Calendar
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma started the creation of the world from the month of Chaitra, which is regarded as the first month of the Hindu calendar. It marks the beginning of the new season when new flowers and fruits start to blossom. Chaitra month fall in March- April, when the Sun starts its journey through the Zodiac cycle. Some people believe that Goddess Durga descended on the first day of Chaitra Navratri and Brahma started the work of creation of the universe at the behest of Mother Durga. Another belief is that Lord Shiva allowed his wife Durga to visit her parent’s house for nine days (Chaitra Navratri). During these nine days, it is said that the Goddess killed demon Mahishasura. This signifies the victory of good over evil. It is customary for Hindu women to visit their parents’ home during this auspicious time.
Maharashtran Hindus refer to the festival, observed on the same day, as Gudi Padwa (Marathi: गुढी पाडवा).
The Sindhis celebrate the same day as Cheti Chand, which is the beginning of their calendar year.
Manipuris also celebrate their New Year as Sajibu Nongma Panba on the same day.
The Hindus of Bali in Indonesia also celebrate their new year on the same day as Nyepi.
Ugadi is one of the five Hindu national public holidays in Mauritius
If you would like to host the Mata Ki Chowki at Shree Radhey Shyam Temple, Contact : Raja Sharma 708-822-6656
Maa Durga is revered as the Mother Goddess among the Hindu Goddesses. Mata Ki Chowki is a short-duration Kirtan that can be done at any time of day, at any time of year. The essence behind performing the Mata Ki Chowki is to fulfil one’s wishes. This Puja ceremony involves the gathering of many worshipers who spend three hours singing hymns in her praise in order to please the Goddess so that she can grant them their wishes. Mata ki chowki includes kirtans and bhajans which are performed in the respect to Mata Durga, Mata Laxmi, Mata Kaali, Saraswati, and Annapurna.
Every Sunday, we have SATSANG (Bhajans, kirtans, Kathas etc.)
From 11:30 AM – 01:00 PM followed by Aarti and Prasadam (Lunch)
Ram Navami Rituals: Hindu Culture & Traditions
This festival is observed in order to celebrate the birth of Marayada Purshottam Ram, considered to be a form of Lord Vishnu, one of the prime deities of Hindu trio. It is said that, Lord Rama is not only god but also the ideal figure for a human being. He is considered to be an ideal son, a doting husband, a mighty king, a wonderful brother and a great father. On the occasion of Rama Navami, mot only the people in India but also the Hindu community living in the other parts of the world celebrate this great day with immense joy and fervor.
Ram Navami Celebrations with Akhand Ramayan Path
AKHAND RAMAYAN PATH
Akhand Ramayana Path is a continuous 24-Hour recital of the entire ‘Shri Ram Charit Manas’ without any break. The entire Shri Ram Charit Manas includes seven chapters i.e., Baalkand, Ayodhyakand, Aranyakand, Kishkindha, Sundarkand, Lankakand and Uttarkand. Each of the chapters depicts different stages in Lord Shri Ram’s life. Performing this Path brings auspiciousness and removes obstacles in one’s life. It is performed with bhajans and kirtan in Lord Shri Ram’s praise and his life teachings for his blessings and peaceful life.
‘Shri Ram Charit Manas’ is an epic historical text that represents Lord Shri Rama’s achievements during his lifetime. Lord Shri Rama is the seventh reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Shri Ram is additionally referred to as ‘Maryada Purushottam’ (“Maryada” translates to “honour and righteousness,” and “Purushottam” translates to “the supreme man”) as he stands for truth, justice, morality and is an ideal example of a perfect son, husband, brother, friend and king. Akhand Ramayan Path praises Lord Shri Rama and his Bhakt Hanuman Ji for his devotion, bravery, and strength. Akhand Ramayan Path is frequently done to find out about Lord Rama’s life and learn and assimilate the characteristics of the supreme person inside ourselves.
Every Sunday, we have SATSANG (Bhajans, kirtans, Kathas etc.)
From 11:30 AM – 01:00 PM followed by Aarti and Prasadam (Lunch)
Hanuman Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman was the son of Anjana, a female spirit of the clouds and waters, and Desari, the chief of the vanara, a group of powerful monkey people who lived in the forests. The wind god Vayu also played a role in the conception and birth of Hanuman. Some texts identify Hanuman as an incarnation of Shiva, but Hanuman is best known for his role in the epic poem and sacred text the Ramayana.
Hanuman is worshipped as a deity with the ability to attain victory against evil and provide protection. On this festival, devotees of Hanuman celebrate him and seek his protection and blessings.
Nepali Community Program