Why Teej Is Celebrated in India: History, Rituals & Significance – Part 1
A long, long time ago, in the beautiful mountains of Kailash, there was a brave and kind goddess named Parvati. She had a big dream. She wanted to marry the wise and supreme Lord Shiva. But Lord Shiva was not easy to win. He lived far away, meditating in peace for centuries, and rarely spoke …...
Raksha Bandhan | History and Traditions of the Festival
Knots have always meant something special to us. The knot a groom and bride tie during the seven pheras marks the start of a lifelong journey. The small knots our grandparents tied around money or gifts carried the happiness of the whole family. And then there’s another knot, the one tied during Raksha Bandhan. It’s …...
What Kids Can Learn from Mahavtar Narsimha’s Clever Victory Over Evil?
No god, no man, no beast can kill me – so he came as a half man, half lion. I cannot be touched in day or night – so he arrived in the golden light of dusk. I am safe inside and outside – so he dragged him to the palace doorway, where walls end …...
Perfect Last-Minute Raksha Bandhan Gift Ideas
Forgot to buy a Raksha Bandhan gift again? Well, being busy at work is not an excuse for your sister, who is hoping for wonders. But don’t worry, we have got you covered. It can happen to anyone, and sometimes even though we know that Raksha Bandhan is just around the corner, we still forget …...
The Origin of Rath Yatra Part II
This is another traditional event that commenced before starting the Rath Yatra. It is a holy bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. This is a full moon day, 16 days before Rath Yatra, one of the most well-known and spectacular celebrations in...
Rituals Performed in the Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra initiates on the second lunar day, the bright fortnight of the Ashadha. Before the Rath Yatra, the Gundicha Temple is religiously cleansed to house the gods. On the day of yatra, the deities are transported in chariots from the main temple to the Gundicha temple. This is Jagannath Puri’s renowned Rath Yatra, …...
The Origin of Jagannath Rath Yatra Part I
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is a grand and mesmerizing festival rooted in several mythical stories reflecting the socio-religious beliefs of the region. Here are some of the chief legends associated with its origin: Invitation to Mathura Kansa, the maternal uncle of Krishna, once harbored a sinister wish to harm both Krishan...
