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Promoting Education, Arts & Heritage

ABN 60486 249 887. Y 2943504

WELCOME TO THE HINDU HERITAGE SOCIETY WEBSITE

Promoting Education, Arts & Heritage

ABN 60486 249 887. Y 2943504

Wishing You a Joyous Gauri Ganesh Utsav 2024 :

Happy Haritalika Teej

Haritalika Teej is an important festival primarily observed by Hindu women, especially in Nepal and parts of India, including Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan. It takes place during the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month (August/September) and honors the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.

The name "Haritalika"

The name "Haritalika" comes from two Sanskrit words—'Harit', meaning 'abduction', and 'Aalika', meaning 'female friend'. According to tradition, Parvati's father wished to marry her to Lord Vishnu, but Parvati was in love with Lord Shiva. To prevent the marriage, her friends took her to a remote forest where she performed rigorous penance to win Lord Shiva's affection. Her dedication pleased Lord Shiva, who accepted her as his wife. This festival commemorates their union.

Rituals and Celebrations

Fasting: Women observe a strict fast, sometimes without food or water, praying for the health and longevity of their husbands. Unmarried women also fast, hoping for a good husband, just as Parvati did.

Prayers and Pujas:

Women wear red, green, and gold saris and gather at temples or homes to perform pujas for Goddess Parvati. Her idol is beautifully adorned and worshipped with offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets.

Dancing and Singing: The festival is filled with joy as women come together to sing traditional songs and perform dances in groups, creating a strong sense of sisterhood.

Breaking the Fast:

The fast is concluded the next day with prayers offered to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Significance

Haritalika Teej is a celebration of devotion, sacrifice, and marital happiness. It symbolizes the strength of Goddess Parvati’s love and commitment to marrying Lord Shiva, showcasing the virtues of patience, loyalty, and love in marriage.

On a broader level, the festival represents women’s prayers for happiness, prosperity, and lasting relationships. It fosters a sense of unity among women, who come together to share their joy, stories, and devotion during this sacred event.

Please also visit the MAJOR FESTIVALS page for more information.

Aarti (Jai ambe gauri)

Jai ambe gauri, maiyaa jai shyaamaa gauri,

Tumako nishadin dhyaavat, hari brahma shivaji , jai ambe---

Maang sindur viraajat, tiko mrig madako, maiya--- ujjvala se dou nainaa, chandra vadan niko, jai ambe --

kanak samaan kalevar, raktaambar raaje, maiya--- rakta pushp gal maalaa, kanth haar saaje , jai ambe --

kehari vaahan raajat, khadag khappar dhaari, maiya--- sur nar munijan sevat, tinake dukh haari jai ambe --

kaanan kundal shobhit, naasaagre moti, maiya---- kotik chandra divaakar, sam raajat jyoti. jai ambe -

shumbh nishumbh bidaare, mahishaasur ghaati maiya--- dhumra vilochan nainaa, nishdin madmaati jai ambe---

brahmaani rudraani tum kamlaa raani maiya--- aagam-nigam bakhaani, tum shiva pat raani, jai ambe---

chausath yogini gaavat, nritya karat bhairon maiya--- baajat taal mridangaa, aur baajat damaru, jai ambe---

tum ho jag ki maataa, tum hi ho bhartaa maiya--- bhaktan ki dukh hartaa, sukh sampati kartaa, jai ambe --

bhujaa chaar ati shobhit, var mudraa dhaari, maiya--- manavaanchit phal paavat, sevat nar naari, jai ambe---

kanchan thaal viraajat, agar kapur baati, maiya--- bhaal ketu mein raajat, kotir tan jyoti, jai ambe

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Shree ganeshay namah

Happy Haritalika Teej

SHREE GANESH FESTIVAL

About Lord Ganesha

SHREE GANESH FESTIVAL

About Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most revered deities in Sanatan Dharma. He is easily recognized by his distinctive elephant head and human body. Ganesha is worshipped as the god of beginnings, wisdom, and success, and is often invoked before starting any new endeavor or important event.The story of Lord Ganesha's creation varies across different Hindu texts, but a common version tells that Ganesha was brought into existence by Goddess Parvati's wish. His attributes of wisdom, intelligence, and the ability to overcome obstacles make him a beloved deity who is sought for guidance and blessings in various aspects of life.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated?

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day after the new moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which typically falls between late August and early September, depending on the lunar cycle. This year, the festival will be observed from 7th September to 17th September 2024. The celebration lasts for 10 days, culminating on the final day known as Ananta Chaturdashi.

What rituals are performed during Ganesh Chaturthi?

The festival begins with the installation of a Ganesha idol, followed by the Pranapratishtha Puja, a ceremony to invoke his divine presence, accompanied by the recitation of sacred mantras. Special worship is performed daily, with offerings such as Modaks, sweets, flowers, rice, coconut, and jaggery presented to Lord Ganesha. The idol is also anointed with red Chandan powder. Daily prayers and aartis are conducted in the morning and evening, amidst the chanting and singing of Bhajans. Temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha often organize special events and prayers, and households with a Ganesha idol treat and care for him as a cherished guest.

Why are the Ganesh idols immersed in water at the end of the festival?

