Laddu Holi is celebrated in Barsana, which is around 50 kilometers from Mathura . Barsana is considered to be the native place of Radha. It is believed that Lord Krishna arrived here to meet Radha and her parents on the Laddoo Holi day. On this day people distribute Laddoos (sweet) to mark the arrival of Krishna in Barsana. It is observed on the Ashtami day before holi. In 2023, Laddu Holi is on February 27. Laddoo Holi is celebrated more than a week before the actual Holi celebration. It takes place a day before Lathmar Holi. Legend has it that after his arrival in Barsana, Krishna and his Gopas (friends) played pranks on Radha and her friends. The next day they were chased out of the village by Radha and friends. Incidentally, Barsana has a temple dedicated only to Radha. The Holi celebrations in Vrindavan, Mathura , Barasana and other neighboring villages are spread over a fortnight and ends with Rang Panchami.

There is a popular belief among certain section of Hindus that chanting Brihaspati mantra will help in early marriage. Many people have been able to achieve their wish of early marriage after chanting the Brihaspati mantra. Brihaspati Mantra For Early Marriage ॐ ग्रां ग्रीं ग्रौं सः गुरुवे नमः।। Om Gram Greem Graum Sam Gurave Namah How To Chant Brihaspati Mantra For Early Marriage? Wake up early in the morning just before sunrise. Take bath and wear yellow color dress. Offer prayers to Ganesha in the mind. Sit facing northeast. Bring the image of Brihaspati Dev in the mind. Light lamp, agarbatti, yellow flowers, yellow chandan and yellow color banana. Offer prayers. Chant the mantra 108 times keep count on a chandan mala. Perform this puja for next 21 Thursdays. Feed the banana to a cow after puja.

Karadaiyan Nombu or Vratam is an important fast observed by Tamil women. It is based on the legend of Satyavan and Savitri. Based on this myth each region in India observes an Upvaas in different time of the year. In Tamil Nadu, it is observed during the transition of Tamil Month Maasi and Panguni. The story of Satyavan and Savitri is a sub plot in the Mahabharata. King Ashtapathi had a beautiful and intelligent daughter named Savitri. The King gave her the permission to choose her husband. One day, Savitri met a young man in the forest who was carrying his blind parents in two baskets balanced on either side of a stick. The young man was Satyavan. Impressed by Satyavan’s devotion towards his blind parents, Savitri decides to marry him. On enquiry, the King found out from Sage Narada that Satyavan was the son of a deposed king and that he was destined to die in a year. King first refused to the marriage but Savitri was adamant. Finally, the King relented and the

Holi festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and this is clearly mentioned in stories associated with Holi festival, the festival of colours in India. Holi festival story brings out the unshakable devotion exhibited by Prahlad, which is an inspiration for children and devotees. The other holi story is that of Krishna and Radha and yet another story is that of Lord Shiva burning Kamdev. Holi Story based on Prahlada and Demon Holika Young Prahlada was a highly devoted devotee of Lord Vishnu but this was not liked by his arrogant father, Demon Hiranyakashipu, who was the king of the land. Hiranyakashipu wanted his son and all the people on his land to worship him and not Sri Hari Vishnu. Fed up with his son’s defiance which he thought will be followed by his people, the egotistical father sought for ways to eliminate his son and each time he failed miserably. Lord Vishnu came to the rescue of the young Prahlad. But this only hardened his stance.   No

Story by Mata Amritanandamayi that explains who success in life is brought by our ability to face any situation with equanimity. A flight to New York, scheduled to leave at 10 o’clock, was ready to take off at an airport. The passengers were feeling impatient while waiting in line to board the plane. Suddenly an announcement was made that the flight to New York was cancelled due to an aircraft malfunction. Passengers were asked to accept the inconvenience. There was a big commotion among the passengers on hearing this announcement. In the midst of this commotion, a businessman went up to the counter and lost his temper, “Do you know that I will lose millions of dollars in business if I do not get to my meeting on time tomorrow? Who will compensate for my loss? I am going to sue you and your airlines for a huge amount of money for all the losses I will incur. I will see you in court,” he thundered. The person at the counter began explaining with humility, “Sir, excuse us.” “No, n