(10.3.1.1/1) Karva Chauth / Karwa Chauth - Rituals and facts

Kartik Krishna Chaturthi is known as Karva chauth or Karwa Chauth or Karva Chaturthi. Here under are given the important things , rituals and facts related to Karva Chouth -
(1) The festival of Karva Chauth is very popular and celebrated in the north and the west parts of India.
(2) 'Karva' is an earthen pot which is an essential thing for puja and 'Chauth' is the Chaturthi tithi in the Hindu calander. So this festival is known as Karva Chauth.
(3) Karva Chauth is also known as Karak Chaturthi.
(4) The married women observe fast on this day for safety, longevity and prosperity of their husbands.
(5) In the evening women wear beautiful clothes and ornaments and apply Mehandi.
(5) They gather at the place of Puja.They worship lord Shiva, goddess Parvati, Kartikey and Ganesh and Chandrama (the moon).
(6) Legends or stories related to Karva Chauth are told and heard. Usually an elder women tells these stories.
(7) The women pray for good health and long life of their husbands.
(8) After Pooja when the moon rises, the Vrati women have the Darshan of the moon through a sieve and offer Arghya to it.
(9) After it they break the Vrat.
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'astromuhurat.com wishes you a very happy Karva Chauth !'
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Other Posts you will like to read -
(10.3.1) Karva Chauth - the festival of Suhaag and Soubhaagya.
(10.3.1/2) Karva Chauth - Legends or stories .
(10.3.1/3) Karva Chauth - Puja Samagri / Puja items 

(10.1.19) Pongal ( A Harvest Festival) 2017

Pongal Festival 

When is Pongal 

In the year 2017 the festival pongal is on Saturday 14 January 2017. 

Important things about Pongal :-

Pongal is mainly the festival of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated with great pomp and show by the Tamils at the end of harvest season.It is also a harvest festival when people express there joy for good crops.They clean and decorate their houses.They wear new clothes.The festival of Pongal is celebrated for four days.

1.Bhogi pongal - Bhogi Pongal is the first day of the Pongal festival.It is dedicated to Indra,the god of rain.On this day people rise early and clean their houses.They collect old,useless and torn house hold items and burn them.The houses are decorated with flowers and Rangolis.

2. Surya Pongal - Surya Pongal is the second day of the Pongal festival.It is dedicated to god sun.On this day milk is boiled and let it over flow.The god sun is worshiped and offered prayers.People wear new clothes and women decorate their houses.Sweets are prepared and they is shared with the members of the family and the friends.

3. Mattu Pongal - Mattu Pongal is the third day of the Pongal festival.This day is dedicated to the cattle.It is believed that cattle play an important role in getting good crops.Cattle are bathed and decorated.They are given due respect for their help in the work related to farming.

4. Cannum Pongal - Cannum Pongal is the fourth day of the Pongal festival.On this day people visit their friends and relatives.Some people go for a picnic with the members of the family and enjoy the day.With this day the festival of Pongal comes to an end..

