YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA- Intro & Links

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

INTRODUCTION
and
 LINKS TO EXPLANATIONS OF FESTIVAL

(God / Brahman Speaking to and Working With Meenakshi Subramaniam and
Anne Terri Through The Holy Spirit)

I Asked of Meenakshi Subramaniam, to give to Anne assistance in building this section of Our Research Library on Hinduism. Anne was curious if the yearly celebrations in India, occur on the same date every year, for with the Jewish Calendar, their dates vary. Below are Our Conversations.

AMEN"

Meenakshi Replied;

Yes...divine soul Anne Terri..

The dates change, because the Hindu Calendar follows.the tithis, not the dates. After and Before the full moon day, there are fourteen days;
the same fourteen days after and before(Amavasya) No moon day..also!

And the festivals come on those days. They are different fourteen days...which are Pratipada Dwitiya Tritiya Chaturthi Panchami Shashthi Saptami Ashtami Navami Dashami Ekadashi Dwadashi Tryodashi Chaturdashi (fourteen days respectively) /
And then comes the Full moon day or No moon day. Actually each day is considered as a festival day.

! Hari Om !

“God / Brahman Speaking To Anne Terri Through The Holy Spirit: This day I Asked of Meenakshi Subramaniam, to Share with Anne, of her Spiritual Journey, as she will also be sharing within The Third Testament, her Divine Knowledge, Through one of the Masters. Yes, I Will Speak to her as I Do Anne, when she is ready to Hear Me. She is a gentle Soul, Devoted, Pious in her ways, and well read.

AMEN"

Meenakshi States:

My father and my Grandma were followers of *Sant Mat.. and I always have staunch faith on Sant Mat... I've not yet achieved anything..
My Master will take care of me.. I only know that.. He'll take me out of the cycle of birth and death.. Amen!

CONTENTS
Research Courtesy of
Meenakshi

Hindu Festivals
2018

Makar Sakranti Sunday 14-01-2018
Vasant Panchami Monday 22-01-2018
Maha Shivaratri Tuesday 12-02-2018
Holi Thursday 1st - 2nd -03-2018
Hindi New Year Sunday18-03-2018
Ramayana Week Begins Saturday Mar 21, 2018
Ramanavami Sunday 25-03-2018
Hanuman Jayanti Saturday 31-03-2018
Raksha Bandhan Sunday 26-08-2018
Krishna Janmashthami Sunday 2-09-2018
Ganesh Chaturthi Wednesday, 12 September
and ends on Sunday, 23 September 2018
Pitr-paksha Monday, 24 September
and ends on Monday, 8 October 2018
Navaratri Wednesday, 10 October
and ends on Friday, 19 October 2018
saraswati puja date 2018 - Monday, 22 January Vasant Panchami 2018 (Forms part of Navaratri)
Vijay Dashami (Dasera) Fri 19-10-2018


Deepavali (Diwali) Wednesday 07-10-2018
Buddha Purnima Tuesday, 22 May Buddha's Birthday 2018
Makar Sakranti 14-01-2018
Vasant Panchami Monday 22-01-2018
Maha Shivaratri Tuesday 13-02-2018
HoliThursday 1st - 2nd -03-2018
Hindi New Year Friday 08-04-2016
Ramayana Week Begins Saturday Mar 21, 2018
Ramanavami Sunday 25-03-2018
Hanuman Jayanti Saturday 31-03-2018
Raksha Bandhan Sunday 26-08-2018

Krishna Janmashthami Sunday 2-09-2018
Ganesh Chaturthi Wednesday, 12 September
and ends on Sunday, 23 September 2018
Pitr-paksha Monday, 24 September and ends on Monday, 8 October 2018

Navaratri Wednesday, 10 October
and ends on Friday, 19 October 2018
saraswati puja date 2018 - Monday, 22 January Vasant Panchami 2018 (Forms part of Navaratri)
Vijay Dashami (Dasera) Fri 19-10-2018

Deepavali (Diwali) Wednesday 07-10-2018
Buddha Purnima Tuesday, 22 May Buddha's Birthday 2018

Guru Purnima Friday 27-07-2018

Holidays Not on Above List
Chhath Festival 2016 Date: November 4, 2016 – November 7, 2016

ABOUT SANT MAT

The Sant Mat movement was not homogeneous, and consisted mostly of the Sants' own socio-religious attitudes, which were based on bhakti (devotion) as described in the Bhagavad Gita. Sharing as few conventions with each other as with the followers of the traditions they challenged, the Sants appear more as a diverse collection of spiritual personalities than a specific religious tradition, although they acknowledged a common spiritual root.

