Halloween: Celtic Traditions to Modern Celebrations

Significance of Halloween

Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31. Its significance lies in the change of seasons, honoring ancestors or saints, and exploring mortality and the supernatural:

• It marks the transition from the warmth and abundance of the harvest to the dark, cold winter.
• Culturally and historically, this period is seen as a time when the boundary between the world of the living and the spirit realm grows thin.
• It is also a popular cultural and commercial holiday, marked by costumes, social gatherings, trick-or-treating, and folklore.

How Halloween Came Into Being

Halloween dates back more than 2,000 years, originating in a blend of ancient Celtic pagan rituals, Roman influences, and Christian adaptations.

1. The Celtic Festival of Samhain:

The holiday originated with Samhain (pronounced sow-in), an ancient Celtic festival celebrated in Ireland, the UK, and parts of France. The Celts marked their new year on November 1st and believed that, on the night of October 31st, the dead could return to the physical world. To protect themselves and their crops, they lit large bonfires and wore disguises made from animal skins to confuse or frighten wandering spirits.

2. Roman Influences:

After the Roman Empire conquered Celtic lands, Roman festivals merged with Samhain traditions. These included Feralia (a day in late February commemorating the dead) and a festival honoring Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees (which influenced traditions like apple bobbing).

3. Christian All Hallows' Eve:

In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints' Day (or All Hallows') to honor all saints and martyrs. The eve of October 31st became known as All Hallows' Eve, which eventually contracted into Halloween. Over time, medieval practices like "souling" (going door-to-door asking for soul cakes in exchange for prayers for the dead) blended with older customs.

4. Evolution in North America:

Irish and Scottish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine brought these traditions to North America in the 19th century. Practices such as carving frightening faces into turnips evolved into carving pumpkins for jack-o'-lanterns, while local customs blended into modern secular traditions like trick-or-treating and community parties.

Halloween Celebrations

Apple Bobbing (Ducking):

Players try to catch an apple in a tub filled with water using only their teeth. Since apples are less dense than water, they float to the surface, making them difficult to grab without using their hands.

The practice began as a British and Celtic courting ritual. When the Romans conquered Celtic Britain, they brought apple trees and traditions honoring Pomona, the goddess of fruits and orchards. Over time, these traditions blended with the autumn festival of Samhain.

Soul cakes:

A soul cake is a small, round, spiced baked good, more like a sweet, soft shortbread biscuit or scone than a modern, fluffy cake. Traditionally, it is spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, filled with raisins or currants, and marked with a cross before baking to symbolize its religious purpose.

During the medieval period in Britain and Ireland, a popular Allhallowtide custom (October 31st to November 2nd) emerged, known as souling. The poor and children ("soulers") went door-to-door, singing songs and entertaining wealthy households.

Prayers for the Dead: 

In exchange for their songs, homeowners gave beggars soul cakes. For each cake accepted, the recipient promised to pray for the household’s deceased relatives, helping them leave Purgatory and enter Heaven.

The Modern Concept of Halloween

Nowadays, Halloween is more about costumes and candies. Modern generations are focusing on costumes, spooky decorations, and trick-or-treating rather than ancient practices and beliefs.

It has evolved into a highly commercialised, pop-culture phenomenon.

Halloween is no longer just a kids' trick-or-treating event. Adults and corporations are celebrating with lavish spending, attending weekend-long Halloween parties and themed club events. Their costumes often reflect viral movies, memes, TV shows, and more.

Homes and neighbourhoods are decorated to present the experience of haunting rooms and yards.

Durga Chalisa With Meanings in English

"Durga Chalisa" is a prayer addressed to Goddess Durga, the Supreme Mother of all beings. A 'Chalisa' is a rendition that contains 40 stanzas/verses. 

It is a rendition by a saint named Devidas. The last verse (41st stanza) confirms this fact. But I don't know much about him. A saint named Devadas of Gujarat lived in the 18th century. However, these verses are in Awadhi. So, it could be a different saint.

I’ve combined both lines of the verse into one, marking the break in the middle to keep the post compact.

The meanings of the verses are provided at the bottom of the post so you can recite the prayer continuously.

