Thursday, February 27, 2025

Dev Diwali Kashi

 

Dev Diwali Kashi

Dev Diwali or Dev Deepawali is a Hindu festival observed in the Hindu month of ‘Kartik’, celebrated with great pomp and show in the Indian city of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh. Dev Diwali is the ‘Festival of Lights of the Gods’ and falls on the Kartik Purnima (full moon day), fifteen days after the celebrations of Diwali. It corresponds to the month of November-December in the Gregorian calendar.

This religious ceremony is started by chanting of the holy Vedic mantras by the priests, lighting diyas at the ghats and the sparkling of fire crackers, to welcome and please the Gods and Goddesses.

Dev Diwali 2025 is on November 5

On the occasion of Dev Diwali, all the ghats of River Ganga is lighted with thousands of diyas and crowded with pilgrims. This utsav is celebrated every year in the holy city of Varanasi. The festivities can also be witnessed in Gujarat and other northern states of India. In the Indian state of Maharashtra, Dev Diwali is observed on the first day of the month of ‘Margashirsh’. Dev Diwali is commemorated to honour the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon named ‘Tripurasur’. For this reason, this festival is also known as ‘Tripurotsav’. The festival of Dev Diwali coincides with Guru Nanak Jayanti and Jain light festival.

Rituals of Dev Diwali:

The main ritual of Dev Diwali is the lighting of diyas after seeing the moon. The steps of every ghats of River Ganga, right from southernmost Ravidas Ghat to Rajghat, are illuminated with millions of diyas lit in honour of Goddess Ganga and other presiding devas.

The devotees get up early on the day of Dev Diwali and perform the ‘Kartik snan’, that is a ritual of taking a dip in the holy Ganges). They perform ‘deepdan’ (offering oil lamps) in the honour of Goddess Ganga. Following this ‘Ganga aarti’ is performed by 24 Brahmin Priests along with 24 girls, with full devotion.

On this occasion of Dev Diwali, people decorate their houses with oil lamps. Colourful designs or rangoli are made on the front doors. In several houses in Varanasi, ‘Akhand Ramayana’ is organized along with offering bhogs.

In the evening, on the streets of Varanasi, huge processions of beautifully decorated deities are taken out with full enthusiasm. The night sky is lit up with the lights of the firecrackers. After the event, dance performances and cultural programmes by famous personalities of Varanasi also takes place.

Important Timings On Dev Diwali

Sunrise November 5, 2025 6:54 AM
Sunset November 5, 2025 5:36 PM
Purnima Tithi Begins November 5, 2025 12:48 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends November 5, 2025  2:59 PM

 

Tour Cost

Tour Cost On Request

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Varanasi– Sarnath Tour

On your arrival at Varanasi airport/ railway station meet our representative and transfer to hotel, on arrival at hotel proceed with check in formalities, after some rest meet your driver at the hotel lobby and proceed to Sarnath, 10km from Varanasi, where the Buddha preached his first sermon in the Deer Park, contains the most impressive remains, as well as a modem temple. The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dhamek stupas are outstanding. There are also the remains of a monastery, and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi .

Day 2 : Varanasi Local Sightseeing – Dev Diwali

Early morning visit Assi Ghat for Subah-e-Banaras and enjoy sunrise on boat. Later proceed on a half day temple city tour of Varanasi visiting, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Banaras Hindu University, Baba Kinaram Sthal. Banaras Hindu University. BHU is the largest residential universities in Asia, with over 35,000 students. Where to see New Kashi Vishwanath Temple . In evening visit Ghat for boat ride followed by Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat and you also enjoy Dev-Diwali festival. Overnight stay at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 3 : Varanasi – Departure

After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Then drop you at Varanasi Airport for Homeward Journey.

