Carol — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:55:38 +0000

Birthday of Rama of India: March 31

Birthday of Rama is a religious observance for Hindus worldwide.

In the Hindu Calendar, the Birthday of Rama falls on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra which usually falls between the regular month of March and April. The celebration is locally called as Ramnavami or Rama Navami.

He is believed to be a personified reincarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, the preserver. According to Hindu belief, Vishnu creates the Universe and preserves anything within it. The four-armed deity also has the ability to create and destroy all forms of existence at his will.

The Hindu of India celebrates the birth date of the religious deity Rama as described in the popular epic Ramayana. Rama is considered as the great rulers of the Ayodhya according to the legend leading the region with great prosperity and peace during his reign. Mahatma Gandhi once used this idea to describe India after its independence from the British in 1940.

The celebration of Birthday of Rama changes yearly. In 2010, the celebration of Birthday of Rama is scheduled on March 24.

History of Birthday of Rama

The life of Rama is described in the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. The epic has a profound influence on the culture and tradition of ancient and modern India. Ramayana has become the basis of Hindu teachings and traditions and devotional aspects of Hindu worship. The life of the characters in Ramayana is a reflection of human existence which forms part of today’s India’s cultural consciousness.

In Ramayana, Rama is described as Vishnu’s seventh reincarnation. In one of the great tragedies that hit Rama, he was sent into exile by his father as influenced by his father’s wife Kaikeyi resulting to the release of his right to govern Ayodhya.

The worship of the faithful to the sun and Rama are highly intertwined. Some Hindu sects venerate the sun first during Ramanavani and not Rama himself during the occasion. In fact, the descendants of Rama were said to have come directly from the sun which further explains the traditional sun worship during celebration of Rama’s Birthday.

India’s Birthday of Rama: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Public processions showing images (murti) of Rama swarm the street of India during the celebration. But the procession is preceded by ceremonial wedding in a temple priest’s house, and the traditional drinking of a cocktail called ‘Panakam’.

The Hindus begin the celebration with prayer to Rama and Vishnu usually in the form of devotional songs that sings praises to the personified form of Vishnu.

The faithful also observe fasting on this day along with the traditional dipping on the river of Sarayu which is considered sacred among the Hindus. Also, pilgrims to the ancient and important places for Ramnavami festivities such as Ayodhya and Puducherry.

The Hindus of the Northern India are famous for the highly elaborate Ramnavami procession. Chariots are loaded with images of Rama and people dressed up as Rama’s loved ones such as his Queen Rita, Laxman his brother, and Hanuman, his disciple. Other chariots may also carry individuals dressed up too as Rama’s soldiers.

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Ram Navami is a religious observance for Hindus

Noel — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:27:02 +0000

Ram Navami: March 31

Ram Navami is a religious observance for Hindus.

The Hindu festival of Ram Navani is the celebration of the birthday of Lord Rama, believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival falls on the ninth day of the bright phase of the moon, or shukla paksha, in the lunar month of Chaitra, that is April or May in the Gregorian calendar. and it ususally falls on the same day of the Indian New Year celebrations.

History of Ram Navami

Ravan was a demon king feared by all. But he could not be killed by the gods because he had received a blessing from Lord Brahma that he would never die at the hands of a god, or demigods or demons. So Ravan did not fear anyone and ruled with an iron fist over his kingdom and warred with his neighboring kings.

This is when Brahma declared that Ravan would die then at the hands of a man, but there was no man on earth that would dare face Ravan with the thought to kill him. So the gods went to Lord Vishnu and asked for his assistance, their request was that he would be born as a man, son of King Dasarath, who had at the time 3 queens and no born son.

Dasarath was one day praying, and at the end of his prayer a shining figure appeared to him and gave him a drink called payasam for him to give to his wives: Kausalya, Kaikayi, and Sumitra. When the time came, the three women gave birth to four babies. Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Kaikayi to Bharat and Sumitra to Laxman and Shatrugna.

Rama is considered one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, along with Krishna he is one of the most popular ones. Much later when it came the time for Rama to be crowned, his stepmother asked the father of Rama to send him and his wife, Sita, to the forest for 14 years, and so Dasarath did, and sent the two away. Rama, Sita and his brother Lakshmana stayed in the forest.

Ravan did not like Raman because the young prince was beautiful and perfect in every way, he hated the prince and desired him dead. One day Ravan looked for Rama in the forest and found Sita, who he kidnapped and brought to his kingdom in Lanka. Rama went after Ravan to free his wife Sita. The battle between the two was near.

