According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Durga emerged from the collective energy of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. She is an embodiment of Shakti, power to destroy demon King Mahishasura.

Mahishasura had a head of a buffalo. He worshipped Lord Brahma.  After years of penance, he demanded immortality.  Since Lord Brahma was pleased with his penance, He granted Mahishasura’s wishes. The Boon given by Lord Brahma was, he would not be killed by a man or an animal.  In the end, he was told that a woman will be the end of him.

Mahishasura was greedy and high on power of immortality, he started to attack and captured all of earth, heaven and hell. The gods knew he could not be defeated because of the boon granted by Lord Brahma. So, they approached Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu in turn consulted with Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. They decided they would combine all their powers to give birth to Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga then fought Mahishasura over a period of 15 days, since he kept changing his shape to misled her. Finally, when he transformed back to a buffalo, Goddess Durga was able to stab him with her trident and that was the end of him.

How to celebrate at home

Items required for puja

• Picture or Idol of Goddess Durga in the Pooja room
• A dupatta or sari to offer to the deity
• Durga Saptshati book
• Plain water in Kalash (pitcher)
• Fresh and washed mango leaves
• Fresh grass
• Sandalwood
• One coconut
• Kumkum
• Turmeric
• Red sacred thread
• Rice
• Betel leaves and betel nuts
• Flowers

Puja

Hindu worship or puja at home requires idols (murtis/deity) and prayers (mantras). Usually the deity(s) or pictures are kept in a quiet place called a puja room. Puja in Sanskrit means “honor” or “worship”. We welcome God or Goddess the same way as we welcome our guests. If time is of the essence, the following steps can be taken for the puja:

• Sit on a small carpet or low stool (raised wood plank) facing North or East.
• Create an altar for Goddess Durga
• Clean the place and Goddess Durga by sprinkling few drops of water. Use a separate cloth to wipe the Goddess and later, apply Haldi (turmeric) & Kumkum to the deity.
• Light the lamps and place in front of the alter.
• Keep betel leaves, nuts, flowers and fruits in a plate in front of the altar.
• After keeping the items in front of the Goddess Durga, begin with Ganesh or Vishwaksena puja or prarthana.
• Then, start chanting sholkas or stothram as per your family traditions.
• After worshiping with shlokas, you decorate the Goddess Durga with flowers and offer Naivedyam.
• Light aarti diya and perform aarti.
• Finally, conclude with Pradakshina (circumambulation, which means going in a clockwise direction) namaskar at the end of puja.
• Give everyone present, prasad which you offered as Naivedyam.

If using Kalash for puja, follow the Shodashopachara vidhi (process). There are sixteen steps in this vidhi.  This is included in the website.

Suggested Chants

• Ganapathi Mool mantra
• Durga Sloka

Activity for kids

• Do Durga themed crafts (like mask made of clay and paint it).
• Make Rangoli designs.
• Make string of mango leaves, flower garland.
• Decorate Kalash for Puja
• Read books about Durga Puja, Ramayana and Navarathri
• Teach some dance steps, so the whole family can enjoy doing this.(garba style)

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Saraswati is a Goddess of learning, wisdom and music. Also, she is know as Vedamata, mother of Vedas. Saraswati puja is done on the eighth day of Navratri. During this time, people keep books, any musical instruments and do the puja to these items.   

According to Hindu mythology, she is the wife of the Lord Brahma. It is said that Goddess Saraswati came late to perform a religious ceremony by Lord Brahma. Since he wanted the ceremony to be on schedule, the God’s created a new wife, Gayatri for him. When Goddess Saraswati came for the ceremony, She saw Lord Brahma with another woman. She cursed Lord Brahma never to be worshipped by humanity. As such, we do not see many Lord Brahma temples in India. 

Ayudha Puja 

Ayudha means tools one uses in their daily life, it could be a pen, pencil, vehicles, machines like computers any equipment. This puja is performed with Saraswati puja during the 9 day ceremony of Navaratri. All the equipment are cleaned and smeared with Kumkum and chandanam (sandlewood paste) and puja is performed. 

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The legend of Lakshmi started when Indra crossed paths with Sage Durvasa. Indra was the Lord of Indra Loka, the divine world of Devas. Devas, also known as Suras, were righteous followers of Vishnu. Opposed to the Devas were the Asuras (demons), who were evil.  

