Five Daily Duties
The ancient Hindu sages realized that it was easy to believe in the lofty ideal of self-sacrifice, but it would be difficult for ordinary people to apply it in their daily lives. To help people […]
Day: 29 July 2017
What is the Rath Yatra?
The Rath-Yatra: The Carnival of Chariots: The Rath is a chariot, and Yatra means journey. This is a sort of Hindus’ Santa Claus parade or a religious carnival of chariots. On various special auspicious days, […]
What is teerth yatra?
Teerth Yatra is the Pilgrimage for Hindus. The Sanskrit word Teerth means a sacred abode, and Yatra means journey. The entire face of India is dotted with thousands of ancient temples and shrines of historical […]
Why do Hindus bath in the holy Ganga?
Hindus hold the river Ganga, called Ganges in the West, in utmost reverence, and affectionately call it Mother Ganga or Goddess Ganga. It originates from the Himalayas and flows through the plains of North-East regions […]
What is Jap or Japam?
Jap or Japam, meaning silent Repetition, is the practice of continuously repeating the God’s name or a Mantra. Hindus who follow the emotional approach to worship God believe that constantly repeating His name or a […]
What is a Yagna?
Yagna or Hawan is the Fire Ritual. The Sanskrit Word Yagna has three meanings- prayer to God, unification and religious giving or offering. The full meaning of Yagna is to perform selfless acts collectively. This concept […]
What is keertan?
Keertan is a devotioal music concert. Hindus also express their love of God through music. Most public worships end with the singing of hymns or devotional songs, called Bhajans, with music. The members of the […]
What is a Pooja?
Pooja is a ritualistic worship. This is a Sanskrit word which means “to honour or worship”. It is the most popular form of ritualistic worship Hindus that have followed over the centuries. A Pooja involves […]
The sixteen Sanskars (Sacraments)
Like other religions, Hindus are also prescribed a number of ceremonies called Sanskar, also pronounced Samskars, which means the actions which purify, refine or reform. The nearest English translation is Sacraments. When a diamond is […]
Holi – The festival of colors
Holi is a festival of joy, gaiety and merry-making. In the modern context, Holi is a carnival, Thanksgiving day, New Year Eve, the Calgary Stampede, first April Fools Day, and Halloween, all rolled into one. […]
Ramnavmi – Birth celebration of Ram
This is the birthday of Lord Ram which Hindus celebrate in March or April (Chaitra in Hindu Calendar). The word Navami refers to the 9th day of the Shukla Paksh. Ram was born in the […]
Shivratri – Celebration of Bhagwan Sada Shiv
The word Shivratri, translated as The Night of Shiv, is made up of two words- Shiv, the regenerating aspect of God, and Ratri which means night. It falls during the dark fortnight, Krishna Paksha, of […]
Navratri – Celebration of the divine mother
The word Navaratri is composed of two words- Nava and Ratri. Literally, Nava means nine and Ratri means night. It is also called Durga Pooja as the devotees of Mother Durga worship her and observe […]
Janmashtimi – Birth celebration of Krishn
This is the most important festival when Hindus celebrate the birth day of Lord Krishn. Janmashtami is to Hindus what Christmas is to Christians. The word Janmashtami is a combination of two words- Janma means […]
Status of Women
Those who believe that equality for women is a Western concept will be surprised to learn that ancient Hindus accorded women a place of equality, honour and dignity. In the Vedic society, women had the […]