Rama entered the city of Ravan and waited for him, Ravan came to meet his opponent followed by hordes of followers that at the sight of Raman abandoned Ravan alone in the open ground where he would finally meet his death. Rama fights with Ravan and in a stroke of mercy against his opponent he fires an arrow straight to his heart and Ravan dies at the hands of a man. Rama frees his wife and returns home to be crowned king.

Ram Navami Traditions, Customs and Activities

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Shivnu as prince Rama, who killed the demon king Ravan. It is celebrated with great joy by all devotes of Lord Rama, who usually hold fasting for nine days.

On the day of Ram Navami everybody wakes up very early to take bath and pray to the God Sun. In the morning there are mantra prayers and offering of fruits and flowers to Lord Rama. Homes are cleaned and pictures of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman are held in the walls and the offerings are placed in front of them with lightened candles.

A special ritual is done on his day, a puja to Lord Rama. The youngest female member of a family will apply teeka to all the males in the family, and a red bindi is applied on the foreheads of the males. Everyone then sprinkles water, roli and aipun to the images of the gods on the walls, and then hands filled with rice are showered unto the deities. Everyone then stands and performs the arti, and at the end water is sprinkled over the whole family. Singing of bhajans is done while performing the puja, and finally prasad, some food that literally means a generous spirit, is offered to everyone who was present during the puja. Puja is a religious ceremony of gratitude done in the home of a family.

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Nyepi is a religious observance for Hindus in Indonesia

Noel — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:37:00 +0000

Nyepi Day: March 23

Nyepi is a religious observance for Hindus. It is also a public holiday in Indonesia.

Nyepi is the celebration of New Year in the Hindu Saka calendar. It is a lunar calendar and New Year is celebrated on the first day of the 10th lunar month, that is March or April of the Gregorian calendar, in 2010 will be on March 16.

History of Nyepi

Hindus in Bali use two calendars, the Pawukon system and the lunar Saka calendar. The Saka calendar is used by Hindus and has 12 months, and each month ends with the new moon. The New Year is celebrated with the new moon of the end of the 9th month. This day falls on March or April in the Gregorian calendar. To mark the New Year Balinese Hindus celebrate the day of Nyepi, or Day of Silence.

It is a day for strict meditation, fasting and silence, starting at 6am and ending the next day at 6am, there are strict rules when it comes to observing silence in Bali. You cannot light a fire, and you lights should be kept low, no work, no entertainment, no TV or music, no travel, the airport is closed during the whole day, and if you are a hardcore follower of these practices you will not eat or talk the whole day. Everybody is to stay at home and reflect on the past year and pray for blessings for the New Year that has started.

But Nyepi starts much before the actual New Year day; there are several festivals and rituals that are performed in preparation for Nyepi. If you manage to be faithful to the prohibitions during Nyepi, you will start the New Year purified and blessed, you will be Kedewaan, or like having the qualities of a deity.

Nyepi Traditions, Customs and Activities

There are several traditions that are included in the Nyepi celebrations and that start before the actual day.

Melasti is a day for colorful processions of the images of the Gods to the waters of the oceans from their temples, it is done three or four days before Nyepi. There are prayers in the beach before returning the images of the Gods to their temples, in the city. It has the meaning of cleaning all impurities from humans and the whole universe with the waters of the ocean.

Tawur Kesanga and Caru are sacrifice rituals on the eve of Nyepi. There are sacrifices of all kinds of animals, chickens, ducks, dogs, goats or cows and bulls. These are offered with plants to the Gods. On the same day, there is also a traditional running around the houses or villages for protection with a torch and a bell to make noise. In a village there are processions with a giant doll called Ogoh-Ogoh, that is like a giant puppet monster, which in the end is burned.

Then on the day of Nyepi, total silence is to be observed. The religious prohibitions are: no fire, no work, no entertainment or pleasure, no travelling. Everybody is to stay at home and is not allowed to come out in the streets, there are actual government officials that patrol the streets to make sure that no one is outside. Exceptions of course for emergencies.

After the Nyepi there is a day that is called Ngembak Geni, it is a day for forgiveness, everybody gets out of the house to visit relatives and friends and share the happiness of the New Year with clean spirits. And they are received with cakes and sweets that are prepared especially for this day.

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Holi

Noel — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:07:15 +0000

Holi Date: March 8

Holi Festival is celebrated in India.

One of the more popular festivals emerging out of the mystical land of India is Holi. The festival that is believed to have had its origins millions of years ago where gods ruled the earth is a celebration of good over evil. The festival celebrates the burning of a Hindu demoness, Holika. The story goes that Prahlad, the son of the demon lord Hiranyakashipu was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu was a staunch devotee of Lord Brahma and by incessant penance to his god, had attained the power of invincibility.