(10.1.16 ) Baisakhi / Vaisakhi 2017

 Vaisakhi / Baisakhi ,the festival 2017

When is Vaisakhi celebrated 
Baisakhi is a seasonal festival which is chiefly celebrated in Punjab and Haryana. Every year this festival is celebrated on 13 April or on 14 April and according to Nanak Shahi calender.
How is Baisakhi celebrated.
Vaisakh is the month when the harvest of wheat, gram and barley stands in full growth. So the farmer community is filled with feelings of prosperity and happiness. They thank god of good crops and pray for the prosperity in the year to come. On this day people get up early and have a bath in the holy rivers and wear traditional new clothes. At different places fairs are held by the sides of the river at the places which are religiously famous. On the day of Baisakhi a large number of people gather at the Mela  grounds. The fairs have all sorts of attractions. The Punjabis perform 'Bhangara' dance to express their joy and zeal. People enjoy the dances standing in circles.When the evening draws near, the people retire to their homes full of cheer and joy.
Customs and rituals
Baisakhi is a harvest festival so it is celebrated in the open fields. Men and women wear customary dresses and take part in popular Bhangara dance.
But this festival has religious importance also. So the followers of the Sikh religion wake up early in the morning and go to the Gurudwaras to attend special meetings. They give preference to visit Golden Temple, which is the revered place for the Sikhs. But those who are not able to go to Golden temple, go the neighbouring Gurudwaras.
At the Grudwaras, the Gurugranth sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs, is taken out and it is given a symbolic bath with milk and water. Then Guru Granth Sahib is placed on the throne. This book is then read out to the followers.
 In the afternoon Gurugranth Sahib is taken out in a procession. The men, women and children take part in this procession with enthusiasm. This procession moves through the major parts of the city. During this procession people dance at the beatings of Bhangra drums. Devotees sing religious songs. Thus the festival comes to an end.
Related Posts you will like to read :- 
(10.4.1) Guru Nanak Jayanti

(10.3.17) Ram Navami Vrat 2017 / Ram Navami Festival 2017

Ram Navami Vrat / Ram Navami Festival 2017 

When is Ram Navami :-
In the year 2017 Ram Navami is on Tuesday, 04 April, 2017.
Auspicious time for Vrat pujan -
Labh + Amrit Chaughadiya - From 11:08 to 14:13
Abhijit Muhurat - From 12:16 to 13:05
Important things about Rama Navami :- 
1. Ram Navami falls on the Chaitra shukla Navami. It is Celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ram who is believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.Ram was the eldest son of Dasharath, the king of Ayodhya.
2. Ram's life was full of ideals. He had no malice against any person.He was gentle and never used any harsh words.He was an ideal son,ideal brother,ideal husband and ideal king.
3. Ram Navami is the day when we can remember Ram's ideals and try to adopt them in our lives.
4.This day is to remember that Ram Naam has the great power to burn the ignorance, passion and sin of the devotee.In this context,Lord Shiva tells Parvati,
"Raam Raameti Rame Raame Manorame. 
Sahastranaam tattulyam Raam Naam Varaanane."
Meaning :- Lord Shiva says to Parvati, "O,Varanane(O dear, with beautiful face) I chant the holy name of Ram, Ram, Ram constantly which is enjoyable and pleasing to the mind. The holy name of  Ram is equal to one thousand holy names (of Lord Vishnu).
5. His incarnation on this earth was to kill Ravan, the king of Lanka and the symbol of evil ,and to establish righteousness and to protect His devotees.
6. On this day the temples of Ram are decorated and the images of Ram, Sita and Laxman are beautifully adorned.
7. The devotees read the Ramcharitmanas or other stories related to Lord Ram.
8. People Observe fast on this day.The vrati (the person who keeps fast)who observe this fast with devotion, he /she is sure to get the blessings of Lord Ram and his wishes are fulfilled by the grace of Lord Ram .
Related Posts :-  
(5.2.13) Janaki Navami / Sita Navami
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(14) Useful Mantra, Stotras, Prayers and articles 

( List of the different Mantras, Stotras, Prayers etc. )

(14.9.1) Benefits of Ramraksha Stotra

(A hymn dedicated to lord Ram for getting protection)

(14.9.4) Ram Mantra for removing calamities

( A powerful mantra)

(14.9.9) Ram Mantra for wealth and prosperity

(A mantra for wealth and prosperity)

(14.9.10) Ram Mantra for happiness and success

(A short but powerful Mantra)

(10.3.17) Ramnavami

( The birthday of Lord Ram)

(10-1-7) Vijaya Dashami / Dashera / Dussehra Festival 2016

Dussehra /Vijaydashami 2016
Dashera Festival 2016

When is Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra

In the year 2016 the Vijaya Dashami / Dashera Festival is on Tuesday, 11 October,2016.