The boundaries of the movement were likely not sectarian and were devoid of Brahmin concepts of caste and liturgy. The poet-sants expressed their teaching in vernacular verse, addressing themselves to the common folk in oral style in Hindi and other dialects such as Marathi. They referred to the "Divine Name" as having saving power, and dismissed the religious rituals as having no value. They presented the idea that true religion was a matter of surrendering to God "who dwells in the heart".

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sant_Mat

wikipedia

Bibliography: www.calendarlabs.com/hindu-calendar/2016

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

MAKAR SANKRANTI

1.
Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in India. Makara Sankranti commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South India. The movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti and as the Sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac known as Makara in Sanskrit, this occasion is named as Makara Sankranti in the Indian (Hindu) context.

What is the astronomical, spiritual and religious significance of Sankranti?
Makara Sankranti is of great significance to a devote Hindu and is one of the most important dates in the Hindu Calendar.

Lord Surya is worshiped on this day. Every living and non-living being merges with the Brahman and Sun is the Pratyaksha-Brahman or the Brahman that can be seen. Makar Sankranti also heralds the arrival of spring.

The importance of Sun to earth and to the living beings was understood by Hindus from the very beginning. And the importance of it can be found in the Gayatri Mantra chanted to Sun (Surya) daily.

Makar Sankranti signals the end of winter and the onset of spring throughout the northern hemisphere. The period is referred to as Uttarayan Punyakalam and is considered auspicious. For the next six months, the days are longer and warmer.

Legend has it that the Devas wake up after a six-month long slumber during this period. There is also said to be a symbolic meaning to Makara Sankranti. ‘Makar’ means crocodile. Sankranti means ‘to cross into or change.’ The ‘Makara’ or crocodile represents the materialistic world and ‘Sankranti’ gives an opportunity to get away from the clutches of the crocodile or the materialistic world.

The six month long Uttarayana begins on the Makar Sankranti day. From this day, the harshness of winter subsidizes and the days get longer. Symbolically, the Sun slowly removes darkness and ushers in the light of knowledge. Uttarayana is also the daytime of the Devas and therefore auspicious activities takes place during this period.

There are also numerous legends and myths which add to the importance of Makara Sankranti: One of the most important myths is the death of Bhishma Pitamaha in the Mahabharata. Bhishma chose the Uttarayan period. (Bhisma had got a boon from his father that he will only die when he wishes.) It is believed that people who die during Uttarayana merges with the Brahman, thus ending the cycle of rebirth. Legend also has it that Lord Vishnu buried Asuras on this day beneath the Mandara Mountain. It signifies the end of evil and the dawn of righteousness. Another legend is that King Bhageeratha brought Ganges down into Patala on Makara Sankranti day. This was to get salvation to his ancestors who were cursed by Sage Kapila and turned into ashes. On this day millions of people take bath in the Ganges. Makara Sankranti is also an important bathing date during Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela.

Credits
www.calendarlabs.com/hindu-calendar/2016

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

VASANT PANCHAMI

Vasant Panchami is an important Indian festival celebrated every year in the month of Magh according to the Hindu calendar. Celebrated on the fifth day of Magh, the day falls somewhere in the months of February or March according to the Gregorian calendar. The significance of the day lies in the worship of Goddess Saraswati, symbol of wisdom and also the onset of spring season.

According to the popular belief, the origins of this festival lie in Aryan period. Aryans came and settled in India through Khyber Pass, crossing
the Saraswati River among many others. Being a primitive civilization, most of their development took place along the banks of the River Saraswati. Thus, River Saraswati began to be associated with fertility and knowledge. It is then that the day began to be celebrated.

According to mythology, a popular associated with this day is connected with poet Kalidasa. After he was married off to a beautiful princess through trickery, the princess kicked him out of her bed as she learned that he was foolish. Following this, Kalidasa went to commit suicide, upon which Saraswati emerged from the waters and asked him to take a dip there. After taking a dip in the holy waters, Kalidasa became knowledgeable and began writing poetry. Thus, Vasant Panchami is celebrated to venerate Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of education and learning.

In today's times, the festival is celebrated by farmers as the on-coming of the spring season. The day is largely celebrated in Northern Parts of India. Here, people offer food to the Brahmins and organize rituals in the name of Goddess Saraswati.

The color yellow is the predominant color associated with the festival, the origins of which are supposed to be the fields of mustard which can be seen in Punjab and Haryana during this period. Kite flying is also commonly associated with this festival. Children as well as adults fly kites on this day to celebrate freedom and enjoyment.

Another tradition associated with this day is that of initiating studies in the young. Young children often begin learning on this day, which is believed to be the reason why the school sessions start in the month of March. Sweets with a yellow hue are also distributed on this day and people can also be seen donating books and other literary material to the poor.