Holi History

It was granted that Hiranyakashipu could not be killed during night or day not on earth or sea and not inside or outside the house. When Hiranyakashipu was angered at his son’s devotion to Lord Vishnu, it was his will to kill him. With several measures attempted at killing his son, Hiranyakashipu asked his own sister, the demoness Holika to step into the fire with Prahlad in her lap. The festival of Holi celebrates the death of Holika in this fire and the miraculous escape of Prahlad.

Holi Traditions and Activities

Holi is a festival that is observed with a lot of fan fare in India. The festival is one that is celebrated by all the religions in India. The festival although being associated more with the Hindus than anyone else, is one that is devoid of religion based celebration. The celebrations in the more staunch part of India involve bonfires that are recreated to depict the burning of Holika.

Most parts of India however celebrate the festival by throwing colors on each other’s bodies. The colors are mixed with water and are applied on each other. This celebration originated and was made famous by Lord Krishna, who is said to have applied colors to the Gopis (cow herd girls) around him. The act was done in order to make Krishna not feel down because of his darker complexion as compared to that of Radha.

The practice is a regular sight on the streets of India during the occasion of Holi. The celebrations itself can take place anywhere from as short a duration as 3 days to as many as 16 days long. The festival apart from being widely celebrated in India also has its followers in nearby Pakistan and Nepal. There is also a distinct association that Holi has with love.

Holi is celebrated almost throughout India, except for a few places in the south where traditional North Indian communities are few. The festival also is common practice in Indian populated places like the United Kingdom, West Indies, Mauritius and Fiji.

Interesting facts about Holi Festival
The God of Love Kamadeva is said to have an influence on the festival as well and its occurrence in the spring months does strengthen the festival’s association with love.

Among the places to celebrate Holi is Uttar Pradesh, where the town of Barsana plays host to an amazing display of women beating men with sticks and accompanying the celebrations with songs and dance.

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Maha Shivratri is a religious observance for Hindus

Noel — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:30:31 +0000

Maha Shivratri: February 12

Maha Shivratri is a religious observance for Hindus. It is also a public holiday in Sri Lanka.

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Maagha or Phalguna from the Hindu lunar calendar, one night and day before the new moon.

History of Maha Shivratri

Maha Shrivati is the grand night dedicated to worship Lord Shiva. There are different reasons why Lord Shiva is revered and adored by Hindus, and especially those who devote their lives to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva on this night is worshipped with gratitude due to the following story. During the Samudra Manthan, a period of fights between gods and demons, it happened that a toxic poison came out from the ocean, and everyone was scared of this.

Lord Vishnu advised all gods to seek protection from Lord Shiva. Shiva out of compassion drank the poison and kept it in his throat with a snake tied to it. Wise men advised the gods to keep Lord Shiva awake during the night to avoid the poison harming him, so to keep Shiva awake there dances and music played by the gods. Shiva was so happy with the devotion that promised that whoever contemplated him on this day would also be blessed as the gods were on that day.

Another story says that the Maha Shivrati has a different beginning. It is told that Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma once got very full of themselves that decided to try to show their superiority towards one another, ending in a fight. Lord Shiva stepped in the middle of them; he manifested himself as a pillar of fire, Anala-skanda, that had no beginning or end. Both Vishnu and Brahma tried to see what the pillar was all about. Vishnu in the form of varaha, or a boar, went down the pillar, and Brahma sitting in his swan went up the pillar.

Years passed and both did not find either beginning of end of the burning pillar. Brahma one day saw a leaf falling down and presumed that it had fallen from the top of the pillar, so he returned back convinced that the pillar had a beginning on the top, even though he did not see it. Vishnu accepted that the pillar had no bottom and also returned back.

As they met with Shiva, Vishnu told about his failure to see the bottom of the pillar. Brahma affirmed to have seen the top, which was a lie, just to appear superior to Vishnu. So Shiva was upset and cursed him, telling that Brahma would never be worshiped by any one. Brahma finally conceded that he was equal to Vishnu and had not seen any top or end to the pillar. So order was once again restored.

The appearance of Lord Shiva as the burning pillar was on the day of the Maha Shivratri. There are other stories related in the holy books of Hinduism about Lord Shiva that make this deity worth of praise and worship on this day.

Maha Shivratri Traditions, Customs and Activities

Devotees of Lord Shiva and Hindus in general, on the day of Maha Shivratri observe fast, only drinking milk and eating fruits, they perform the elaborate puja, or ritual of worship to Lord Shiva with chants and hymns dedicated to him. It is a day and night to feel blessed by Lord Shiva in so many ways, and to find ways to express gratitude for what Lord Shiva has done and blessed men with during their lives. Long periods of meditation are observed during this festival as mantras are repeated by the worshippers to help the meditation.

