HindiLearner News

Date: 14 Aug, 2009

Purpose: To  follow the teachings of Lord Krishna.

The picture above shows a child enacting the life of Hindu god Lord Krishna during Janmastami celebrations.

Janmastami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, the re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu who gave us the vital message of Bhagwad Gita – the guiding principles for every Hindu (for every human being – in my opinion).

Janmastami is observed on the eight day of the dark half (Krishna Paksh) of the month of Bhadrapad in the Hindu calendar. This month is considered the end of monsoon season too.

Usually, in this religious celebration, Hindus keep fast (do not eat food items made of grains and cereals but fruits, milk products, sugar products can be consumed) , decorate their home- temples with Krishna idols/pictures, sing devotional songs (bhajan – kirtan) and offer prayers till midnight (as Lord Krishna was born at midnight, as per Hindu religious scriptures).

I’m not really inclined towards religious practices. However, I’ve read Gita and find it relevant even today. From my personal experience, I can say that If you are able to follow it’s principles, you will be able to avoid making any serious mistake in life.

Janmastami – is being celebrated on 14th Aug this year, 2009.

Date: 11-12 Mar 2009
Reason: Spring festival of color
Learn more about Holi festival at: http://www.hindilearner.com/holi.html

It’s March.

It’s springtime.

It’s Holi!

The time to get drenched in a riot of colours, indulge in festivities and make merry with your loved ones.

Wish you a Happy Holi

Holi is one of the main Hindu festivals, and is celebrated on the last day of Falgun month which marks the end of winter season in India.

Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi is now a symbolic commemoration of a legend from Hindu mythology.

While Holi is quite popular and celebrated all over India, it has some regional names too. Some of the regional names are:

* Rang-panchami in Maharastra
* Lathi-maar Holi in Barsaana (Mathura, UP)
* Dulandi Holi in Haryana
* Hola Mohalla in Punjab
* Phagawa in Bihar
* Shingo in Goa
* Kaman Pandigai in TamilNadu
* Basant Utsav/ Dol Purnima in West Bengal

Traditionally, mothers used to make new clothes for their married daughters on the occassion of Holi, while mother-in-law gave travel money to their daughter-in-law.

Sons-in-laws are invited by the bride’s family for a luxurious meal, after which it is customary to gift them crisp notes of any denomination.

Gujjia, papri and kanji vade are special food items that are exclusively made for this festival.

BTW, do you know what holodomor means?
If not, find it out now!