When is Saraswati Puja in 2012 and Saraswati Puja 2012 Date

August 16, 2011

When is Saraswati Puja 2012 – Well the (सरस्वती पूजा २०१२) Saraswati Puja 2012 Date is Saturday 28th of January. This festival is primarily celebrated in Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa.

Saraswati Puja is performed on Vasant Panchami every year. The festival celebration takes place on the fifth day of brighter fortnight of the month of Magha based on the Indian calendar. It is understood that Goddess Saraswati was born on this particular day. On this day the devotees offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati, who symbolizes knowledge as well as learning.


Who is Goddess Saraswati
Goddess Saraswati happens to be the consort of Lord Brahma and is known to be the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. She personifies knowledge, science, arts and crafts. She also represents Shakti, inspiration, creativity and presents herself at a time when Nature is in all its splendor and the weather is very pleasant. Her presence is indicative of inspiration as well as passion. In Buddhism Goddess Saraswati is considered as guardian deity that protects and assists Buddhist practitioners and upholds Gautama Buddha’s teachings.

Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. She is dressed in white, which represents purity and rides the white swan.

Legend of Saraswati Puja
Goddess Saraswati is considered to be the Goddess of learning as well as speech. She represents the union of power and intelligence from where organized creation emanates. She possess the knowledge of all the scriptures, Vedas, musical power, dances and poetry. She is the person who has revealed knowledge and learning to mankind.

GoddessSaraswati originates from the Vedic river that has disappeared. This link indicates her sense of fluidity in all walks of life. She is the embodiment of wisdom, intelligence, fortune, brilliance, nourishment, splendor, contentment as well devotion.

The belief held is that Goddess Saraswati endows people with powers of wisdom, speech and learning. She has four hands which represent four aspects of the personality of human beings in learning process, mind, learning, intellect, ego and alertness

Celebration of Saraswati Puja
The arrival of springtime is celebrated. Nature decorates the tree and plants with new blossoms. Families dress up in bright yellow and gather around the idol of Goddess Saraswati and pray that they are blessed with knowledge.

Kites are flown high on this day, making the sky look colorful.

Rituals of Saraswati Puja
Devotees dress up in yellow and gather around the idol to pray for knowledge. Flower as well as wild berries are offered to the Goddess. Students keep their books near her idol and seek her blessings. On that day the students do not do any writing or reading. Then puja is performed with sandalwood, joss sticks, ghee, and incense. Slokas are read and conch shells are blown and drums are beaten. Devotees eat only vegetarian food. Children are initiated into learning by writing the word “Om”.

Some people perform the pitri-tarpan( homage paid to dead ancestors).

Saraswati Puja is an auspicious occasion for those interested in enhancing their knowledge and learning. It is a day for the family to get-together and pray that they are a success in every walk of life.

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When is Bhaado 2011 – Bhaadra or Bhadrapada 2011 Date

August 15, 2011

Bhaado 2011 or Bhaadra or Bhadrapada in 2011 (भाद्रपद, भादो) according to Hindu calendar starts from 14th of August and ends on 12th of September.

Bhaado or Bhaadra is the 6th month of the year according to hindu calender. According to Bikram Sambat, it is 5th month.

In 2011 we have several festivals falling in Bhaadra.

Parsi New year – 19th August
Sri Krishna Janmashtami(कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी) – 22nd August
Aja Ekadashi or Ananda Ekadashi(अनंदा एकादशी) – 25th August
Haritalika Teej(हरतालिका तीज व्रत) – 31st August
Ganesha Chaturthi(गणेश चतुर्थी) Starts – 1st September
Ganesha Chaturthi Ends – 11th September

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When is Karva Chauth in 2011 and Karva Chauth 2011 Date

August 14, 2011

When is Karva Chauth 2011 – Well the Date for Karwa Chauth 2011 is Saturday 15th of October i.e Karva Chauth is celebrated on 4th day of krishna paksh or dark-fortnight in the month of Kartik.