It is a festival to privilege reflection and introspection; many Hindus visit Lord Shiva’s darshans, or sacred images of the god, in its sanctuaries. Rathayatras, processions done with images carried by chariots, are organized through the streets where there is a Lord Shiva temple, so that all those who cannot enter in the temple can also adore the darshan on this day. Sewas, or acts of charity, are to be performed on this day to please Lord Shiva, and all the Mahatmas, or great Hindu spirits.

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Vasant Panchami is a Hindu religious observance

Noel — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:03:33 +0000

Vasant Panchami: January 28

Vasant Panchami is a religious observance for Hindus and it is a national holiday in Nepal.

Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, art and music. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magh.

History of Vasant Panchami

Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. She represents wisdom and consciousness, she is the goddess of knowledge and arts. Her gifts to humans are wisdom, speech and learning. Saraswati has four arms that signify mind, intellect, alertness and ego. With one hand she holds sacred scriptures and within another she has a lotus, that is a symbol of true knowledge, while with the other two she is playing an instrument called veena, and she is said to be playing music about life and love. Vasant Panchami is the celebration of this goddess birthday, and also the beginning of Vasant Ritu, or spring season.

According to Hinduism, the oldest sacred texts Vedas, are Saraswati’s children. Legends say that Saraswati was born from the forehead of her father, Lord Shiva, like greek god Athena who was born from the head of Zeus. It is told that the god Brahma fell in love with Saraswati the moment he saw her, but she did not like him so she kept running from him. Brahma trying not to let her escape grew four faces in his head so that he could see her wherever she was, but still Saraswati was intelligent enough to escape Brahma.

Legend says that somehow Brahma managed to marry her and from the marriage the Vedas came to being. One day a great sacrificial fire was setup by Brahma, as the time of the offering approached he asked his wife not to be late and be by his side as the sacrifice was to be offered by them as husband and wife. But Saraswati is somewhat absent minded and was late. Brahma was furious and threw the wife in the fire as the sacrifice itself. Saraswati then remained forever alone, she is said to have a fiery temper and independent will, and living in a perpetual self imposed exile.

Vasant Panchami Traditions, Customs and Activities

Families on this day wake up early to bathe and dress in new white or yellow clothes to celebrate the festival. It is tradition for Hindu families that during this festival their children will be taught to write their first words. Brahmins, who are educators, law makers, scholars and preachers of Dharma in Hinduism, on this day, are offered gifts. It is also customary to worship ancestors, since they are the guardians of knowledge that was passed from generation to generation. And schools, colleges and universities organize special prayer rituals for Saraswati.

The predominant color on the festival is yellow, as people dress in yellow to adore Saraswati and also sweets are colored yellow and offered on this day as gifts. Yellow signifies the beginning of spring time and the blossoming of flowers in the fields. Flowers are offered in the temples to images of the goddess, and also students are to place their books in front of statues of Saraswati and do not do any studying on this day. Also musical instruments and different artist’s tools are placed in front of the goddess to receive her blessing of inspiration and wisdom.

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People in India and Abroad Celebrate Pongal

Noel — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:00:28 +0000

Pongal Date: January 14 to January 17

Pongal is a Hindu festival celebrated in India but it is NOT a public holiday.

Pongal is the Harvest Festival which is considered equivalent to a Thanksgiving celebration. Pongal is celebrated by all Tamils—natives of Tamil Nadu, India—across the world. In Tamil, Pongal means “to boil or spill over”, and that spilled abundance is celebrated every January.

History of Pongal in India

The history of the Pongal festival can be traced back as far as 200 B.C. It originated as a Dravidian harvest festival of the Thai Un and Thai Niradal people. The festival has been practiced since, practices spreading across many parts of India.

Several legends also exist telling of the origin of Pongal. According to one legend, Lord Shiva asked his bull, Basava, to spread word to the mortal realm that baths and oil massages should be performed daily, yet eating should be limited to once a month. Basava confused Shiva’s message and told the mortals to eat daily but shower and massage once a month. Enraged, Shiva banished Basava to the mortal realm to forever toil in the fields producing food for all.

Another legend has a young Lord Krishna try to teach a lesson to an arrogant Lord Indra, king of deities. Lork Krishna petitioned the cowherds not to pray to Lord Indra, but this act angered Lord Indra who sent down a torrent of rain for three days. With compassion, Lord Krishna raised Mount Govardhan, saving the human population, but not without Lord Indra recognizing the err of his ways.

