HINDU FESTIVALS & RITUALS
May
Akshaya Tritiya (MAY 10, 2024)
Akshaya Tritiya & What It Means
‘Akshaya’ means indestructible deeds and ‘Tritiya’ means 3rd day of the moon phase.
It is believed that the fruits of the good deeds done on this day are indestructible.
Everything around us is made of energy. It is considered to be one of the most auspicious days in both Hinduism and Jainism. The cosmological energies are believed to be very positive and one is advised to harness this positivity into their lives.
In sidereal astrology, this day falls under the sign of Taurus- an earth sign. Earth is the only element of nature that holds the power to give back what we invest in it. Hence, the theme of Akshaya Tritiya is ‘you reap what you sow’.Good deeds done on this day are believed to multiply and return to us.
Deities Associated with Akshaya Tritiya
AKSHAYA TRITIYA (MAY 10, 2024)
The tradition of Akshaya Tritiya originates from the epic of Mahabharata. When Draupadi- the wife of the protagonists of Mahabharata is hungry, her devotion to Vishnu brings her a pot of food that never finishes. This day is dedicated to that lord Vishnu.
Goddess Laxmi- the goddess of prosperity is also mainly worshipped on this day as people try to manifest prosperous gains in their lives. She represents abundance and is depicted on a lotus, which stands for its robust productive energy.
Traditions and Communal Well-being
DONATIONS: Donations are a form of social support.
They benefit the needy, encouraging their well- being. Studies have also shown that donating or volunteering helps improve mood, increase self- esteem, and cause happiness.
On Akshaya Tritiya people donate grain, money, or clothing to the most needy around themselves.
CHARITY TO ANIMALS: On Akshaya Tritiya, it is considered auspicious to feed animals. It is an act of kindness towards animals. As we promote kindness and the well-being of those around us, we also actively contribute to building a positive environment around us.
It is tradition to spend the day feeding animals at your nearest animal shelter.
More Traditions of Akshaya Tritiya
CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY: Another way people celebrate Akshaya Tritiya by contributing to the environment by planting trees.
Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Offer And Receive
INVEST: Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be an auspicious time to invest for great returns.
People buy new assets or invest in gold on this day.
When is Akshaya Tritiya & How You Can Participate
Akshaya Tritiya (MAY 10, 2024)
- Akshaya Tritiya this year will be celebrated on Friday, May 10th, 2024.
- Activities: Plant trees, donate or volunteer at your nearest charity, and feed animals.
- At Home: Avoid any bad words or deeds on this day. Make new investments, either in finance or in fruitful habits.
Buddha Purnima (May 15th, 2024)
Buddha Purnima & What It Means
Buddha Poornima is a celebration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
It is a time to revisit the teachings of Buddha and commemorate his spiritual essence.
It is celebrated in India, Southeast Asia, and East Asia by followers of Buddhism by offering a variety of rituals according to local traditions.
Although a Buddhist festival, Hindus celebrate it by offering prayer rituals to Gautama Buddha- the founder of Buddhism.
Buddha Purnima (May 15th, 2024)
Gautam Buddha
Gautam Buddha is the founder of Buddhism. Born as a prince, he was kept away from all things negative due to a prophecy.
After reaching adulthood, he explored his surroundings and witnessed suffering. Moved by this, he decided to renounce his kingdom and search for the cause of suffering.
Through the enlightenment he received during this search, he introduced the noble eightfold path to enlightenment, consisting of cultivating:
- Right View
- Right Intention
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
Teachings & Association with Wellness
Buddha Purnima (May 15th, 2024)
PRACTICING KINDNESS AND COMPASSION
This is one of the main teachings of Buddha. On this day, devotees show kindness and compassion through acts of service to the society.
RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
One of Buddha’s most profound teachings mandates living a life doing things that make us wiser, and happier, promotes well-being and relieves suffering.
On this day one should practice any activity that promotes happiness and well-being.
Buddha Purnima (May 15th, 2024)
When is Buddha Purnima & How You Can Participate
- Buddha Poornima this year will be celebrated on May 15th, 2024.
- Activities: Participate in Wellness activities or acts of service to others.
- At Home: Indulge in activities that enable you to be happy and relaxed.
Mohini Ekadashi (May 19th, 2024)
Mohini Ekadashi & the Story Behind It
‘Mohini is the female incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
To destroy the evil giant named ‘Bhasmasura’, Vishnu took the form of this celestial nymph. He charmed the giant with this form, causing him to fall into a trap and be destroyed.
The story of the Ekadashi ritual, however, comes from the folklore of Dhanpal. It is believed that there was a businessman named Dhanpal who expelled his son to the forest for his obnoxiousness and dishonesty.
The son then realised his mistakes. He was advised to offer penance to Mohini to rid himself of his sins.
Mohini - The Deity Associated with Mohini Ekadashi
Mohini Ekadashi (May 19th, 2024)
This form of Lord Vishnu seduced the evil demons who were trying to steal nectar from the Demi-Gods.
Another legend suggests that Vishnu wanted to sustain life on Earth as he is the preserver God. He wanted to make divine creations that exist only in the material realm. Kama- the god of love 7 desire suggested that Vishnu should collaborate with Shiva as both are very powerful Gods.
However, Vishnu realises that the union of 2 male energies will not be fruitful and takes form of a female ‘Mohini’- the most beautiful nymph. Ayyappa- the Asexual God is born from this union of Shiva and Mohini.
Associated Wellness Ritual & Spiritual Teachings
HERBAL BATH: It is tradition to apply sesame paste and take a bath with Kusha or Durba grass.
The Kusha grass is a coolant. It helps in healing mild skin infections, vaginal discharge, bladder-related disorders, etc.
TAKE A STEP BACK: The story of Dhanpal’s son teaches us that we need to take a step back and acknowledge our mistakes in order to grow as a person.
This is a powerful day to acknowledge our mistakes. People fast on this day to offer penance to Mohini.
When is Mohini Ekadashi & How You Can Participate
- Mohini Ekadashi this year will be celebrated on 19th May 2024.
- Activities: Take a relaxing bath with masks and herbs.
- At Home: Take a step back, and acknowledge what you would like to change about yourself to become a better person. Additionally, you can write it on a bay leaf and burn it to let it go.
