The Sacred Traditions of Kapu Mari Pooje: A Tri-Annual Festival of Divine Protection In the coastal region of Karnataka, nestled near the temple town of Udupi, lies the spiritually significant area of Kapu, where one of the most revered festivals of the region unfolds three times each year. The Kapu Mari Pooje, also known as Kalavadi Mari Pooja, represents a profound expression of devotion to the Divine Mother in her protective and transformative aspects.  Kapu Mari Pooje 2025 dates are March 18, July 22 and November 18. The Sacred Venues and Their Significance The festival takes place across three historically important temples in Kapu: the Hale Mariamma Temple, Hosa Mariamma Temple, and Kalya-Marigudi Temple. Each of these sacred spaces holds deep spiritual significance for the local community and devotees who travel from distant places to participate in this powerful ritual. These temples, with their ancient architecture and spiritual ambiance, serve as the perfect backdrop f...

Annabishekam Festival at Thirupurambiyam Saatchinathar Temple Nestled in the quaint village of Thirupurambiyam near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, the Saatchinathar Temple stands as a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the Chola period, this temple is renowned for its architectural elegance, intricate stone carvings, and serene surroundings. While the temple hosts various rituals throughout the year, the Aippasi Annabishekam festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Aippasi (mid-October to mid-November), holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Thirupurambiyam Saatchinathar Temple Annabishekam festival 2026 date is November 5. Historical Background The Saatchinathar Temple dates back to the 9th century and bears witness to the artistic and spiritual achievements of the Chola dynasty. Its main sanctum enshrines the lingam form of Lord Shiva, known here as Saatchinathar, symbolizing eternal truth and consciousness. Over centuries, the temple complex expanded ...

Kala Bhairava Ashtami, or Mahakaal Bhairav Ashtami, is the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Kaala Bhairava – a manifestation of Lord Shiva. In 2025, Kala Bhairav Ashtami and Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is on November 12. Kal Bhairav is the God of Time – Kal means ‘time’ and ‘Bhairava’ the manifestation of Shiva. Ashtami after Purnima, the eighth day after full moon, is considered the ideal day to propitiate Kala Bhairav. It must be noted that Kalashtami is observed on the eighth day after the full moon in all months by Shiva devotees. Legend has it that it Lord Shiva in the form of Mahakaleshwar chopped off the fifth head of Brahma and performed penance on this day. There are several legends regarding the reason for chopping off the fifth head of Brahma. One legend has it that the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva once had an argument over who is the most powerful. During the argument, Brahma uttered a remark which enraged Shiva. Suddenly, he produced Bhairava from his b...

Margashirsha Mahina, also known as Agrahayana mahina, holds significant importance in the Hindu calendar. The name "Agrahayana" translates to "the beginning of the year," indicating its historical role as the starting month of the year. Here are additional details and lesser-known facts about this month: Historical and Cultural Significance Ancient Calendars : The term Agrahayana suggests that Margashirsha was once the first month of the year in ancient Vedic and Hindu calendars. This aligns with historical practices observed in texts and documented by travelers like Al Beruni. Vedic References : The Vedas, which are among the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism, reference Margashirsha as a significant month. It is mentioned in various hymns and rituals, underscoring its importance in ancient times. Mahabharata Evidence : In the Mahabharata (Anusasanaparva 106.17-30), there are references indicating that Margashirsha was considered the beginning of the year, further val...

Renuka Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Goddess Renuka, also known as Yellamma or Renuka Devi. It falls on the Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu calendar month of Margashirsha, which typically corresponds to November or December in the Gregorian calendar. Renuka Chaturdashi 2025 date is December 18. Goddess Renuka is revered as the embodiment of motherhood, fertility, and prosperity. The festival holds significance mainly in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka in India. Devotees observe various rituals and offer prayers to seek the blessings of the goddess. One of the main rituals involves taking a holy bath in rivers or lakes early in the morning, followed by prayers and offerings to Goddess Renuka. Devotees also fast on this day and visit temples dedicated to the goddess. In some regions, there are processions and cultural performances as part of the festivities. The festival celebrates the divine moth...

