Tag: Hindu festivals

  • Mohini Ekadashi 2024: Know Date, Shubh Muhurat, Significance, Rituals And Parana Timings | Culture News

    Mohini Ekadashi, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals will be observed on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the lunar calendar, is considered auspicious for Hindus and occurs twice a month during the waxing and waning phases of the moon. . Devotees of Vishnu observe this day by fasting, either abstaining from food and water (Nirjala) or consuming a sattvic diet to purify the body and mind.

    Mohini Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of the month of Vaishakha.

    Mohini Ekadashi 2024: Date

    In 2024, Mohini Ekadashi will be observed on May 19, Sunday.

    Mohini Ekadashi 2024: Auspicious time

    As per drik panchang the shubh muhurat tithi for Mohini Ekadashi in 2024 is as follows:

    Ekadashi Tithi begins at 11:22 on May 18, 2024

    Ekadashi Tithi Ends at 13:50 on May 19, 2024

    Mohini Ekadashi: Significance

    Mohini Ekadashi is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu appeared in the shape of a beautiful nymph, Mohini. Mohini Ekadashi is observed by the devotees every year to commemorate this occasion.

    According to Hindu mythology, it was during the Samudra Manthan which was the churning of the ocean-produced nectar, flaring a battle between the demons and divinities over who would consume it. To settle the dispute, the deity Guru Brihaspati sought help from Lord Vishnu. To answer his prayers, Lord Vishnu emerged as the enchantress Mohini, took the Amrit Kalash from the demons, and distributed the ‘Amrit’ among the deities.

    Mohini Ekadashi 2024: Parana timings

    As per Drik Panchang, the timings for Parana will begin on May 20 at 5:28 am and will end at 8:12 am.

    Mohini Ekadashi 2024 Puja Rituals To Follow

    – Wake up early, take a holy bath, and place idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on an altar, offering flowers, sweets, and water.

    – Start a strict fast from sunrise on Ekadashi to sunrise the next day, sometimes refraining from consuming water.

    – During the fast, devotees engage in puja, offering flowers, incense, and fruits to Lord Vishnu while reciting Vishnu mantras.

    – Reading or listening to the Vishnu Sahasranama is considered highly meritorious.

    – Devotees perform charitable acts, visit Lord Krishna temples for special prayers and bhajans, and listen to the story of Mohini Ekadashi for spiritual benefits.

    (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)

  • Kanya Puja Maha Ashtami 2024: Worship Maa Durga’s Avatars- Check Shubh Muhurat, Significance And Puja Vidhi Of Kanjak Puja. Culture News

    Kanya Puja, also known as Kanjak Puja, is a significant and cherished ritual during the auspicious festival of Navratri. This beautiful tradition involves worshiping young girls as a form of the goddess Durga. Kanya Puja falls on Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, and holds immense importance in Hindu culture. In this article, we will explore the date, Shubh Muhurat, significance, and rituals associated with Kanya Puja in 2024.

    Each avatar of Maa Durga is worshiped during the Mahasthami Puja, highlighting the Goddess’s diverse features of strength and grace. This year Chaitra Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

    Kanya Puja during Chaitra Navratri will be observed on Maha Ashtami, i.e., April 16. Devotees eagerly anticipate this day as it symbolizes the worship of divine feminine energy.

    The Ashtami Tithi starts at 12:11 on April 15, 2024, and concludes at 13:23 on April 16, 2024, according to Drik Panchang.

    Kanya Puja Ashtami 2024: Kanya (Kanjak), Kumari Puja Vidhi

    1. Devotees prepare for Kanya Puja by inviting nine young girls, typically between the ages of 2 and 10, to their homes. These girls represent the nine forms of the goddess Durga.

    2. The feet of the young girls are washed to purify them and symbolize the purification of the goddess herself.

    3. Devotees offer young girls new clothes, bangles, kumkum, haldi, fruits, and other gifts as a sign of respect and to seek their blessings.

    4. A traditional aarti is performed for the young girls, accompanied by singing bhajans and hymns in praise of goddess Durga.

    5. After the puja, a delicious meal is prepared and served to the young girls. This meal is an expression of gratitude for participating in the ritual.

