HINDU FESTIVALS
Chhath Puja 2026: Why Sugarcane, Turmeric Plants and Banana Leaves Are Used in Traditional Worship
Sugarcane, turmeric plants and banana leaves are important elements of traditional Chhath Puja celebrations in Bihar. These natural ingredients are associated with prosperity, purity, abundance and gratitude towards nature. From decorating puja spaces to arranging traditional offerings, discover why these agricultural products hold cultural and religious significance during the four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
Chhath Puja 2026 Date: 4-day calendar, rituals, puja samagri, significance and arghya timings
Chhath Puja 2026 will begin on November 13 with Nahay Khay and conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya and Parana. The four-day festival includes Kharna, the evening offering to the setting Sun and prayers to the rising Sun. Here is the complete day-wise calendar, New Delhi timings, rituals and list of puja samagri.
Masik Durgashtami (November 17, 2026) Date, Tithi Timings, Puja Vidhi and Significance
Masik Durgashtami will be observed on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the monthly observance falls on Shukla Paksha Ashtami. Devotees observe fasts, perform special puja rituals and recite Durga mantras to seek divine blessings. Check the November 2026 Ashtami Tithi timings, puja vidhi, fasting practices and religious significance of this auspicious day.
Why Chhath Puja Has No Idols or Priests: The Sun-Worship Ritual That's Different From Every Other Festival
Chhath Puja stands apart from many Hindu festivals because devotees do not depend on temple idols or priest-led ceremonies to worship. Instead, they offer prayers directly to the setting and rising Sun while standing in rivers or other water bodies. But why does Chhath Puja follow this unusual tradition? From its connection with nature and ancient Sun worship to significance of Chhathi Maiya, here is what makes this festival different.
Firecrackers, vehicle emissions, aerosols among top sources of Delhi pollution, IITM estimates show
IITM's source-apportionment models identified firecrackers as the largest contributor to Delhi's pollution on the two days after Diwali, though the estimates showed substantial variability. Meanwhile, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal cited the firecracker trade's economic impact, questioned the focus on crackers and called for equal treatment of Hindu festivals under environmental restrictions.
Chhath Puja 2026 Date: Check four-day calendar, significance of each day, rituals from Nahay Khay to Usha Arghya
Chhath Puja will be celebrated from November 13 to November 16 in 2026. The festival involves fasting, prayers, and traditional offerings to the Sun God. Each day has specific rituals, beginning with Nahay Khay and culminating in Usha Arghya. Devotees clean their homes and prepare special food offerings during this period. The festival emphasizes gratitude for nature's blessings and prayers for family health and prosperity.
Bhai Dooj 2026 date today or tomorrow? Check tithi, Bhadra kaal, tilak muhurat and other key details
Bhai Dooj date: Bhai Dooj, celebrated on November 11, 2026, highlights the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform traditional rituals, applying tilak on their brothers' foreheads for their well-being. The Aparahna Muhurat for rituals will occur from 1:30 pm to 3:46 pm on that day. The festival marks the conclusion of Diwali celebrations, emphasizing love and support among siblings.
US lawmakers introduce bill to make Diwali a federal holiday, 19 representatives back proposal
US lawmakers have reintroduced the Diwali Day Act in the House of Representatives, seeking to designate the festival as a federal holiday. Spearheaded by Congresswoman Grace Meng, the bill has secured the backing of 19 lawmakers, including five Indian-origin representatives. Its passage would make Diwali the 12th federally recognised US holiday.
Congress defends Kharge's remark on Diwali, says word 'Eid' literally means festival
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge faced criticism from BJP for referring to Diwali as 'khushiyon ka Eid'. BJP spokespersons argued that such remarks misrepresent Hindu festivals and disrespected their significance. The Congress responded, emphasising that 'Eid' simply means 'festival' and does not alter the identity of Diwali. Congress officials called the BJP's objections a display of ignorance and political opportunism.
BJP criticises Congress president Kharge for controversial Diwali remark
BJP spokespersons have criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for referring to Diwali as a 'Khushiyon Ka Eid'. They accused Kharge and Rahul Gandhi of disregarding the significance of Hindu festivals and altering their identities. The criticism emphasizes that Diwali is an essential festival with unique traditions and sanctity. BJP representatives question why Kharge would not reciprocate the sentiment by calling Eid a 'Diwali of joy'.