Durga Chalisa

namO namO Durge sukh karaNi | namO namO Ambe dukh haraNi || (1)

nirAkAr hai jyOti tumhAri | tihoo lOk phaili ujiyAri || (2)

sashi lalaat, mukh mahA vishAlaa | nEtra laal bhrukiti vikarALaa || (3)

roop maatu kO adhika suhAva | daras karat jana ati sukh pAvE || (4)

tum sansAr shakti laya keenA | pAlan hEtu anna dhana deenA || (5)

annapoorNa hui jag paalaa | tum hee aadi sundari baalA || (6)

pralay-kaal sab nAshan haari | tum Gouri Shiv-Shankar pyaari || (7)

Shiva yOgi tumharE guN gaavE | Brahma Vishnu tumhe nit dhyAvE || (8)

roop Saraswati kO tum dhArA | dE subuddhi rishi-munin ubArA || (9)

dharyO roop Narsimha kO ambA | pragat bhayee phaadkar khambA || (10)

rakshA kar Prahlad bachAyO | HiraNyakashipu ko svarg pathAyO || (11)

Lakshmi roop dharO jag maahi | Shri Narayan anga samAhee || (12)

ksheer-sindhu me karata vilaasa | dayAsindhu deejai manu aasa || (13)

HingalAj mE tumhi Bhavani | mahimaa amit na jaat bakhaani || (14)

MAtangi aur dhoomAvati mAtA | BhuvanEshwari bagalaa sukh dAtA || (15)

Shri Bhairav, TArA, jagatAriNi | cchinna bhaal, bhava dukha nivArinee || (16)

KEhari vaahan sOha Bhavani | laangur veer chalat agavaanee || (17)

kar mE khappar-khadg virAjai | jAkO dEkh kaal dar bhAjai || (18)

sOhai astra aur trishoolA | jAtE uthat shatru hiya shoolA || (19)

nagara kOti mE tumahi virAjat | tihu lOk mE dankaa baajat || (20)

shumbha nishumbh daanav tum mArE | Raktabeej Shankhan samhArE || (21)

MahishAsur nrup ati abhimAnee | jEhi agha bhAr mahee akulAnee || (22)

roop karaal KALi-kaa dhArA | sEna sahitu tum tihi samhArA || (23)

paree gaadh santanu par jab jab | bhaee sahaay maatu tum tab tab || (24)

amarapuri aru baasav lOkA | tava mahimA sab rahE asOkA || (25)

jwAlA mE hai jyOti tumhAree | tumhE sadaa poojE nar-naaree || (26)

prEm bhakti sE jO yah (yash) gAvai | dukha daridra nikat nahi Avai || (27)

dhyAvE tumhE jO nar mana laayee | janma-maraNa taakou chuti jaayee || (28)

jOgee sur muni kahata pukAree | yOg na hO bina shakti tumhAree || (29)

Shankar Achaaraj tapa keenhO | kaama krOdha jeet sab leenhO || (30)

nishidin dhyan dharo Shankar kO | kaahu kaala nahi sumirO tumakO || (31)

shakti roop ka maram na pAyO | shakti gayee tab manu pachitAyO || (32)

sharaNAgat hui keerti bakhAnee | jai jai jaya Jagadamb BhavAnee || (33)

bhayee prasanna aadi Jagadamba | dayee shakti nahi keen vilambA || (34)

mOkO matu kasht ati ghErO | tuma binu kaun harE dukh mErO || (35)

aashA trushNa nipatu satAven | mOha madAdika sabu vinAshaven || (36)

shatru nAsha keejai maharaaNee | sumirou ikachita tumhE Bhavani || (37)

karO krupA hE mAtu dayAlA | riddhi-siddhi dE karahu nihAlA || (38)

jab lagi jiyavu dayaa-phal paavoo | tumharO yash mai sadaa sunAvoo || (39)

Durga chAlisaa jO nit gaave | sab sukh bhOgu paramapad paave || (40)

Devidas sharaN nija jaani | karahu krupA Jagadamba Bhavani ||

Durga Chalisa Meanings (in English)

(1) I offer my salutations to you, O Goddess Durga, the Giver of Joys. I bow to Thee, O Mother Amba, the Remover of Sorrows.

(2) You are the Formless and all-pervading Glowing Light that encompasses all the Three Worlds.

(3) Your forehead is the Moon, and your face is much larger. Your eyes are red and frightening, filled with a stern frown.

(4) O Mother, your form is enchanting, the sight of which provides immense joy.

(5) The entire life of the worlds is in your abode; you are the provider of food and prosperity for their survival.

(6) You became Annapurna to nurture the whole universe; you are the timeless Sundari Bala (Balatripura Sundari).

(7) At the time of Dissolution, you are the Destroyer of the worlds. You are the beloved consort Gauri of Shiva-Shankara.

(8) Lord Shiva and the yogis chant your praises; Brahma and Vishnu meditate on you.

(9) It is you who took the form of Saraswati and provided wisdom to the sages and yogis.

(10) O Mother, you took the form of Narasimha and appeared, tearing out the pillar.

(11) To protect Prahlad and send Hiranyakashipu back to heaven (Hiranyakashipu was the gatekeeper of Vishnu Loka who was cursed to be born as a demon).

