hindu Festivals & Rituals
March
Maha Shivratri (March 8th, 2024)
Maha Shivratri & What It Means
The word ‘Maha’ means great and ‘Shivratri’ means the night of Lord Shiva.
The night is celebrated to honour the union of Lord Shiva and his other half, Goddess Parvati. They are believed to be united during each of their incarnations. Shiva is considered to be the matter existing within the cosmos and Parvati is the energy that brings this matter together to form the universe.
Maha Shivratri is celebrated across India. It is the darkest night of the year. Devotees follow a wellness routine during the 40 days leading up to Maha Shivratri to attain Shiva.
Forms of the deities worshipped during Maha Shivratri
THE GENDER FLUID GOD: Devotees worship ‘Ardhanareshwara’- an incarnation of the god & the goddess on Maha Shivratri, symbolising the true union of matter & energy that creates this universe. This form is considered neither male nor female, yet both at the same time.
Fairs and carnivals are hosted on this day in honour of this form.
THE GOD OF DANCE: Shivas ‘Natraj’ incarnation is believed to have performed the dance of destruction called ‘Tandav’ while playing the sound of creation on this day. Tandav is a revealed dance form, from which the Indian classical dance forms are believed to have emerged.
Indian Classical & folk dance forms are performed in events across the country on this day.
More Forms & Spiritual Significance
THE GOD OF DUALITY: Shiva is the god of all things good & bad. He is often depicted as ‘Neelkanth’ in blue- the colour of poison, peacefully meditating in an eternal state of bliss. A form he took after drinking poison for the gods & the giants while distributing nectar amongst both.
Maha Shivratri is a time to acknowledge the duality of nature. Embrace all experiences, whether good or bad, as equally important & of divine nature. One cannot exist without the other.
THE GOD OF ALL THINGS UNCANY:Shiva is the god of all animals & creatures. His ‘Pashupati’ form is depicted with a serpent around his neck with a bull & a dog next to him.
The holy book of Shiva devotees illustrates that the divine appears in various forms. No creature is to be judged based on how they look. Maintaining a vegetarian diet is essential, as one is not supposed to harm another sentient being for their desires and live consciously during this time.
Maha Shivratri is a time to practice acceptance of self & others without prejudice, no matter the appearance.
Sadhana - The Wellness Routines Of Days Leading Up to Maha Shivratri
- Morning Routine: Devotees wake up before sunrise, bathe, meditate and pray.
- Fasting & Diet: During this period devotees maintain a fast on days of their choice. They maintain a vegetarian diet throughout this period. They do not consume alcohol or any addictive substances as it is a time to wholly feel the vibrant energy that is alive in nature.
- Practising Yoga: Devotees practice a yoga routine with a series of poses called the ‘Shiva Namaskar’. Differently-abled devotees practice a lighter version of ‘Shiva Namaskar’, stretches or, other yoga poses.
- Evening Routine- Chanting & Breathwork: People chant mantras of their choice a set number of times while focusing on their breath after sunset each day.
When is maha shivratri & how you can participate
Maha Shivratri
- Maha Shivratri this year will be celebrated on Friday, March 8th, 2024.
- Events: Celebrate Maha Shivratri by participating in events at your closest Indian cultural societies. Take part in a wellness retreat.
- Activities: Take dance classes, volunteer or donate to a local charity. Practice yoga.
- At Home: Set an exercise, meditation routine. Release your energy by chanting mantras. It is considered auspicious to dedicate time to all those whom you love on this day, as it celebrates the eternal love between divine energies.
Phoolera Dooj & What It Means
‘Phoolera’ means flowers and ‘Dooj’ means day. On this day the god Krishna is believed to have played with colours & flowers with Radha- his beloved girlfriend. Their love story is full of such playful elements.
Phoolera Dooj celebrates this innocent love and affection.
Traditions & association with wellness
Improve your mood
On this day, people decorate their temples & homes with flowers signifying the floral theme of this festival.
Decorating your interior space can alleviate stress and improve your mood. The fragrance of flowers also stimulates the brain.
Celebrate the innocence of love.
On Phoolera Dooj, people take part in Kirtans at their local temple to remember the love between Radha and Krishna. People give sweets and flowers to their loved ones. Single people pray for love & couples pray for the preservation of their love.
Expressions of love increase interpersonal wellness.
When is phoolera dooj & how you can participate
- Phoolera Dooj this year will be celebrated on March 12th, 2024.
- Activities: Take part in a Kirtan session at your nearest temple or Wellness club.
- At Home: Decorate or redesign your interior space. Give sweets or flowers to your loved ones.
Holi (24th March & 25th March 2024)
Holi Festival
‘Holi’ is a festival of colours, celebrated over 2 days across India. It is named after the evil & powerful princess named Holika. She tricked her brother Pralhad into a bonfire to kill him. Holika was immune to fire. However, due to his devotion to Lord Vishnu, he was unharmed from the fire and Holika was burned.
This festival symbolises the destruction of evil.
BONFIRE NIGHT: On the first day of Holi, communities come together on this day and light a bonfire. They distribute snacks and delicacies associated with the festival amongst each other.
The night is celebrated with games & dancing.
PLAYING WITH COLOURS: On this day people come together in an open space and play with colours and water with each other. They enjoy delicacies like Thandai, Gujiya, Puran Poli, etc. They dance together on Bollywood songs.
Traditions of Holi focus on encouraging communal harmony. It is a time to have fun together and not be offended or bothered by our differences.
Wellness Practices Associated With Holi
STIMULATE YOUR SENSES: Holi is a colourful & vibrant festival which stimulates your senses. The eyes are stimulated with colour, the body is stimulated by movement.
People drink a delicacy called ‘Bhaang’ on this day which is made with a light hallucinogen & relaxant to stimulate the mind.
LETTING GO OF YOUR INHIBITIONS: Holi is a time to not be self-conscious. To be carefree and relaxed. The tradition encourages one to unleash their inner child and enjoy the day playfully.
When Is Holi & How You Can Participate
- Holi this year will be celebrated on 24th March & 25th March 2024.
- Events: Participate in Holi Parties/Rituals at your closest Indian cultural center.
- Activities: Practice anything that stimulates your senses. For eg. Exercise, draw, colour or paint, dance, play music, etc.
- At Home: You can host your own Holi at home and invite people. Or have a game night.