Guru Ghasidas Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Ghasidas, a revered figure in Chhattisgarh and a prominent leader of the Satnami community. Guru Ghasidas Jayanti is celebrated annually on December 18. In 2025, it is the 269th Jayanti of Guru Ghasidas. Born on December 18, 1756, in Giroudpuri village (now Giraudpuri in Baloda Bazar, Chhattisgarh), Guru Ghasidas belonged to the Chamar community. He emerged as a beacon of spiritual wisdom and social reform during the early 19th century, advocating for the principles of truth (Satnam) and equality. Guru Ghasidas' upbringing exposed him to the injustices perpetuated by the caste system, motivating him to embark on a journey to challenge societal inequalities. He traversed Chhattisgarh, engaging with communities and spreading his teachings of Satnam. His message resonated particularly with the marginalized sections of society, offering them hope and empowerment. One of Guru Ghasidas' significant contributions was t...

Yomari Punhi stands as a distinctive and culturally significant festival cherished by the Newar community, a vibrant ethnic group in Nepal. Reverently observed on the full moon day of Mangsir, which typically falls in November-December in the Nepali calendar, this celebration is a captivating blend of tradition, festivity, and culinary delight. Yomari Punhi festival 2025 date is December 4. Central to the allure of Yomari Punhi is the crafting and relishing of a unique delicacy known as "Yomari." This sweet dumpling, crafted from rice flour, is generously filled with a mixture of jaggery, sesame seeds, and molasses. Its symbolic shape, reminiscent of a fish or a conch shell, further enhances the cultural resonance of the festival. The preparation of Yomari involves a meticulous process often carried out with a sense of communal and familial togetherness, underscoring the spirit of unity and shared heritage. Beyond its gastronomic delights, Yomari Punhi holds deep-seated cul...

Datta Jayanti is observed to celebrate the birth of Guru Dattatreya, the Trimurti Avatar – the united and single incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Dattatreya was born as the son of Atri Maharshi and Anasuya. Datta Jayanti 2025 date is December 4. It is observed on the full moon day in the month of Margashirsha as per traditional Hindu calendar. The teachings of the 24 gurus of Dattatreya can be found below. Sri Dattatreya remained an Avadutha throughout his life – a sage who remains in pure nature. He was a supreme yogi. Dattatreya narrated the secrets of Vedanta to Lord Subrahmanya and this teaching later came to be known as Avadhuta Gita. The twenty four gurus that Dattatreya found in Nature and Society became very famous and is part of several scriptures. Dattatreya is worshipped in many places in India . The day is marked by special pujas and satsangs. Dattatreya Mantra ॐ द्रां दत्तात्रेयाय नम: Chant the above mantra 108 times for peace and spiritual...

The annual festival of transgender community, known as Kich or Choodi Purnima, in December is popular across Maharashtra and Karnataka and particularly in Savadatti or Saundatti in Karnataka, where there is a temple for goddess Renuka Devi or Yellamma Devi. The festival annually takes place on the full moon day in Margashirsh month. In 2025, the festival is on December 4. With foreheads smeared with haldi and kum-kum (tumeric and vermilion powder), body draped in colourful sarees; bangles and mangalsutras adorning the get-up, members of the transgender community, who call themselves Jogtis (devotees), celebrate the annual festival of Kich, also known as Chudi Poornima. The festival holds significant importance for the community members as they undergo a symbolic marriage to Goddess Yellamma, also known as Renuka, transforming themselves into women. The celebration involves vibrant rituals accompanied by dance and song. This longstanding festival has been observ...

Kama Trayodash is a festival to worship and please Kamdev, the Hindu God of love. It is to be practiced commencing on the thirteenth day in the bright fortnight of the month of Margasira (December – January) and done for one year. Kama Trayodashi 2025 date is December 3. The very name of the festival is a combination of two words ‘Ananga’, which means the God of love (Kama), the Manmata, also known as the body-less one, and trayodasi which means the thirteenth day. Kama Trayodashi is performed by drawing a picture of Manmata on a piece of cloth and worshipping under twelve different names. The God of love was burnt by Mahadeva Shiva when the former attempted to disturb the penance of Shiva at the instance of the gods, desiring to induce Shiva to marry Parvati and produce a child for the destruction of the demon Taraka oppressing the gods and men. Hence the God of love is ananga (body-less). On this day, at first Shambhu (Shiva) is to be worshipped and anointed with the panchamrita ...

Saubhagya Sundari Teej Vrat is observed by women in North India during the Margashirsh (November - December), Magh month (December – January) and also Chaitra month. Saubhagya Sundari Teej Vrat 2026 date is January 21 for Magh month. For Chaitra month it is March 21, 2026. It is observed on the Margashirsh, Paush and Chaitra Shukla Paksha Tritiya or the third day of the waxing phase of moon in Poush month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . The Margashirsh month Vrat date is November 23, 2025. Women perform special rituals dedicated to Mother Goddess for the prosperity and welfare of the family. The third day during the waxing phase of moon in certain months in traditional Hindu lunar calendar is dedicated to Mother Goddess Parvati. There are two popular belief associated with it. One is the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Another is Shiva is believed to have given darshan to Goddess Parvati and agreed to marry her. Mother Goddess did intense penanc...