(12) Assuming the form of Lakshmi, O Mother, you reside inside Shri Narayan.

(13) Dwelling with joy in the Ocean of Milk, O Benevolent Mother, fulfil my wishes.

(14) O Mother Bhavani, you are the Goddess in the Hingalaja temple. Your glories are innumerable and beyond description. 

(15) You are Maatangi and Dhoomavati. You are Bhuvaneshwari and Bagalamukhi; bring us happiness. 

(16) O Mother, it is you who, to redeem the world, appeared in the forms of Shri Bharavi, Tara, and Chhinnamasta Devi (severing your own head), to end the sorrows of the world.

(17) Riding on your Lion, O Bhavani, the long-tailed brave monkey (Hanuman) leads in front. 

(18) Holding a skull (skull-cup) and sword in your hands, your form is frightening and shivers even the time.

(19) Armed with the Trident in your hand, you make the enemy's heart pound with the stings of fear.

(20) You are the Goddess Vajreshwari residing in the Nagarkot temple (Himachal Pradesh), and your glory echoes across the three worlds.

(21) You slayed the demons Shumbh and Nishumbha, and many other demonic forms like Raktabeeja, Shankhan, etc.

(22) When the proud and arrogant demon king Mahishasura's evil deeds spread throughout the world and distressed  Mother Earth...

(23) You assumed the frightening form of Kalika Devi and killed that Buffalo Demon along with his entire army.

(24) Whenever the saints got troubled, it was you who kept rescuing them.

(25) All the abodes, including Amarapuri (Heaven) and Basavalok (abode of Shiva Ganas), are griefless because of your grace.

(26) It is the glow of your glorious virtues that is burning in the Shri Jwala Temple (Kangra, Himachal Pradesh), where all men and women worship you.

(27) Whoever sings (your) such glories with pure love and devotion, grief and sorrows do not reach them.

(28) He who concentrates on you with meditation traverses the cycle of births and deaths. 

(29) All yogis, angels, and sages loudly declare that without your power and grace, they cannot establish union with God.

(30) Param Guru, Adi Shankaracharya, had performed great penance and established control over all desires and anger.

(31) He meditated day and night on Lord Shankar, but never thought of you even for a while.

(32) Since he did not recognise your Shakti form, his entire powers vanished, and then he repented of his mistake.

(33) Then, he sought your refuge and got fame, and sang your glorious deeds, chanting "victory, victory, victory, to thee, O Mother of Worlds, Bhavani".

(34) Mother Durga became pleased with him and immediately bestowed all the lost powers and fame.

(35) O Mother, I am entangled in many pains and grief. Other than you, who is there to ease my worries?

(36) Desires and greed are tormenting me. Lust and arrogance are destroying me.

(37) O Goddess, please destroy these enemies. I will meditate upon you with full concentration (O Bhavani!).

(38) O Mother Benevolent, please show grace. Provide me with material prosperity and spiritual wealth.

(39) While I am alive, I keep singing your glories while meditating upon you.

(40) Whoever recites this Durga Chalisa daily, he will attain the eternal abode of moksha.

Ending Sloka Meaning:

Treating Devidas as your beloved being, O Mother Bhavani, bestow your grace upon me.

Navratri Legends: Chaitra Navaratri, Ganesh Navaratri, and Durga Navaratri

Navratri is a festival celebrated for nine nights/days. There are two or more types of Navratris that are observed by Hindus.

While Navaratri celebrations are held from the first day of a fortnight to the ninth day in most of the cases, Ganesha Navaratri starts with the Ganesha idol sthapana on a Chaturthi day and is held for the next nine days.

There are two types of Navaratri celebrations: 

Public Celebrations of Navaratri

Public celebrations involve the erection of pandals and massive participation by devotees. Each colony has its own Pandal and celebration.

Donations are collected by the organisers by going around houses in their colonies. These collections are utilised in the erection of the pandal, procurement of idols, and distribution of prasadams. Some devotees may contribute cooked prasadam (for naivedyam and distribution) instead of cash donations.

The public celebrations are as follows:

• Chaitra Navaratri celebrates the spring season and Sri Rama's Birthday.
• Ganesha Navaratri celebrates the worship of Ganesha in his nine forms and the Ganesh Chaturthi Story.
• Sharad (Aswin) Navaratri celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga and her glories.

Gupta Navaratri (Private Celebrations)

Gupta Navaratri observances are kept by people seeking tantric and secret/magical powers.

These observances involve meditation and worship performed in secluded places like caves and deserted homes. The observer worships Shakti as a form of nature. It involves strict and stern practices.

