Govardhana puja, also known as the annakoot puja, is celebrated in the month of Kartika (October – November) to commemorate the pastime of Lord Shri Krishna lifting the Govardhana parvat (hill) to provide shelter to and protect the residents of Braj (the area covering Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul and Barsana) from...
After sleeping (in nidra) for the four-month Chaturmas period, Lord Vishnu is said to awaken on probodhini (awakening) ekadasi, also known as the devutthani (Lord's awakening) ekadasi. This is an auspicious day, not only because the Lord is awakening from his slumber but also taking charge of his duties...
The door's adorned with mango leaves, doorstep with rangoli...
The main doorstep of the house is being adorned with fresh mango leaves. A garland of yellow and orange flowers are also being made for the doorway. Rangoli, or muggu as it is locally known is being drawn at the gate....
We are pleased to share a few Holi recipes with our readers by the Chefs at Byke Hospitality. Attached are the recipes of Puran Poli, Gujiya and Thandai Mousse - all ideal for the Holi feast.
With 17 hotels and resorts in India currently, The Byke provides you budget hotels...
Guru Purnima is commemorated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashad. It is a day sacred to the memory of Maharshi Ved Vyasa, the ancient saint who edited the four Vedas and wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata, and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Guru Purnima...
India, with its varied geographical divisions and culture, ushers in the New Year for people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. It is called by various names in different parts of the states down south. Among the few legends associated with Ugadi, there is one pertaining to Lord...
The haldi kumkum ceremony is quite popular in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Goa. The married women of Tamil Nadu host a similar function called Aadiperukku, which is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month called Adi (mid-July to mid-August).
This small function is hosted in...
Goa BECKONS many visitors for various reasons. For me, travelling around India has been a fascination for some years, with paying my respects at various pilgrim and holy temples being the main agenda on most of my trips. In the past six years, I have travelled widely in India...
In India, Navami is celebrated as the last day of the nine nights of Navratri – the festival in which Goddess Durga is worshipped and revered. In north India, especially amongst the Punjabi community, it is celebrated by holding kanjak or kanya pujan, where young girls, who are thought...
Varalakshmi is the Goddess Lakshmi who grants boons. On a Friday of the Shravana month, women across many southern states of the country prepare to perform the Varalakshmi Vrata or a special puja that is held to worship Goddess Varalakshmi. Believed to be equivalent to worshipping the Ashta Lakshmi...
In India, the Mahashivratri, which comes on Krishna Chaturdashi of the month of Phalguna, is celebrated by Hindus each year with great pomp and revelry. This year, it is falling on the 4th March. It is the most important of Hindu festivals, which is said to be the convergence...
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated all over the world by devotees of this son of wind-God (pavan putra) to commemorate his birth. Hanuman, born to devi Anjani and vanar-raj Kesari, is said to be the greatest devotee (bhakt) of Lord Ram. Hanuman Jayanti falls on the Purnima of the Chaitra...
Lord Krishna is believed to have advised King Yudhishtir, as recorded in the Bhavishya Purana, that on the full moon night of the Shravan month, offerings must be made to the deceased forefathers. Following this ritual in the morning, the royal priest must tie the sacred thread symbolizing ‘raksha’...
Gudi Padwa is the lunar new year celebrated by the Maharashtrian community in India. On this day, families come together to hoist a gudi and pray for a prosperous year. The entire community participates in swagat yatras organised locally to welcome the new year. And then gorge on a lunch of...