Inclusions

  • English Speaking Guide.
  • Hotel to Destination pick and drop
  • Toll Tax, Parking, Driver Charges all inclusive

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Sawan 2025 in kashi

 

Hindus regard the month of 'Sawan', also known as 'Shravan month', as auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. Every Monday during this month, devotees observe 'Shravan Somwar' or 'Sawan Somwar', a fast. They also pray to Lord Shiva for his blessing. Many worshippers fast for sixteen Mondays, or 'Solah Somwar', beginning with the first Somwar of the Sawan month. While Mondays are reserved for Lord Shiva, all Tuesdays or Mangalwar in Sawan month are reserved for Goddess Parvati. Fasting on Tuesday during Sawan month is known as 'Mangal Gauri Vrat', according to Drik Panchang. Other auspicious days in Shravan month include Sawan Shivaratri and Hariyali Amavasya.

WHEN IS SAWAN MONTH BEGINNING? 

After about 19 years, the month of Shravan dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva will be celebrated for two months this year, and the main reason for this is 'Malamas'. The month of Shravan or Sawan will begin on July 25, 2025, and end on August 23, 2025.

Malamas, formerly known as 'Adhikmas', is a three-year extra month that falls between the months of February and October.

Sawan Somvar Vrat 2025: 

Solah Somvar Vrat: 

Some devotees continue to fast on Monday even after Sawan. Beginning with the first Somwar (Monday), they fast for the next sixteen Mondays. The sixteen-day fasting period is known as Solah Somwar Vrat. The weekly Monday fast was observed for one day, and food was consumed only once in the evening. Sawan generally observes fasting during the months of July, August, and September.

SIGNIFICANCE OF SAWAN MONTH: 

According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva consumed the poison that arose from the ocean during the 'Samudra Manthan' and thus saved the world. As a result, his devotees observe the Sawan or Shravan month to pray to the Lord, who always protects and blesses his followers with good health and fortune.

Sawan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, falling between July and August. Devotees observe fasts and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a peaceful and prosperous life on this special occasion. They also go on 'Kanwar Yatra', where they collect water from holy rivers and carry Kanwars on their shoulders to offer to Shivlingas at nearby temples. Every year, thousands of devout pilgrims make the journey. Furthermore, it is said that the holy water should not be kept on the floor or any other surface until it is offered to Lord Shiva.

 


Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates

Pitru Paksha Shraddha 2025: Dates, Procedure, and Cost

Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates:

  • Start Date: September 15, 2025 (Full Moon Day)
  • End Date: September 29, 2025 (Mahalaya Amavasya)

Pitru Paksha is observed over a period of 16 lunar days in the Hindu calendar, during which people pay homage to their ancestors (Pitrs) through rituals and offerings. The ritual helps to provide peace to the souls of the departed and fulfill their spiritual needs.

Procedure for Pitru Paksha Shraddha:

  1. Pind Daan:
    The core ritual involves the offering of "Pind" (ball-shaped food offerings) made of rice flour, sesame seeds, and other ingredients, symbolizing the body of the deceased ancestors. This is typically performed by the eldest son or a male descendant of the family.

  2. Tarpan:
    Tarpan is the act of offering water mixed with sesame seeds to ancestors. This is performed along with prayers to invoke blessings and peace for the departed souls. It is generally done with the chanting of mantras near a water source, like a river or pond.

  3. Reciting Ancestor Names:
    The names of deceased family members are recited, and prayers are offered to ensure their souls find peace.

  4. Food Offerings:
    A ritual meal is prepared and offered to the ancestors, symbolizing the provision of food for the souls of the departed. This meal is often shared with Brahmins or the poor as an act of charity.

  5. Timing:
    It is advised to conduct these rituals in the morning or early afternoon, before the sun sets, as it is believed to be auspicious.

Variations by Region:

  • South India: This region follows the rituals during the lunar month of Bhadrapada.
  • North India: People in the north generally observe the rituals in the month of Ashwin.

