Bhai Dooj: The Sacred Bond Of Brother-Sister

Bhai Dooj is a festival to celebrate and honor the beautiful relationship of brother and sister. This is a very lovely ritual where brothers are treated with delicious food prepared by sisters and then exchange of gifts take place. A perfect way to end the five days celebration of Diwali. Read on to know more about this festival... 

Rituals Performed On Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is a very special occasion for any girl who has a brother; as this day gives a chance to show the love and respect they have for one another. Women who are married invite their brother home for a sumptuous meal and Tilak (vermillion mark) ceremony. This ritual involves women doing Aarti of her brother followed by a Tilak on the forehead and getting his blessing by touching the feet (if elder). Then gifts are exchanged between the two. 

Women who do not have brother or is living far away from him, worship the Moon instead. Moon is fondly called as Chanda Mama for this very reason. Chanda means Moon and Mama means mother’s brother. There are many legends associated with this festival, like the two mentioned below. 

Legend Associated With Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya for its association with this legend. It is on this auspicious day that, Yama (the God of death) visits his sister who welcomes him by putting a Tilak on his forehead. He is then treated to a delicious meal and then offered Aarti for his well being. According to the beliefs, whoever receives a Tilak from his sister on this day, will get pardoned from hell. 

Another legend associated with Bhai Dooj is that when Lord Krishna returned home after defeating demon Narakasur, he was welcomed by his sister Subhadra, who applied Tilak on his forehead and prayed for his well being. 

Click here to know more - Bhai Dooj 2013

Celebration Of Bhai Dooj- Region Wise

1. In Bengal, Bhai Dooj is celebrated as “Bhai Phota”. This ritual involves sisters fasting for the whole day until they apply sandalwood paste on the brother’s forehead. 
2. In Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, this festival is celebrated by the name Bhai Bij, Bhau Beej or Bhav Bij.
3. In Nepal, this is the second biggest festival celebrated after Vijaya Dashami. In Nepal, this festival is called as Bhai Tika. 
4. In Manipal, this festival is celebrated by the name Ningol Chakuba. Here too, this culture and the bond is treated very sacred. 

May this Festival of Bhai Dooj make the sacred bond of brother and sister even more stronger. AstroSage wishes you a very Happy Bhai Dooj!

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Sensex - Nifty Predictions (5.11.2013)

Planets position on 5th November 2013 at 09:15am at Mumbai

• Lagna - Moon - Scorpio
• Venus in Sagittarius
• Saturn, Mercury, Sun & Rahu in Libra
• Ketu in Aries sign
• Jupiter in Gemini
• Mars in Leo

Planetary Aspects

Sun sextiles Mars and conjoins Rahu. Mars trines Ketu. Mercury sextiles Mars.

Saturn conjoins Sun, sextiles Mars and Trines Jupiter.

Panchang

Day: Monday

Tithi: Shukla Dwitiya

Nakshatra: Anuradha 

Yoga: Sobhana

Karana: Kaulava

The indecisive market will decide to close in red . Bears will control the indices at the end of the day. Volatility will be seen in Cement, Infrastructure, Oil & gas and Steel sectors. 

Persons having Libra and Gemini moon signs / lagna will be financially affected today .They should refrain from money matters today.

We suggest the readers not to indulge in any kind of speculation like day trading but invest astrologically as per their individual horoscopes for long term to gain profits.

Disclaimer: - The predictions made herein are for information purposes and are not recommendations to any person to buy or sell any securities. We only use astrological analysis, so target are not based on any technical or fundamental analysis but only on the experience of an astrologer. Its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. The information provided herein is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell securities of any kind. The Astrologer and the company do not accept any liability for the use of this column. Readers of this column who buy or sell securities based on the information in this column are solely responsible for their actions. And author won't be liable or responsible for any legal or financial losses made by anyone.

By
Rajeev K Khattar

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The Five Building Blocks Of Panchang

Panchang is the Hindu calendar consisting of five limbs known as: Tithi, Vaar, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. It is used by the Indian astrologers to make calculations with a high degree of accuracy. Read this article to understand Panchang in detail.

Panchang is a Hindu calendar which is based on placement of planets in Nakshatra and zodiac. The word Panchang is taken from the Sanskrit language in which, Panch means 5 and Ang means- limbs. These five limbs are known as: Tithi, Vaar, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. A Panchang is also known as Panchangam, Panjika, Panjangam, Panchangamu, Jantri and many more.