India’s Pongal Traditions, Customs and Activities

Pongal is celebrated for four days. The first day is called “Bhogi” and is celebrated by throwing away old ragged clothes and old unusable items and burning them early in the morning. This depicts the discarding of the old items and making provisions for new things in the new upcoming year.

The second day is known as Pongal day. Milk is typically boiled in a clay pot, boiling over for future prosperity to the family. Sarkarai Pongal—a sweet dish which contains boiled rice, milk, jaggery and cashew nuts—is made on this day. The newly harvested rice is boiled and newly cut sugarcane is offered to the sun god early in the morning, a gesture of thanks to the sun god for all his help during the whole crop cycle. The rice is then served to all the people in the house as a part of the ceremony.

The third day, “Mattu Pongal”, is the day for thanking the cattle and other farm animals that helped with the agriculture. The cows in villages are decorated with flowers and silk clothes, their horns are either painted with brilliant and attractive colors or covered with gold or metallic covers. The cows are allowed to roam around freely and are fed with Sweet Pongal and sugarcanes.

The fourth day is known as “Kaanum Pongal”. On this day the Tamils visit all their relatives and friends and enjoy the festive season with them, thanking them for all their help with the harvest.

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Ashadh Day

Noel — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:24:25 +0000

Ashadh Day-Guru Purnima Date: July 25

Ashadh Day is observed by Hindus around the world.

Guru Purnima is celebrated on the lunar month of Ashadh, July, on the day of the full moon.

Ashadh Day History

The day celebrations are marked by Hindus all over the world as a mark of respect for the Guru, a teacher or preacher. The day commemorates the sacred memory of Sage Vyasa, the ancient Guru who compiled the four vedas, authored 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata, and the Simrid Bhagavata. This day is also known as Vyasa Purnima and is practiced by those devoted to their beloved Gurus by offering them worship. Sage Vyasa is known to be the original Guru of the Hindu religion, and these day celebrations were created for everyone to celebrate the role of a real life Guru, and signify the great importance of the role of a Guru. Hindu people show great respect to their Guru, and often regard them as God.

Ashadh Day Traditions and Activities

The day celebrations are organized by spiritual organizations and are usually cultural performances. To make the day even more special Divine Discourse and Bhajan Samarohas are also organised. In India Guru Purnima is celebrated at various Ashrams but with much grandeur at Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh.

Many worshippers travel from many parts of India to the celebrations here. Also at Ashram of Satya Sai Baba, and at Puttaporthy Ashram in Amritapuri and other places of high spiritual importance. This is a day of spiritual seekers who open up to their Gurus to receive the Divine Power and for this reason many holy people use this day to shower blessings on everyone.

Guru Purnima has special significance to the sadhaks and farmers as the four months begins from this day. The water drawn up into the clouds from the hot summer starts to fall in large showers enriching the earth and bringing fresh life. All disciples perform Puja and offer their Gurus flowers and sweets. Its is also A good time to begin spiritual lessons from A Guru.

Vat Pournima

Noel — Sun, 08 May 2011 17:50:59 +0000

Vat Pournima Date: May 8

Vat Pournima is celebrated in India and among Hindus worldwide.

Vat Pournima is celebrated by women in the state of Maharashtra, India, in the month of Jesht according to the Hindu Lunar calendar, usually in the month of May or June.

Vat Pournima History

Pournima meaning full moon is the reason why this is a moveable festival. Vat Pournima commemorates the legendary wife Savitri who convinced Yama the lord of death to spare the life of her husband Satyavan whilst waiting for death under a Banyan tree.

On this day Yama the Lord of death sent many messengers but Savitri kept refusing. Yama himself finally appeared but Savitri was still adamant. He offered her a Boon so she asked for the well being of her in-laws, she accepted the boon and watched as Yama took her husband. Savitri followed them and Yama offered her another boon so she asked for the well being of her parents and this he also granted. As she continued to follow relentless he offered her another boon where she asked for a son which he also granted and in her response asked him how she could have a son without her husband. Yama was trapped and gave Savitri back her husband. Since Vat Pournima Savitri is now worshipped as a goddess.

Vat Pournima Traditions and Activities

On the day of the Vat Pournima festival women pray for the well being of their husbands and tie threads around a Banyan tree. The women wake up early, take a bath and observe fast. They wear traditional clothing and jewellery and in the afternoon visit temples to worship the Goddess Savitri. Traditional food is another important role so the women cook traditional rice and delicacies. People exchange gifts and pay respect to the elders. Many women and children wear new clothing and decorate their homes with flowers and anything colourful.