[page_title] English meaning of the festival The Sanskrit word Pitra refers to our immediate ancestors, departed relatives and friends, the earliest Rishis (sages) and God in all His aspects.  The observance of Mahalaya Paksha and Pitra Paksha, involves intense Bhakti to God, as does every Hindu Religious observance. In addition, devotees pray for the [...]

[page_title] English meaning of the festival The Sanskrit word Pitra refers to our immediate ancestors, departed relatives and friends, the earliest Rishis (sages) and God in all His aspects.  The observance of Mahalaya Paksha and Pitra Paksha, involves intense Bhakti to God, as does every Hindu Religious observance. In addition, devotees pray for the [...]

[page_title] English meaning of the festival Krishna refers to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Ashtami means eight. Krishna Ashtami refers to the eighth day in the month of Bhadrapada when the appearance of Lord Krishna is celebrated. How the date is decided annually Krishna Ashtami falls on the eighth day of the Krishna [...]

[page_title] How the date is decided monthly Gita Week starts on the day after Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) and continues until one day before Krishna Ashtami (generally lasts 7 days/nights) Significance of the festival to Hinduism During the build-up to Krishna Ashtami, devotees engage in spiritual activities. The singing of bhajans and kirtans (devotional [...]

[page_title] English meaning of the festival The word Raksha means protection, while Bandhan is the verb to tie. The festival of Raksha Bandhan, a knot of protection, came into existence some 6 000 years ago at the beginning of the Indus Valley civilisation. Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) signifies a spiritual binding and protection of sisters was foremost How the [...]