Distributed by Hindu Mandir Society, Stockholm

Mandir’s Phone & Fax: 08-357222 E-mail: info@mandirstockholm.com 18
Karwa Chauth
'Karwa Chauth' is a ritual of fasting observed by married
Hindu women seeking the longevity, well-being and
prosperity of their husbands.
This festival comes 9 days before Diwali on 'kartik ki chauth',
i.e., on the fourth day of the new moon immediately after
Dusshera, in the month of 'Karthik' (October-November).
DIWALI
Deepavali or Diwali (Festival Of Lights) is a beautiful festival
of Hindus. Celebrated 21 days after Dussehra, it marks the
return of Lord Rama (Hero of the epic Ramayana) to Ayodhya
after his 14 years exile. Thousands of traditional clay lamps
are lit in houses all over the country. Lakshmi -the goddess of
wealth and prosperity is worshipped. The houses are cleaned
and decorated with designs drawn on the floor (kolams).
LOHRI / Makara Sankranti
Makara Sankranti is celebrated in the month of Magh and is a
harvest festival. It is a celebration of spring on the occasion
of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarayana).
Traditionally, this period is considered an auspicious time
and the veteran Bhishma of Mahabharata chose to die during
this period.
Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is the 'Spring Festival' falling on the 5th day
of Phalguna. This day is specially dedicated to Saraswathi the
goddess of learning, wisdom, fine arts and refinement. It is
the ceremonial welcome to spring when first change in the
departing winter is noticed.
Mahashivratri
Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on
the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the
month of Phalguna. It falls on a moonless February night,
when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction.
Shivratri (Sanskrit 'ratri' = night) is the night when he is said
to have performed the Tandava Nritya or the dance of
primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
Holi,
Holi, the festival of colour, falls on the full moon in the month
of Phalgun (February/March). The festival marks the end of
the year according to the Indian calendar, and the spirit of
festivity is alive in every Hindu household.
20 OCT’ 2005
(Thursday)
1 NOV’ 2005
(Tuesday)
14 JAN’ 2006
(Saturday)
02 FEB’ 2006
(Thursday)
26 FEB’ 2006
(Sunday)
15 MAR’ 2006
(Wednesday)
Mandir’s Postgiro Account: 70 24 60 - 7 Murtisthapna Account: 12 76 514 – 5
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