Auspicious Hindu Days

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 [...]

English meaning of the festival Krishna refers to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Ashtami means eight. Krishna Ashtami refers to the eighth day in the month of Bhadrapada when the appearance of Lord Krishna is celebrated. How the date is decided annually Krishna Ashtami falls on [...]

How the date is decided monthly Gita Week starts on the day after Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) and continues until one day before Krishna Ashtami (generally lasts 7 days/nights) Significance of the festival to Hinduism During the build-up to Krishna Ashtami, devotees engage in spiritual activities. The [...]

English meaning of the festival The word Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. The festival of Raksha Bandhan which means a knot of protection, came into existence some 6 000 years ago at the beginning of the Indus Valley civilisation. Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) signifies a spiritual binding [...]

English meaning of the festival Vaigasi is the second month in the Tamil calendar. Visakam is the name of the Nakshatra (star) that is reckoning at that time. How the date is decided annually Vaigasi Visakam occurs on the full moon day in the month of Vaigasi. [...]

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 [...]