One of the features that makes Bharat unique is the number and variety of festivals we celebrate. We celebrate the rising of the Sun, the moon. We celebrate the dawn, the noon and the night.I am reminded of a chocolate commercial which says “Iss baat pe kuch meetha ho jaye!” meaning ‘let’s have something sweet’…
Category: Festivals
Glory of Ramanama
Here is a message that was given by Swami Sivananda on the occasion of Ramanavami day, which talks of the glory of Ramanama (name of Lord Rama). Lord Rama was the prince of the Ikshvaku race. He was virtuous and of manly strength. He was the Lord of the mind and the senses. Brave and…
Ratha Saptami
Today being Ratha Saptami, let us look into the symbolism, significance and festivites of this day… Bharat – Revelling in Brilliance “There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go away. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the…
The 6 Sparkling Days of Diwali
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a grand celebration in the Hindu calendar. This is an unparalleled experience that is observed over six magical days of Diwali, where several deities are commemorated. Almost a billion people across the globe participate in Diwali celebrations, and several countries officially recognize it as a holiday. Many cities in…
Father’s Day – Make it Special
Father’s Day is just around the corner. Are you already missing arranging those unique surprise gifts, lawn parties, movie night for Dad? We know due to the current situation organising a party or going out with your father does not seem possible. But, believe us when we say that you can still celebrate Father’s Day…
Vaisakhi – the Harvest Festival
Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is one of the most significant dates in the Sikh calendar. Vaisakhi originated in Punjab as a harvest festival. It is a reminder to the Sikh community of the creation of the Khalsa order that promotes justice and equality. It is celebrated by the Sikh community across the globe on…
Ramanavami
“Raama Raama Raameti Rame Raame Manorame. Sahasranaama Tattulyam Raamanaama Varaanane.” Ramanavami or the birthday of Lord Rama is a major Hindu festival celebrated all over India. What is Ramanavami? Ramanavami is a festival to celebrate the birthday of Lord Shri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. When the evil forces in the world had…
Gudi Padwa – Why and How?
What is Gudi Padwa? Gudi Padwa marks the New Year as per the Hindu calendar. The term Padva is sourced from the Sanskrit word ‘Paddavo’, which means the first day of the waxing phase of the lunar month. Importance of Gudi Padwa The New Moon day during Gudi Padwa is significant, as during that time…
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Deepavali or Diwali that falls on a moonless night in the month of Kartika (October-November) is widely celebrated all over India, embracing all sections and communities. Diwali is derived from ‘Dipavali’, a Sanskrit word which means ‘a row of lights.’ Light represents strength while darkness represents weakness. The demonical forces which are at work within…
Diwali – Celebrating the Triumph of Goodness
What occurs on Diwali? Diwali (or Deepavali, “row of lights”) is celebrated by Hindus worldwide to commemorate the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair. Oil-wick lamps are lit in every household, along with colorful strings of electric lights, causing the home, village and community to sparkle with dancing flames. The…