Vishwakarma Jayanti is believed to be the day when Lord Vishwakarma the divine architect of the universe appeared on earth. This puja is offered in the Magh month (January – February) in North and western parts of India and it is on February 10 , 2025 .  The most famous Vishwakarma Jayanti 2025 date is  September 17 . Another popular Vishwakarma Puja is held after Diwali on October 23, 2025  in Bihar and certain parts of North India. In Kerala it is also observed on Rishi Panchami day. Vishwakarma Puja on September 17, 2025 is mainly observed in eastern parts of India – West Bengal , Jharkhand, Orissa and Tripura. This is the most famous and most important Biswakarma Puja in a year. Vishwakarma Puja is also held during the Diwali period in many parts of India . In Hindu religion, God Vishwakarma is the divine architect of the universe and the divine carpenter. His name first appears in the Rigveda and is also credited with Sthapatya Veda, t...

Kuchela Dinam, Kuchela day, is observed on the first Wednesday of Dhanu Masam (December – January) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala. Kuchela Dinam 2025 date is December 17. The day commemorates the meeting of Kuchela, a friend and schoolmate, and Sri Krishna. The day is also of great importance at the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna temple. Kuchela visits Krishna after several years when Sri Krishna is the ruler of Dwarka. Kuchela, also known as Sudama, was poor and he was visiting Krishna to ask some financial help to overcome his poverty. He carried with him handful of aval or poha (beaten rice). This beaten rice was of poor quality and it was filled with mud and stones.  On reaching, the  palace  of  Krishna  at Dwarka, Kuchela was warmly welcomed by Sri Krishna. It is said ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ (Guest are equal to God) and  Krishna  treated Kuchela like a God. Kuchela was ashamed to give ...

Holy Scripture Narayaneeyam dedicated to Sri Guruvayurappan (Sri Krishna) was completed and offered to Sri Krishna on the Sri Narayaneeya Dinam. Narayaneeyam Day 2025 date is December 14. The day is of great importance at the Guruvayur Temple in Kerala.  Narayaneeyam was composed by Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri and it is a condensation of the Srimad Bhagavad Purana in 1036 shlokas (stanzas). The unparalleled spiritual work is noted for its literary merit and bhakti (devotion) and is a classic in its own right. It is observed on the 28th day of Vrischika month as per traditional calendar followed in Kerala. Discourses and debates on Narayaneeyam take place on the day. Special functions are also held at Melpathur Illapparambu on the day. Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri (1559 – 1632) was a student of Achyuta Pisharati and the last scholar from the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics. His most important scholarly work, Prakriya-sarvaswam, describes an axiomatic ...

Vyanjan Dwadashi is observed on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Margashirsh month. Vyanjan Dwadasi 2025 Date is December 2. Numerous vegetarian food items including rice, sweets, curry and kheer are offered Sri Krishna and Radha on the Vyanjan Dwadasi day.  As per tradition, Vaishnavites commemorate the episode of the Mahabharata in which mother Yashoda feeds Sri Krishna with a wide variety of mouth-watering delicacies on Dwadasi in the month of Margasira. This scene was also re-enacted during the childhood of Sri Chaitanya Maharaj when he was too presented with a large number of delicacies by his mother Sachi Devi.  The followers of Sri Chaitanya Maharaj observe this day every year with great pomp, enthusiasm and religious fervor.

Annapurna Jayanti is a festival dedicated to Goddess Annapurna – Hindu goddess of food and cooking. It is observed on the full moon day in the month of Margashirsha. In some regions, an Annapurna Vrat is observed during the period. Goddess Annapurna is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. In 2025, Annapurna Jayanti date is December 4. Annapurna Mantra ह्रीं अन्नपूर्णायै नम:॥ Chant the above mantra 108 times for prosperity and peace in life. It is believed that those who worship Annapurna Mata with this mantra and live as per Dharma without harming nature will always be blessed with good food and water. Story of Annapurna Jayanti Legend has it that once the food on earth was not replenished and soon the food started getting over. Living beings were in a danger of starving. Human beings prayed to Brahma and Vishnu and they together awoke Lord Shiva from his yoga nidra (sleep). He agreed to restore prosperity and food on earth. It is believed that Parvat...