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The Story of Chaitra Navratri “Chaitra Navratri” also known as “Vasanth Navratri” is a Hindu festival that falls during the month of March or April and marks the first day of the Hindu calendar. This festival is celebrated for nine days in which all nine divine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped with great devotion by people all over India.  According to the Hindu mythology, when Goddess Durga went to her maternal home for nine-days, with the permission of Lord Shiva, a battle took place between the demon ‘Mahishasura’ and Goddess Durga. The demon was defeated in this battle, and...

What is Holi? Why do we celebrate it? Holi is a major traditional festival celebrated in India that signifies the triumph of good over evil. It is also known as the 'festival of spring’ since it is celebrated on the arrival of spring and marks the end of winter. The festival is celebrated for two days every year, where the evening of the first day is celebrated as ‘Choti Holi’ and the following day is celebrated as ‘Holi’, ‘Dol Purnima’, or ‘Dhulandi’. According to a mythological legend in Hindu culture, Lord Krishna’s skin was blue in color after a demoness...

Lord Shiva, also known as “Mahadeva”, is the third God in the Hindu Trimurti, that includes two other gods, namely – “Brahma” and “Vishnu”. Shiva is known as “The Destroyer” of the universe. Lord Shiva is worshipped as The Supreme God by the “Shaivites”, and is represented by various forms including Nataraja, Ardhanarishvara, Kalabhairava, Adiyogi, Triambaka, and Kaleshwara. Lord Shiva is usually worshipped in the form of ‘Linga’ or ‘Lingam’ by Hindus across India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the fourteenth day of every lunar month, in honour of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva – Devo...

What is a Griha Pravesh Puja? ‘Griha Pravesh’ or ‘Grihapravesham’ is a housewarming ceremony performed on an auspicious day by Hindus, before entering a new house for the first time. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Griha’ which means ‘house’ and ‘Pravesh’ which means ‘entry’. A Griha Pravesh Puja is performed not just by the owner, but also by all the members of family, to welcome the blessings of the divine power. This puja is believed to purify the environment of the house, and ward off negative energies. The auspicious day and a ‘shubh muhurat’ (an auspicious time),...

What is Diwali and why is it celebrated? Diwali, also known as Deepavali is one of the major religious festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists across the world. The word ‘Diwali’ is derived from the words ‘deepa’ which means ‘lamp’ and ‘avali’ which means ‘row’. Thus, the name represents all the clay lamps which are lighted in a row during Diwali, outside homes, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, and good over evil. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom – Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after 14...