THE SABHA JOURNAL
A record of the living tradition.
Festival dates, official notices, prayers, and writing on Hindu life in South Africa. Every post the Sabha has published, filed by topic.
Fresh from the Sabha.
Every post since 2019.
166 posts and counting. Use the topic chips above to narrow the list, or page through the full archive here.
Randhan Chat
English meaning of the festival Randhan 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…
Thai Poosam Flag Hoisting
English meaning of the festival Thai 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…
Arudra Dharisanam
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…
Deepavali/ Diwali Dates 2021
March 5, 2021 The festival of Deepavali/Diwali in 2021 is celebrated on 4 November for both North and South Hindus. The other significant dates for Deepavali/ Diwali are: Dhan Trayodasi – 2nd November 2021 Narak Chaturdasi- 3rd November 2021 Gujarati New Year –…
Kethara Gowri Nombu
English meaning of the festival Kethara (or Kedara) refers to Lord Shiva and Gowri refers to Mother Parvati (Shakti). The festival is Kethara Gowri Nombu since Mother Parvati (Gowri) observed a special vrat (fast) to Lord Shiva. The Lord pleased by her austerities,…
INITIATIVE 108 OF SA HINDU MAHA SABHA PROMOTES SOCIAL COHESION
(Pictured above) Zinhle Ngcobo (P&D Committee member), Roshan Jainath (P&D Convener), Abhir Dayaram (SAHMS), Zandile Nguse (resident), Arnotte Payne (Slum Dwellers International), Ranjiv Nirgun (Midlands Hindu Society) The unfortunate incidents of July 2021…
Objection letter for Verulam Mortuary
8 October 2021 Ms Nancy Moonsamy Mr Odwa Mgobozi The eThekwini Municipality Durban RE: Objection to a Mortuary in a Verulam Dear Sir/Madam, A mortuary is an essential service to any community. However, there is concern that its location is not compatible with a…
Anna Abhishekam
English meaning of the festival Abhishekam (literally hydration Pooja) is the process of bathing the deity. “Annam” means rice, and Anna Abhishekam denotes bathing the deity with cooked rice. How the date is decided annually This divine ritual is performed on the Full…
Pitra Paksha starts on the 21st of September 2021
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Auspicious Dates
Festival and observance dates, explained and confirmed.
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Prayers
Daily prayers, and prayers for the moments that call for them.
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Hinduism & Philosophy
Longer reads on belief, practice, and meaning.
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Bhagavad Gita
Verses with commentary, chapter by chapter.
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Browse“One must elevate, not degrade, oneself by one’s own mind. The mind alone is one’s friend as well as one’s enemy.”
Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 6 · Read the series
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