Somvati Amavasya 2011 2012 Dates
September 27, 2011
When is Somvati Amavasya – Somvati Amavasya signifies a no moon day that falls on the Monday of any month in Hindu calendar. The dates for next 1 years of Somvati Amavasya are -
Monday, January 23 2012 – Somvati Amavasya (2.19 pm (22-1-12) – 1.09 pm (23/1/12) )
Monday, 15 October 2012 – Somvati Amavasya (8.32 pm (14/10/12) – 5.32 pm (15/10/12))
The word ‘Somvati’ has been derived from ‘Somvar’ that is Monday and ‘Amavasya’ is the no moon day. Hindus believe that ‘Amavasya’ that occurs on a Monday makes an auspicious occasion to perform religious rituals to commemorate their deceased ancestors.
Legend of Somvati Amavasya
As explained in the Hindu epic ‘Mahabharata’, after the war of Kurukshetra was over, King Yudhishthir got worried about the future of his dynasty. He sought advice from his grandsire Vishma who explained the significance of Somvati Amavasya to the king. He asked Yudhishthir to observe the Vrata of Somvati Amavasya which will ensure the prosperity of his reign and also bless him with noble children. There is the Folklore about the daughter of a moneylender who was destined to become a window. She performed the Somvati Amavasya Vrata by keeping fast and worshipping a Peepal tree and got rid of her bad fortune. Thereafter Somvati Amavasya is celebrated by all Hindu married women.
Rituals of Somvati Amavasya
As per the mythical beliefs, one who takes a holy dip in the sacred rivers on the day of Somvati Amavasya, becomes free from diseases or sorrows and are able to achieve eternal prosperity in their lives. Hindu devotees keep fast on this day and take a bath in rivers like Ganges or Godavari in order for the souls of their departed ancestors to rest in peace. Countless religiously inclined hoi polloi congregate on the banks of Ganges at Triveni and Haridwar in search of ‘Punya’. ‘Tarpan’ is performed to commemorate late relatives. Married women keep daylong fast or eat a single meal and worship the Peepal tree. Women too take holy dips for the sake of a prosperous married life. They pray for the long life of their husbands and children.
Significance of Somvati Amavasya
Amavasya, the no moon night that falls in the first quarter of the lunar months, has always been significant in Hinduism. The day of Amavasya marks the beginning of the brighter circle that is the gradual transcendence of the moon towards brightness. Celebration of Somvati Amavasya gives the Hindus another auspicious opportunity to pray for their near and dear ones.
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Pandharpur Palki Yatra 2012
September 27, 2011
When is Pandharpur Palki Yatra 2012 – Well, Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadasi Waari Yatra in 2012 starts from Dehu on Monday, June 11 which follows with 21 day travel on foot to Vittala Rukmini Temple Pandarpur.
Pandharpur Yatra, popularly known as the ‘Ashadhi Ekadasi Waari of Pandharpur’ is one of the most popular pilgrimage treks that take place in Maharashtra, India. The 21 days long trek attracts countless hoi polloi who are devotees of eminent saint Tukaram Maharaj. This annual religious march culminates on the day of Asadhi Ekadasi (the eleventh day of Asadhi month). Pandharpur Yatra sets off from the Tukaram Maharaj temple in Dehu and ends at the Pandharpur ‘Vittala Rukmini Temple’.
Legend of Pandharpur Yatra
The picturesque small town of Pandharpur is considered the sacred habitat of Lord Vitthala owing to the ancient surmise of Pundalik and Vitthala. According to the legends, once Lord Vitthala came to visit his devotee Pundalik who lived in Pandharpur. But Pundalik was busy handing round his parents; hence Lord Vitthala had to wait outside his doors for some time. Later on Pundalik came to him and sought his pardon. Impressed with Pundalik’s dedication towards his parents, Lord Vitthala decided to stay by his devotee forever. Ever since, Pandharpur is considered the pious land of Lord Vitthala’s residence. Bevies of shrines invoking ultimate religious fervor, which are also valued for their sculptural splendor, are the primary ensnares of Pandharpur.
Celebration and rituals of Pandharpur Yatra
From Dehu, the procession starts with the sacred carriage of Saint Tukaram known as the ‘Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi’. Countless other palkhis too join the yatra during this course of 21 days from other townships and villages. Every year the number of devotees participating in Pandharpur Yatra increases. Currently more than 1 million people join this religious trek which marks it as the largest religious procession of the world. This unrivaled march of spiritually instigated hoi polloi severs the barrier between rich and poor, castes and creeds. Devotees chant prayers, dance and walk barefoot throughout Pune and Alandi before they reach Pandharpur. Villagers serve the marchers with food and water and provide them royal welcome.
Significance of Pandharpur Yatra
Pandharpur Yatra is indeed a unique example of religious unity among all diversities and this is possible only in a mulch-ethnic land like India. Pathanpur Yatra retains its extensive legacy and traditions featuring ultimate devotion of God Almighty.
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Valaikappu
September 23, 2011
Valaikappu Meaning – Valaikappu, also known as Seemanthan is a ritual performed during the odd months (preferably seventh or ninth) of pregnancy. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare across the southern part of India. The event celebrates the essence of upcoming motherhood and also ensures the welfare of both the mother and the fetus inside her womb.
