Indian Festivals & Muhurat

Lohri is majorly celebrated in Punjab and Haryana, but it is also observed worldwide. Along with Lohri, the festival of Pongal is also celebrated with great pomp. Let us first talk about Lohri. It is celebrated in different names in different parts of the Nation. Lohri is considered to be the new year for the farmers. Lohri takes place in the month of Posh, which comprises the winter season. Burning Alaav Shukun is offered in Lohri. Farmers get some time for themselves during this time. Wheat crops and sunflower seeds are at their fullest, which gives farmers hope and dreams. They are happy and excited about the harvest. There is happiness, new energy, mutual goodness, the victory of good over evil are prevalent on Lohri.

Pongal is a festival of Tamil Hindus. It is celebrated on January 14-15 annually. This is similar to Navan, which is regarded as the harvest ceremony (Shasotsav). Pongal in Tamil means boom or viplav. Traditionally, it is a festival related to goodwill in which rain, sunshine, and agricultural cattle are worshiped to bring fulfillment. The history of this festival is at least 1000 years old. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in other countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, USA, Canada, Singapore, besides Tamil Nadu of India. All government institutions in Tamil Nadu declare a holiday on this day. The day of January 14 is celebrated in North India in the name of Makar Sankranti, which has significance for the Sun's departure towards Makar Rekha. It is known as Uttarayan in Gujarat and Maharashtra and is observed as Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka (Tamil Nadu). In Punjab, it is regarded as Lohri. The festival of Pongal is celebrated differently in the form of Tamil Nadu in South India.

Makar Sankranti is a major, popular and auspicious festival mostly celebrated by the Hindus. This wonderful and authentic festival is widely celebrated in different parts of India. Along with that, this amazing festival is celebrated as per the diverse, authentic, and eternal beliefs and faith. Usually, this beautiful festival is celebrated on January 14th. As per the authentic beliefs, on this day, the sun turns Uttarayan; however, the northern hemisphere turns towards the sun. According to the authentic astrological beliefs, on this particular day, the sun enters Capricorn. Almost every Hindu Festival, are counted according to the moon-based Almanac. However, Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated by counting the powerful Almanac, which is based on the sun.

Sankashti Chaturthi is one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the deity known for removing obstacles, bestowing wisdom, and guiding devotees through life's challenges. As the first deity to be worshipped before any new venture or auspicious occasion, Lord Ganesha occupies a significant place in Hindu rituals and beliefs. He is affectionately referred to as "Vighnaharta" (the remover of obstacles) and "Sankatmochan" (the one who alleviates difficulties).

The term Sankashti is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "deliverance from troubled times." It symbolizes the divine intervention of Lord Ganesha in times of distress, guiding devotees toward a path of peace, prosperity, and fulfillment. Observing the fast on Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to rid individuals of obstacles, cleanse negative karma, and pave the way for success in all endeavors.

Vasant Panchami holds particular importance in Hinduism. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on this day. This day is celebrated in the Eastern part of India with a lot of pomp and show. On this day, females wear yellow colored clothes to worship Goddess Saraswati. Amongst the six existing seasons, people admire Vasant the most.

Vasant Panchami can be recognized when the flowers bloom at their fullest, and sunflower seeds get spread in the farms when wheat starts to blossom when the mango trees begin to get mango seeds, and there are butterflies all around. Such is the grace of Vasant Panchami. This day is also known as Sri Panchami and embarks the beginning of the season of Vasant. Vasant Panchami is essential for the farmers as it is the best harvesting season. As mentioned earlier, during this phase, the sunflower seeds begin to embellish the farms, trees and flowers are at their happiest, and people fly kites in the sky. In Punjab, they celebrate Vasant Panchami on the fifth day by flying kites and worshipping Goddess Saraswati. In Hinduism, Goddess Saraswati is considered to be the goddess of education. All students worship Her on this day. In the Bhagvat Gita, Lord Krishna has said, “Vasant is one of my forms.” To welcome this festival, Lord Vishnu and Lord Kama are worshipped on the fifth day of the month of Maagh. That is why; this festival is called Vasant Panchami. This festival is also celebrated as the day of Goddess Saraswati’s birth.

Shiva means Kalyankari, and Shiva means Baba Bholenath, Shiva means Shivashankar, Shivashambu, Shivji, Shivji, Neelkanth, Rudra, etc.

Lord Shiva is the most adored God among all Hindu Gods. He is loved by demons too. He is loved due to his simplicity. His rituals are also very simple. If Lord Shiva is invoked purely, He becomes pleased. Mahashivratri is celebrated everywhere. It is known for the union of Shiva and Shakti. Religiously, Mahashivratri is the symbol of Nature and Man union. Followers of Shiva keep fast on this day and seek God’s blessings. Temples continue to offer Shiva Milk and Water. According to Shiva Purana, Mahashivratri is celebrated on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Falgun. It is the biggest festival of the Hindus. Monday is believed to be the day of Lord Shiva.