(10.2.11) Singhasth Kumbh Parva

Singhasth Kumbh Parva /Why Kumbh Parva  is called Singhasth Kumbh Parva 
Kumbh Parva or Kumbh mela is held at four places i.e. Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. The celebration of Kumbh mela depends on the particular position of Jupiter and Sun in different Zodiac signs.
When Jupiter is in Leo ( Singh Rashi ) Sun is Cancer ( Kark Rashi ) and Moon is in Cancer ( Kark Rashi ), Kumbh Parv is celebrated at Nasik.
When Jupiter is in Leo ( Singh Rashi ), Sun is in Aries ( Mesh Rashi ) and Moon is in Aries ( Mesh Rashi ), Kumbh Parva is celebrated at Ujjain.
As at Nasik and at Ujjain the Kumbh Parva is celebrated when the planet jupiter is in Leo ( Singh Rashi ), so the Kumbh Parva celebrated at these two places are called Singhasth Kumbh Parva.
Singhasth Kumbh Parva has religious importance as well as social importance. Common people, Sadhus, Saints and religious heads in large number come here to attend Singhasth Kumbh Prava .
Related Posts - 
(10.2.8) Kumbh Mela Nasik 2015 dates
(10.2.9) Ardh Kumbh Mela Haridwar 
(10.2.10) Why is Kumbh Parva celebrated  
(10.2.11) Singhasth Kumbh Parva
(10.2.12) Kumbh Parva Chakra
(10.2.13) Singhasth Kumbh Mela Ujjain 2016 dates 

(10.2.10) Kumbh Parv / Kumbh Mela /Kumbh festival

Kumbh Fair / Kumbh fesival /Kumbh Parva - a religious and sacred event 

The Kumbh festival or Mela is a sacred and religions event for the Hindus. This Kumbh Parva is celebrated every twelve year at the four pilgrim centers. These four places are Haridwar, Ujjain, Prayag and Nasik.
Kumbh Parva is an important festival which is celebrated as a great fair. The Kumbh fair is not only the greatest fair of India but also is the greatest fair of the world. The devotees, the tourists and the pligrims come to attend this great event.
 At Prayag, Kumbh fair is held at Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarswati ( the invisible river ). At Haridwar, Kumbh fair is held at the barks of the river Ganga.
At Nasik, Kumbh fair is held at the banks of the river Godavari. At Ujjain, Kumbh fair is held at the banks of the river Kshipra.
Why is Kumbh Parva celebrated
By charning the ocean (Samundra Manthan ) , the Gods and the demons got fourteen Ratnas, the virtuous jewels.
Among these fourteen Ratans, a Kumbh ( Pitcher ) full of Amrit ( nectar ) also emergod. When the gods and the demons saw this pitcher. They tried to have it in their possession. Just then Jayant, the son of Indra ran away taking the pitcher of nectar with him. During his journey of twelve divine days, he took rest at four places. These four places are Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. At these four places some drops of nectar spilled (dropped). For the possession of the Amrit  Kalash ( the pitcher of nectar ) a fierce battle took place between the gods and the demons. It lasted for twelve divine days which are equal to the twelve human years. So the Kumbh fair is held at these four places every twelve years. Besides these four Maha Kumbh parva, Ardh Kumbh parva is also celebreted  at Haridwar and Prayag.
Related Posts - 
(10.2.8) Kumbh Mela Nasik 2015 dates
(10.2.9) Ardh Kumbh Mela Haridwar 
(10.2.10) Why is Kumbh Parva celebrated  
(10.2.11) Singhasth Kumbh Parva
(10.2.12) Kumbh Parva Chakra
(10.2.13) Singhasth Kumbh Mela Ujjain 2016 dates 

(10.1.37) Maru Mahotsav Jaisalmer / Desert Festival 2018

Maru Mahotsav/ Marumahotsav Jaisalmer/ Desert Festival Rajasthan/ Desert Fair Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 2018

When is Maru Mahotsav in 2018
In the year 2018 Maru Mahotsav starts on 29.01.2018 and ends on 31.01.2018.
Important things about Maru Mahotsav -
> Maru Mahotsav or Desert Fair is held from Magh Shukla Trayodashi to Magh shukla Poornima.
> The Maru Mahotsav was first held in the year 1979.
> Maru Mahotsav is also known as Desert Festival / Desert Fair/ Desert Fair Rajasthan/ Maru Mahotsav Jaisalmer etc.
> This Mahotsav/ Festival/ Fair is organised by the Tourism Department of Rajasthan every year.
> It is a colourful event which stresses on the local heritage and attracts many tourists who enjoy the main attractions of the Mahotsav.
> This festival lasts for three days.
> The main attraction of Maru Mahotsav are - cultural programmes, different competitions, dunes of desert area etc.