Karva Chauth(करवा चौथ) is celebrated by a married woman to ensure the longevity of life of her husband as well as his prosperity and well-being. It is also an occasion for the married woman to get closer to her in-laws and also repose trust and faith in her husband. The festival occurs 9 days before Diwali, the Festival of Lights on the day of “Kartik ki chauth”.

History of Karva Chauth
In the earlier days, girls got married very early and had to often travel far, away from their parents. In their in-laws house, they do not have anybody to share their problems and sorrows. On this solemn occasion they befriend another woman in the locality with whom they become close and treat her as a god-sister. Both of them share their inner most thoughts. Karva chauth, therefore initially began as a ceremony offering friendship and later on it became a ritual for the well-being of the husband.

Celebration of Karva Chauth
It is celebrated in the Northern part of India by married woman. The woman of the house applies henna in her hair and dresses in bridal wear and wears jewelry that she received at the time of her marriage or whatever jewelry she has. They usual dress up in red or pink. She looks her best. She applies sindoor on her forehead. Rangoli designs are drawn in the house as well as outside the house. Special foods are cooked and it is an occasion for festivities and spending time in the thoughts of her beloved husband. She keeps a fast which she breaks after seeing the moon in bowl of water.

This is day for family and friends to get-together. Gifts are exchanged and the husband also presents a beautiful gift for his wife.

Ritual of Karva Chouth
The married woman keeps fast on this day and breaks it after seeing the moon. They do not even drink water. They wake up early in the morning, perform ablutions and then dress up in their fineries. She also applies henna in her hair and exchanges gifts. Henna designs are applied on the hands and feet. For the evening a special meal is cooked so that the husband can taste good savories. The married woman wears her bridal wear or in case she does not have it, then dresses up in an expensive silk sari or “lengh-choli” and wears a lot of jewelry, generally her bridal jewelry.

Chauth is considered to be the fourth day and Karva is an earthen pot with a spout. These are essential for the ritual. They represent peace as well as prosperity. Lord Shiva alongwtih Parati and their son Kartikeya are worshipped on this day .by filling 10 Karvas with sweets. The Karvas are given to daughters as well as sisters along with gifts.

In Karva Chauth celebration women sing uja songs and pass their thalis in the circle. This is called feris. During the first 6 feris they sing -
वीरो कुड़िये करवडा, सर्व सुहागन करवडा, ए कट्टी नया अटेरी ना, खुम्ब चरख्रा फेरी ना, आर पैर पायीं ना, रुठ्दा मनियें ना, सुथडा जगाईं ना, ले वीरा कुरिय करवाडा, लै सर्व सुहागन करवाडा |

In the last and 7th feri they sing -
वीरो कुड़िये करवडा, सर्व सुहागन करवडा, ए कट्टी नया अटेरी नी, खुम्ब चरख्रा फेरी भी, आर पैर पायीं भी, रुठ्दा मनियें भी, सुथडा जगाईं भी, ले वीरा कुरिय करवाडा, लै सर्व सुहागन करवाडा |

Karva Chauth is an auspicious occasion for a married woman. It strengthens her bond with her husband and smoothes out her relationship with her in-laws.

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When is Onam in 2011 and Onam 2011 Date

August 14, 2011

When is Onam 2011 – Well the Date for Onam 2011 is Friday 9th of September i.e Thiruvonam Nakshatra in the month of Chingam

Onam celebration goes on for 10 days which are Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and Thiruonam.

Onam happens to be the most important and the most popular festival in Kerala. It is a festival of harvest and is celebrated with tremendous joy and eagerness by those belonging to all communities. It is celebrated in the initial days of the month Chingam, considered to be the first month of the Malayalam calendar. This happens to correspond with the months of August – September based on the Gregorian calendar.

Legend of Onam
Onam is celebrated to welcome the King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit during the festival of Onam. During the reign of the demon king Mahabali, Kerala experienced its golden era. The state happened to be very prosperous and rich and the people were also very happy. Although in many ways King Mahabali was likened, there was one negative aspect to his personality, and that was his ego. This weakness was exploited by the Gods as they felt his prosperity proved to be a challenge to them and brought an end to his reign. However, he was granted a boon by God that he could annually visit his people, with whom he had strong attachment.

