Tomorrow, September 28th, marks the auspicious festival of Indira Ekadashi. According to religious beliefs, this fast and the accompanying rituals help ancestors attain salvation. Dr. Ganesh Mishra, an astrologer at Central Sanskrit University, shares the story and proper methods of observing this sacred occasion, which includes performing Tarpan and Shraddha rituals, worshipping Lord Hrishikesha, and giving donations. These rituals were said to have helped King Indrasena's father attain salvation after being stuck in Yamaloka.
The month of June is not just about summer weather, but it also brings a long list of important festivals and fasts according to the Hindu calendar. This month, people can observe significant days such as Guru Pradosh Vrat, Jyeshtha Purnima, Masik Shivratri, and Vinayaka Chaturthi, among others. However, two major festivals that stand out are Devshayani Ekadashi and Ratha Yatra. Devshayani Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu falls asleep for four months, while Ratha Yatra is a grand celebration of Lord Jagannatha in Puri, Odisha. These festivals not only have religious significance but also hold cultural importance as they bring people together in celebration.
As the month of May approaches, it brings along a plethora of festivals and special days in different parts of the world. In India, this month will be filled with various Hindu festivals such as Akshaya Tritiya, Rabindra Jayanti, and more. It is important for everyone to be aware of these dates in order to prepare for the festivities in advance. So mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the cultural diversity of India in May 2024!