Margashirsha Laxmi Puja is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and is observed on Thursdays during Margashirsha Month (November – December) in  Maharashtra  and parts of Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In 2026, the Margashirsha Laxmi Puja begins on December 10, Thursday. The other Thursdays are on December 10, December 17, December 24, December 30 and January 7. This Lakshmi Vrat is performed to get Sukh, Shanti and Aishwarya – comfort, peace and prosperity. The rituals are also observed in North India - the dates are November 26, December 3, December 10, and December 17. The Mahalaxmi Puja is observed for four Thursdays of the Margashirsha month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra. Some people observe it for eight Thursdays (including the Thursdays in the next month – the Poush month). Margashirsha Laxmi Puja fast is from sunrise to sunset. The devotee should wear yellow color clothes. Some Tips on Margashirsha Laxmi Puja...

Padakrichra: The Path of Austerity and Redemption In Hindu dharma, the human journey is marked by moments of error and moral lapse. To restore harmony within oneself and with the cosmic order, the tradition prescribes two essential stages of atonement: repentance (paschatapa) and expiation (prayaschitta). Among the varied forms of prayaschitta, the krichra fasts stand out for their strict discipline. Padakrichra, one such fast, embodies both self‑denial and spiritual renewal. Repentance and Expiation Repentance opens the heart to the need for change. It is a heartfelt resolve to turn away from wrongful acts. Expiation then follows as the outer expression of this inner resolve. By embracing austerity, the practitioner seeks to balance the negative effects of sin, cleanse the mind, and accumulate merit. Understanding Padakrichra Padakrichra spans four days of graduated fasting: Day One : One meal only at dawn, measured to the size of the practitioner’s two folded palms. Day Two : ...

Karva Chauth is an annual Hindu fasting undertaken by women in northern and western parts of India  in Kartik Month, as per North Indian Hindu lunar calendar. Karva Chauth 2026 date is October 29, Thursday. Time of moonrise on October 10 is between 7:41 PM and 8:27 PM in various parts of India. Karva Chauth in 2026 in Canada, USA, United Kingdom and Europe it is marked on October 29. In Australia, Singapore, and other regions it is marked on October 29. Karwa Chauth Vrat Puja Time and Fasting End Time 7:43 PM to 8:29 PM is auspicious for performing puja Fast end time - 7:43 PM and 8:28 PM - Moon will be sighted in North India. Why is Karva Chauth Observed? Karva Chauth Vrat is observed by women for a happy and prosperous married life and for the well-being of the husband and is one of the most popular Hindu fast and ritual.  Wives of soldiers started observing a special fast for the well-being of their husbands on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waning p...

  Redeeming Broken Fasts: Alcohol Consumption and Redemption in Hindu Fasting Traditions Introduction Fasting holds a prime place in Hindu spiritual practice. It is observed not merely as a physical discipline but as a way to purify body, mind, and spirit. When a fast is intentionally or inadvertently broken—especially through drinking alcohol—it is considered a serious lapse. The Varahi Tantra, an important text within the Tantra tradition, prescribes specific redemption practices to restore balance and purity. The Sanctity of Fasting In Hinduism, fasting (upavasa) is both an act of surrender and a discipline of self-control. Devotees observe fasts for health, penance, or devotion to a chosen deity. The fast is seen as an offering, and breaking it disrupts the spiritual intent. Alcohol, being impure and intoxicating, directly contradicts the vows of restraint and purity inherent in fasting. Breaking the Fast with Alcohol According to Varahi Tantra The Varahi Tantra explicitl...