Click here to know about Today’s Panchang- Daily Panchang

Tithi (Date): Tithi is the lunar day and there are 15 Tithis is each month. Each month is divided into two parts: bright fortnight (it ends on full Moon night) and dark fortnight (it ends on new Moon night). In each fortnight, there are 15 days. The names of the Tithis are: Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dasami, Ekadasi, Dwadasi, Trayodasi, Chaturdasi, Purnima and Amavasya.

Vaar (Day): Varas are the seven days of the week: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Nakshatra (Constellation): Nakshatra consists of 27 stars. They are: Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigasira, Aarudra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Aslesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyestha, Moola, Poorvashada, Uttarashada, Sravana, Dhanishta, Satabisha, Poorva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati.

Yoga: There are 27 yogas which are taken into account for estimating the auspicious time for any activity. The yogas are: Vishkambha, Preeti, Ayushman, Saubhagya, Shobhana, Atiganda, Sukarma, Dhriti, Shoola, Ganda,Vriddhi, Dhruva, Vyaghata, Harshana, Vajra, Siddhi, Vyatipata, Variyana, Parigha, Shiva, Siddha, Sadhya, Shubha, Shukla, Brahma, Indra and Vaidhriti. 

Out of these 27 Yogas, 9 are considered inauspicious: Vishkambha, Atiganda, Shoola (fork), Ganda, Vyaghata, Vajra, Vyatipata, Parigha and Vaidhriti.

Karan: Karan is the half of the Tithi. There are total of 11 Karans: Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitula, Garija, Vanija, Visti, Sakuna, Chatushpada, Naga and Kimstughna. Karans are of two types: Charan (movable) and Sthira (fixed). The first 7 are the movable and the last 4 are fixed.

In astrology, these five limbs or elements are important for calculating the right time of marriage, plantation, starting a business, joining a new job and many more. The Panchang may also include details about Varjyam (inauspicious time), Rahukalam, planetary transits, Durmuhurtham, Lagna Pravesh tables and other astrological information. 

To learn about KP Panchang, click here - KP Panchang

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Govardhan Puja 2013: Offering Prayers To The Sacred Hill

Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the next day of Diwali, the festival of lights and holds a very significant place among Hindus. There are many legends associated with this festival, so read on to know all about Gowardhan Puja and also about the beautiful rituals and customs that take place on this day. 

Significance Of Govardhan Festival

Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate the occasion of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Parvat (mountain) on his little finger to save the people from the wrath of Lord Indra (the rain God). On the day of Govardhan Puja, a figure made of cow dung is built which is then decorated with flowers and worshipped by one and all with devotion. This incident is done to replicate the event of Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to save the people from the lashing rains caused by Lord Indra, to prove his supremacy over Lord Krishna. 

Click here to read in detail - Govardhan Puja 2013

Annakoot: The Ritual Performed On Govardhan Puja

Annakoot (the mountain of food) is the part of this celebration. Basically, people cook a mixed vegetable curry and call it Annakoot, on this day. However, this ritual involves preparing large amount of food as offering to Krishna. The variety of dishes prepared on this day can be as many as 80 - 100 dishes. Later, people place these food items around the cowdung figure that represents the Krishna & Govardhan hill, and offer prayers to it. They move around the hill in a circle chanting Krishna Mantras and singing Krishna Bhajans. 

Click here to read the legend associated with Govardhan Puja in detail - Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja Celebrations Region Wise

In Maharashtra, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as Padwa or Balipratipada. This day is to celebrate the visit of King Bali back home as per the boon bestowed on him by Lord Vishnu. Also, this day marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya, which is known as Padwa or Varsha Pratipada. 

In the state of Gujarat, this day is celebrated as new year’s day as Vikram Samvat starts on this day. 

Another important ritual performed on this day is the Gudi padwa ritual. On this day, husbands gift their wives beautiful items and wives thank them by applying tilak on their forehead and praying for the long life and prosperity of the family. The day also witnesses occasion of visiting in-laws for elaborate meals. These customs have been followed for ages and are celebrated with much zest and fervor. 

Celebrate this diwali by adorning your desktop screen with Krishna wallpapers. Click here to make them yours - Krishna Wallpapers

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Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja is the most important ritual performed on Diwali. It is the third and the main day of Diwali festival. With utmost faith, clear heart and mind, this Puja is performed by all the members of the family to please the Goddess and seek blessings, fortune, wealth and prosperity. 

Diwali is a very popular festival in India and is celebrated for a period of five days. In the evening, Lakshmi Puja is performed with a belief that the Goddess will visit the homes of everyone and will bring fortune, wealth and prosperity. 

