हनुमान जयंती

The character of Hanuman teaches us of the unlimited power that lies unused within each one of us. Hanuman directed all his energies towards the worship of Lord Rama, and his undying devotion made him such that he became free from all physical fatigue. And Hanuman's only desire was to go on serving Rama. Hanuman perfectly exemplifies 'Dasyabhava' devotion — one of the nine types of devotions — that bonds the master and the servant. His greatness lies in his complete merger with his Lord, which also formed the base of his genial qualities.

Hanuman Jayanti or Hanumath Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the Vanara god, widely venerated throughout India. It 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 the 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 in folk tradition as a deity with magical powers and the ability to conquer evil spirits. The devotees visit temples and apply tilaka of sindhūr to their foreheads from Hanuman's idol as Hanuman himself was of that color.

राम नवमी

Ram Navami is celebrated to proclaim the birth of Lord Sriram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The 9^th day (Navami) in the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra is referred to as Ram Navami. On this day, when the five planets and the sun, etc. were in the first house of cancer at noon along with the lunar asterism Pushya, Ramachandra was born in Ayodhya. Several temples of Shriram celebrate this festival for nine days beginning from the first day (pratipada) of Chaitra. It is celebrated by periodic readings (parayans) of the Ramayan, organising spiritual discourses (kirtans) and beautifully embellishing Shriram's idol. On the ninth day, in the afternoon, a spiritual discourse on Shriram's birth is held. At noon, a coconut draped in a hooded cloak is placed in a cradle and the cradle is rocked. Devotees shower a red, fragrant powder (gulal) and flowers onto it.

Ram Navami Celebrations start on Gudi padwa, the first day of Chaitra; and continue for 9 days. During this period, devotees do parayans of Ramayan, recite the Ramaraksha stotra, sing bhajans-kirtans in His praise and chant His name.

 ! शुभ नवरा‍त्री-Shubh Navratri !

Vasant Navratri marks the beginning of spring, the sowing of new crops, the respite from a harsh winter and falls in the lunar month of Chaitra. Navratri festival is also a celebration of woman power: goddess Shakti is worshipped for these nine days and her blessings are invoked.

Navratri symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance, of light over darkness. It commemorates woman power, Shakti or inner strength. Whichever way you look at it, India gets into a magical celebration mode during Navratri