English meaning of the festival The word Ekadashi means eleventh and refers to the “thithi” (Hindu date) on which it is observed. Prabhodhani means awakening or knowledge. How the date is decided annually Each Hindu month has two “pakshas” comprising 15 thithis each. We therefore have two Ekadashi in every Hindu month, [...]

English meaning of the festival Skanda is another name for Kartikeya or Murugan. Sashti means six (referring to the 6th thithi on which this celebration is held). How the date is decided annually Skanda Sashti is held on the 6th date in the bright phase of the month of Kartik or Karthigai. [...]

English meaning of the festival Varaluxmi is the giver of vara, meaning boons or wishes. In this form Lakshmi brings prosperity, well-being and fulfilment to the home. The vow, or vrata, is each devotee’s pledge to honour the female principle in the highest manner by observing this elaborate festival. How the date [...]

Deepavali / Luxmi Pooja (North & South) English meaning of the festival Deepavali means a row of lights. Since Deepavali is dedicated to the God of wealth, it is also referred to as Maha Luxmi Pooja. How the date is decided annually Deepavali is celebrated on the Amavasya (no moon) or fifteenth day in [...]

English meaning of the festival The word Ganesha is a combination of two words – Gana (the entire cosmic creation) and Isha (controller and presider). The name has become synonymous with words like Sidhi (perfection), Buddhi (intelligence or wisdom), and Vignahara (dispeller of obstacles). Chaturti means fourth (4th) and it refers to [...]

English meaning of the festival Chittirai refers to a month in the Tamil calendar and Paruvam refers to the phase of the moon. Chitra Paruvam is a combination of the name of the month and the phase of the moon. The full moon in the Tamil month of Chittirai is called Chitra [...]

English meaning of the festival The word Jayanti is made up of Jaya which means victory and Anta which means end. Jayanti refers to one who triumps in the end. Hanuman Jayanti is the day on which Hanuman is celebrated since he is the one who stands victorious despite all the odds. [...]

English meaning of the festival Rama refers to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Naumee means nine. Rama Naumee refers to the ninth day in the month of Chaitra when the appearance of Lord Rama is celebrated. How the date is decided annually Rama Navami falls on the ninth day of the [...]

How the date is decided annually Ramayana Week starts on the day of Hindi/Telugu New Year and continues until one day before Rama Naumee (generally lasts 8 days/nights) Significance of the festival to Hinduism Devotees engage in Ramayana recital, singing of bhajans and kirtans and listening to discourses/stories on the Ramcharitmanas of [...]

English meaning of the festival Ugadi/Yugadi (in Telugu) means New Year. Yugadi is derived from the Sanskrit words Yuga (age) and Aadi (beginning). Yugadi therefore means the beginning of a new age. How the date is decided annually Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaithramu (March/April) in [...]