Once, when Indra was riding on his elephant Airavata, Sage Durvasa presented him with a flower garland representing Lakshmi.  Indra placed it on the elephant Airavata’s head to show he was humble and unselfish.  The fragrance of the garland upset the elephant, who flung it on the ground.  This enraged Sage Durvasa, who cursed Indra to lose his wealth and prosperity because he had insulted Lakshmi.  

Soon Devas lost their strength, and Asuras, under their King Bali, attacked and defeated them.  Indra, the King of Devas, along with Brahma, approached Vishnu for help. Following the suggestion of Vishnu, Devas and Asuras churned the Divine Milky Ocean. They understood that churning the ocean would give up numerous Celestial Gifts that the two sides would share. For this churning, the mountain Mandara was the stirring rod and the great Serpent King Vasuki, the rope. Taking the Avatara (incarnation) of Kurma (tortoise), Vishnu provided the base for the churning rod. Asuras took the head side of the rope Vasuki and Devas took the tail. Devas and Asuras proceeded to churn the Milky Ocean. 

After churning for many years, Vasuki emitted a deadly poison, Halahala, which would kill everyone and ruin the nectar to emerge later.  The Devas appealed to Sri Shiva to save them, who swallowed all the poison and protected the universe. After many precious gifts, Amruta, the nectar of immortality, appeared from the waters. With the help of Vishnu, the Devas got all of the Amruta, giving nothing to the Asuras. The strength of the Devas was not only restored, but they also became immortal. The most divine gift from the King of Oceans was Lakshmi, who rose out of the waves seated on a full-bloomed lotus.  For this reason, Lakshmi has many names, such as Jalaja (born of water), Padma, and Neeraja (Lotus). All the heavenly lords and Deities were assembled to view the churning of the Milky Ocean. After considering all of them, Goddess Lakshmi chose Vishnu and married him.   

How to celebrate 

Lakshmi puja is one of the significant rituals performed during the festival of Diwali. This ritual is performed to invite Lakshmi home.  

Items required for puja 

• Picture or Icon of Lakshmi in the Pooja room 
• A dupatta or sari to offer to the Deity 
• Plain water in Kalash (a pitcher) 
• Fresh and washed mango leaves 
• Sandalwood 
• One coconut 
• Kumkum 
• Turmeric 
• Red sacred thread 
• Rice 
• Betel leaves and betel nuts 
• Flowers 
• Clean the house and purchase the above materials. 
• Draw Rangoli in front of the house. 
• Take a bath and clean Lakshmi’s Icon, and place her on an altar.   

Shodasha Upachara vidhi (process) 

This is a 16-step service to be executed during worship.  It is usually rendered with Vedic chants.  Devotees can perform this mentally by closing their eyes, called the Manasa puja. 

• Lower than the platform, draw Rangoli and place a Kalash on a plate with some rice. 
• Place mango leaves on the top of the Kalash.  Place coconut on the rim. 
• On a plate, keep betel leaves, nuts, fruits, and flowers. 
• Light diya’s in front of the platform. 
• Start Kalash puja, place turmeric, kumkum, and flowers. 
• Place turmeric, kumkum, and flowers on Lakshmi. 
• Start with Ganesh puja.   
• Next start, Lakshmi puja. 
• Dhyanam (meditating on Lakshmi to invoke her). 
• Recite a short prayer specific to Lakshmi and engage the mind into the lotus feet of Sri. 
• Avahanam (inviting Lakshmi into the altar). 
• Invite Lakshmi to come into the place of worship or Icon by chanting the Vedic verse as though you are inviting a loveable guest inside your home. 
• Asanam (Giving Lakshmi a seat). 
• Offer Lakshmi a seat. Like inviting a guest to your house, you would offer a comfortable chair to relax. Similarly, by chanting the Vedic verse, provide a seat for Lakshmi. 
• Padyam (Washing Lakshmi’s feet with water). 
• Wash the feet of Lakshmi by pouring water at Her feet. Imagine you are washing the delicate, lotus feet of Sri. 
• Arghya (offering Lakshmi water to rinse hands and mouth). 
• Achamanam (offering Lakshmi water to drink). 
• Snanam (bathing Lakshmi with only water or Panchamrutha abhishekam (Milk, Curds, Honey, Sugar & Ghee) (keep this aside). 
• Wash Lakshmi with water and wipe clean. 
• Vastram (dress Lakshmi in new clothes). 
• Yagnopaveetam (offering Lakshmi sacred thread) (Janevu). 
• Gandha (spreading fresh sandalwood paste on Lakshmi). 
• Turmeric & Kumkum offering. 
• Pushpa (offering flowers). 
• Recite 108 names of Lakshmi while offering flowers. 
• Dhoopam (offering incense smoke) (Due to allergic reactions, this could be eliminated).  
• Deepam (offering a lit lamp). 
• Naivedyam (offering Lakshmi food).  
• Thambulam & Dakshina (offering betel leaves and nuts & money). 
• Perform aarti. 
• Pradakshina and namaskaram (circumambulating the altar, request forgiveness for any omission.  
• Take the holy water or Panchamrutha (request Lakshmi’s grace and blessings for everyone.  Request Lakshmi to return when the Avahana is offered next time. 

