Ekadashi
[page_title]English meaning of the festivalThe word Ekadashi means eleventh and refers to the “thithi” (Hindu date) on which it is observed. How the date is decided annuallyThere are various rules for determining the date of observance, depending on whether one is a Vaishnava (often described as one who has been given [...]
Maha Shivaratri
[page_title] English meaning of the festivalMaha Shivaratri means "great night of Shiva".How the date is decided annuallyShivaratri is celebrated on the 14th night of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of Palguna.Significance of the festival to HinduismLord Shiva is in charge of the destruction of Tamasic qualities. Since the night [...]
Thai Poosam Kavady
[page_title] English meaning of the festivalThai refers to the tenth month in the Tamil calendar and Poosam refers to the Pushya star. Thai Poosam combines the month's name and a star's name. Kavady is a pole slung across the shoulder to evenly distribute the weight of whatever is being [...]
Thai Pongal
[page_title] English meaning of the festivalThe tenth month in the Tamil calendar is referred to as Thai. Pongal means "boiling over" or "overflow". Thai Pongal symbolises the joy of a good harvest.How the date is decided annuallyIt is celebrated annually on the 15 January when the sun transits from [...]