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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250904T234400
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250905T233800
DTSTAMP:20250129T115906Z
CREATED:20250129T115611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250129T115906Z
UID:1523-1757029440-1757115480@krishnadham-usa.org
SUMMARY:Onam
DESCRIPTION:Significance and History \nOnam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala. Home decorations\, preparation of traditional dishes\, and classical dance are some of the common practices followed on this day. Also known as Thiruvonam\, it is Kerala’s official state festival which is celebrated irrespective of caste\, community\, or religion across the state. \nThe festival is also celebrated by non-Hindu communities of the state of Kerala. The celebrations of Onam include boat races\, martial arts\, music\, plantain offerings\, masked dances\, folk songs\, group dances\, and other performances. \nWhy do People Celebrate Onam? : \n\nOnam is a significant festival celebrated predominantly in the Indian state of Kerala. It marks the harvest season and is rooted in Hindu mythology\, commemorating the return of the legendary King Mahabali\, under whose reign Kerala was believed to have witnessed a golden era of prosperity and happiness.\nAs per the legend\, Mahabali was the grandson of the Brahmin sage Praladha. He was so powerful that he who took over the three worlds by defeating the Gods (Devas). In Vaishnavism\, when the Devas sought Lord Vishnu’s help against Mahabali\, Vishnu declined due to Mahabali’s virtue and devotion. After Mahabali’s victory\, he performed a Yajna (sacrificial ritual) where he was obliged to grant any request. Lord Vishnu\, in the form of a dwarf avatar named Vamana\, approached the king and requested only three paces of land.\nDespite being surprised by the humble request\, Mahabali agreed. Vamana then grew immensely\, covering the earth and sky with two strides. With no space left for the third step\, Mahabali offered his own head. Vamana\, impressed by his devotion\, sent him to Pathala (the underworld) but granted him the boon to visit his kingdom once every year. This annual visit is celebrated as the festival of Onam\, symbolizing Mahabali’s return.\n\n\n\nCelebration at Krushna Dham Delaware\nAt Krushna Dham Delaware\,\n\n\nPookkalam: Pookkalam is the heart of Onam celebrations. Women create intricate and colorful floral carpets\, known as ‘Pookkalam\,’ on the ground at the entrance of their homes. These beautiful designs\, crafted using a variety of fresh flowers\, are made to welcome King Mahabali. These designs\, accompanied by lit lamps\, are a prominent symbol of the festival. Communities often hold competitions to see who can create the most elaborate and creative Pookkalam\, making it the highlight of the festival.\nOnakkodi: People exchange and wear new clothes known as ‘Onakkodi’ as a gesture of celebration and joy during Onam.\nOnam Sadya: A grand feast called ‘onam sadya’ is prepared\, consisting of around 13 dishes. The food is served on banana leaves and typically includes rice\, various dishes\, pickles\, papads\, and the essential sweet dish called ‘payasam\,’ made of rice\, milk\, sugar\, and coconut.\nVallamkali: The boat race\, especially the one featuring Snake boats\, known as ‘vallamkali\,’ is a major highlight of Onam. These intricately designed boats\, rowed by hundreds of oarsmen\, compete in a thrilling race\, and substantial cash rewards are given as prizes to the winners.\nProcessions: Elephants adorned with ornaments are a distinctive feature of Onam processions\, adding grandeur to the festivities.\nThrikkakara Appan or Vaman Vishnu Idols: Idols of Thrikkakara appan (Onathappan) or Vaman Vishnu are installed in homes for worship during Onam.\nCultural Activities: Various cultural activities\, including traditional Kathakali dance\, music\, art\, and cuisine\, are organized to celebrate Onam.\nPulikali Dance: Special dancers painted in yellow and black resembling tigers perform the energetic Pulikali dance\, adding vibrancy and excitement to the festival.\n\n\n\nJoin us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Onam to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead\, through divine grace and community spirit.