Credits
www.calendarlabs.com/hindu-calendar/2016



[/quote]THE GODDESS SARASWATI

glbresearch.proboards.com/post/7219

Saraswati (Sanskrit: सरस्वती, Sarasvatī) is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom and learning. She is a part of the trinity (Tridevi) of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati. All the three forms help the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to create, maintain and regenerate-recycle the Universe respectively.

The earliest known mention of Saraswati as a goddess is in Rigveda. She has remained significant as a goddess from the Vedic period through modern times of Hindu traditions.  Some Hindus celebrate the festival of Vasant Panchami (the fifth day of spring) in her honour,  and mark the day by helping young children learn how to write alphabets on that day. The Goddess is also revered by believers of the Jain religion of west and central India, as well as some Buddhist sects.

Saraswati who is revered as a goddess of knowledge, music and arts is also found outside Nepal and India, such as in Japan, Vietnam, Bali (Indonesia) and Myanmar.

---

wikipedia

TO BE CONTINUED

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

GANESH CHATURTHI (VINAYAKA CHATURTHI)

11

Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India with a great devotion. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesh is the symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Shukla Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Bhadra (generally falls between August and September). This festival is celebrated by Hindus with a great enthusiasm. People bring idols of Lord Ganesh to their homes and do worship. The duration of this festival varies from 1 day to 11 days, depending on the place and tradition. On the last day of the festival the idols are taken out in a colorful and musical procession and immersed traditionally in water.

As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is considered as "Vigana Harta" (one who removes obstacles) and "Buddhi Pradaayaka" (one who grants intelligence). This festival is very important for students, they worship Lord Ganesh to illumine their minds.

Credits
www.calendarlabs.com/hindu-calendar/2016

PHOTO CREDIT
Photograph teken by Telugu WIkipedian Dr. Rajasekhar - te.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B0%B5%E0%B0%BE%E0%B0%A1%E0%B1%81%E0%B0%95%E0%B0%B0%E0%B0%BF:Rajasekhar1961

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

MAHA SHIVRATI

3.

Maha Shivratri, which literally translates to "great night of Shiva" is a Hindu festival largely celebrated in India as well as in Nepal. The festival is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. The day is celebrated to venerate Lord Shiva, an important deity in Hindu culture.

There are many mythological legends associated with this day. According to a popular legend, when a hunter could not find anything to kill for his food in a forest, he waited on the branch of a Woodapple tree. In order to attract deer, he started throwing the leaves of the tree on the ground, unaware that there was a Shiva Lingam beneath the tree. Pleased with the Woodapple leaves and the patience of the hunter, it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in front of the hunter and blessed him with wisdom. From that day onwards, the hunter stopped eating meat.

Another legend has it that after the Earth was faced with an imminent destruction, Goddess Parvati pledged with Lord Shiva to save the world. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Shiva agreed to save the world on the pretext that the people of the Earth would have to worship him with dedication and passion. From that day onwards, the night came to be known as Maha Shivratri and people began worshipping Shiva with a great enthusiasm.

Some folklore also consider this to be Shiva's day as this was believed to be the answer given by Lord Shiva when asked about his favorite day by Goddess Parvati.

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival which is celebrated by people following Hinduism in India. People often fast on the night of Shivratri and sing hymns and praises in the name of Lord Shiva. Hindu temples across the country are decorated with lights and colorful decorations and people can be seen offering night long prayers to Shiva Lingam. Woodapple leaves, cold water and milk are offered to the Shiva Lingam on this day as they are believed to be Lord Shiva's favorite.

It is believed that the people who fast on this night and offer prayers to Lord Shiva bring good luck into their life. The most popular Maha Shivratri celebrations take place in Ujjain, believed to be the place of residence of Lord Shiva. Large processions are carried out throughout the city, with people thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the revered idol of Lord Shiva.

Credits
www.calendarlabs.com/hindu-calendar/2016

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

The Hindu Trimurti - Their Children and Avatars


SHIVA
GOD of THE YOGIS

glbresearch.proboards.com/post/7117/thread

---

PHOTO CREDITS
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Mahadev-Nageshwar.jpg/400px-Mahadev-Nageshwar.jpg

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

H O L I

4.
Holi is a festival of colors, celebrated primarily in India. The festival falls on the last full moon day of Falgun according to Hindu calendar. It is celebrated sometime in the month of March, usually in the latter half of the month. According to mythology, the festival is celebrates the killing Holika, the sister of Hrinyakashyapu. The festival also holds significance with respect to end of winter season and the onset of summer season.

There is no comprehensive data to know the origins of the festival. However, Holi as we see it today is believed to have originated in Bengal, where the day was celebrated as Gaudiya Vaishnava festival. However, there are several mythological stories behind the origins of the festival. The most popular one is related to the killing of Holika. Mythology states that when Prahlad disobeyed the orders of Hrinyakashyapu and kept praying for Lord Vishnu, Hrinyakashyapu took the help of her sister, Holika, to kill him. Holika took Prahlad in her lap and sat in a bonfire as she had immunity against fire. However, to everyone's amazement, Holika was burnt alive while Prahlad was unaffected. Thus, Holika Dahan is celebrated a day before Holi.