 Suggested Chants 

• Ganesh Mantra 
• Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra 
• 108 names of Lakshmi 

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The Karva Chauth festival begins with women getting up early morning before sunrise, having a bath and dressing up with complete adornments as a married woman in auspicious colors especially red color. The women then prepare a decorated pooja thali and keep water in an earthen pot to offer to the moon before breaking their fast. The fast begins with a pre-dawn meal called sargi and consists of feni (made with wheat vermicelli, sugar, and milk), and after this women fast the whole day with no food or water and break their fast after offering water (Arghya) to the moon. Traditionally, the women who are fasting do not do household chores on that day and spend time in getting ready for evening prayers. Applying henna, choosing saris and dresses and meeting friends are some of the activities that women spend their time on that day.

In the evening all the fasting women dress in traditional finery and gather together to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and his family. The prayers vary in different regions, but they are offered to Lord Shiva, his consort Devi Parvati, and their children Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesh. The fast is broken after moonrise by first offering water from the earthen pot to the moon and praying for the long life of her husband. The family then sits together and shares the meal consisting of festival specials like and sweets. Women get gifts of sarees and jewelry from their husband for the Karva Chauth Festival. Lord Shiva, Devi Parvati, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Kartikeya are symbolic of a perfect family, their worship ensures happiness, good health, and prosperity for the entire family. For a woman, the companionship
of her husband in her life is almost a guarantee of a happy and fulfilled life. The Karva Chauth festival is an opportunity for the married women to pray and ask this from Lord Shiva and his ideal family.

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All Saturdays are considered very auspicious. During this month of Purattasi, Lord Venkateshwara is prayed to and worshipped on Saturdays which is a favorite day for the Lord. A maavillaku is lit with ghee to worship Lord Venkateshwara. It is the belief that the Lord will be able to bless all the devotees who are far away from Tirupati hills through the rays of the maavillakku light. 

Puja Diya

To make the maavilakku, mix 1 cup rice flour with ¾ cup powdered jaggery, ¼ cup grated coconut and a pinch of cardamom powder. Add a couple of spoons of melted ghee to help shape the flour mixture like a diya or lamp with a hollow to fill in with a couple more spoons of ghee. Place a cotton wick in the ghee and light the flour lamp.

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The legend of the Deity Subrahmanya Swami is in the Skanda Purana and other Hindu epics. Skanda, son of the divine couple Shiva and Parvati, is known by many names, including Kartikeya, Mugan. Once, Devas went to Shiva, begging him to save them from the demon Tarakasura.  By a boon he obtained from Brahma, Tarakasura could not be killed except by a son of Shiva. Shiva radiated six sparks out of his third eye. Agni (Deity of fire) conveyed the sparks to the river or pond Saravana. The six sparks became six children, whom Parvati Devi embraced, making them one.  She presented the child with a spear (In Tamil, Vel.)  Skanda became the commander-in-chief of all divine forces (Devas), thus known in Sanskrit as Devasenapati. Murugan has two consorts, Valli and Devasena. His divine vehicle is the peacock. 

In some temples, Subrahmanya manifests as a snake, as in Ghati Subrahmanya near Bengaluru. During Skanda’s battle with Tarakasura, the demon took the form of an insect and disappeared into a hill (ghat). Skanda pursued him there and killed him. Thus he is famous as Ghati Subrahmanya in Karnataka. In Tamil Nadu, Murugan’s victory over the demon Soora is celebrated in the Soora Samhara festival during Skanda Sashti.  