You may also like to read: Importance Of Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi On Diwali

How To Perform Lakshmi Puja

1. At the place of Puja, spread a clean cloth and put rice on it creating a bed.
2. Place a Kalash (stoup) (filled with water, flower, betel nut and clean coin) on the bed of rice.
3. Around the mouth of the Kalash, arrange some mango leaves.
4. Place a Thali (plate) on this Kalash.
5. Using turmeric powder, draw a lotus on the thali and place the idol of Goddess Lakshmi on it.
6. Keep few coins on the plate.
7. Place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the right side of the Kalash. Idols of other Gods can also be kept along.
8. Close your eyes and chant ‘OM’ in your mind.
9. Sprinkle some water on all the puja items.
10. Apply Haldi (turmeric) and Kumkum (vermilion) on the Kalash and put a flower on it.
11. Light an earthen lamp filled with Ghee.
12. Take a flower or flower petals and rice in your hands, close your eyes and meditate on Goddess Lakshmi. 
13. Sprinkle the flowers or flower petals and rice on the idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
14. Now put the idol of Goddess Lakshmi on a Thali. Clean it with water, Ghee, milk, curd, honey and sugar. At last, clean the idol again with water.
15. Now, place it back on the Kalash.
16. Offer garlands, sandalwood paste, vermilion and light incense sticks.
17. Offer coconut, betel nuts, betel leaves, fruits and sweets.
18. Now offer Batasha sweets and puffed rice.
19. In the end, perform Aarti for Goddess Lakshmi.

If you want to read Diwali Pujan Vidhi in detail, click here - Method Of Diwali Puja & Rituals

Laxmi Mantra 

Namosthesthu Maha Maye |

Shree Padee, Sura Poojithe ||

Shanka, Chakra, Gadha Hasthe |

Maha Lakshmi Namosthuthe ||

Kali Puja Celebration

Kali Puja is one of the major festivals of Bengal and is celebrated at a grand scale in Bengal on the day of Diwali. Houses are decorated with colorful rangolis and lamps. In the evening or midnight, people engage in Kali puja to remove the evils and darkness of life. Crackers are bursted in honor of the Goddess. Kali puja is performed to seek the blessings of the Goddess Kali and attain well being and protection.

Click here to read in detail about Kali Puja in Diwali 2013 - Diwali Kali Pujan 2013

Click Here For Diwali Muhurat

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Diwali Puja Muhurat

Diwali, the festival of lights and brightness is observed on Kartik Amavasi. Lakshmi Puja is the main aspect of this day and should be performed in the auspicious Muhurat. Read this article to know the accurate Diwali Muhurat for 2013.

This year, the auspicious time for the Lakshmi Puja is from 18:14 to 20:08. This means that during this time period you can worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Businessmen should worship Lord Kubera for the growth and profit of their business. 

Diwali Muhurat 2013

Muhurat means to select the most auspicious time for doing any activity. The results of new ventures increases when done in the auspicious Muhurat. 

Pradosh Kaal for Diwali Puja Muhurat

Pradosh Kaal will last for 2hrs 24 mins from sunset, but will vary from city to city. This difference is due to the reason that Pradosh Kaal is calculated on the basis of sunset and it is different for every region. In Delhi, India Pradosh Kaal may start from 17:34 to 20:13.

This time period is very auspicious for Taurus Ascendant. This Muhurat is good to serve and seek the blessings of elders and honoring relatives and friends. Serving sweets, gifts and clothes will also prove very beneficial for the lives of the natives. Making offerings and donations at religious places like temple, will be very fruitful.

Nishith Kaal for Diwali Puja Muhurat 

Nishith Kaal or period is auspicious for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and planets. Mantras should be recited and donations of clothes, fruits, grains and money should be made to the Brahmins. For the people of Delhi, Nishith Kaal will begin at 20:13 hrs and may last till 22:52 hrs.

Mahanishith Kaal for Diwali Puja Muhurat 

Mahanishith Kaal in Delhi will start last from 22:52 to 1:31 and is auspicious for Cancer Ascendant. Diwali Puja during this Muhurat should be done according to the scriptures. During this Kaal, Tantrik rituals and supernatural powers are invited. 

We have mentioned the Diwali Muhurat for Delhi, India. The Muhurat for other areas of India will not vary much from the Delhi time. You may consult an astrologer to know the perfect Muhurat in your area.

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Special Event Of The Day: Solar Eclipse (November 3, 2013 - USA) Last Solar Eclipse of 2013 will be observed on 3rd November i.e. on the day of Diwali. This eclipse is not visible in India and will be seen in USA. Partial eclipse will be seen in countries like, Canada, South Africa, UK and in the Middle East.