The popular seasons for Gupta Navaratri are as follows:

• Ashadha Navaratri is performed during the Ashadha month, which falls during July/August.
• Magha Navaratri is observed during the Magha month, which falls during January/February.

These observances can be harmful at times if not done perfectly.

Now, let us look at the real Navaratri festivals that are publicly celebrated by all Hindus.

Chaitra Navaratri and Rama Navami

Chaitra Navaratri starts on Chaitra Shukla Padyami and culminates with Rama Navami.

• The first day is celebrated as New Year's Day in Telugu states, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. They celebrate this occasion as a major festival, wearing new clothes and preparing special dishes. They decorate their houses after a thorough cleaning in the early morning. Worship is done with prayers and bhajans. Thereafter, the special dishes are offered to God as Naivedyam. It is distributed among family members and friends. The whole day is spent with fun and enjoyment. Most people visit the temples in the evenings to obtain God's blessings for the new year.
• In the Northern States of India, it is celebrated as a Navaratri Jagran. They celebrate the first day as Navroj. They set up a sacred pot in the puja sthal and worship it on the first day. They fast for nine days, worship the nine forms of Durga, and break their fast at the culmination.
• South Indian temples host music festivals throughout the nine days of Navaratri. People throng temples to listen to the performances of those great musicians. Bhadrachalam Temple attracts most devotees and visitors during this Navaratri period. On Rama Navami, the temple management performs the Sita-Rama kalyanam on a large scale. Most kirtans are centered around Rama's praise and devotion. The musicians, both vocal and instrumental, present sweet melodies from the works of Tyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, and other renowned composers.
• The ninth day is celebrated as Rama Navami, the birthday of Rama, in all states of India. 

Popular Recipes During Chaitra Navaratri

The Telugu people start their first day of the New Year with a special dish containing the six tastes of life, Ugadi Pachadi. It is made up of tamarind pulp, raw mango, neem flowers, jaggery, green chili, and salt. Only after that, other food items are consumed. 

On Rama Navami, they prepare Vadapappu (soaked moong dal) and Panakam (jaggery water). These items are offered to God, similar to Ugadi Pachadi, as naivedyams, before consuming.

The Kashmiris prepare a sacred plate containing raw rice, cooked rice, a mirror, a gold coin, a pen, a book, and flowers. They look at this plate in the early morning. It serves as a welcome to prosperity, knowledge, and good luck in their lives.

The North Indians (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc.) observe a strict fast on these nine days. So, their focus is only on meditation and satvik food (singhada and saabudana).

Ganesha Puja/ Navaratri

The term "Ganesh Navaratri" is not as popular as other Navaratris, as it is not celebrated as a fasting ritual.

Most devotees think that the term Navaratri applies only to the fasting nine nights.

But Ganesh Chaturthi is also part of the Navaratri celebrations, as it is observed for nine days and nights after the sthapana is performed.

Ganesha Puja pandals are erected all over the country, even in remote corners.

Each colony celebrates it in its unique style, collecting donations from the households. They erect a pandal, procure the idol, and organise the celebrations based on their budgets. 

The first day, which is Bhadrapada Chaturthi, is completely devoted to the idol sthapana rituals. Prasad distribution is done after the installation worship is over. The next nine days consist of morning and evening pujas, cultural performances, and prasad distribution. On the tenth day, which is Chaturdashi, the Ganesha visarjan ceremony is held. After performing the morning puja, the idol is taken in a procession throughout the lanes of the colony and immersed in a pond or lake, with chants of "Ganapati Bappa moriya, ab ki baras tu jaldi aa".

Ganesha Worship in Nine Forms

Similar to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, Ganesha too has nine forms. Each day, one distinct form is worshipped. The nine forms are as follows:

1. Bala Ganapati (the innocent child form)
2. Taruna Ganapati (the youthful vital form)
3. Bhakti Ganapati (the embodiment of meditation and devotion)
4. Veera Ganapati (the warrior form)
5. Shakti Ganapati (the powerful cosmic energy)
6. Dvija Ganapati (the twice-born, enlightened Ganapati wearing the sacred thread, holding the veena, a book, and kamandala)
7. Siddhi Ganapati (the provider of intellectual and spiritual accomplishments)
8. Ucchista Ganapati (a tantric form)
9. Vighna Ganapati (the destroyer and remover of all evil forces and obstacles in life)

Popular Recipes for Ganesha Chaturthi

Telugu people cook "Undrallu," a steamed round-shaped recipe cooked with rice flour ( rough flour). It gets cooked in two varieties: a savory one (with grated coconut and salt) and a sweet one ( with coconut and jaggery).

Maharashtrians prepare the same thing, and it is known as Ukadiche Modak. They prepare Puran Poli also.