    6. It is customary to make donations, particularly in the form of money or food, to the young girls as a symbol of charity.

    Kanya Puja Ashtami 2024: Significance of Kanya Pujan

    1. Kanya Puja is a heartfelt homage to the feminine energy of the universe. It symbolizes the belief that the goddess Durga manifests in the form of young girls.

    2. This ritual encourages the belief that all women, regardless of their age or background, embody the divine. It promotes gender equality and respect for women.

    3. Devotees believe that by worshiping young girls, they invite blessings, prosperity, and well-being into their lives. It is also considered an act of seeking forgiveness from the goddess for any wrongdoings.

    4. Kanya Puja reinforces cultural values ​​and traditions within families and communities, fostering a sense of togetherness.

    (The information given in this article is based on general assumptions and information. Zee News does not confirm this.)

  • Chaitra Navratri 2024, Day 7: Who is Maa Kalaratri? Seek goddess Durga’s Blessings And Power- Know Puja Muhurat, Rituals, Mantras | Culture News

    Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day celebration in India, is dedicated to honoring the Hindu goddess Durga. This festival takes place during the Hindu month of Chaitra, which typically falls in March or April in the Gregorian calendar. One of the significant aspects of Chaitra Navratri is the worship of Kalaratri, the seventh manifestation of Maa Durga, on its seventh day. Kalaratri, meaning “the one who is black as night,” symbolizes the goddess’s fierce and powerful nature, destroying ignorance and darkness.

    Chaitra Navratri: Worshiping Maa Kalratri

    The seventh day of Chaitra Navratri, known as “Saptami,” marks the culmination of the festival. Devotees pay homage to Goddess Kalratri on this day through special puja rituals, seeking her blessings for courage and strength. Blue is the auspicious color associated with the seventh day of Navratri.

    On this day, worshipers revere Goddess Kalratri, also known as Kalika, Shubhankari, and Kali Maa, the seventh incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is revered as one of the most potent manifestations of the goddess, symbolizing strength and power. The name Kalratri translates to “the one who is dark as night,” reflecting her formidable appearance and symbolic representation of omnipotence.

    Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7: Auspicious time

    The seventh day, or Saptami, of Chaitra Navratri 2024 begins at 11:44 am and concludes the following day, 15th April, at 12:11 pm.

    Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7: Puja Vidhi

    During the worship of Goddess Kalratri, jaggery or dishes made from jaggery are offered as prasad. Devotees also perform the “sringar” ceremony, adorning the goddess with items like sindoor, kajal, comb, hair oil, shampoo, nail polish, and lipstick, among others.

    Chaitra Navratri Day 7: Maa Kaalratri Mantras and Stuti

    Om Devi Kalratriai Namah

    (Om Devi Kalaratriya Namah)

    Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kaplini

    (Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini)

    Sarvamangala Mangalye Shive Sarvarth Sadhike Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Narayani Namostute

    (Sarvamangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Narayani Namostute)

    (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)

  • Chaitra Navratri 2024: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Rituals And Things To Avoid | Culture News

    The Hindu festival of Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day festival celebrated from the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra until the ninth day, is a time for fasting and worship. Beginning on April 9th ​​and concluding on April 17th, this significant celebration marks the onset of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar. Devotees devoutly worship Goddess Durga and her nine divine avatars – Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.

    On Chaitra Navratri, the auspicious period for Kalash Ghatasthpana will last for approximately four hours in the morning, starting from the night of April 8th at 11:50 PM.

    Chaitra Navratri 2024: Auspicious time

    According to Drik Panchang, the shubh muhurat for Ghatasthapana and other auspicious rituals are as follows :

    Pratipada Tithi begins on April 8 at 11:50 pm

    Pratipada Tithi ends on April 9 at 8:30 pm

    Vaidhrti Yog begins on April 8 at 6:14 pm

    Vaidhrti Yog ends on April 9 at 2:18 pm

    Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:02 am to 10:16 am on April 9

    Ghatasthapana Abhijeet Muhurat: 11:57 am to 12:48 pm on April 9

    Rituals for Conducting Puja During Navratri

    – Take a bath in the morning during the auspicious time of Ghatasthapana, which is from 6:02 AM to 10:15 AM.