  Ten Pillars of a Fruitful Vrat: Observances for Spiritual Success A vrata (vow or fast) in Hindu tradition is more than a ritual of abstention—it is a holistic practice that refines the mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in scriptures like the Varahi Tantra , chapter 7 (verses 15–32), ten dharmas (virtues) guide a devotee toward a truly transformative vrata. These ten observances ensure the vrata bears the sweetest fruit: self-mastery, divine grace, and fulfillment of heartfelt desires. 1. Patience (Dhairya) Symbolism: The mountain unmoved by storms Practice: Observe long breath counts in meditation, gently endure hunger pangs or discomfort during the fast. Benefit: Cultivates inner calm and resilience in daily challenges, fostering equanimity in relationships and work life. 2. Truthfulness (Satya) Symbolism: The clear mirror reflecting reality Practice: Speak only what is honest and helpful; refrain from gossip or exaggeration, even when hungry. Benefit: Builds trust ...

Angarak Ganesh Chaturthi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha in a traditional Hindu calendar.  Angarika Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 date is January 6, May 5 and September 29.  Angarika Chaturthi is observed when the monthly Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday. The day is then considered highly auspicious and great importance to Ganpati devotees. Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat is observed on the fourth day during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) or fourth day after the full moon. January 6, 2026 – Tuesday –  Chandrodaya time 9:26 PM  (fasting breaking time). May 5, 2026 – Tuesday – Chandrodaya or moon rise time is at 10:18 PM  September 29, 2026 – Tuesday - moonrise time is at 8:08 PM Angarak, or Angarika, means fire and the name because Tuesday or Mangalwar is governed by Hindu God Mangal. Angarak Yog is considered highly auspicious. The fast performed on the day is meritorious. It helps in fulfilling wishes and in alleviating financia...

  When Vow Meets Vehemence: Atonement for Broken Fast in Hindu Tradition Introduction Fasting (upavasa) holds a venerable place in Hindu practice. It is more than a mere abstention from food—it is a conscious alignment of body, mind, and spirit with the divine. Yet the human heart is not immune to passions. When anger flares or violence erupts on a fasting day, the sanctity of the vow is compromised. The Varahi Tantra , an authoritative text in the tantric corpus, prescribes specific atonement for such a breach: a three‑day strict fast or the shaving of one’s head. The Edict of Varahi Tantra According to the Varahi Tantra, anger and violence are grave transgressions that sully a fast. If a practitioner loses temper or engages in aggression—whether word or deed—on the day of upavasa, the vow is considered broken. To restore spiritual equilibrium, the text mandates either: Three Consecutive Days of Complete Fast : Observing absolute silence and silence of the body’s needs, par...

Pradosh, also referred as Pradosham or Pradosha, is an auspicious day dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. Below are the Pradosh 2026 dates. The Vrat falls on the 13th day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Shiva devotees fast from sunrise to sunset and important rituals and pujas are held during the twilight period. Usually there are only two Pradosham in a month. Pradosh Dates 2026 June 2026 Pradosh June 12 – Friday June 27 – Saturday - Shani Pradosh July 2026 Pradosh July 12 – Ravi Pradosh - Sunday July 26 – Ravi Pradosh - Sunday August 2026 Pradosh August 10 – Monday - Som Pradosh August 25 – Tuesday - Bhauma Pradosh September 2026 Pradosha September 8 – Tuesday September 24 – Thursday October 2026 Pradosh October 8 – Thursday October 23 – Friday November 2026 Pradosh November 6 – Tuesday November 22 – Sunday - Ravi Pradosh December 2026 Pradosh December 6 – Sunday - Ravi Pradosh December 21 – Monday - Som Pradosh Pradosh Dates 2027 January 2027 Pradosh Janu...

Ekadashi Tithi is an auspicious day dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Below you can read Ekadashi 2026 dates based on Hindu Lunar Calendar with the timing of paran or fast ending time. Vaikunta Ekadashi in 2026 is on December 20. The famous Devshayani - Ashadi Ekadashi is on July 25, 2026. Nirjala Ekadasi is on June 25, 2026. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered highly auspicious and is believed to help in redemption of sins and in attaining Moksha. The Ekadashi tithi dates are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Paran ritual should be performed before Dwadashi tithi ends. Dwadasi is the day after Ekadasi - the 12th day of a lunar fortnight. Ekadashi 2026 Ekadashi September 2026 September 22, 2026 –  Parivartini Ekadashi  - Jal Jhulni Ekadashi   Ekadashi October 2026 October 6, 2026 – Indira Ekadasi October 22, 2026 - Pasankusa Ekadas...

