On the day before Kali Puja - Bhoot Chaturdashi - there is a tradition of eating fourteen different types of shaak. These include: ol, keu, beto, kalka-shunde, neem leaves, joyonti, sorshe, sancha, hilencha, polta, shulka, guloncho, ghentu, and shushuni ( ওল, কেউ, বেতো, কালকাসুন্দে, নিমপাতা, জয়ন্তী, সর্ষে, সাঞ্চে, হিলঞ্চা, পলতা, শুল্কা, গুলঞ্চ, ঘেঁটু ও শুষনি). The exact types may vary by region. It is believed that in the era of the Rigveda, the Baskal or island-dwelling Brahmins initiated this practice of eating fourteen types of greens on Bhoot Chaturdashi. The 14 here refers to the Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waning or darks phase of moon. Scholar Raghunandan also wrote about this custom. He mentioned: ‘ ওলং কেমুকবাস্তুকং সার্ষপঞ্চ নিম্বং জয়াং। শালিঞ্চিং হিলমোচিকাঞ্চ পটুকং শেলুকং গুড়ুচীন্তথা। ভন্টাকীং সুনিষণ্ণকং শিবদিনে যদন্তি যে মানবাঃ প্রেতত্বং না যান্তি কার্তিকদিনে কৃষ্ণে চ ভূতে তিথৌ। ’ "Olom kemukabastukom sarshoponc...

Two Lakshmi Pujas are observed within a fortnight in Bengal — Kojagari and Dipanwita: one on the Ashwin full moon, the other on the Kartik new moon. Both take place at night. Outside the month of Kartik, Lakshmi Puja is not performed on any new moon in Bengal. There are several legends associated with Dipanwita Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night. One such story says — Once, by a king’s decree, the entire kingdom was kept in darkness on Kartik Amavasya. Riding her owl, Goddess Lakshmi went on her nightly round and found the world shrouded in darkness. Only in a small hut deep within the forest did she see a faint glimmer of light. She descended there and found a sorrowful princess lighting a lamp and weeping in poverty. Pleased with her devotion, Lakshmi blessed her, and her miseries vanished. Thus arose the tradition of worshipping Lakshmi on the night of Dipanwita Amavasya. Another legend tells that once a dispute arose between Vishnu and Lakshmi over the importance of wealth. Unable ...

Bhai Dooj is observed two days after Diwali, a day meant only for brothers and sisters. Bhai dooj story is mainly associated with Sri Krishna-Subhadra and Lakshmi-Bali Raja. On the day, every sister prays that her brother may return victorious from every battle in life, and every brother wishes his sister success in all her struggles. It is known by various names Bhai phonta, Bhaubeej, Bhatri Dwitiya, Bhai Tika etc. The most well-known Bhai Dooj story is of Yama and Yamuna It is said that the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Sanjna (Sangya) had two children — Yamuna and Yama (also called Yami) . Unable to bear the intense heat of the Sun after giving birth, Sanjna left him, entrusting the children to her shadow form, Chhaya . Because Chhaya looked identical to Sanjna, no one realized the change. However, under Chhaya’s care, the two children never received a mother’s love — only cruelty. Deceitfully, Chhaya banished Yamuna from heaven. Later, Yamuna was married, and she and her brother ...

Akash Pradip: The Sacred Sky Lamp That Guides Ancestral Souls Home - Akashdeep In the heart of Hindu tradition lies a luminous practice that bridges the mortal world with the celestial realm—the lighting of the Akash Pradip, or Sky Lamp. This ancient custom, observed during the sacred month of Kartik, represents one of the most poignant expressions of devotion, combining reverence for the divine with deep love for departed ancestors. As the earthen lamp flickers atop bamboo poles against the vast night sky, it becomes a beacon of hope, guiding souls on their eternal journey while invoking divine blessings upon the living. Akash Pradip 2026 date is from October 18 to November 18 For those following Purnima it is from October 25 to November 24 The Sacred Timeline: When Heaven Touches Earth The tradition of Akashpradip unfolds across a carefully demarcated spiritual timeline. According to Hindu understanding, on Ashwin Amavasya—the new moon that marks Mahalaya—descendants perform Shra...