How to celebrate 

Items required for Puja 

On the puja day, clean the Puja area and draw Rangoli. Tie a string of fresh mango leaves across the front entrance of your home.  Take a bath, wear clean clothes and follow the steps of the Puja. Have the items mentioned below ready. 

• Place a picture or an icon of Ganesha and Subrahmanya in the Pooja room 
• Plain water in Kalasha (a pitcher) 
• Fresh and washed mango leaves 
• Sandalwood 
• One coconut 
• Kumkum 
• Turmeric 
• Betel leaves and betel nuts 
• Flowers and Fruits 

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In Northern India, this festival celebrates the return of Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to the city of Ayodhya after their 14-year exile and victory over the ten-headed demon Ravana.  Ravana is the personification of evil. Sri Rama then begins a ten-thousand-year rule of righteousness. In the South, the significance differs. There, Deepavali marks the day Bhagavan Vishnu sent the demon king Narakasura to the nether world. Sikhs celebrate Diwali for the release of Guru Hargobind Singh. For Jains, this is the day Saint Mahavira attained Nirvana (eternal liberation).

Diwali is celebrated over five days, from the 13th day of the lunar month Aashwina to the 2nd day of Kaartika (September – November). On the first day, homes are cleaned and decorated. This is the day of Dhanteras when people purchase gold, silver, or new utensils. The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi. Homes are decorated with lighted clay lamps. Patterns using colored powers (rangoli) are created on the floor. The third day is the main festival. New clothes are worn, and families gather to offer prayers to Sri Lakshmi. Family members formally greet (do Namaskaram to) elders, who take pleasure in blessing all that are present. Feasts of delicious desserts are essential parts of the celebration. Youngsters take joy in setting off extravagant fireworks. Many enthusiasts engage in gambling, presumably to entice the grace of Sri Lakshmi. The fourth day is Govardhana (Krishna) Puja. This commemorates the day when Sri Krishna lifted the mountain of the same name to save his devotees. The fifth day is Bhai Dooj. Brothers visit the homes of sisters and exchange gifts. Sisters pray for the long life of brothers.

Diwali also coincides with harvest and New Year celebrations in some states.

• In some regions of India, they purchase gold, silver, or cloth. 
• On the second day, Naraka Chaturti, family members clean the house and take an “oil bath.” 
• The third day marks the worship of Sri Lakshmi. 
• The fourth day is Govardhana puja.  
• Lamps are lighted inside and outside the house on all four days. 

Activity for kids 

Parents or elders may have the children in the family participate in the celebrations in many ways:

• Have the kids respectfully greet the elders of the family and get their blessings.
• Create rangoli in a group activity.
• Light evening lamps with parents.
• Read stories of Sri Krishna and Sri Rama out loud for everyone to hear.
• Take the kids to shop for clothes, sweets, gifts, and puja items.
• Have the children help with cooking specialty delicacies for the festival

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According to tradition Onam marks the homecoming of the beloved and popular demon King Mahabali. He was the great-great-grandson of Sage Kashyapa, and the grandson of Vishnu devotee Prahlada. King Mahabali defeated the Gods and took charge of the three worlds. His reign was considered the golden age as there was no poverty and people lived without caste or religious discrimination. He is known for his generosity as one who fulfills all the wishes of his people. He was generous and kind, and his fame spread over the 3 worlds threatened the Gods. Lord Vishnu offers to help contain the Mahabali.

Vishnu takes on the avatar of a poor Brahmin dwarf called Vamana. This is the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Vamana approaches the King Mahabali and askes for 3 paces of land. The King is baffled and lets the poor boy know that he can offer much more than that – gold, cows, food, villages. But Vamana says that one must not ask for more than ones needs – and that all that he needed was the 3 paces.

The generous king agrees. As he offers the 3 paces the dwarf Brahmin begins to grow into a huge giant. In 2 paces covers all the whole kingdom of the King. For the third pace there is no place was left. Then the King Mahabali offers his head for Vamana to place his third step. Lord Vishnu is impressed by the devotion of the King Mahabali and he grants him the wish to return to earth once a year. The beloved King returns to visit his people and his kingdom during Onam.

The highlight of the Onam festival is the huge vegetarian feast called Onam Sadya. This is served on the last day of the festival. It is served on plantain leaves and consists of 9 courses and can include up to 30 dishes!

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