URL:https://krishnadham-usa.org/event/onam/
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250921T115000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250921T123800
DTSTAMP:20250130T072010Z
CREATED:20250130T072010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T072010Z
UID:1530-1758455400-1758458280@krishnadham-usa.org
SUMMARY:Mahalaya Amavasya
DESCRIPTION:Significance and History \nMythology says that Brahma\, Vishnu and Maheshwara created Goddess Durga to defeat demon king Mahishasura. The demon king had gotten a boon that he cannot be exterminated by anyone\, including gods and goddesses. The creators of Goddess Durga had given her several weapons to fight against the demon king. Basically\, Mahalaya connotes the arrival of Goddess Durga to Earth. Goddess Durga is believed to be the Goddess of ultimate power. \nHindus hold the belief that Mahishasura\, the demon king\, received a boon granting him invincibility against any god or human. Empowered by this blessing\, Mahishasura launched an attack on the Devas (celestial beings)\, resulting in their defeat and subsequent expulsion from Devlok (heavenly realm). Faced with this dire situation\, all the Devas\, led by Lord Vishnu\, sought the divine intervention of Adi Shakti to rescue them from Mahishasura’s wrath. It is believed that during this moment\, a divine radiance emanated from the bodies of the Devas\, coalescing into the form of Goddess Durga. \nThe battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura endured for nine days\, culminating in his defeat on the 10th day. Revered as the embodiment of strength\, Maa Durga is worshipped with great enthusiasm during the ten days of Durga Puja celebrations. Devotees believe that she descends to Earth to bless her people during this period. \nWhy do People Celebrate Mahalaya Amavasya? : \n\nMahalaya Amavasya is marked by decoratively designed statues of Goddess Durga. People will carry the statue of the Goddess to their houses. The statues are even set up in festooned plinths called padals. Ancestors shall be remembered on the day. Devotees shall offer tarpan in remembrance of their ancestors. Tarpan has to be offered on empty stomach on the bank of holy river Ganga. Devotees should have food after finishing the rituals.\nEven those who typically prefer to sleep in become early risers on this day. In every Bengali household\, the break of dawn awakens a tradition of listening to a collection of songs and mantras known as ‘Mahishasura Mardini\,’ narrating the tale of Maa Durga’s birth and her eventual triumph over the demon king Mahishasura.\nAs mentioned earlier\, Mahalaya signifies the conclusion of Pitru Paksha\, also referred to as Sarva Pitra Amavasya. In some Hindu households\, a ritual known as pitru tarpan is performed on this day. During this ritual\, prayers and offerings (pind-daan) are made on the banks of the Ganga River in honour of departed ancestors. It is believed that on the morning of Mahalaya Amavasya\, it is essential to bid a grand farewell to one’s ancestors\, as this act will result in their bestowing blessings and happiness upon the living.\n\n\n\nCelebration at Krushna Dham Delaware\nAt Krushna Dham Delaware\,\n\n\n\nThe significance of Durga Puja\, according to Hindu mythology\, lies in the celebration of Goddess Durga’s visit to her natal home along with her children. The festival begins with Mahalaya\, signifying the start of Durga’s journey to her home. The actual puja commences on ‘Maha Sashthi’\, the sixth day\, with devotees welcoming the Goddess with great enthusiasm. It’s on this day that Durga’s idol is unveiled before the public\, accompanied by various rituals. The festive spirit is kept alive by the ‘dhakis’\, who play the traditional ‘dhak’ drums associated with Bengali culture and the puja. \nThe seventh day heralds the beginning of ‘Maha Saptami’. Before dawn\, a banana tree is immersed in water as part of a ritual. Following a ceremonial bath\, the tree\, known as ‘Kola Bou’ in Bengali\, is adorned with a saree\, often one with a red border\, and placed to the right of Ganesha\, symbolizing the marriage between Ganesha and ‘Kola Bou’. However\, there are differing views on this\, with some considering ‘Kola Bou’ as another representation of Durga. Some also view ‘Kola Bou’ as a symbolic representation of nine types of sacred plants\, with priests tying eight plant bunches to the banyan tree’s trunk before the ritual. Together\, these nine leaves form ‘Kola Bou’\, often seen as the plant form of Durga. \n‘Maha Ashtami’\, the eighth day\, commemorates the day when Goddess Durga defeated ‘Mahisasura’. Devotees offer prayers through ‘Anjali’ and organize feasts in various localities\, preparing dishes like Khichdi and other delicacies. The ninth day\, ‘Maha Navami’\, follows the conclusion of ‘Sandhi Puja’. Maha Aarti serves as a closing ritual\, and long queues are common as people participate in the ‘Maha Aarti’. Finally\, the tenth day\, ‘Maha Dashami’\, marks the conclusion of Durga Puja. On this day\, Durga and the other deities are immersed in the river Ganga. Before the immersion\, married women partake in ‘Sindoor Khela’\, applying vermillion to each other’s faces. During the immersion\, known as ‘Visarjan’\, grand processions take place with dancing and celebration on the streets. Following the immersion\, it’s customary for people to visit the homes of their relatives to exchange greetings for ‘Bijoya Dashami’. \n\n\n\n\nJoin us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Mahalaya Amavasya to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead\, through divine grace and community spirit.