The specific names of Pitru Paksha Shraddha ceremonies vary by region and language. In some places, it is also called Mahalaya Shraddha or Sarvapitri Amavasya.

Cost of Performing Pitru Paksha Shraddha:

  • Cost of Pind Daan & Tarpan:
    The cost varies depending on location, the priest's fees, and the materials used for offerings. Typically, the cost for performing these rituals can range from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 in India. This includes fees for a priest (purohit), the required offerings, and the food served as part of the ritual.

  • Additional Expenses:
    If you choose to conduct the ceremony in a holy place like Varanasi or Haridwar, the costs could be higher, as these places have special rituals that involve more elaborate offerings.

  • For a Simple Ceremony at Home:
    You may be able to perform the ritual with minimal cost, around ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, depending on your family’s tradition and the offerings provided.

Friday, February 7, 2025

Maha Shivaratri in Kashi

 

Maha Shivaratri in Kashi

Maha Shivaratri in Kashi – A Divine Celebration in the Land of Lord Shiva

Maha Shivaratri, the grand festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds immense significance in Kashi (Varanasi), the spiritual capital of India. Celebrated with unmatched devotion and grandeur, this festival attracts thousands of pilgrims, sadhus, and devotees who seek the divine blessings of Mahadev. Let’s delve into the spiritual essence of Maha Shivaratri in Kashi and explore the mesmerizing rituals, traditions, and experiences of this sacred occasion.

Significance of Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri, meaning 'The Great Night of Shiva,' falls on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. According to Hindu mythology, this auspicious night marks the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, known as Tandava.

Maha Shivaratri Celebrations in Kashi

Kashi, also known as the City of Lord Shiva, comes alive with vibrant spiritual energy on Maha Shivaratri. Devotees from all corners of the world gather to offer their prayers at the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The entire city echoes with chants of Har Har Mahadev and Om Namah Shivaya, creating an ethereal ambiance.

1. Rituals at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

  • Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga River before visiting the temple.

  • Special Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Shivling with milk, honey, ghee, and Ganga Jal is performed throughout the night.

  • Offering of Bel Patra (Bilva leaves), Datura, and Bhang to Lord Shiva is an essential part of the ritual.

  • Continuous recitation of Rudra Abhishekam and Vedic hymns enhances the spiritual atmosphere.

2. Grand Processions and Cultural Programs

  • The streets of Varanasi witness magnificent Shiv Barat processions where Lord Shiva is depicted in a divine chariot.

  • Cultural programs, including devotional singing (bhajans), classical dance performances, and storytelling sessions narrating Lord Shiva’s legends, are held at various temples and ghats.

3. Fasting and Night-long Vigil

  • Devotees observe strict fasts, consuming only fruits, milk, and water.

  • All-night vigils (Jagaran) are conducted, where devotees sing hymns and meditate in Lord Shiva’s glory.

Why Visit Kashi During Maha Shivaratri?

Experiencing Maha Shivaratri in Kashi is an unforgettable spiritual journey. The divine energy, mesmerizing rituals, and the aura of devotion create a mystical experience. Here are some reasons why you must visit Kashi during Maha Shivaratri:

  • Witness the grandeur of Kashi Vishwanath Temple’s celebrations.

  • Experience the mystical Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

  • Immerse yourself in the spiritual vibrations of the sacred city.

  • Participate in the Shiv Barat and other cultural festivities.

Plan Your Trip to Kashi for Maha Shivaratri

If you wish to be part of this divine celebration, plan your trip to Kashi in advance. Kashitourpackage.com offers specially curated tour packages for Maha Shivaratri, including temple visits, accommodation, guided rituals, and spiritual experiences.

Har Har Mahadev!

Celebrate the divine presence of Lord Shiva in Kashi and embark on a soul-enriching journey this Maha Shivaratri. Book your pilgrimage today!

!!Happy Customer !! kashi tour package

 

Pitru Paksha Shraddha dates 2025, Procedure and Cost

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