Aparaajitaa Poojan:-

On this day Vijay Muhurat for Aparajita Poojan is from 14:20 to 15:06
Important things related to Vijaya Dashami - 
1. Vijya dashami festival is the indicator of the end of rainy season. It is celebrated all our India with pomp and show on Ashvin Shukla Dashami.
2. On this day the Kshatriyas worship the weapons , the Brahmans worship the Shastras ( holy books) and the Vaishyas worship the Bahis ( account books.)
3. Durga idol Visarjan ( immersion ) , Aparajita Pooja , Shami Pooja are the important parts of this festival.
4. In Bengal,people make beautiful images ( idols) of goddess Durga . They offer worships to her for nine day and keep fast . On the tenth day i.e. on Dussehra they observe immersion ceremony of these idols. For it  they go to the near by river bank or a pond singing and dancing and immense the idols.
5. It is believed that on this day Lord Ram  killed Ravan. So this festival is celebrated in the memory of Ram's victory over Ravan . This was the victory of good over evil.
6. Large effigies of Ravan , his brother Kumbhkarn and his son Meghnath are placed in an open ground and burnt. They produce a thrilling and amusing firework show.
7. Vijaya Dashami is one of the Sadhe teen Swayam siddh Muhurats (self proven muhurtas.) So this day is considered auspicious for starting any new work, purchasing vehicles , opening new shops etc.

(10.1.6) Basant Panchami / Saraswati Puja/ Sarasvati Jayanti 2017

Basant Panchami 2017

When is Vasnat Panchami -

In the year 2017 Vasant Panchami is on Wednesday, 01 February, 2017.
Important things about Vasant Panchami -
1. Maagh shukla panchami is known as the Vasant Panchami.
2. Vasant Panchami is also known as Sarswati jayanti or Sarswati Pachami or Shree panchami.
3. This day is the beginning of spring season.
4. This day is also believed to be the birthday of Devi Sarswati who is known as the goddess of learning, wisdom, music, art and education.
5. Vasnat Panchami is dedicated to goddess Sarswati. So people worship her on this day.
6.  Saraswati related Mantra  jap should be started on this day.
7. Besides Devi Sarswati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, Kamdev ( the god of love ) and his wife Rati are also worshiped on this day.
8. In some parts of North India, Phagostava also starts on this day.
9. Yellow colored clothes, sweets, fruits are preferred on this day.
10. Basnat Panchami is considered to be the Aboojh Muhurat for some religious activities,  particularly for marriage. So if no proper muhurat is available,Vasnat Panchami is considered as the auspicious muhurat for the marriage.

Other Posts you will like to read 
(10.1.6) Vasant Panchami 
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(8.2.2) Saraswati Mantra for good education , memory power and success
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(10.4.8) Saraswati Jayanti

(10.1.4) Guru Purnima 2017/ Vyas Purnima 2017

Guru Purnima 2017/ Vyas Purnima 2017/ Why is Guru Purnima celebrated ?

When is Guru Purnima / Vyas Purnima in 2017
In the year 2017 Guru Purnima or Vyas Purnima is on  Sunday, 09 July 2017 .
Why is Guru Poornima celebrated
According to the Indian culture the spiritual teacher or Guru has been given a lot of importance and honour. In the past when the means and places of getting education were small in number, the students went to the Gurukul ( the Ashram of a guru) to get education of various kinds. The Guru tried his best to impart education to his disciples and the disciples also tried to grasp it in accordance with their ability. Guru's place in the society was very high. There are some Shlokas and Dohas in this regard-

1.Gururbrahma Gururvishnu, Gururdevo Meheshwarah: 

Gurursaakshaat Parbramh , Tasmai Shree Gurve Namah:

2. Guru Govind dou khade, kaakai lagun paay. 

Balihaaree Guru aapaki, Govind diyo bataay.Guru 

Important things about Guru Purnima or Vyas Purnlma
(1) Guru Purnima or Vyas Purnima is celebrated on Aashadh Shukla Purnima every year.
(2) On this day the disciples go to their teachers ( Gurus ) and offer them some money , clothes , fruits and get their blessings. 