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Celebrating The Festival Of Lights

Diwali or Deepavali means a row of lights. It is one of the most beautiful and festive days of the year which falls on Amavasya of the Kartik month. Lighting earthen lamps, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, mouth watering sweets and fireworks displays this festival. Also, it marks the victory of good over evil. 

Wish your family and friends with the best quotes of Diwali- Diwali quotes

Celebration In North India

Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh Diwali is all about wearing vibrant colors and enjoying the festival with great enthusiasm. In Varanasi, also known as the land of festivals, religious ceremonies take place on a grand scale. Earthen lamps are lit on the ghats of the city and are then left gently in the river. In other areas of the state, Lakshmi Puja is done religiously and diyas are lighted in every corner of the home. Special sweets and dishes are made in the home and gifts and sweets are exchanged among friends and relatives. Crackers are burnt which fill the sky with colorful light.

Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh has its unique ways of celebrating Diwali. People clean the mud walls of the house and paint it using white clay and cow-dung. In the courtyard, a black or red is painted using colored clay and is decorated with images of birds and animals. Walls are decorated with garlands of flowers. According to their customs, people here paint little vessels known as Auloo, with clay and decorate it with red paint. These vessels are then prayed and exchanged among the best friends with a belief of strengthening their friendship. Designs are made using rice powder, which is worshipped at night by the young girls using camphor and grass. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped specially.

Punjab: In Punjab, this day has its importance for two reasons: Diwali celebration and release of Guru Hargobind Ji from prison in 1619 AD. In Amritsar, Golden Temple is decorated with lights and traditional lamps. Earthen lamps are lit around the holy tank. The beauty of the temple increases with its reflection in the shimmering water of the holy pool which is truly mesmerizing. People of the village worship and adorn their cattle on this day thanking them for providing income. Fireworks are also enjoyed by the people.

To send Diwali greetings and wishes to your loved ones, click here- Best Diwali Greeting and Wishes

Celebration In East India

West Bengal: In West Bengal, Diwali is the time for great feasting, celebration and rejoicing. Bengalis decorate and light up their houses with hundreds of diyas at a time. Their Diwali Rangolis are unique, beautiful and very colorful. Entrance of the house is decorated with two or four plantain leaves along with a row of diyas. In the evening Lakshmi Puja in performed by all the members of the family. Diwali is celebrated for three days, but on the final day, the day of worshipping Goddess Kali, the lights and liveliness is reduced. The first two days are celebrated with more enthusiasm with lights, feasting, family gatherings and fire crackers. Nothing new is purchased on the day of Diwali.

Celebration In West India

Maharashtra: Diwali celebrations in Maharashtra commence with 'Vasu-baras'. It is done in the honor of the holy cow which is adored by the Hindu people. Married women worship the cow who is expecting a calf. On the day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek her blessings for a prosperous New Year. Mouth-watering delicacies such as Shankar-pale, karanji, chakali, shev, anarse, chirote, chivda, etc are prepared. People hang 'Akash-kandil' and light 'panti's outside their houses and rangolis are made at the entrance of the house. Male members of the family are also worshipped with Aarti done by the women.

Gujarat: In Gujarat, Diwali is known as Badhavsar. Entrance of the house is decorated with powdered rice. Purchasing salt on this day is believed to be very lucky by the people of Gujarat. People love to wear traditional dresses on Diwali with men wearing Dhoti and Kurta and women wearing saris. Visiting temple on this day is considered auspicious.

Celebration In South India

Tamil Nadu: The day of Diwali begins with taking an oil bath by the family members before sunrise and is considered equivalent to taking bath in Ganga. Gingelly oil is applied on the heads of the family members by the elders before the bath. New clothes are worn and sweets are eaten. Traditional sweets and dishes are made in the houses. Kuthu vilakus (oil lamp) are lit in the place of worship. Mats are placed facing the east direction. After making offering to the Gods, fruit is given to the family members along with betel leaves and betel nuts.

Karnataka: Diwali in Karnataka is celebrated with lighting innumerable diyas and bursting crackers. Lakshmi Puja is performed by the family members to please the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The time for utmost celebration is early morning and late night. Hence people of Karnataka rise early and sleep late on the day of Diwali. 

To send Diwali greetings and wishes to your loved ones, click here- Best Diwali Greeting and Wishes

With this word tour of Diwali celebrations, AstroSage wishes a Happy Diwali to one and all!

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