Jyotir Gamaya

Diwali is a time when many different pujas are done across India. Every family has its own tradition. Some follow what their ancestors did, while others add new prayers with time. Here are some pujas that people also perform during the Diwali period:     • Dhanvantari Puja: People pray to Bhagwan Dhanvantari, who appeared during Samudra Manthan with Amrit Kalash. He gives health, long life, and strength. Many families light a lamp and offer tulsi leaves and turmeric to him.     • Yama Deepa Danam: This is done for long life and protection. A small lamp is lit outside the home in the name of Yama Deva. It is believed to remove untimely death and bring safety to the family.     • Govardhan Puja: On the next day of Diwali, people worship Bhagwan Krishna. It remembers the day when he lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from heavy rain. In many homes, a small Govardhan made from cow dung or mud is decorated and worshipped.     • Bali Pratipa...

Pitru Paksha is the time when we turn our mind towards our Pitrs, our ancestors. These 15 days come every year in Bhadrapada month Krishna Paksha. From the day after Ganapati Visarjan till Mahalaya Amavasya, we perform rituals like Shradh, Tarpan, Pind Daan, Til Daan, and chanting of Pitru Sukta. This period is not just custom. It is given by our rishis, it is written in shastras. If we ignore it, then Pitrs feel restless, family faces Pitru Dosha. If we do it with shraddha, then Pitrs bless us, our family becomes peaceful, our work starts happening. What is Pitru Paksha Pitru Paksha means “fortnight of ancestors.” These are 15 days when it is said that Pitrs come down near to earth. They expect their children, grandchildren, family to remember them, give them water, food, pind. In Garuda Purana, Vishnu Bhagwan told that when Shradh is done, food reaches Pitrs in subtle form. In Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah told Yudhishthira that Shradh done properly uplifts ten generations of ancesto...

When I was small, Ganesha Chaturthi was the happiest time of our year. Our whole lane would shine with lights. We brought Ganapati Bappa home with dhol and nagada. We made Him sit on a wooden chowki, decorated with mango leaves and flowers. Neighbours came for aarti, and we children waited for sweet modaks as prasad. Those days are still fresh in my heart. But life does not stay the same. Children grow up and move far away. Jobs take people to different cities and even countries. I never thought that one day we would celebrate Ganapati Bappa’s festival by looking at a small screen. But last year something special happened. It not only gave me peace — it changed my family’s luck. A very hard year for my family In 2023, many problems came together. My son lost his job in Dubai. My daughter was unwell and had to take treatment in Pune. I myself was worried because of money matters. I prayed to Bhagwan Ganesha daily, but I felt helpless. As Ganesha Chaturthi came near, I wished to do prope...

This vratam is for Mata Gowri. Gowri is another name of Parvati. She is wife of Shiva. She is mother of Ganesha. People love her. She gives peace in home. She helps married life. She gives good luck and money too, many say. When we do this vratam, we remember family. We ask for husband’s long life. We ask for peace at home. We ask for fewer fights. We ask for blessings to the children. That is why many women do this vratam. But men can also take part. All can get her grace. When to do it This vratam comes one day before Ganesh Chaturthi. In our month Bhadrapada, on Tritiya (third day of bright half). In simple words, it is in August or September many times. People see panchang and pick the right time. Old people pick muhurta too. It is better to do at good time. What we do  I tell step by step. This is how many families do it.     1. Gow Puja — Cow worship: We start with Gow Puja. Cow is like mother. She gives milk, ghee, all. We offer water, rice, jaggery, banana, and A...

 A True Story from Last Raksha Bandhan Last year, my cousin Priya was very worried. Her brother, Raghav, had moved to Canada for his job. Just one month before Raksha Bandhan, he met with a small accident and had to stay in the hospital for a few days. Priya felt helpless. She wanted to do something for him. She sent him a rakhi, of course. But her heart told her this was not enough. Then she found something online – a special Raksha Bandhan Vishesha Seva on a spiritual website. She booked a Navagraha Shanti Homa for him, where mantras were chanted for protection from bad planetary effects. After a few weeks, Raghav started recovering well. His problems slowly reduced. Even his job and health became better. Priya still says, “That wasn’t just a puja. That was my true rakhi. It had real power.” Raksha Bandhan – More Than a Festival We all love Raksha Bandhan. Sisters tie rakhi on the wrist of brothers. Brothers give gifts. Everyone eats sweets and takes selfies. It is a happy day. B...

There are many festivals in India. Some are for Bhagwan Vishnu, some for Devi Durga, some for Shiva, some for Ganesha. But there is one special day that is not for a deity, but for the person who helps us understand all deities — the Guru. This day is called Guru Purnima — the full moon day in the month of Ashadha, usually in June or July. It is one of the most powerful spiritual days, not for material celebrations, but for inner connection, gratitude, and self-growth. Let me share a small story first. The Story of a Young Seeker A young boy once asked a saint, “Why do I need a Guru when I can read everything myself?” The saint smiled and said, “Imagine trying to cross a dense jungle. You have a map, but no experience. You may get lost. Now imagine walking with someone who has walked that jungle many times, who knows every turn, every danger. That person is your Guru.” This is the truth of our life. We are all trying to find peace, answers, clarity — and only the Guru, the one who has ...