(3) It is believed that Maharshi Ved Vyas the writer of many scriptures, was born on Aashadh Shukla Purnima. So this tithi is celebrated as the Guru Purnima or Vyas Purnima in the memory of his birth day. 

(4) The period of Chaturmaas ( four months) also begins on this day. In the past, the sages with their disciples , walked throughout the country and gave spiritual and religious discourses. They stayed at some place during the period of four months ( Chaturmaas).

(5) Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath on this day.So the Buddhists celebrate it in the honour of  Lord Buddha and the memory of this great event.

(10.1.3) Dhan Teras / Dhan Trayodashi 2016

Dhan Teras / Dhan Trayo dashi 2016

When is Dhan Teras / Dhan Trayodashi
In the year 2016 Dhan Teras is on Friday, 28.10.2016 Kartik Krishna Paksh Trayodashi , Samwat 2073.

Dhan Teras or  Dhan Trayodashi is the first day of the five day Dipawali festival. On this day Yamraj, the god of death ,Dhanvantri the physician of gods and Kuber the god of wealth are worshiped. Dhan Teras  is considered as auspicious Titithi (day) to buy new things, particularly the things made of gold or silver. 

The auspicious time on this day is as follows ( time is based on the S.T. of Jodhpur.) - 

Chaughadiya muhurat - 

Labh + Amrit chaughadiya -08:11 to 10:58 a..m.

Abhijit muhurat- 11.59 to 12.44 Noon
Shubh Chaughadiya - 12:22 to 13:45 hours.

Prodosh kal - 17:42 to 20.17 hours ( For Yam Deep Dan and Shree Pooja )

Other Related Posts :- 

(10.1.3). Dhan Teras 
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(13.1.38) Stories related t Dhan Teras
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(10.1.8) Narak Chaturdashi / Roop Chaturdshi 
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(5.2.5) Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
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(13.2.5) How to celebrate a safe Diwali / Precautions while bursting crackers
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(13.2.6) Diwali greetings & Diwali S M S
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(13.4.1) List of Lakshmi Puja Samagri
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(5.2.16) Ganga Dashami 2017 / Ganga Dashahara 2017

Ganga Dashami 2017 / Ganga Dashahara 2017 / Ganga Puja and Ganga Mantra

When is Ganga Dashami in 2017
In the year 2017 Ganga Dashami is on Sunday , 04.06.2017 

Important things about Ganga Dashami -
> It is believed that the holy river Ganga came down to the earth from heaven on Purvanha Vyapini Jeshth Shukla Dashmi. So this festival is celebrated on this Tithi every year . 

> On this day taking a bath in the holy river, observing fast and giving donations is said to be very fruitful .

Ganga Poojan / Method of worship Ganga / How to worship Ganga- 
On Jeshth Shukla Dashmi if possible the person should go to the river Ganga for a bath and Puja. But if not possible to go to the Ganga, he should take a bath in a river or a pond or at home in clean water imagining that he is bathing in the river Ganga. After bathing he should sit in front of the statue or image of goddess Ganga and worship it chanting the following Mantra -
ॐ नमः शिवायै नारायण्यै गंगायै नमः। 
Om Namh Shivayai Naaraayanyai Dashaharaayai Gangaayai Namh
Then the worshiper should offer five Pushpanjalis to the Ganga by chanting the following Mantra -
ॐ नमो भगवति ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं हिलि हिलि मिलि मिलि गंगे मां पावय पावय स्वाहा। 
Om Namo Bhagavati En Hreem Shreem Hili Hili Mili Mili Gange Mam Paavay Paavay Swaahaa.