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Amavasya  Amavasya, also known as No Moon Day or New Moon Day, holds significant importance in the Hindu religion. Amavasya is the lunar phase of the new moon in the Hindu calendar. It occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth. This day highlights the profound power of absence. Amavasya occurs every month and can be calculated according to the Tithi using the Hindu Panchangam.   Why is it Important?  Just as we feel the presence of a loved one more intensely when they are gone, the absence of the moon on Amavasya...

After every grand New Year celebration, another vibrant festival graces the month of January, celebrated across India with joy and cultural diversity. Pongal, a festival of gratitude and abundance, holds special significance in South India.  Pongal 2026 will begin on January 14th and continue for four joyous days, bringing families and communities together to honour nature and express thanks to the Sun God, farmers, and cattle that sustain our lives. History of Pongal  Pongal is mentioned in the Viraraghava temple inscription from the Chola king Kulottunga I (1070–1122 CE), describing a land grant for its celebration. The 9th-century Shaiva Bhakti text Tiruvempavai by Manikkavacakar also references the festival. Variants of the name, such as ponakam, tiruponakam, and ponkal,...

Ekadashi is a day dedicated to the reverence of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Among all the Ekadashis, the one that falls in the Margazhi month (Tamil month) is considered the most significant and auspicious for Lord Vishnu and his devotees. This sacred day occurs during the waxing phase of the moon in the Margazhi month, making it especially important for spiritual practices and devotion.  Date and Time of Vaikunta Ekadasi  This year, Vaikunta Ekadasi will be observed on two different dates due to a rare lunar alignment.  The first observance will fall on January 10, 2025, while...

Karnataka is home to several prominent temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappan (Dharma Sastha). These temples serve as important pilgrimage centres for devotees who are unable to travel to Sabarimala in Kerala. Each shrine reflects the essence of Kerala-style Ayyappa worship, blending devotion, tradition, and architectural beauty. Here are five well-known Ayyappan temples in Karnataka, each with its own unique history and spiritual significance.  1. HAL Ayyappan Temple, Bangalore  One of Bangalore’s oldest Ayyappan shrines, the HAL Ayyappan Temple was built by employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It offers a Kerala-style Ayyappa worship centre for devotees across Karnataka. The temple society, Sree Ayyappa...

Lord Ganesha is revered as the foremost deity and is worshipped before the commencement of any auspicious occasion or new venture. Invoking his blessings at the beginning is believed to remove obstacles and ensure the successful completion of tasks. Lord Ganesha blesses his devotees with wisdom, success, prosperity, and clarity of thought, making him the divine guide for new beginnings.  Among the many sacred days dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sankatahara Chaturthi holds a very special place.  What is Sankatahara Chaturthi?  Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha and is observed with great devotion across India and many parts of the world. Apart from this...