People in Tamil Nadu prepare Kozhukattai, the equivalent of the above modaks in both varieties.

Karnataka people cook a folded dumpling (resembling gujiyaa), Kadubu, and another recipe known as Panchakajjiya ( an uncooked mix of gram flour, coconut, and jaggery).

Rajasthan and Gujarat prepare crunchy Churma Ladoos (coarsely ground wheat flour mixed with melted jaggery).

Durga Navaratri/ Sharad Navaratri and Dussehra

Sharad Navaratri is the celebration of Goddess Durga's glorious acts through her nine forms. This festival is also known as Sharad Navaratri and Maha Navaratri.

Sharad is the name of a season equivalent to Autumn. The celebrations are held in the first nine days of the Autumn season.

Durga is the personification of the Supreme Universal Energy. She is known as Aadi Shakti and Mahashakti.

How Do They Celebrate Navaratri/Dussehra

Durga Puja celebrations are popular throughout India and even in foreign countries (wherever Indians live). So, I am not dealing with pandal celebration details. Instead, I want to share the regional variations in how this festival is celebrated.

Northern India:

• In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Himachal, Ramlila performances are held. The performers enact scenes from the Ramayan centered around the abridged story. They are held in public places or in colony areas where masses can freely enter and enjoy the shows.
• On the final day (the 10th day, known as the Dussehra Holiday), effigies of the demons Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghnath are erected and burnt to ashes.
• Many devotees may keep a fast during the nine days, worshipping Goddess Durga. On the ninth day, a Kanya Pujan is performed by inviting young girls. These girls are treated as the personification of the Goddess. So, they are offered aarati and food (and some gifts).

Western India:

• Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate the Ganesh Festival with Garba and Dandiya dances. They light an earthen oil lamp in the evenings, may place an idol of Shakti, and dance around it.
• They install a clay pot sown with barley seeds and water it daily during this Navaratri season. The seeds sprout into beautifully green plants. The health of these plants indicates the luck of the devotees during that year. They treat these sprouted seeds with great respect, equal to that of the divine.
• On the day of immersion of the idol, these sprouted plants are also immersed in the waters with reverence. They may keep a leaf or twig of it as a symbol of luck in their wardrobes or books.

Eastern India:

• In Bengal, Odisha, and other north-eastern states, the Navaratri celebrations are most colourful and vibrant.
• Durga Puja pandals present beautifully crafted clay idols of Durga slaying the demon in her Shakti avatar. Other idols of Lakshmi and Saraswati may also be there.
• Devotees dance frenetically to the rhythms of a drum (known as Dhak), holding clay pots lit with incense.
• On the final day, married ladies smear sindhoor on the Goddess and the faces of the other women.

Southern India:

• Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu celebrate Sharad Navaratri in distinct ways.
• The house holds display a Bommala Koluvu (Bommai Golu) throughout these nine days. Scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other folklore are set up on a decorated floor (a hall or room). The scenes are designed in multiple sections and layers using soil, sand, pebbles, flowers, green foliage, etc.
• Devotees perform puja in the evenings and invite ladies to participate in the celebrations. A naivedyam consisting of soaked chana (chickpeas) is prepared and offered to God along with fruits and other offerings. Thereafter, the naivedyam is distributed along with kumkuma, haldi, and fruits. They may also gift bangles and blouse pieces. They celebrate it turn-by-turn in each neighbor's home.
• Another distinct ritual is the worship of tools and equipment on the ninth day of the celebrations. They clean their vehicles and equipment, decorate them with flower garlands, and worship them on this Ayudha Puja day. It is the day just before the Dussehra festival. 
• In Mysore, Ram Lila celebrations are done each year on a large scale. The Mysore Maharaja attends and presides over these celebrations.
• A world-famous procession of lavishly dressed and decorated elephants walks through the streets of Mysore, carrying the palanquin of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The procession culminates with a grand lighting up at the Palace of Mysore. The Maharaja is renowned for his charitable contributions during these celebrations.

Teej/teez Celebrations in India: Hariyaali Teej, Kajari Teej, and Hartaalika Teej

Teej is a Festival-cum-Ritual celebrated by Hindu women in India and neighbouring countries of South-east Asia.

Teej literally refers to the third day of a fortnight.

However, in the context of the Teej festival, it is a celebration observed by women during the rainy season in three different fortnights, based on their origin and customs. 

In Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana, it is observed as Hariyali Teej on the third day of the Shravana month, which falls immediately after the New Moon. In 2026, it was celebrated on 15th August.

In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it is observed as Kajari Teej on the third day after the Full Moon (15 days after the Hariyali Teej). This celebration is held today, 31st August, 2026.