Vaikunta Ekadashi, also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi, is one of the most important Ekadasis.  Vaikunta Ekadasi 2026 date is December 20, 2026. Swarga Vaasal or or Paramapada opening is from 3:00 AM on December 20. Please note that in United States and UK it is marked on December 20. In Australia and New Zealand it is marked on December 20. Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed in the Margali Month (Margazhi Masam) as per Tamil Calendar and in Dhanurmasam as per Telugu Calendar.  Ekadashi  is an auspicious day dedicated to Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu and falls on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. Vaikunta Ekadashi Fasting Rules 1. Preparation for the Fast: Cleanse the Body and Mind: On the previous day (Dashami), devotees take a bath and cleanse themselves. Mental and physical purity is emphasized. Avoid Certain Foods: Begin avoiding grains, pulses, and other non-vegetarian foods from the day before Ekadashi. 2. Types of Fasting: Nirjala F...

Observing Ashtami in Hinduism Ashtami, the eighth day of the lunar fortnight in Hinduism, is considered highly auspicious for worship and spiritual practices. It is especially significant for devotees of Goddess Durga, Kali, and Nava Durga (the nine forms of Durga). Below is a detailed guide on how to observe Ashtami with devotion and discipline. Preparation and Daily Routine for Ashtami Pre-Dawn Rituals : Wake up early (Brahma Muhurta, around 4:00 a.m.). Take a bath with water infused with tulsi leaves or sandalwood to purify the body. Wear clean or preferably new clothes, usually in red, yellow, or white, which are auspicious colors for Devi worship. Home Preparation : Clean the puja area thoroughly. Set up an altar with a picture or idol of Goddess Durga, Kali, or Nava Durga. Decorate the altar with flowers (marigold, lotus, or red hibiscus for Kali), lamps, and incense. Fasting on Ashtami Types of Fasts : Nirjala Fast : No food or water for the entire day...

Chandika Vrata is a sacred fasting ritual observed by devotees to honor Goddess Chandika , a fierce form of Goddess Durga or Chandi . The word "Chandika" refers to an aggressive, protective form of the Divine Mother, representing the ultimate power to destroy evil and protect righteousness. Devotees undertake the Chandika Vrata to seek the blessings of the Goddess for protection, success, well-being, and the fulfillment of desires. Historical and Religious Importance Goddess Chandika is one of the most ferocious and powerful forms of Goddess Durga. She is revered for destroying demons like Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The Chandika Vrata is primarily undertaken to invoke her divine protection and remove obstacles in life. It is believed to bring prosperity, wealth, and the fulfillment of sincere desires. This vrata is mentioned in many religious scriptures, including the Devi Mahatmya , a section of the Markandeya Purana , which narrates her fier...

Ashadi Ekadashi, or Ashada Devshayani Ekadashi, is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Ashada Month (June – July). Ashadi Ekadashi 2027 date is July 14.  Pandharpur Yatra culminates on Ashadi Ekadashi and is of great importance in Maharashtra . The day is of a great significance at the Bhagwan  Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur. Things Done On Ashadi Ekadashi A fast is observed on the day. Various spiritual organizations conduct satsangs, food donation drives, medical camps, cleanliness drives, and other social service activities . Schools organize programs and activities based on the theme of Pandharpur Yatra , such as devotional songs, bhajans, and cultural performances. Devotees visit Vitthal-Rukmini temples and offer prayers. Devotees participate in bhajans, kirtans, and devotional singing during the celebrations. Dindi processions and other devotional activities are organized in several places. Some devotees undertake pilgrimages and walk in gro...