Shivratri
2025-03-01 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
A very significant festival where the tone is not boisterous, instead with fasting and meditation somberness is of essence!!
The day marks a divine union and a cosmic dance in its various tones…..
Mahashivratri will be celebrated at the mandir on Saturday 03/01/25. This is how the day will flow:
10:00 to …… Durga ji led Shiv pooja
Bhajans
Noon Aarti
12:30 Prasaad
P.S. 1. Pooja thali for Rudrabhishek will be available to families interested in performing the ritual for a humble donation of $31/thali.
Your pooja thali will have triveni jal from Mahakumbh!
Shivratri, particularly Maha Shivratri, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The term “Shivratri” means “The Night of Shiva,” and it is observed on the 14th night of the waning moon in the month of Phalguna (February–March), according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Maha Shivratri emphasizes self-discipline, devotion, and the quest for liberation (moksha). It serves as a reminder of Lord Shiva’s attributes: compassion, selflessness, and detachment.
Significance of Maha Shivratri
1.Cosmic Union: It is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.
2.Spiritual Enlightenment: The night symbolizes the overcoming of darkness and ignorance in life.
3.Devotion to Shiva: It marks the occasion when Shiva performed the cosmic dance, Tandava, representing creation, preservation, and destruction.

Holi
2025-03-15 10:00 - 15:30
Pooja and fundraiser food event.
Holi is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the renewal of life. Known as the “Festival of Colors” or the “Festival of Love,” Holi is observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March).
Victory of Good Over Evil:
•The festival commemorates the legend of Prahlad and Holika, where the devotion of Prahlad to Lord Vishnu triumphed over his tyrannical father, King Hiranyakashipu, and his evil aunt Holika.
•Holika was burned in a pyre while Prahlad remained unharmed, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
2.Celebration of Spring:
•Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of the agricultural season, symbolizing renewal and abundance.
3.Cultural Bonding:
•Holi promotes unity and togetherness as people forget past grievances and celebrate with love and joy.
Traditional Foods
1.Gujiya: A sweet dumpling filled with khoya and dry fruits.
2.Thandai: A spiced milk drink often associated with the festival, sometimes infused with bhang.
3.Puran Poli, Dahi Vada, and Malpua are other festive delicacies.
Holi fosters unity, forgiveness, and joy. It encourages people to let go of negativity, strengthen relationships, and celebrate life.

Ugadi
2025-03-29 16:00 - 21:00
Ugadi is the New Year festival celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka in India. It marks the beginning of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, typically falling in March or April. The festival symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and the arrival of spring.
Significance of Ugadi
•It is observed on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the Chaitra month (as per the Hindu calendar).
•Ugadi is believed to be the day when Lord Brahma created the universe.
•It marks the beginning of a new Samvatsara (year) in the Hindu calendar.