The third festival, known as Hartalika Teej, is celebrated by women from all over Northern India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and even in Nepal. It will be celebrated on 14th September 2026.

The rituals include fasting by women, worship, and the offering of prayers, singing, and dancing. 

While observing a fast, you should avoid eating any food items that contain Viswamitra shrushti ingredients.

Hariyali Teej

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Tithi Timings: Tritiya Tithi begins at 06:46 PM on Aug 14 and ends at 05:28 PM on Aug 15, 2026. 

Hariyali Teej, also known as Chhoti Teej (Kajari Teej being the Badi Teej), celebrates nature and marks the beginning of the monsoon. It celebrates the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Parameshwar (Shiva). 

This occasion is celebrated by women wearing green clothes, bangles, and jewelry. The prayers are offered to Goddess Parvati for marital harmony and the well-being of family members.

• Get up early in the morning, take a full bath from head to toe, then wear green clothes and green bangles. 
• You can decorate your hands and feet with mehndi, which is deemed auspicious for women.
• Observe a complete fast after the bath till evening. Engage yourself in prayers and worship.
• Don't get involved in any arguments or tensions throughout the day.
• If your parents provided you with sindhara (a set of clothes and decorative ornaments), you should wear them during the worship.
• Participate in singing and dancing rituals that are a part of the auspicious celebration.
• You can break the fast after sighting the moon in the evening. Take the naivedyam and other vegetarian food prepared for this occasion.

Two Significant Customs observed during this Hariyali Teej:

1) The Sindhara Custom: 

Parents gift their married daughters a Sindhara (a basket containing home-made sweets like Ghewar, henna, bangles, and green attire).

2) The Shravan Theme Custom: 

Women dress entirely in green to resemble and portray the lush, rain-washed earth. 

Swings are hung from trees, and women sing traditional folk songs as they swing with their children. 

Kajari Teej:

Also called Badi Teej, Kajari is associated with black clouds and the complete onset of the monsoon season. It falls exactly on the 15th day after the Hariyaali Teej.

This festival is celebrated seeking emotional balance, peace, and longevity in life.

Date: Monday, August 31, 2026.

Tithi Timings: Tritiya Tithi begins at 09:36 AM on Aug 30 and ends at 08:50 AM on Aug 31, 2026.

 

Puja Muhurat: 

Because the Tritiya tithi was still available in the morning hours on August 31st, the main rituals, fast, and evening prayers are done on the 31st. The fast can be broken after sighting the moon in the evening.

Significant features:

Women establish a Neem branch (Neemdi Mata) in a courtyard, decorating it with turmeric and sindhoor threads, and performing rituals around it. 

A special sweet dough called Sattu is prepared for offering and is distributed as prasad.

Women gather around and sing "Kajari" songs that express a wife's longing for her husband amid the roaring monsoon clouds.

Hartalika Teej:

The third and final Teej festival of the year occurs in the Bhadrapad month. It is the most challenging of the three festivals because fasting is observed without drinking even water.

Women fast for their husbands' long lives and a blissful married life.

Date: Monday, September 14, 2026. 

Tithi Timings: Tritiya Tithi up to 9:35 AM on September 14.

 

Puja Muhurat: 06:05 AM to 07:06 AM

Significant Facts:

The festival is a celebration of Goddess Parvati's abduction by her friends (saheliyan) into a forest to save her from an unwanted marriage so that she can perform her penance for Shiva.

It commemorates the fierce austerities undergone by Mother Parvati to marry Shiva.

Devotees make a clay Shivalinga for puja. They worship Shiva along with Parvati and Ganesha.

For the puja, women wear the sixteen bridal ornaments known as Solah-Shringar.

It is a complete waterless fast, staying awake all night and singing bhajan songs.

A Scene from Sundarakanda of Valmiki Ramayana- Hanuman's Visit to Lanka

Introduction to Sundarakanda and Hanuman

Sundara Kanda is the 5th part/section of the great Indian epic, Valmiki Ramayana, composed by the great sage Valmiki in the original Sanskrit language. Ramayana is the story of Rama and Sita, describing their birth, childhood, marriage, their 14-year exile to the forest, the kidnapping of Sita to Lanka by Ravana, the war between Rama and Ravana, Sita's union with Rama, and their return to Ayodhya, culminating in Rama's coronation as the Emperor.

This particular section of Sundara Kanda narrates the story after the kidnapping of Sita by a demon king, Ravana, starting from Hanuman's flight over the ocean to Lanka till he meets Sita and delivers Rama's message and gets her message back again to Rama, including his meeting with Ravana and the burning of Lanka. Sundara Kanda has 68 sub-sections, and each one of them is known as a 'sarga'. Each sarga is made up of hundreds of slokas or verses.