The annual Mallenahalli Sri Deviramma Temple Jatre Festival is one of the most unique and spiritually significant festivals in Karnataka. Held at the sacred hill shrine near Bindiga village in Mallenahalli, close to Chikkamagaluru, the festival attracts lakhs of devotees every year during Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before Deepavali. Mallenahalli Sri Deviramma Temple Jatre Festival 2026 date is November 8. Perched amidst the scenic Chandra Drona hill ranges, the hilltop temple of Goddess Deviramma opens to devotees only once in an entire year, making the pilgrimage deeply special and highly revered. About Sri Deviramma Temple Mallenahalli Sri Deviramma Temple is located atop the majestic Deviramma Hill at an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet. The temple lies close to Bindiga village near Mallenahalli in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. According to local belief, Goddess Durga rested on this hill after slaying the demon Mahishasura to calm her divine fury. Devotees believe t...

Kukur Tihar: The Sacred Festival of Dog Worship in Nepal's Tihar Celebrations The Festival of Divine Companionship Kukur Tihar represents one of the most heartwarming expressions of reverence in Hindu tradition, celebrated as the second day of the five-day Tihar festival in Nepal. Observed a day before the main Diwali celebrations, this unique festival elevates the humble dog to a position of divine honor, recognizing the sacred bond between humans and their most loyal companions. Kukur Tihar 2026 date is November 7. On this auspicious day, dogs throughout Nepal are adorned with marigold garlands, marked with vibrant tika on their foreheads, and offered their favorite delicacies as families express gratitude for their unwavering devotion and protection. The festival transcends mere animal appreciation; it embodies the Hindu principle of recognizing divinity in all living beings. Dogs, who have walked alongside humanity through countless generations, are honored not simply as pet...

Crow Worship During Diwali in Nepal: Symbolism, Meaning, and Rituals of Kaag Tihar The festival of Tihar in Nepal, also called the Festival of Lights, spans five sacred days, each honoring a different aspect of existence—nature, animals, ancestors, gods, and humans. The first day is known as Kaag Tihar or Kag Parva, dedicated to the crow, believed to be the divine messenger of Yama, the Hindu god who governs death, justice, and the movement of souls. This day sets the spiritual tone for the entire Tihar celebration, emphasizing harmony between worlds seen and unseen. Kaag Tihar or Kag Parva 2026 date is November 6. The Sacred Role of the Crow in Hindu Tradition In Hindu religion, the crow carries profound symbolic meaning. It is regarded as a messenger bridging the earthly world and the realm of ancestors. Scriptures contain several references to birds as carriers of divine messages, and while the crow is not always named directly, its role is firmly rooted in ritual tradition. The...

Dev Diwali: When Gods Celebrate Victory of Light Over Darkness in Varanasi While millions celebrate Diwali on the moonless night of Kartik Amavasya, there exists another equally magnificent celebration fifteen days later that remains lesser known yet profoundly significant in Hindu tradition. Dev Diwali, celebrated on Kartik Purnima, transforms the ancient city of Varanasi into a celestial spectacle where heaven meets earth, and the divine themselves participate in the festival of lights. The Story Of Dev Diwali: Victory of Lord Shiva Over Tripurasura The foundation of Dev Deepavali rests upon one of the most significant events in Hindu tradition—the destruction of the demon Tripurasura by Lord Shiva. This narrative finds detailed mention in various Puranas, particularly the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana, which describe how the three demon brothers—Tarakaksha, Kamalaksha, and Vidyunmali—obtained a seemingly invincible boon from Lord Brahma. These three asuras performed severe pena...

Bhai Phonta is a festival dedicated to the brother-sister relationship in Bengal and is similar to the Bhai Dooj festival observed in North India . Bhai Phota 2026 date is November 11. Fota, or Phonta, refers to the sandalwood paste that is applied on the forehead of brothers by sisters on the day. Bhai Phonta is a festival that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. It is an important festival in many regions in eastern parts of India.  History and Story Of Bhai Phonta The earliest reference to Bhai Phonta in Bengal can be traced back to a palm-leaf manuscript named Sarvananda Sundari , which suggests that the tradition of Bhratri Dwitiya began around 527 BCE. Several mythological stories are associated with its origin. The most famous is the one associated with Sri Krishna and Subhadra. Yet another story states that Goddess Lakshmi made King Bali her brother on the day. One legend connects it to Mahavira Jain. It is said that after Mahavira’s death in the late 1...

