hindu Festivals & Rituals
June
Skanda Sash (January 11th 2024)
Skanda - Sash - & What It Means
Skanda is an incarnation of Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva. Skanda Sashti is celebrated to commemorate his victories over evil.
It is celebrated across Southern parts of India. It is celebrated by reenacting stories from Skanda’s holy books.
Skanda Sash (January 11th 2024)
Deity Associated With Skanda Sashti
Skanda is an incarnation of the Murugan who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The holy book of this deity is referred to as a ‘Mukhyapuran’- one of the main books of the Gods and is related to the epic ‘Mahabharat’. Skanda is the God of War with a peacock as his vehicle, representing his agility and peace after war.
Skanda Sash (January 11th 2024)
Relieve stress: Skanda Sashti is celebrated by dramatic representations of the stories of Skanda. Communities come together and put up these dramas for people to enjoy, entertain, and learn from the lord’s stories.
It is time to relieve stress and anxiety as you are entertained and a great way for children to learn about their culture.
People maintain a fast or fibre-rich diet. This diet usually contains coconuts, oranges, etc.
It is a great day to give your body a little break from the every day breaking down of complex substances. As fruits digest easily.
How you can participate
Events: Attend rituals at your local South Indian temple.
Activities: Go to the theatre to relieve stress.
At Home: Maintain a fruit diet on this day.
VAT POORNIMA (21st June 2024)
Vat poornima & what it means
Vat means ‘Banyan Tree’ and ‘Poornima’ is the full moon. On this day, women pray for the long lives of their partners, so they may have a lifelong companion. They fast & perform rituals.
In Hindu rituals, it is important that the wife performs any ritual, as the wife represents Venus- the planet of love & prosperity. The full moon is believed to be an auspicious day to make wishes.
Deity Associated With Vat Poornima
VAT POORNIMA (21st June 2024)
This tradition comes from the story of Savitri and Lord Yama- the God of death.
Savitri’s husband passes away and Yama arrives to take his soul away.
Savitri, who loves and is devoted to her husband, wants her husband back.
She tries to stop & follow Yama. Impressed by her devotion, Yama grants her 3 wishes in return for her husband’s life.
Savitri asks for children with her husband hence, verbally trapping Yama into giving her husband’s life back.
Wellness Elements Of Vat Poornima
- Fasting & Diet: Women fast on this day maintaining a grain-free diet. No meat is consumed on this day.
- Connecting with nature: The Banyan tree is important in the Indic religions and is known as the wish-fulfilling tree. Buddha received enlightenment after meditating under the banyan tree. Its roots which hang from the top, have anti-microbial and air- purifying qualities.
- Staying Connected: This tradition brings married women to come together. Women congregate to do rituals around the tree in circles.
How you can participate
Activities: Spend time in nature.
At Home: Sit before plants or trees and meditate.
Yoga Day (21st June, 2024)
Yoga Day
Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice to focus and manifest one’s soul into an ultimate reality that is ‘Paramatma’- the universal soul.
The ancient Hindu yogic tradition is revived on this day in camps across India.
Paramatma by some is also considered to be the supreme consciousness or God, a soul from where we all originate.
To achieve this salvation faster many Yoga practitioners give up the material pleasures of life and detach from the simulation, that is, this world.
Yoga Day (21st June 2024)
Origin Of Yoga
- The earliest mention of Yoga is in the holy Rigveda, a sacred Hindu text. And was further developed into Sutras.
- While Sutras are religious texts, they are like a thread of thoughts that can be studied, interpreted and additional thoughts can be weaved into them.
- The Yogasutras were written by Patanjali in the 2nd century BCE. He was a Hindu Maharishi (great sage, mystic). Although a form of exercise in the modern day, it is a sacred spiritual practice of the Hindus.
- The holy Bhagavad Geeta also has chapters on Yoga of Knowledge, Yoga of Action, Yoga of Renunciation, Yoga of Meditation, Yoga of Knowledge and Realisation, etc.
Wellness Practices Associated With Yoga Day
Physical Wellness: Yoga is a form of exercise that helps one develop strength, flexibility, and balance. Yoga Camps are set up across the country on this day.
Mental Wellness: Yoga is relaxing and involves focusing on your breathing patterns. It improves stamina and energy levels, resulting in better moods.
Spiritual Growth: Yoga increases focus. It helps bring inner peace. And helps us tap into our mind and consciousness as we focus on ourselves in the moment. Practitioners hold spiritual sessions at Yoga camps for spiritual learning.
How You Can Participate
Yoga Day (21st June 2024)
Events: Take part in a Yoga Camp or Wellness retreat.
Activities: Join a Yoga or meditation class.
At Home: Practice Yoga at home, join a Yoga class online or, follow a live Yoga Day event.