The first sarga (sub-section) of Sundara Kanda narrates the beautiful scene of the monkey lord Hanuman crossing the vast ocean until Lanka becomes visible to him. This sub-section comprises 210 verses. I was fascinated by the vivid description of this journey and wanted to share it with you here in English for your enjoyment. The entire section of Sundara Kanda (with all its 68 chapters) is named "Sundara Kanda" because it is the most beautiful part of the whole Ramayana. 'Sundar' means beautiful, and 'Kanda' means part or section. Another belief holds that Hanuman's original name was "Sundara," and his parents often called him 'Sundara.' As Sundara Kanda narrates Hanuman's heroism in crossing the ocean, this episode is named after his name.

Hanuman Prepares for His Giant Leap 

Hanuman was reminded of his powers by Jambavan, and he regained confidence in his innate abilities. He decided to begin his search for Sita by taking the sky route. He stood on the tall mountain Mahendragiri, stretching his neck and raising his head. The great Hanuman glowed like 'an elephant in a lake' as the green lawns of the hill looked like large stretches of still water. He paid his respects to the Sun God, the Lord of Heaven 'Indra', the Wind God, and Lord Brahma. Thereafter, he saluted his father, the Wind God, once again, and decided to head south over the ocean, growing his body further.

He pressed his feet and hands heavily against the mountaintop before leaping. His strength was so powerful that the whole mountain shook under his pressure. The trees also moved violently, shedding all their flowers. Covered in flowers, the whole mountain shone like a flowered mountain. Water began emerging from the mountain, forming lakes like an excited elephant in a rut releasing the rut juice. Mineral rocks in the mountain also burst under the heavy pressure, emitting streaks of gold, silver, and other mineral colors in all directions. The whole mountain glowed like burning flames.

The caves resounded with the shrieks of creatures running out frightened due to the heavy jolt. The hidden snakes began biting the rocks furiously, turning them black with the effect of their poison, whereby they split into thousands of pieces. The frightening sounds filled the whole atmosphere, causing panic among the ascetics and vidyadharas (semi-gods), prompting them to flee from that place, leaving their belongings behind, in the fear that some demons were destroying the mountain. The vidyadhara women wearing garlands, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, and anklets gathered in the corner of the sky with surprise and excitement to know what was going on. Just then, they heard the sages, wanderers, and enlightened souls speaking among themselves about Hanuman getting determined to trace Sita by crossing the ocean in his giant form. Just then, they noticed Hanuman standing there on the mountaintop in his giant form, ready to take his grand leap.

Hanuman Takes His Path in the Sky 

Hanuman shook his body, shouting loudly, and flew into the air, jolting his long tail. Many trees were uprooted by the violent jerk and sound. He increased his speed, jolting the tail repeatedly. He seemed like Garuda, the king of birds, carrying a great serpent. He narrowed his body, shrinking his neck and shoulders, to maintain a steady speed. He compared his speed with that of an arrow released from Rama's bow and his flight with that of Garuda. The uprooted trees also flew along with him for some moments, folding back their branches just like relatives would follow their beloved ones, due to the force of his speed. After following for some time, they fell, losing the force. Some other lightweight trees flew for some more time with him, like soldiers following their king. The flowers from the trees showered down due to the forceful winds, like a rain of flowers. Hanuman's body glittered like a mountain shining with fireflies, due to the colorful flowers, buds, and leaves sticking to his body. Hanuman shone like a cloud filled with lightning, due to the colorful, shining flowers. The sea below also glittered like the sky glittering with stars. Hanuman was flying with his arms stretched forward, and the arms looked like five-headed snakes coming out of a mountain peak. While on the surface of the ocean, he seemed to be drinking the whole waters of the ocean, and while above in the sky, he seemed to swallow the whole sky. His eyes, glowing with lightning, resembled two fireballs, and he himself resembled a mountain with fires. Both eyes were shining like the sun and moon. Whenever he lifted his tail, it appeared like the flag of Indra. Whenever he circled his tail, Hanuman, with his glowing white teeth, looked like the sun encircled in a ring. 

Due to the force of his flight, the waves from the ocean rose as high as they seemed to touch the sky. His gigantic shadow in the waters seemed as if white clouds were following him. The air passing through his armpits sounded like the fearful sound produced by the thunderclouds.

