Festivals at New Rishikesh
(Contact us for dates and times)
Spring
Maha Shivaratri
On the 14th day of the dark half of Magh the great night of Shiva is celebrated. On this day the devotees of Lord Shiva observe a fast.
Once a hunter set out on a hunt. He came upon a pond, and to look for prey he climbed a “bel” tree (sacred to lord Shiva). Sitting on a branch he waited for his prey. As the leaves obstructed his vision, he picked a few, which by chance happened to fall on a Shiva Lingam (“pindi”), which was under the tree. Just then a herd of deer came to drink water from the pond. The hunter took aim at a hind (female deer). Suddenly she noticed the actions of the hunter and cried out, “Please, wait a moment, before you shoot let me go home to see my children for the last time. Afterwards you may take my life as you wish.”
The hunter relented, and waited on the tree for her return. As he waited the entire night he was forced to fast. He had inadvertently offered the “bel” leaves to the Shiva lingam. He had also chanted the name of Shiva, fulfilling the observance of the Maha Shiva Ratra vow. So even without understanding, his heart was changed and his heart became filled compassion and mercy.
Before dawn the female deer came back with the entire herd. “Now you may take my life at your pleasure,” she said. Seeing the hind’s honesty the hunter’s heart was even more compassionate, and he completely gave up the idea of killing the hind. Lord Shankar (Shiva) was so pleased that he at once put all of them into a heavenly airplane and took them to the heavenly realms. Both the hind and the hunter can be seen at night in the sky among the stars in the constellation of Orion (“Mrgashira nakshatra”).
Gaura Purnima
This is a major Gaudiya Vaishnava festival that falls at the same time as Holi (Feb.-March). It is a celebration of the appearance (birth) of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who appeared in Mayapur, W. Bengal and is the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. He is known for inaugurating the “sankirtan” movement of chanting the holy names of God (most especially the Hare Krishna maha-mantra) as a means to perfection and self realization within Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion. Many temples in Vrindavana, India (the birthplace of Lord Sri Krishna) were established by direct disciples of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and His appearance day is regarded as a most important festival.
Holi
Holi is a festival of colors. Celebrated in March or April according to the Hindu calendar, it was meant to welcome the Spring and win the blessings of the Gods for good harvests and fertility of the land. As with all Hindu festivals, there are many legends attached to Holi, the most popular being that of Prahlad Maharaj, who was a devout follower of Lord Narasinghadev, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is the second most popular Indian festival after Diwali. Holi is a festival of fun and frolic and has been associated with the immortal love of Krishna and Radha. The exuberance and the festivity of the season infects all who attend.
Each year, young and old, men and women, all indulge themselves in the spirit of colors, drenching each other in colored dyes.
Rama Navami
Ramanavami celebrates the birth of lord Rama (or Ramachandra). On the ninth day of the first fortnight of Chaitra the birth of Sri Rama is commemorated. The story of Rama was first written by Vaalmiki. The epic is known as the Ramayana. In some parts of India, it is a nine-day festival, coinciding with the Vasanta Navaratri.
The public worship starts with morning ablutions, chanting Vedic mantras dedicated to Vishnu, and offering flowers and fruit to the Lord. One may fast throughout the day, breaking it only at midnight with fruit. Satsangs are held to glorify the birth of Rama. Excerpts from the Ramacharitamanas, extolling the glory of Sri Rama, are also recited. People of all castes and creeds participate in these gatherings to listen to the stories and their explanations offered by the learned brahmans and pandits.
Summer
Sri Krishna Janmastami
Krishna Janmastami marks the celebration of the birth of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) on Ashtami day. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti, or Gokulashtami. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. This occurs between August and September on the Christian calendar.
The birthday of Krishna, who was born to King Vasudeva and Srimate Devaki is celebrated as a festival on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana, which corresponds to the English month of August-September. Therefore Gokulashtami means Gokul - Krishna and Ashtami - eight.
Sri Krishna is Lord Vishnu's eighth avatar (incarnation) on earth. He is considered to be the Lord's most glorious incarnations and most Vaishnava literature describes Krishna as the original source of all incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Just saying and remembering His name brings joy because Sri Krishna himself was a manifestation of joy at all levels and in all walks of life. No other form of the Supreme Godhead in the Vedic texts, or for that matter in any other religion, is associated with so many romantic tales and so fully radiating with all the Supreme’s divine attributes as Lord Sri Krishna.
As Sri Krishna was a ksatriya king when performing his pastimes on earth, Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony.generally 108 speial preparations are made of all sorts of milk sweets, grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc.
The life and message of Sri Krishna is the most stirring saga of the greatest saviours and propounders of Sanatana-Dharma. He is the speaker of the Bhagavad Gita to his friend and devotee Arjuna. For the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord, this is the most important day of the year.
Radhastami
This is the appearance day of Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. She is the original goddess and the internal potency of the supreme called “yogamaya”. It is held 15 days after the appearance of Lord Krishna. The day begins at Mangal Artika, the morning puja to Radha and Krishna an hour and a half before sunrise and culminates with a special midnight arotik about 19 hours later. Sadhakas will generally fast until the midnight arotika and then take “Prasad” (sanctified food offered to Lord Krishna, but special feasts are arranged for guests all throughout the day. Krishna temples throughout the world, and most especially Vrindavan, India, celebrate this major festival.
Autumn
Diwali
Diwali is the abbreviation of the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali', which means 'rows of lights'. It is one of the major Hindu festivals commemorating the returning of Rama and Sita to their kingdom Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. Diwali is actually a five- day festival but we can see people preparing for Diwali weeks ahead by cleaning and decorating their homes and businesses. The main festival day falls on the new moon day of the dark half of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Celebrated in India by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. Innumerable lamps are lit on the roofs and windowsills of houses giving an ethereal and almost divine look to the whole atmosphere. It is said that Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu (worshipped also as the Goddess of wealth), roams the earth on this day and enters homes that are pure, clean and brightly lighted. Young and old, men and women, all dress up in new clothes and buy new utensils on this day. They worship the Lakshmi and Ganesha, and share sweets and gifts with relatives and friends. It is also the beginning of the new fiscal year for the business community. However, it is the crackers and the fireworks that attract the children more than anything and form a great highlight of this festival.
Deepawali symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of “aspiritual” darkness. It is the celebration of the victory of good over evil - and the glory of the light of truth.