URL:https://krishnadham-usa.org/event/mahalaya-amavasya/
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250922T115000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250930T123800
DTSTAMP:20250130T081853Z
CREATED:20250130T081853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T081853Z
UID:1532-1758541800-1759235880@krishnadham-usa.org
SUMMARY:Navaratri
DESCRIPTION:Significance and History \nThis culture is deeply rooted in an understanding of the human system’s connection to the Earth\, the Moon\, the Sun\, and various aspects of the Divine. This connection is also reflected in the timing and manner of our festival celebrations. \nNavratri\, meaning ‘nine nights‘\, begins the day after the new moon (Amavasya). The first nine days of the lunar cycle are considered feminine\, representing Devi\, the feminine aspect of the Divine. The ninth day\, known as Navami\, marks the end of this phase. The one-and-a-half days around the full moon are neutral\, while the remaining eighteen days are masculine in nature. Traditionally\, all worship up to Navami is dedicated to Devi during this feminine phase. \nThere are twelve such nine-day periods each year\, each focusing on a different aspect of the feminine Divine\, or Devi. The Navratri that occurs in October is the most significant\, as it is dedicated to Sharada\, the goddess of learning. This tradition places the highest value on learning\, a unique ability that distinguishes humans from other creatures. While other beings may be faster or stronger\, they cannot learn as humans do. The true pride of being human lies in the capacity to learn anything\, provided one is willing to do so. \nWhy do People Celebrate Navaratri? : \n\nVictory of Good Over Evil – The festival marks the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga\, representing the power of righteousness.\nWorship of Shakti (Divine Feminine Energy) – It acknowledges and celebrates the divine feminine energy in the universe.\nSeasonal Significance – It aligns with seasonal transitions\, marking a time of purification and new beginnings.\nDifferent Cultural Celebrations – Various regions in India celebrate it in unique ways\, like Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat\, Durga Puja in Bengal\, and Ramleela in North India.\nFasting and Spiritual Growth – Many devotees observe fasting to detoxify the body and focus on prayers and meditation.\n\n\n\nCelebration at Krushna Dham Delaware\nAt Krushna Dham Delaware\,\n\n\n\nFor nine nights\, people celebrate Navratri with deep devotion and prayers. Each day is dedicated to one avatar of Goddess Durga\, and devotees wear specific colours corresponding to each day. \nDay 1: Shailaputri or Pratipada \n\nSignificance: Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped. ‘Shaila’ means mountain\, and ‘putri’ means daughter. As the daughter of the Mountain God\, Goddess Parvati is honoured on this day.\n\nDay 2: Brahmacharini or Dwitiya \n\nSignificance: Goddess Brahmacharini\, a form of Durga who symbolises the reduction of anger\, is worshipped.\n\nDay 3: Chandraghanta or Tritiya \n\nSignificance: Devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta\, who is believed to have a third eye and fight against evil demons. Jasmine flowers are offered during puja to please her.\n\nDay 4: Kushmanda or Chaturthi \n\nSignificance: Dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda\, whose name means ‘cosmic egg’. She is known for spreading energy and warmth to all.\n\nDay 5: Skandamata or Panchami \n\nSignificance: Devoted to Goddess Skandamata\, who rules over Budha (the Mercury planet). She is revered for her fierce yet loving nature.\n\nDay 6: Katyayini or Shashti \n\nSignificance: On Shashti\, Goddess Durga takes the form of Devi Katyayani to defeat the King of Demons. Women offer prayers for a peaceful married and family life.\n\nDay 7: Kalaratri or Saptami \n\nSignificance: This day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri\, known for her fierce nature and her ability to terrify evil spirits throughout the universe. She is the most destructive avatar of Kali Devi and rules over Lord Shani (Saturn).\n\nDay 8: Mahagauri or Ashtami \n\nSignificance: On this day\, people worship Mahagauri\, who is depicted wearing white clothes and riding a bull. Kanya Puja\, a special event dedicated to young virgin girls\, is celebrated. This day is also known as Mahashtami or Maha Durgashtami and is marked with dance\, fun\, and prayers.\n\nDay 9: Siddhidaatri or Navami \n\nSignificance: Devoted to Devi Siddhidaatri\, who is believed to have the power to fulfil all wishes. The ninth day is dedicated to her.\n\nDay 10: Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) \n\nSignificance: After nine days of prayers\, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi\, a time to begin new endeavours. It is also called Vidyarambham\, marking the introduction of children to the world of education. Sindhoor Khela is an important part of the rituals on this day.\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Navaratri to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead\, through divine grace and community spirit.
URL:https://krishnadham-usa.org/event/navaratri/
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