An Encounter With Mainaka Mountain

The Ocean God thought he should help Hanuman by giving him some rest, as Hanuman might have been very tired. So he asked the mountain Mainaka, hidden in the ocean, to rise and provide shelter to Hanuman for a while. Mount Mainaka was indebted to the Wind God, Hanuman's father, so he gladly accepted the request and began rising from the water like the sun emerging from clouds. He rose high in the ocean so that all his peaks were visible. The whole sky began to glitter with his golden light. (Mt. Mainaka is believed to be a mountain with rich treasures of gold.) Seeing the mountain, Hanuman thought it was an obstacle in his path. So he touched the mountain with his chest at great speed. The impact was so strong that the mountain's peaks shattered all around, deafeningly. Mt. Mainaka was pleased with Hanuman's speed and strength. He immediately took human form, paid his respects to Hanuman, beseeching him to rest on his back for a while as per the ocean god's instructions, and then proceed with his work thereafter. Hanuman was happy with his hospitality. But he did not want to rest until his job was fully accomplished. So he touched Mainaka gently and told him that the hospitality had already been shown through his gentle words, and that was sufficient for him.

Hanuman flew again into the sky after thanking Mainaka. All the angels watching this scene praised Hanuman's devotion and determination, and were happy with the hospitality shown by Mt.Mainaka.

Surasa, The Mother of Snakes, Obstructs Hanuman's Path

The Devas (angels) were happy with Hanuman but wanted to test him further. They asked the Mother of Snakes, Surasa, to take a fearsome, demon-like form and obstruct Hanuman for a time to see whether he could defeat her with his strength, courage, and wisdom. Accordingly, Surasa took a fearsome, ugly shape and stood in Hanuman's path, telling him he could not escape her without entering her mouth, as she had been blessed by the Devas. Hanuman promised to enter her mouth after completing his task and asked her to let him go for now. But Surasa refused and stood before him with her mouth wide open. Growing angry, Hanuman expanded his form, and Surasa likewise enlarged her form and her mouth. Hanuman kept expanding, but Surasa did not tire. She kept widening her mouth. Realizing she would not let him go, Hanuman suddenly entered her mouth in a tiny form and quickly came out. He told her he had fulfilled her desire and asked her to let him go. Surasa was stunned by his cleverness and speed. She was very pleased and blessed him for success in his mission. The angels also greatly appreciated his cleverness and courage.

Hanuman Encounters Another Female Demon, Simhika

After obtaining the blessings of Surasa, Hanuman again climbed up into the sky, taking his original path. He was flying like a king of birds, Garuda, in the path tread by birds, clouds, and the pouring rains. It was the path of great musicians like tumbura and other vidyadharas singing their musical notes; the abode of great pious souls like sages, Gandharvas, nagas, and yakshas. It is the place where the sun, moon, and stars always glow, and the abode of Indra's diamond weapon and white elephant. Hanuman was traveling like a huge mountain with long wings.

Suddenly, Hanuman experienced some hindrance in his speed. A demoness named Simhika caught his shadow and began dragging it towards her. She was pleased to have some great food after a very long time. She was dragging his shadow further and further, and Hanuman could not understand why he was losing speed. He looked around and then looked down. There he witnessed a very giant and strange creature rise from the ocean. Quickly, he recollected Sugriva telling him about an animal's presence in the salty ocean named Simhika. He became confident that it must be Simhika approaching him with her mouth wide open. He quickly enlarged his body. Simhika also began enlarging her mouth. She ran behind him with her wide-open mouth, and Hanuman was smart enough to notice her internal organs. He quickly narrowed his body and decreased his size drastically, and fell into her mouth with great speed. Before she was able to close her mouth, Hanuman caught hold of her internal organs and tore them off with his sharp nails, and quickly emerged from her mouth with equal speed. Simhika fell dead with her torn heart into the waters of the ocean. The angels, sages, and others watching all this praised Hanuman for his cleverness, skill, and courage and blessed him for success in his mission.

Hanuman Reaches Lanka

After the death of Simhika, Hanuman had almost cleared all his obstacles on his flight to Lanka. He regained his full speed and completed the remaining 100 yojanas of the sea journey. (One yojana may be anywhere from 3 to 8 km, as scholars dispute the exact measure.) He could now see the other side of the ocean. Gradually, everything became visible to him. He looked around and saw the mountain named Malaya, the forests, the bay, and the rivers flowing into the ocean, which seemed like wives going to meet their husbands. He considered it an auspicious sign, welcomed by married women. Hanuman slowed his speed and reduced his body to its normal size to avoid drawing attention and to hide from view. He reached the peak of the Malaya mountain and descended from it. He sat on the mountain, looked around at the beautiful trees, and frightened the birds and animals. The City of Lanka was visible to him, with its glowing lights resembling Amaravati, the capital city of Indra. 

Thus, Hanuman, the great monkey king, accomplished the very difficult task of crossing the ocean to reach Lanka, which was otherwise unachievable for anyone else.