(10.1.36) Maha Navami 2016

Maha Navami - The festival of Devi Puja

When is Maha Navami in 2016
In the year 2016 Maha Navami is on Monday, 10 October, 2016.
Important things about Maha Navami -
> Ashvin Shukla Navami is known as Maha Navami.
> In the morning Devi is worshiped with Shodashopachar.
Related Posts -
(10.5.1) List of Hindu festivals ans Vrat
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(10.1.2) Navratra / Navratri Festival

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(5.2.6)  Basant Navratra / Chaitra Navratra Muhurat

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(5.2.9) Shardiya Navratra

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(10.7.8) Basant Navratra dates 

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(5.2.10) Gupt Navrata 

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(10.1.35) Saraswati Shayan Saptmi 2016

Saraswati Shayan Saptmi -Vrat and rituals 2016

When is Sarawati Shayan Saptmi in 2016
In the year 2016 Saraswati Shayan Saptmi is on Saturday. 08 October,2016.
Important Things about Saraswati Shayan Saptmi -
> Ashvin Shukla Saptmi is known as Sarswati Shayan Saptmi.
> Sarswati Shayan Vrat is observed for three days from Ashvin Shukla Saptmi to Ashvin Shukla Navami.
> On Saptmi Tithi books are worshiped and goddess Saraswati is made to sleep.
> During these three days i.e. from Saptmi to Navami the books are worshiped and the work of reading and writing is not done. 

(10.1.34) Maha Ahstami / Durga Ashtami 2016

Maha Ashtami - A day to worship goddess Durga

When is Maha Ashtami -
In the year 2016 Mahaashtami is on Sunday, 09.10.2016.
Important things about Maha Ashtami -
> Ashvin Shukla Ashtami is known as Maha Ashtami. The other name for this Astami is Durga Ashtami.
> This Ashtami has a religious importance for the Hindus. They worship goddess Durga on this day with faith and devotion. Halua, Poori, Kheer etc are offered to goddess Durga.
> Nine unmarried girls are fed and given Dakshina. These girls are treated as the nine forms of goddess Durga.

(13.1.14) Holi Festival - Rituals, Traditions , Customs

Holi festival - Customs, Traditions, Rituals

The ferstival of Holi marks the end of the cold winter season and the begninning of the spring season.
The following are the customs, traditions and rituals  which related to the festival of Holi -
1. Dhundh / Dhoondh -
The custom of Dhundh is popular among the Hindu community in Rajasthan and some adjoing parts. This custom is observed on the day of Holi or two or three days before Holi. It is meant for the children who are less than twelve months old. The child is dressed in now clothes and is seated in the lap of his / her mother or any other relative. The pandit or the priest chants some holy mantras. It is believed that it saves the child from any evils.
2. Holika dahan -
In the evening a fire is lit. A huge pile of fuel is heaped in an open area. This pile consists of logs of twigs and cow dung cakes etc. At the fixed time ( in the proper muhurat ) a Brahaman chants mantras and sets fire to the pile.
3. Dhulendi - Next day of Holi the people throw coloured water on one another. They go about in groups with coloured water in a pot and throw it on others. Some of them have gulal and abir in some small bags. They apply these things on the faces of their friends and relatives. They make a lot of noise and exchange jokes. Some groups of singers and dancers can also be seen going from one locality to the another. This goes on till mid day.
4. Ram - Ram of Holi - In the evening people have a bath, wear new clothes and go to the houses to their friends and relatives as a token of their affectionate relations. It is done to forget the old grudges and quarrels.

