Sanatan New Zealand

Significance:

Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrated with lamps, fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings.

Key Rituals:

• Lighting of diyas and candles
• Lakshmi Puja (worship of Goddess Lakshmi)
• Exchanging sweets and gifts
• Fireworks display
• Family gatherings and feasts

Associated Deities:

Significance:

Celebrates the eternal and divine love of Radha Krishna. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu.

Key Rituals:

• Holika Dahan (bonfire on the eve of Holi)
• Playing with colors (gulal and water)
• Singing and dancing to folk songs
• Enjoying traditional sweets like Gujiya
• Visiting friends and family

Associated Deities:

Significance:

Celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Each of the nine nights is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga.

Key Rituals:

• Fasting and prayers
• Garba and Dandiya Raas dances
• Worship of the nine forms of Durga
• Decorating homes and Mandir
• Feasting on the tenth day (Dussehra)

Associated Deities:

Significance:

Commemorates the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. Devotees observe fasts and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Key Rituals:

• Fasting throughout the day and night
• Performing Lingam Puja with milk, water, bilva leaves
• Chanting Om Namah Shivaya
• Staying awake all night (Jagran)
• Visiting Shiva Mandir

Associated Deities:

Significance:

Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the importance of dharma.

Key Rituals:

• Fasting until midnight
• Decorating Mandir and homes with cradles and idols of baby Krishna
• Singing bhajans and kirtans
• Performing Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Krishna idol
• Breaking fast with Prasad (offerings)

Associated Deities:

Significance:

Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. He is worshipped before any new venture.

Key Rituals:

• Installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals
• Daily pujas and aartis
• Offering modaks (sweet dumplings)
• Cultural programs and community gatherings
• Immersion of idols (Visarjan) on the last day

Associated Deities:

Significance:

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the establishment of Dharma.

Key Rituals:

• Recitation of Ramayana and other sacred texts
• Fasting and prayers
• Processions and bhajans
• Decorating Mandir and homes
• Offering sweets and fruits

Associated Deities:

Significance:

Symbolizes the bond of protection between siblings. Sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists, who in turn promise to protect them.

Key Rituals:

• Tying of rakhi by sisters on brothers' wrists
• Exchanging gifts and sweets
• Family gatherings and special meals
• Prayers for siblings' well-being

Significance:

Marks the end of Navratri and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It also commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura.

Key Rituals:

• Burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Indrajit
• Processions depicting scenes from Ramayana
• Aarti and prayers
• Feasting and family gatherings
• Visiting Mandir

Associated Deities:

Significance:

Married women observe a day-long fast for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. They break the fast after sighting the moon.

Key Rituals:

• Nirjala Vrat (fasting without food or water)
• Listening to Karwa Chauth Katha (story)
• Worship of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva
• Sighting the moon and offering prayers
• Breaking fast with husband's hand

Associated Deities: