Tamil New Year - Sun, Apr 14, 2024
1. Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, marks a time for new beginnings and strengthening bonds through religious ceremonies. 2. The custom of 'Kanni' involves setting up a plate with various items for good luck and prosperity, symbolizing an auspicious first sight of the New Year. 3. Homes are decorated with 'Kolam' designs made of rice flour, with a lamp called 'Kuthuvilakku' placed in the center to symbolize the dispelling of darkness. 4. People wear new colorful clothes and exchange greetings of 'Puthandu Vazthukal' or 'Puthandu Pirappuv', wishing each other a Happy New Year. 5. Traditional vegetarian dishes like Aluva, Asma, and Kevum are prepared for the occasion, along with special treats like Mango pachadi and payasam. 6. Children receive gifts and blessings from elders, while families visit temples to seek divine blessings and perform rituals like 'Tharpanam' for their ancestors' souls.
Ugadhi - Telugu New Year - Tue, Apr 9, 2024
Ugadi, a festival centered around new beginnings and fresh starts, is often preceded by a week of preparation including cleaning the home, buying new clothes, and gathering necessary items. On the day of the festival, people dress in their favorite attire, greet others, and take part in various festivities such as offering prayers, creating rangoli patterns, and enjoying traditional Ugadi dishes. One popular dish, Ugadi pachadi, combines jaggery, neem flowers, mango pieces, and tamarind to create a unique blend of sour, sweet, and bitter flavors that symbolize the diverse experiences of life. While the Hindu new year is celebrated throughout India with different names like Vaisakhi and Gudi Padwa, the underlying messages of hope, growth, and love remain the same across all regions.
Maha Shivrathri for California USA - Fri, Mar 8, 2024, 8:27 AM – Sat, Mar 9, 2024, 4:47 AM
There exists an enigmatic and unfamiliar force that propels all of humanity. Despite scientists being unable to assign it a name, ancient saints have referred to this enigma as Shiva. Shiva is believed to be the vital energy that animates all living beings, enabling us to perform essential functions such as breathing, eating, and walking. This energy not only drives living organisms but also permeates non-living entities, serving as their life force. In the midst of our daily routines, we often forget the source of our energy, the very essence that sustains us. Mahashivratri, a festival dedicated to Shiva, serves as a reminder to reconnect with the fundamental basis of our existence. The celebration of Shivratri is attributed to various legends, including the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Parvati, Lord Shiva's consumption of poison to save the world, his act of catching and releasing Goddess Ganga, and the manifestation of the formless God Sadashiv as a Lingodhbhav Moorthi. On this auspicious night, people stay awake, offering prayers and engaging in rituals to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri is a day to honor and celebrate Lord Shiva, as well as to appreciate and celebrate the gift of life itself through prayer, meditation, and festivities. On Mahashivratri, there are several activities you can engage in to honor and celebrate Lord Shiva and embrace the essence of existence. Here are some suggestions: 1. Observe fasting: Fasting on Mahashivratri helps detoxify the body and calm the mind, making it easier to slip into meditation. It is recommended to fast with easily digestible foods or fruits. You can find more guidelines on Mahashivratri fasting. 2. Meditate: The alignment of constellations on the night of Mahashivratri is considered highly auspicious for meditation. It is advisable to stay awake and engage in meditation during this time. 3. Chant Om Namah Shivaya: Reciting the sacred mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" is a powerful way to connect with Lord Shiva and invoke his blessings. 4. Attend Mahashivratri Puja or Rudra Puja: Participating in Mahashivratri Puja or Rudra Puja ceremonies is a traditional way to honor Lord Shiva and seek his divine grace. 5. Worship the Shivalinga: Paying homage to the Shivalinga, a symbol of Lord Shiva, is a common practice on Mahashivratri. Offer prayers, flowers, and water to the Shivalinga as a sign of reverence. These activities will help you make the most of Mahashivratri and deepen your spiritual connection with Lord Shiva.
Indian Flowers for Sankranti
During the Sankranthi Pongal festival in South India, flowers play a significant role in the celebrations. People decorate their homes and temples with vibrant and fragrant flowers to create a festive atmosphere. Marigolds, jasmine, and roses are commonly used for this purpose. These flowers are carefully arranged in colorful garlands and intricate floral patterns called rangoli. The vibrant colors and sweet fragrance of the flowers add to the joy and beauty of the festival. Additionally, flowers are also offered to deities as a form of worship. The use of flowers during Sankranthi Pongal festival highlights the cultural and religious significance of nature in South Indian traditions. We are sourcing Turmeric and Ginger Stems for this special occasion.