Other Posts you will like to read -  

(10.1.18) Holi - The Festival of colors

(13.1.14) Holi - rituals, customs, traditions

(13.1.15) Holi - Legend

(13.1.16) Holi - Dhulandi

(13.1.17) Holi - Rang Panchami
(13.1.18) Tips for safe Holi

(10.1.32) Peepal Purnima / Pipal Purnima 2017

Pipal Purnima / Peepal Poonam 2017

When is Peepal Purima in 2017
In the year 2017 Peepal Purnima is on Wednesday, 10.May, 2017.
Important Things about Peepal Purnima -
(1) Vaisakh Shukla Purnima is known as Peepal Purnima.
(2) Sometimes Peepal Purnima is spelled as Pipal Purnima or Pipal Poornima or Pipal Poonam
(3) According to the Hindus Vaisakh Purnima is considered to be very holy Tithi. People keep fast and perform religious activities. 

(4) Donating different things is also considered fruitful on this day. 
(5)  In north India and particularly in Rajasthan this Tithi (Vaisakh Shukla Purnima)  is taken as  the Aboojh muhurat for marriage. Marriages are performed on this day if proper Muhurat for marriage is not avaikable.

(6)  It is the birth day of Lord Buddha.

(7) It is also the day when Lord Buddha got  enlightenment and also Nirvan or Salvation .
(8) The Buddhists consider this day to be very auspicious than any other day of the year. They gather in the Viharas for worship and give alms to the monks.
Other Posts you will like to read -
(5.2.15) Buddha Purnima

(10.1.31) Tripuri Purnima / Kartik Purnima 2016

When is Tripuri Purnima / Tripuri Poornima/ Tripura Utsav

In the year 2016 Tripuri Purnima is on Monday, 14.11.2016
Important things about Tripuri Purnima -
(1) Kartika Shukla Purnima is known as Tripuri Purnima.
(2) Lord Shiva killed the demon named Tripurasur on Kartik Shukla Purnima that's why this Purnima is called Tripuri Purnima.
(3) It is considered fruitful to have a bath in the river Ganga or in any other holy river or in Pushkar Sarowar on Tripuri Purnima.
(4) Deepdaan, Yagya, Upasana, Hom atc. are also considered very fruitful.
(5) On Kartika Shukla Purnima if the Moon is in Kritika Nakshatra the sun is in Vishakha Nakshatra , it is known as Padmak Yog which is considered very auspicious.
(6) On this Purnima If Moon and Jupiter are in Kritika Nakshatra, it is called 'Mahapurnima'.
(7) Shivaa, Preeti, Sambhuti, Anusuiya and Kshmaa are the mothers of Swami Kaartikey. Worshiping and praying to these six Kritikas is considered very fruitful and auspicious.
Other related Posts :- 
1.Kartik Maas / Kartik Snan 
2.Religious place Pushkar    

(10.1.30) Gopashtami - A Festival of cow Puja 2016

When is Gopashtami
In the year 2016 Gopashtani is on Tuesday, 08.11.2016.
Important things about Gopashtami - According to Nirnayaamrit and Koorm Puran -
(1)  Kartik Shukla Astami is known as Gopashtami.
(2) A cow is considered a sacred animal among the Hindu community. They call her mother.
(3) Cows were very dear to Lord Krishna.
(4) On Gopashtami the Hindus worship cows. It is believed that by worshiping cows, they get the blessings of cows. So they give cows bath ,decorate them with garlands,put a Tilak on their fore heads and worship them with Gandh and Pushpa , Parikrama is also taken around  the cows. Along with the cows the cowherds are also worshiped.
(5) In the evening when the cows come back from the pasture, people welcome them, salute them, do Panchapochaar Puja and put the dust on their own fore head as a Tilak with the belief that these activities bring them prosperity.

(Ref. - Vrat Parichay. page 145)

(10.1.28) Labh Panchami 2016

Labh Panchami

When is Labh Panchami in 2016 ?
In the year 2016 Labh Panchami is on Saturday, 05.11.2016.

Important Things about Labh Panchami -

1.Kartik shukla Panchami is known as Labh Panchami. This Panchami is also known as Saubhaaya Panchami.

2.In some parts of India Labh Panchami is considered highly auspicious and benefit giving and for opening new business. This day is also considered fruitful for the businessmen. They perform  Pooja of the new ledgers. 

3.Businessmen believe that if they do good business  on this day, it is the indication of bringing good returns through out the year. So they book orders and supply the items on this day.