The Sacred Significance of 'Avali' in Deepavali: Understanding the Divine Lineup The Profound Meaning Behind the Sacred Suffix The festival of Deepavali, known as the Festival of Lights, carries within its very name a profound spiritual significance that connects devotees to one of the most sacred events in Hindu tradition. The suffix 'Avali' in Deepavali holds deep symbolic meaning, representing far more than a mere linguistic component—it embodies the essence of divine welcome, celestial order, and spiritual illumination. The word 'Avali' translates to 'lineup' or 'row,' signifying an orderly arrangement or sequence. This seemingly simple term carries the weight of cosmic history and divine intervention, reflecting the momentous occasion when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean, bringing prosperity, abundance, and spiritual light to the universe. The Cosmic Event: Samudra Manthan and Divine Emergence The significa...

The most popular Hindu festival Diwali literally means ‘an array of lamps.’ Here is a complete guide to the most famous festival in Hindu religion. Diwali 2026 date is November 8 as per Hindu Calendar - India Standard Time. It will be observed on November 8 in Tamil Nadu and in other regions in South India. In Maharashtra, Diwali and Lakshmi Puja is marked on November 8. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil – where the good and the evil are present in us. Lakshmi Puja 2026 date is November 8.  Diwali 2026 dates and calendar is given below in detail – Diwali 2026 Dates – Calendar Vasubaras – November 5 Govatsa Dwadashi –  November 5 Vagh Baras –  November 5 Diwali Day 1 - November 6 Dhantrayodashi  Dhanteras   Yam Deep Daan  Dhanvantari Jayanti  Tihar Festival begins in Nepal  Jala Poorna Trayodasi  Diwali Day 2 - November 7 Abhyang Snan Kali Chaudas Roop Chaturdashi Hanuman Puja - Ha...

Special prayers and pujas dedicated to Lord Hanuman are performed a day before Diwali in North India and Gujarat . In 2026, the date of Hanuman Puja during Diwali is on November 7. This day is popularly known as Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi or Chaudas. In several regions, the day before Diwali is believed to the birthday of Bajrang Bali Hanuman. Story of Hanuman Puja During Diwali It is said that Hanuman used to observe Sita wearing a red dot on her forehead. Mata Sita used to daily smear the parting of her hair with vermilion powder. One day a curious Hanuman asked Mata Sita, ‘Why are you smearing vermilion on your forehead and the parting of the hair?’ Sita replied, ‘It is for the good of Sri Ram.’ Hanuman then thought why just put vermilion on the forehead, why not on the entire body then it would bring even more strength to Bhagwan Ram Sita understood what Hanuman was thinking and kept this in her mind. On Kartik...

The Final Boon of Narakasura: A Tale of Redemption and Divine Grace The Tyranny of Narakasura In the cosmic cycle of Dwapara Yuga, when divine incarnations walked the earth to restore dharma, a powerful demon named Narakasura ruled with unprecedented cruelty. Born from the union of Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth) and Lord Varaha, Narakasura possessed immense strength but chose the path of adharma. His reign of terror extended across multiple realms, as he conquered kingdoms, imprisoned thousands of women, and plundered divine treasures that belonged to the gods themselves. Among his most audacious thefts were Indra's pristine white umbrella, symbolizing sovereignty over the heavens, and the precious earrings of Aditi, the mother of all gods. These sacred objects represented not merely material wealth but cosmic authority and divine protection. Narakasura's possession of these items disrupted the natural order, causing imbalance in both earthly and celestial realms. The Divine Int...

Roop Chaturdashi, also known as Rup Chaudas, is observed a day before Diwali in  North India . The day is also observed as Narak Chaturdashi (in certain years), Bhoota Chaturdashi , and  Kali Chaudas . Roop Chaturdashi 2026 date is November 7. The day is observed differently in different regions. How to observe Roop Chaturdashi? - What is done on Roop Chaudas? For some communities, it is the day for the traditional oil bath and importance is given to the maintenance of the body and therefore the day is also known as Soundarya Siddhi Divas. This is performed early in the morning. Til oil is applied on the body and bath is taken. Yamraj, the god of death, and Chitragupt is also worshipped on Roop Chaturdashi day in many regions. After the sighting the moon on Roop Chaturdashi day, people take bath after applying oil and other traditional health products in some regions.  Special powder of gram flour (Uptan) and other herbs are applied on t...