The festival is also believed to be a celebration of Radha's undying love for Lord Krishna. Still another mythological tale states that when Lord Shiva destroyed Kamadeva, he later resurrected him for the sake of his wife Rati. However, Kamadeva was brought to life only as a mental image. The festival is believed to celebrate that event.

The festival is celebrated in different ways around the country, the most famous one being in Mathura. Here, the festival lasts for 16 days, and is primarily played with flowers. In large parts of India, the festival is celebrated with a lot of colors, water balloons and water guns. Parties are often organized across the length and breadth of the country where people dance to music and greet each other with colors. Sweets are an important part of the festival.

credits
www.calendarlabs.com/hindu-calendar/2016

HOLI PHOTO
By Kamalakanta777 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18624345

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA


RAMANAVAMI - April 15, 2016

Rama Navami (Devanāgarī: राम नवमी; IAST: Rāma navamī) is a Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of the god Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya.  Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, is one of the oldest avatars of Lord Vishnu having a human form.

The holy day usually falls in the Shukla Paksha on the Navami, the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the B.S. Hindu calendar. Thus it is also known as Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha Navami, and marks the end of the nine-day Chaitra-Navaratri (Vasanta Navaratri) celebrations. Rama Navami is one of the most important Hindu festivals.

Read More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama_Navami

wikipedia

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©


YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA


HANUMANH JAYANTI
April 22, 2016

"Hanumanh Jayanti or Hanumath Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the Vanara god, widely venerated throughout India. The event is celebrated on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha, during the month of Chaitra (the Chaitra Pournimaa).

Hanuman is an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and is worshipped for his unflinching devotion to that god. From early morning, devotees flock Hanuman temples to worship him.

Hanuman Jayanti is an important festival of Hindus. Hanuman is the symbol of strength and energy. Hanuman is said to be able to assume any form at will, wield rocks, move mountains, dart through the air, seize the clouds and rival Garuda in swiftness of flight. He is worshipped as a deity with magical powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits.


wikipedia Text / Hanumanh photo U-tube. "

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

NAVARATRI
Saturday 01-10-2016 To Monday 10-10-2016

Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or "Dussehra" (also spelled Dasera). Navaratri is an important major festival and is celebrated all over India and Nepal. Diwali the festival of lights is celebrated twenty days after Dasera. Though there are in total five types of Navaratri that come in a year, Sharad Navaratri is the most popular one. Hence, the term Navaratri is being used for Sharada Navaratri here.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navratri

Durga is the form of Mother goddess in Shaktism. There are many incarnations of Goddess Durga: Kali, Renu(or)Renuka, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Jaya, Rajeswari and has nine appellations: Skandamata, Kushmanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, Katyayani, Chandraghanta and Siddhidatri. A list of 108 names that is used to describe her is very popularly in use by eastern Hindus and is called Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Goddess Durga.

wikipedia

Painting By Will [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

VIJAY DASHAMI (DASERA)

Tuesday 11-10-2016

Vijayadasami (Sanskrit: विजयदशमी) also known as Dussehra (Sanskrit: दशहरा) an important Hindu festival celebrated in a variety of ways in India and Nepal. Dasa-hara is a form of Dasanan ravan ("Ravana's defeat").

The day marks the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The goddess fought with evil for ten days and nine nights.

DURGA

Durga is the form of Mother goddess in Shaktism. There are many incarnations of Goddess Durga: Kali, Renuka (or Renu), Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Kandalini, Jaya, Rajeswari and has nine appellations: Skandamata, Kushmanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Katyayani, Chandraghanta and Siddhidatri.[2] A list of 108 names that is used to describe her is very popularly in use by eastern Hindus and is called Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Goddess Durga.

wikipedia

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA


DEEPAVALI (DIWALI)

Wednesday Nov, 17, 2017


Happy-Diwali by Anne Terri, on Flickr

Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere).It is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika in Bikram Sambat calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.

wikipedia

[Anne Terri]

"GOD'S LIVING BIBLE ---- THE THIRD TESTAMENT ----- RESEARCH LIBRARY ©

YEARLY CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA

CHHATH

By Abhishek jsr2 at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15533393

Chhath (Devanagari: छठ, छैठ, छठी, छठ पर्व, छठ पुजा, डाला छठ, डाला पुजा, सूर्य षष्ठी) is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival dedicated to the Hindu God Sun (सूर्य देव) & Chhathi Maiya (ancient Vedic Goddess ; Usha - wife of Sun God ) historically native to North Bihar of India and Mithila State of Nepal.


Read More en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhath
wikipedia