4.Businessmen worship goddess Lakshmi for material benefit and the students and scholars worship Saraswati to get knowledge. People worship holy books and other books to seek right knowledge which can lead them from ignorance to the knowledge of light.
Other Posts you will like to read -
(10.1.25) Gyan Panchami

(10.1.26) Pandana  Panchami

(10.1.28) Labh Panchami 

(10.1.27) Chhat Puja Celebration/ Surya Shasthi 2016

Chatt Puja Celebration (Surya Shasthi)

Chhat Puja is also known as Surya Shasthi or Daalaa Chhat. This Chhat Puja festival begins on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi and ends on Kartik Shukla Saptami.

When is chhat Puja festival in 2016?
In the year 2016 Chhat Puja festival dates are as follows -
1. First Day - This is the day of bathing and eating.
2. Second Day - This is the day of fasting.
3. Third Day - This is the day of saandhya Arghya. They offer arghya to the Sun God in the Evening.
4. Fourth Day - This the the day of Suryoday Arghya and Paaranaa or breaking the fast.

Why is Chhat Puja Celebrated  ?
Chhat Puja festival is celebrated to worship the Sun god or Surya Dev. Besides Surya Dev Goddess Shasthi is also worshiped with great devotion.

The Importance of Chhat Puja -
Shashti is beloved to be the form of goddess Durga. Shasthi Puja and vrat is observed for longevity and getting a good son.

Where is Chhat Puja Celebrated ?
Chhat Puja is mainly the festival of Bihar, Jharkhand and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. The people celebrate this festival with great devotion and faith.

(10.1.26) Pandava Panchami (Festival) 2016

Pandava Panchami (Festival)

When is Pandava Panchami in 2016 ?

In the year 2016 Pandava Panchami is on Saturday, 05.11.2016.

Important things about Pandava Panchami.

1. Kartik shukla Panchami is known as Pandava Panchami.

2. Pandava Panchami is related to the event of exile of Pandavas after Yudhishthir's defeat in the game of dice.

According to the strict terms and conditions of the dice game, the loser had to live 12 years in exile and in the thirteenth year he had to live in disguise.

At the fixed time the game was played and Yudhishthir lost it. Yudhishthir, with his four brothers and Draupadi, went to forest. In the thirteen year of disguise, the Pandava got employment in the palace of king Virat. Thus Pandavas completed twelve years in the forest and one year that was the thirteenth year, in disguise.
3. On Kartik shukla Panchami the Pandavas completed their thirteen years successfully that's why this Panchami is known as Pandava Panchami.

Other Posts you will like to read -

(10.1.25) Gyan Panchami

(10.1.26) Pandana  Panchami

(10.1.28) Labh Panchami 

(10.1.25) Gyan Panchami (Festival) 2016

Gyan Panchmi (Festival)

When is Gyan Panchmi ?
In the year 2016, Gyan Panchmi is on Saturday, 05.11.2016.

Important things about Gyan Panchami -

1. Kartik Shukla Pnachmai is known as Gyan Panchami.

2. Gyan Panchami is an important festival of the Jain Community. They celebrate Gyan Panchami to get more wisdom and true knowledge. It is only the knowledge which makes the person different from the others. Many people of Jain Community observe fast on this Panchami.

3. On this day the students and the scholars pray to get the knowledge. They also honour the books related to knowledge and religion.

4. Gyan is the third eye, through which one can judge the difference between right and wrong and true and false. So this is the day to pray and to do worship to get the right knowledge which can lead one from darkness to light.
Other Posts you will like to read -
(10.1.25) Gyan Panchami

(10.1.26) Pandava Panchami

(10.1.28) Labh Panchami

(10.1.24) Bhadali Navami 2017/ Bhaddali Navami 2017

Bhadali Navami 2017

When is Bhaddali Navami 

In the year 2016 Bhadali Navami is on Sunday, 02 July, 2017.
Important Things about Bhadli Navami - 
(1) Aashadh Shukla Navami is known as Bhadli Navami or Bhaddli Navami.
(2) Bhadli Navami is the Tithi which is considered as an Aboojh Muhurat for Marriage  in some parts of north India.
(3) When proper Muhurat for marriage is not available, marriage is preformed on this day in the proper Lgna. Thus this Tithi is known as the Popular Muhurat  for Marriage. This is the last Muhurat for marriage before Dev Shayan.
(4) Bhadali Navami is considered as an auspicious Tithi and it has special significance because this is the last day of Aashadh Gupt navaratra.
Other Posts you will like to read - 
(5.2.1) Muhurat for Marriage 
================
(5.3.5) Popular Muhurat (Aboojh Muhurat) for Marriage.

