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.
Venkateshwara Vratam
English meaning of the festival Lord Venkateshwara or Lord Balaji is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and known to his devotees with many names – Lord of Seven Hills, Venkateshwara, Venkatesh, Balaji, Tirumalesha, Perumalla, Govinda, and Shrinivasa. How the date is…
The President and Officials of the SA Hindu Maha Sabha wish you and your family the best for the upcoming festivals
A “Light of Hope” for Women in South Africa
The dawn of democracy in South Africa brings with it the recognition of the historical activism of women on 09 August 1956 when they protested against the unjust segregation laws during the Apartheid era. This day is a celebration of women’s political and economic…
Anti-Indian hate speech South African Hindu Maha Sabha lays charge
Nori Nem
English meaning of the festival Nori-Nem is a vrat (a religious fasting to keep a goal in mind). “Nori” means ‘mongoose’. “Nem” means ‘ninth. How the date is decided annually The day is celebrated on the ninth day of the holy…
Shitla Satam
English meaning of the festival Shitla, is an incarnation of Supreme Goddess Parvati who cures poxes, sores, ghouls, pustules and diseases. Shitla means “one who cools”. How the date is decided annually Shitla Satam festival is celebrated on the 7th day of…
Thiru Sundaramoorithi Guru Pooja
English meaning of the festival Thiru Sundaramoorithi was an eighth-century poet-saint of Tamil Shaiva Siddhant tradition of Hinduism. He is among the Thevaram trio, and one of the most prominent Nayanars, the Shaiva bhakti (devotional) poets of Tamil Nadu. How the…
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha supports the initiatives of the Black Business Federation of South Africa
Good Day Honourable Mr President
Seven shelves, one library.
News & Press
Press statements, community reporting, and coverage of the Sabha’s work.
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Official Notices
Formal notices and clarifications from the national office.
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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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E-Books
Full-length books to download and keep.
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
THE MONTHLY NOTE
Never miss a date.
Calendar dates, programme updates, and one piece of scripture-grounded writing. Once a month, never more.