    – If you cannot establish the Kalash during this time, you can also do it during the auspicious time of Abhijit, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM.

    – Meditate on Lord Ganesh in the temple of the house before tying Mauli to the copper pot in a swastika shape.

    – Fill the pot with water mixed with a few drops of Ganga water, and add a coin, incense, betel nut, perfume, and rice. Finally, light the diya/deepak (sacred flame) of Maa Durga.

    -Alongside the Kalash establishment, put soil in a clay vessel and sow barley seeds in it.

    – Those fasting during Navratri should continue with their regular diet.

    Avoiding Debt During Navratri

    Celebrity Astrologer Praduman Suri advises against buying new items on loan during Navratri. Purchasing items on debt, whether it’s new clothes, electronics, or other goods, can invite negative energy into your life. Suri suggests that acquiring items through loans, whether from a bank or acquaintance, can lead to a burdened mind and heart, compromising the positive energy within the household. Therefore, it’s important to refrain from taking on loans during Navratri to maintain positivity.

  • March 2024 Festive Calendar: List Of Important Days And Festivals In This Month- Check Full List | Culture News

    The month kicks off with World Wildlife Day on March 3, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation. International Women's Day on March 8 celebrates the achievements of women worldwide and calls for gender equality. Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated on March 17-18, spreading joy and togetherness.

    On the international front, Earth Hour on March 30 encourages people to switch off non-essential lights for an hour to raise awareness about climate change. Additionally, World Water Day on March 22 raises awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocating for sustainable management of water resources.


    March 2024 is indeed a month filled with meaningful observances, urging people to reflect on important global issues and come together for positive change.

    List of Festivals And Fasts

    March 2, 2024

    Yashoda Jayanti

    March 3, 2024

    Bhanu Saptami

    Shabari Jayanti

    Kalashtami

    Monthly Krishna Janmashtami

    March 4, 2024

    Janaki Jayanti

    March 5, 2024

    Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti

    March 6, 2024

    Vijaya Ekadashi

    March 7, 2024

    Vaishnava Vijaya Ekadashi

    March 8, 2024

    Maha Shivratri

    Pradosh Vrat

    Monthly Shivratri

    March 9, 2024

    Anvadhan

    March 10, 2024

    Darsha Amavasya

    March 11, 2024

    Chandra Darshan

    March 12, 2024

    Phulera Dooj

    Ramakrishna Jayanti

    March 13, 2024

    Vinayaka Chaturthi

    March 14, 2024

    Masik Karthigai

    Karadaiyan Nombu

    March 15, 2024

    Skanda Shasti

    March 16, 2024

    Rohini Fast

    Phalguna Ashtahnika Begins

    March 17, 2024

    Monthly Durga Ashtami

    March20, 2024

    Vernal Equinox

    Amalaki Ekadashi

    March 21, 2024

    Narasimha Dwadashi

    March 22, 2024

    Pradosh Vrat

    March 23, 2024

    Shaheed Diwas

    March 24, 2024

    Chhoti Holi

    Holika Dahan

    Phaluguna Chaumasi Chaudas

    Phalguna Purnima Fast

    March 25, 2024

    Vasanta Purnima

    Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti

    Holi

    Dol Purnima

    Lakshmi Jayanti

    Panguni Uthiram

    Chandra Grahan

    Phalguna Ashtahnika Ends

    Phalguna Purnima

    Anvadhan

    Savarni Manvadi

    March 26, 2024

    Chaitra Begins

    Ishti

    March 27, 2024

    Brother Dooj

    Brother Dwitiya

    March 28, 2024

    Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

    March 30, 2024

    Ranga Panchami

    Important Days in March 2024

    March 8: International Women's Day

    March 12: Ramakrishna Jayanti, Mauritius Day

    March 13: No Smoking Day

    March 15: World Consumer Rights Day

    March 16: National Vaccination Day

    March 17: World Sleep Day

    March 19: World Social Work Day

    March 22: World Water Day

    March 23: World Meteorological Day, Atheist Day

    March 24: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day

    March 27: World Theater Day

    March 29: Good Friday

    March 30: International Day of Zero Waste