(10.4.4) Mahesh Jayanti 2017 / Mahesh Navami 2017

Mahesh Jayanti dates in 2017/ Mahesh Navami dates in 2017 / Important things about Mahesh Jayanti / Why is Mahesh Jayanti celebrated ? महेश जयंती / महेश नवमी 

When is Mahesh Jayanti in 2017
Jeshtha Shukla Navami is known and celebrated as Mahesh Jayanti or Mahesh Navami.
In the year 2017, Mahesh Jayanti is on Saturday, 03.06.2017.
Important things about Mahesh Jayanti -
(1) It is said that Jeshtha Shukla Navami (Mahesh Navami) is the day of origin or formation of Maheshwari Community. 
(2) This day is dedicated to Lord Mahesh (Lord Shiva).
(3) Maheshwari community worship Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati on this day.
(4) At many places the people of Maheshwari community take out processions on this occasion. They sing prayers and Bhajans. Shiv Abhishek is also performed.
(5) People celebrate this festival with faith and dedication to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati.
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'astromuhurat.com' wishes you a very happy Mahesh Jayanti.
"May this Mahesh Navami bring you peace, prosperity and joy !"

(10.1.23) Rath Yatra 2016 / Jagannathpuri Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra Festival at Jagannath Puri 2017

When is Rath Yatra organised - 
Rath Yatra begins on Aashaadh Shukla Dwitiya.
In the year 2016. Rath Yatra festival is on Sunday, 25.06.2017.
Important things about Rath Yatra -
Rath yatra festival is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus .
This festival is held at Jagannath puri. The temple of Jagannath at Puri in Orissa is one of the grandest and the most famous temples of India. Thousands of Hindu devotees from all over the country come here. The temple has three idols - the first of Balbadhra, his elder brother and the second of his sister,Subhadra , the third is his.
The idol of Lord Jagannath is given an annual bath in the Ganga. It is placed on a grand chariot .The chariot is then drawn to Ganga bari . A large crowd of the devotees and spectators follow it.At the Ganga bari ,the idols rest for a week .
The Rath or the chariot has its remarkable frame work. It is mostly made of wood. It is about 14 metres high and 10 metres in square.It has 16 wheels. Each wheel has a diameter of 2.13 metres.The Rath is drawn by the devotees by pulling the ropes tied to it.
Thus the festival starts from the day of the beginning of Yatra up to its return journey.The worshipers sing hymns and dance and beat drums in Harikirtan.
The temple of Jagannath has a spectacular grandeur. The building is not only very big but also has marvelous work of architecture and sculpture.Its walls all over depict various kinds of deities carved out in stones. They have colourful structural work.

(10.1.21) Onam - A Festival Of Kerala 2016

ONAM Festival 

Onam is a harvest festival of Kerala. It is a festival of Joy and happiness. It comes during rainy season. The nature is also in a cheerful mood. It's green all around. The people decorate their houses beautifully and cook special food. They put on new clothes and make merry. There is a lot of singing and dancing. Onam is celebrated to  welcome their beloved King Mahabali. 

Onam is a ten day long festival. Of these ten days the  two days, the first day and the last day are very important days. The first day is known as Atham which is considered auspiocious. On this day Pookalam (A flower carpet) is prepared. This Pooklam is made to welcome the king Mahabali. People add fresh flowers to the design of Pooklam. The tenth day is known as Thiru Onam.

      

The legend of Onam-
Once a demon king Mahabali ruled over this earth. He was a powerful king. He snatched the kingdom of gods. The gods went to Lord Vishnu and prayed Him to help them win back their kingdom. At this Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf, dressed like a Brahmin and called at king Mahabali's palace.

"What do you want, Sir ? "asked the king with folded hands.

"Only a piece of land measuring my three steps, " Said the dwarf.

"Go ahead, please and measure it where you like," said the king Mahabali.

The dwarf at once changed in to a huge form and measured the whole earth in one step. In the second step he measured the heaven. Now there remained nothing to put the third step. King Mahabli requested the Brahmin to put his third step on his head.

Lord Vishnu was very pleased with Mahabali and showed him his real form and asked him for his wish.

Mahabali said," My Lord, I love my people very much. I only want to come back and see them once a year."

"So will it be," said the Lord Vishnu.

Since then Mahabali returns to this earth for one day every year. The people of Kerala celebrate the festival of Onam to welcome their beloved king Mahabli.