Bhai Dooj 2026 date and time: When is Bhaiya Dooj? Check shubh muhurat, tilak timings, puja rituals and the story of Lord Yama and Yamuna
Bhai Dooj 2026 date and time: Bhai Dooj 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, marking the special bond between brothers and sisters. According to Drik Panchang, the Bhai Dooj Aparahna Puja Muhurat will be observed from 1:30 pm to 3:46 pm, while the Dwitiya Tithi begins at 2:00 pm on November 10 and ends at 3:53 pm on November 11. Also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej and Yama Dwitiya, the festival is celebrated with tilak, aarti, prayers and the exchange of gifts.
Govardhan Puja 2026 today or tomorrow: Is it on November 9 or 10? Check correct date, puja muhurat and timings
Is Govardhan Puja 2026 today or tomorrow? The festival will be observed on November 10, although some calendars list November 9. Check the correct date, why the two dates appear, city-wise puja muhurat, important tithi timings and other details.
Indian Americans condemn Seattle Diwali disruption by far-right activist Jake Lang
Far-right activist Jake Lang disrupted a Diwali celebration in Seattle while carrying racist signs targeted at Hindus. Prominent Indian Americans including Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal condemned this hateful display, emphasizing the importance of Diwali. The Coalition of Hindus of North America advised community preparedness against similar incidents in the future. Lang's past included participation in the January 6 Capitol attack, for which he received a pardon.
Choti Diwali 2026: Check puja time, significance, importance and other key details
Narak Chaturdashi tithi: Choti Diwali, observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Rituals include an early morning oil bath called Abhyanga Snan and prayers for blessings. Homes are decorated with rangolis and illuminated with lamps, welcoming happiness and prosperity. Some regions also observe Kali Chaudas, worshiping Goddess Kali on this day.
Happy Choti Diwali 2026: Top wishes, image, messages, quotes, greetings, WhatsApp, Instagram status and more
Happy Choti Diwali 2026 Wishes, Images: Choti Diwali, a significant Hindu festival, is observed a day before Diwali, promoting joy and family bonding. Festivities include cleaning homes, lighting diyas, and preparing sweets, which symbolize new beginnings. People exchange warm wishes and greetings, spreading positivity and happiness among loved ones. The festival, known for its cultural significance, showcases the triumph of good over evil. Devotees also commemorate Narak Chaturdashi, marking Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
West Bengal CM announces ₹1,000 crore corpus to renovate old Hindu temples
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new initiative called 'Tirtha Kshetra Circuit' for temple renovation. The government plans to allocate Rs 1,000 crore over two years for this purpose. Renovations will be undertaken by religious institutions and the public to restore ancient Hindu temples and monasteries. Additionally, the state is preparing for upcoming religious festivals with special decorations in various districts.
Dhanteras 2026: Date, puja timings in USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Dubai - Significance, greetings, and how to celebrate
Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on November 6, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. Hindu families across the US and worldwide will worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Check city-wise puja timings, religious significance, traditional rituals, gold-buying customs and festive greetings.
Diwali 2026 Date: When is Deepavali? Check date, Lakshmi Puja muhurat, significance, rituals and home decoration tips
Diwali, or Deepavali, is a vibrant festival celebrated on November 8, 2026, symbolizing light and prosperity. As families engage in cleaning and decorating their homes, they prepare for the revered Lakshmi Puja. The festival highlights communal joy through the exchange of gifts and indulging in delicious sweets. The excitement builds in the days leading up to the event, creating an enchanting atmosphere filled with anticipation and joy.
Bhai Dooj 2026 date & time: Is it on November 10 or 11? Check 2-hour-16-minute shubh muhurat, exact tilak timings, puja rituals & legend behind the festival
Bhai Dooj 2026 Date: Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 11, 2026, marking the bond between brothers and sisters. Check the auspicious Aparahna puja muhurat, Dwitiya Tithi timings, rituals and religious significance of the festival, also known as Yama Dwitiya.
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