Oman is celebrated to commemorate this visit of King Mahabali. The festival is performed on grand scale to impress upon King Mahabali that the people care for him and acknowledge his concern for them.

Celebrations of Onam
The carnival held during this festival is held for four to about ten days. The first day is known as Atham and the tenth is termed as Thiruonam. The rich heritage and culture of Kerala is presented during this festival. A grand feast is held called Onasadya, which is prepared on Thiruonam. It happens to be a meal of nine course consisting of 11 to 13 dishes. The meal is served on a banana leaf and the guests sit on a mat laid out on the floor.

The other famous event is the snake boat race known as Vallamkali, which is organized on river Pampa. It is indeed a spectacular event watching the boatmen oar the boats while chanting songs and amidst the cheers of the spectators.

Games are also played known as Onakalikal. Men also participate in rigorous sports. such as Ambeyyal (Archery), Talappanthukali (playing with a ball) etc. Women take part in cultural events. They make mats called Pookalam at the entrance of the courtyard in order to welcome the arrival of Mahabali. Two graceful dances are performed by the women – Kalikotti Kali and Thumbi Thullai. Also folk performances are held such as Kummatti Kali as well as Pulikali.

Rituals of Onam
The first day (Atham) itself is considered auspicious. People have a bath early in the morning and visit their local temple. On this day the devotees start making the flower mat known as Pookkallam from the first day itself. They add more flowers to it in subsequent days that on the final day it is of massive size. The courtyard is decorated with Atha Poo to welcome the demon King Mahabali.

Preparations begin for the Thiru Onam in a grand manner. The house is cleaned up well. The whole place looks very neat and clean. A set breakfast is served consisting of steamed bananas and fried pappadam. This continues till the day of Thiru Onam. A swing is fixed on a rather high branch of a tree. It is decorated with flowers and young people swing happily on it.

On the ninth day of the festival (Utradam), the tenants of the Tarawads( large joint families who share the same kitchen, which consists of more than 100 people) present gifts to the Karanavar, the eldest member of the family. These are generally gifts consisting of the farm produce such as coconut oil, vegetables, plantains etc. This gift is known as ‘Onakazhcha’. The Karanavar offers a sumptuous treat in return for the gift.

On Thiruvonam conical figures made of sticky clay, which are painted red. They are decorated with a paste made of rice-flour as well as water and are placed at the entrance of the house as well as other important places within the house. Elaborate puja and prayers are carried out. A senior family member acts as the priest. He gets up early in the morning and prepares the Ata. The Ata is prepared out of rice flour and molasses for Nivedyam (offerings made to the God). They lit the lamps and all members participate in the ceremonies. Ata, flowers and water are offered to the God. Being a harvest festival, people pray for a bountiful harvest.

People wear best of clothes. After the morning rituals people sit down for the big feast Onasadya. After the meals people play games for recreation. Strong men go in for outdoor games, while the seniors and less sober go in for indoor games such as cards, chess etc. Women dance and many swing .Cultural programs are held and the famous snake boat race is organized. Fire crackers are burst.

Thus Onam is a great festival for the Keralites. They celebrate it with great fervor. It is a grand event for them.

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When is Janmashtami 2012 and Janmashtami 2012 Date

August 6, 2011

When is Janmashtami 2012 – Well the Date for Janmashtami 2012 is Friday 10th August.

Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी, Krishnashtami is celebrated by Hindus as the birthday or Lord Krishna. August 10 is celebrated as Janmashtami by Vaishnavas whereas Gokulashtami date for Smartha sect is on August 9 one day before the Krishnashtami celebrated by Vaishnavas.

According to the Hindu Calender Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in Bhadrapada month on Ashtami tithi which happens to be the 8th day of Krishna Paksha’s dark half. It generally falls between 10th of August to 10th of September.

यह उत्सव भगवान श्री कृष्ण के जन्मोत्सव के रूप में मनाया जाता है. यह उत्सव कृष्ण पक्ष की अष्टमी को, भाद्रपद माह में मनाया जाता है. २०१२ में यह पर्व १० अगस्त को श्रधा पूर्वक मनाया जायेगा. स्मार्त संप्रदाय के लोग इस पर्व को ९ अगस्त २०१२ को मनायेगे.

