[page_title] 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 (4th) and it refers to the [...]

[page_title] 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 elaborate festival. How the date is [...]

[page_title] English meaning of the festival Chittirai refers to a month in the Tamil calendar and Paruvam refers to the phase of the moon. Chitra Paruvam is a combination of the name of the month and the phase of the moon. The full moon in the Tamil month of Chittirai is called Chitra Paruvam [...]

[page_title] How the date is decided annually Ramayana Week starts on the day of Hindi/Telugu New Year and continues until one day before Rama Naumee (generally lasts 8 days/nights) Significance of the festival to Hinduism Devotees engage in Ramayana recital, singing of bhajans and kirtans and listening to discourses/stories on the Ramcharitmanas of Goswami [...]

[page_title] English meaning of the festival The word Jayanti is made up of Jaya which means victory and Anta which means end. Jayanti refers to one who triumps in the end. Hanuman Jayanti is the day on which Hanuman is celebrated since he is the one who stands victorious despite all the odds. How [...]