The immersion of Ganesh idols at the end of the festival symbolizes the transient nature of life. Hindus create idols from clay or plaster of Paris—materials that dissolve in water—emphasizing that the physical form is temporary. This act represents the cycle of creation, existence, and dissolution, reminding devotees that everything in the universe is subject to change. Just as the idol is immersed and dissolves, so too do all forms eventually return to formlessness, highlighting the cyclical nature of life. The energy and essence of Ganesha remain, even as his physical representation is submerged in water, symbolizing the eternal and unchanging amidst the transient. May Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom, prosperity, and success in all your endeavours.

Please also visit the MAJOR FESTIVALS page for more information.

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Jai Ganesh Deva

Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva

Mata Jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva. 2

Ek Dant Dayavant, Char Bhuja Dhari-2

Mastakpar sindur Sohe, Muse Ki Savari.

Jai Ganesh x2 deva

Pan Chadhe, Pushpa Chadhe, Aur Chadhe Meva

Ladduan Ka Bhog Lage, Sant Kare Seva.

Jai Ganesh x2 deva

Andhan Ko Ankh Det, Kodhian Ko Kaya

Banjhan Ko Putra Det, Nirdhan Ko Maya

Jai Ganesh x2 deva

Har chadhe phool chadhe aur chadhe meva-

Sur Shyam Sharan Aye, Sufal Kije Seva.

Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh, Jai Ganesh Deva,

Mata Jaki Parvati, Pita Mahadeva...

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Wishing You a Joyous JANMASHTAMI 2024 :

Week-long Shri Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations from 20th August till 26th August 2024

This year, Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the 5251st Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna, will be celebrated with a week-long series of events starting on 20th August and concluding on 26th August 2024. In some Vaishnav communities, the festivities will extend until 27th August, providing all devotees with ample opportunities to participate in the joyous celebrations.

Highlights of the Celebrations:

1. Daily Bhajans and Kirtans:

o Each day will resonate with the melodious sounds of bhajans and kirtans dedicated to Lord Krishna. Devotees will gather in temples and community centers to sing praises of Krishna, recounting his divine leelas (pastimes), and expressing their devotion through music and song.

2. Special Pujas and Aartis:

o Throughout the week, special pujas and aartis will be conducted in honor of Shri Krishna. These rituals will include the ceremonial bathing (abhishek) of Krishna idols, offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets, and the recitation of sacred mantras.

3. Cultural Programs:

o Various cultural programs will be organized, showcasing traditional dance performances such as Ras Leela, depicting scenes from Krishna's life. These performances will highlight the vibrant and playful nature of Krishna, especially his interactions with the gopis and his love for Radha.

4. Midnight Celebrations on Janmashtami:

o On the night of Janmashtami, the exact moment of Krishna’s birth will be celebrated with great fervor. Temples will resound with the chanting of Krishna’s name, and devotees will break their fast after midnight with offerings of butter, sweets, and other delicacies beloved by Krishna.

5. Processions and Jhankis:

o Processions (shobha yatras) featuring beautifully decorated floats depicting scenes from Krishna’s life will be held in various communities. Jhankis (tableaux) representing Krishna’s early life in Gokul and Vrindavan will be displayed, immersing devotees in the divine pastimes of the Lord.

The Message and Teachings of Janmashtami:

Special Devotional Discourses:o

Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Mahapuran will be read and discussed in special sessions. Renowned spiritual leaders and preachers will deliver discourses on Krishna’s life and teachings, emphasizing the relevance of his messages in today’s world and encouraging devotees to embody Krishna’s virtues of compassion, truth, and righteousness.

Extended Celebrations in Vaishnav Communities:For some Vaishnav communities, the celebrations will extend until 27th August 2024, allowing for an even deeper engagement in devotional practices. This extended celebration will include additional rituals, fasting, and prayers, culminating in a grand concluding ceremony.This week-long Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebration is not only a time of deep spiritual reflection and devotion but also an opportunity for communities to unite in a spirit of harmony, joy, and reverence for the divine teachings of Lord Krishna. Whether through music, dance, or prayer, these celebrations remind us of the timeless wisdom and love that Krishna embodies, inspiring us to live with greater harmony and purpose.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami, marking the appearance day of Lord Krishna, conveys several profound messages:

1. Universal Love and Compassion:

o Krishna’s teachings emphasize love and compassion for all beings, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and religion.

2. The Power of Dharma:

o Krishna upholds the importance of following one’s dharma (righteous duty), guiding us to live a life of integrity and purpose.

3. Unity in Diversity:

o Janmashtami reminds us that unity in diversity strengthens the community, promoting peace and harmony.

4. Overcoming Challenges with Courage:

o Krishna’s life teaches us to face challenges with courage and resilience, trusting in the divine to guide us through adversity.

5. The Joy of Life:

o Krishna’s playful nature reminds us to embrace the joy and beauty of life, finding happiness in simple, everyday moments.

As we celebrate Janmashtami, let us draw inspiration from Krishna’s life and teachings to promote peace, harmony, and love in our communities and the world at large.

Hindu Heritage Society celebrates 5 festivals in a year. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Hindu Heritage Society has created a YouTube channel for you.

Daily Prayers, Bhajans, and Mantras

An Initiative of Hindu Heritage Society Inc.

Saraswati puja, links to some images

Holi festival, links to some images

Durga Puja links to some images

Guru purnima links to some images

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Guru Purnima invitation 24 (jpg)

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Durga Pooja Flyer 2024 3 (pdf)