The Hindus celebrate this festival with great fervor and gaiety as it happens to be the birthday of Lord Krishna. It is a very popular festival all over India. The Vaishnavites call it Srijayanthi or Krishnashtami. The smartas call it Gokulashtami, and in the northern part of India it is known as Janmashtami.

According to the Puranas, Sri Krishna was born on the 8th lunar day (ashtami) in the month of Sravana at midnight. Sri Krishna is held in high esteem as a deity and is the eight avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Legend of Janmashtami
Mathura was led by Kansa a wicked king, who was also the uncle of Sri Krishna. He had a sister Devaki, who was married to Vasudeva. It was predicted that Sri Krishna would be born to Devaki and would kill the wicked king Kansa. This enraged Kansa and he had all the male child of Devaki killed, after imprisoning Devaki and Vasudeva. But since the eight avatar of Lord Vishnu was bound to kill Kansa, Sri Krishna was born in midnight. All the other children born to Devaki, except Balaram were killed.

The day Krishna was born it was raining heavily and there was thunder and lightning. Vasudeva came out of the jail with the child and found that the guards were in hypnotic sleep. With the help of Seshnag, the Cobra which protected the child from the torrential rains, Vasudeva managed to save the child from the cruel clutches of Kansa. Yashoda living across the Yamuna river had delivered a female child. Since she was also in a hypnotic sleep, Vasudeva exchanged the child and placed Sri Krishna near her and took away the female child. Kansa tried to get rid of the child but the child vanished into thin air by predicting that the person who was going to kill him was already born. Finally, Sri Krishna kills Kansa.

Celebration of Janmashatami
It is day of prayer and bhajans (religious songs). Holy mantras are read out. People visit the temple and offer their prayers to Sri Krishna. And pull the string of the cradle in which the image of Sri Krishna has been placed. Sweets are prepared in the houses and special dishes are cooked for the feast after the day long fast. Plays are organized and small children dress up like Sri Krishna. The festivities are held at Gokul, which is located on the banks of river Yamuna, which is 7 miles from the city of Mathura. This is where Sri Krishna was exchanged for another child belonging to Yashoda, who is the wife of Nanda.

Ritual of Janmashtami
The festivities actually begin at midnight and reach their peak at midnight, when the birth of Sri Krishna takes place. Hymns are sung, arti is performed and conches are blown. The cradle in which the image of Sri Krishna is kept is rocked. The idol of Sri Krishna is bathed with a mixture of ghee, milk, honey oil and Gangajal known as Panchamrit.. Later on the Panchamrit is distributed among the devotees along with sweets. Some fast on the first day and break it at midnight. Others fast for both the days.

People fast a day before his birthday and break the fast after his birth. They feast after the fast is broken. A clay image of Sri Krishna is made and kept in the house and worshiped. Several dishes and sweets are offered to the God and then consumed by the members of the household. A cradle is laid out and either a small child dressed up as Sri Krishna is kept in it or an idol of his. It is pulled by a string and rocked.

Janmashtami is indeed a day when adults and children offer their prayers to Lord Krishna. It is day when evil was surmounted and goodness prevailed.

Below are some of the bollywood songs which are popularly layed on the occassion of Krishna jan –

Given below are 4 mantras or slokas for lord Sri Krishna’s worship -

ॐ देवकी नन्दनाय विद्महे वासुदेवाय धीमहि,
तन्‍नो कृष्णः प्रचोदयात्‌ ।

वसुदेव सुतं देवं कंस चाणूरमर्दनं ।
देवकी परमानंदं कृष्णं वंदे जगद्गुरुं ॥

ॐ क्लीं कृष्णाय गोविंदाय गोपीजन वल्लभाय स्वाहा ।

मूकं करोति वाचालं पङ्गुं लङ्घयते गिरिम् ।
यत्कृपा तमहं वन्दे परमानन्दमाधवम् ॥

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