Legend of Valaikappu
The ceremony of Valaikappu is performed to please the deity Raka, who is known to bestow the pregnant women with good health and a fruitful pregnancy. The insinuations are that, after performing this ‘Sanskara’, the child is born with sharp intellect and beauty. In certain parts of South India, a Neem tree is worshiped as part of Valaikappu rituals.
Rituals of Valaikappu
A full moon day is considered auspicious for the Valaikappu ceremony. The pregnant girl takes bath in the morning and wears a new saree bought especially for this day. Her mother-in-law takes her to a nearby temple and she buys bangles of her choice from a bangle store. These days, bangle sellers are invited at home and ladies buy colorful glass bangles from them. Customarily, the would-be mother is adorned with the bangles which she puts on till delivery. After that those bangles along with other gifts are offered to the midwife. After dressing up, she sits on a wooden plank and her mother arranges bangles in one hand and mother-in law in other hand. Odd number of bangles is placed in left hand and even numbers in right hand. The girl is treated with all her favorite foods. Invitees offer gifts to the girl and participate in the gala feast arranged for them.
Significance of Valaikappu
Valaikappu is the ceremony to show care and concern to a would-be mother and pray for the well-being of the unborn child. The ceremony is an Indian form of Baby shower celebrated by Christians.
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Sonepur Mela 2011 Date
September 23, 2011
When is Sonepur Mela 2011 – Sonepur Mela in 2011 date starts on Wednesday, November 9th. The peak for Sonepur Mela is for the first 10 to 15 days from the day the mela starts.
Sonepur Mela(सोनपुर मेला) or Harihar Ksheshtra Mela is the largest cattle fair in India and Asia. It is held on the day of ‘Karthik Poornima’, a full moon day which generally falls in the month of November. The mela or fair is named after the venue itself, Sonepur, located in the Saran district of northern Bihar. The history of Sonpur Mela dates back to the ancient times during the reigns of Hindu King Chandragupta Maurya. He used to purchase horses and elephants in a fair held at the banks of River Ganges. It used to pull traders from central Asia to sell cattle. Initially the mela was held in a place called Hajipur which shifted to Sonepur during the rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Legend of Sonpur Mela
The popular surmise of ‘Gajendra Moksha’ is associated with the Sonepur Mela. According to myths, King Indradyumna and ‘Gandharva’ (angel) Huhu were cursed by Sage Aghastya and Deawala respectively and they were turned into an elephant and a crocodile. One day Indradymna, the elephant king got one of his legs slipped into the river and the crocodile caught his foot in his sharp teeth. It raged a long battle between them and intrusion of other parties made this even more complex. After a tedious battle, when the elephant king was about to lose, he prayed to lord Vishnu and the god saved him from crocodile Huhu. Both of them were freed from their curses and sent for heavenly abode.
Celebrations of Sonpur Mela
Sonepur Mela lasts throughout a month and animals and cattle of wide variety are traded here. Camels, buffaloes, sheep, cats, dogs, pigs, monkeys, ponies, chimpanzees, bears, poultry and fish are the commonly traded animals in Sonepur Mela. The fair has become the most popular elephant trading hub from where Indian Forest Department purchases elephants. Glimpses of culture and traditions of the state of Bihar can be witnessed in this ‘Mela’. Local entertainers flock in the fairground showcasing their music, dances and selling special cuisines from Bihar.
Indeed Sonepur Mela is a must-visit cultural event that reveals the original essence of traditional India.
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Indian Festivals and Important Dates in October 2011 Calendar
September 22, 2011
One of the busiest month when it comes to festivals in India. On one hand we have Diwali, Durga Puja and in the same month we have Gandhi Jayanti too(one of the national holidays). The celebrations starts from 2nd of October i.e Gandhi Jayanti and after 3 days you have Maha Navami i.e Durga Puja(one of the biggest festival in West Bengal). We also have Karwa Chauth which is day of fast primarily for married women. Towards the end of the month, we have Bhai Dooj or Bhai Phota when sister put tilak on the forehead of their brothers for their long life.
| SL. No. | Day/Date | Name |
| 1 | 2 October – Sunday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| 2 | 3 October – Monday | Maha Ashtami – Durga Puja Begins |
| 3 | 4 October – Tuesday | Maha Navami – Durga Puja |
| 4 | 5 October – Wednesday | Last Day of Navaratri |
| 5 | 6 October – Thursday | Dusshera – Vijaya Dashami |
| 6 | 11 October – Tuesday | Sharad Purnima – Lakshmi Puja – Kojagari Purnima |
| 7 | 11 October – Tuesday | Valmiki Jayanti |
| 8 | 15 October – Saturday | Karwa Chauth |
| 9 | 24 October – Monday | Dhanteras |
| 10 | 25 October – Tuesday | Chhoti Diwali |
| 11 | 26 October – Wednesday | Diwali |
| 13 | 26 October – Wednesday | Kali Puja |
| 13 | 27 October – Thursday | Vikram New Year 2068 |
| 14 | 27 October – Thursday | Skanda Sashti |
| 15 | 28 October – Friday | Bhav-Bij or Bhai Phota or Bhai Dooj |
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