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Showing posts from March 14, 2016


Gorupini Sashti in Bengal

Gorupini Sashti is observed during the Shashti (sixth day) falling during the waxing phase of moon in Bengali Phalgun month (February – March). Gorupini Sashti 2024 date is March 15. This Shasti is dedicated to Goddess Sashti, who is the protector of children. She is also believed to be the consort of Lord Kartikeya. Twelve forms of Goddess Shasti are worshipped in a year on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha. The form that is worshipped in Phalgun month is that of Gorupini. Gorupini Sashti is one of the peaceful forms of Mother Goddess and she looks after and protects infants and young children. She is prayed to for the welfare of infants – she is believed to protect children from diseases and other physical damages.

Tretagni in Hindu Rituals

The term tretagni in Hindu rituals refers to the group of three fires. They are Grahapatyagni, Dakshinagni and Ahavaniyagni. The three fires must be kindled in the house of an agnihotrin. Tretagni is also known as Srantagni. Grahapatya fireplace is mostly circular in shape and on rare occasion, it is square shaped. It is set up on the western side. Ahavaniya fireplace is always square shaped. It is set up on the eastern side of Grahapatya. Dakshinagni or Anuvaharyapacana fireplace is always in the shape of a semicircular. It is always set up in the southern side. Though the shapes are different, the area is always the same for all the three. The establishment of Tretagni is mentioned in the Vedic texts. The distance between the three sacred fireplaces varies from scripture to scripture. The Grahapatya fire is considered to be prana breath, Ahavaniya apana breath and Dakshinagni is vyana breath.

Charoli 2024 date

Charoli is the Holi festival in villages in Uttarakhand. The festival celebrates the arrival of the spring season after the harsh winter. Charoli 2024 date is March 25. The main celebration involves playing with colors and distribution of sweets. The winter is very harsh in villages in Uttarakhand. Charoli marks the beginning of the new farming season and of many activities.