CALCULATING HINDU RELIGIOUS AND FESTIVAL DATES The Priest’s Council of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS), representing linguistic and ideological diversity in the Hindu sector, annually declares festival dates for the South African Hindu public. Often confusion arises due to time zone differences with India. Information on Google pertains primarily to India. The [...]
Explanation of Heaven and Hell in Hinduism In Hinduism, the concept and form of heaven is very different to that understood in other religions. While some scriptures may describe heaven and hell as the final and permanent destination of the soul, in Hinduism, heaven (swarga) is perceived as an intermediate spiritual achievement. It is [...]
English meaning of the festivalRandhan Chat means “cooking on the sixth day”. The day is meant for preparing food (Randhan) for the next day, which is Shitla Satam. Since the day is important for cooking, the festival has its name "Randhan Chat," which means "cooking on the sixth day". The day is dedicated to preparing [...]
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 carried on either end [...]
English meaning of the festival Arudra Dharisanam is dedicated to the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva. Arudra or Thiruvathirai refers to the nakshatra or star that prevails. Thiruvathirai means the 'big sacred wave' that resulted in the formation of the universe/creation, and devotees celebrate the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, i.e., the [...]
