Festivals

Mandala Puja 2021: From rituals to significance, here’s all you need to know

Mandala Puja celebrates the completion of the 41-day austerity known as Mandala Kalam, which is performed by Lord Ayyappa’s followers or devotees. It is performed at Kerala’s Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

Published

4 years ago

December 26, 2021

Mandala Puja 2021: From rituals to significance, here's all you need to know

Mandala Puja is an essential ritual performed at Kerala’s Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. Mandala Puja celebrates the completion of the 41-day austerity known as Mandala Kalam, which is performed by Lord Ayyappa’s followers or devotees. The 41 day fast begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam.

Mandala Puja and ‘Makara Vilakku’ are two significant festivals celebrated annually at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, which attract worshippers from all across Kerala and neighbouring states. During this occasion, the temple is open on most days for worshippers.

Significance of Mandala Puja

The importance of Mandala Puja is described in several Puranas. According to a holy text, only by doing Mandala Puja can a person’s fate be positively influenced. This puja can be conducted solely by a person, but it can only be done once in his or her lifetime. Mandala Puja is an extremely powerful puja that when the person performs it with complete passion and attention his wishes get fulfilled.

Mandala Puja commemorates the 41 days of austerity. The strictness of the vratham during Mandala Puja serves to purify the spirit. Everyone, including men and women, can see the austerity. Females between the age of one and nine years, as well as those above the age of fifty, are also permitted to do the Mandala Puja vratham and they are referred to as ‘Malikapuram.’

Devotees visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple during the Mandala Puja have a tradition of also visiting the ‘Guruvayur Temple.’ During this occasion, a special ‘Abhishekam’ ritual is performed in the ‘Guruvayur Temple.’

Rituals during Mandala Puja:

Vratam, or fasting, is an essential aspect of Mandala Puja, which is followed with zeal and severity by the traditional and religious people of South India.
People who visit the Sabarimala temple must also live in austerity. Devotees live a holy and humble life throughout the Mandala Puja festival.
Devotees wear the Rudraksha or Tulsi mala with Lord Ayyappa’s locket till the time they make a visit to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple and then they take out the Mala.
During this period, worshippers are known as ‘Swami’ or ‘Ayyappan.’
During the Mandala Puja time, worshippers must keep their minds and bodies pure and refrain from all worldly pleasures.
During the Mandala Puja, all devotees visiting the Sabarimala shrine must refrain from drinking and smoking. It is essential to pray twice a day. During this time, they must stop having sex and avoid hurting the sentiments of others.
Makarasankranti Day is the most auspicious day of the Mandala Pooja. Makaravilakku is another name for Mandala Pooja. This is held every year on the 14th and 16th of January. The procession begins with the Lord’s jewels being carried to Sabarimala’s Old Pandalam Palace.
In the midst of this, you will observe the Krishnaparuntu (the Brahminy Kite), which is thought to be Lord Vishnu’s chariot, soaring high above till the jewels reach the palace. Then, as a symbol of homage to Lord Ayappan, it circles around 9 times above Sannidhanam in Sabarimala.
The Makara Jyoti will be the only star visible to us since it represents the ritual’s specialty. During this time, the Lord Ayappan Idol is decked with jewels and worshippers chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.”
When the Lord is decked up with jewels, the star suddenly disappears. Finally, a dazzling effulgence or Makaravilakku shines three times from the hills opposite Sabarimala, signaling the completion of the fortunate rite.

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Happy Holi 2026 wishes and messages to share with your loved ones

Holi 2026 begins with Holika Dahan and vibrant celebrations across India. Here are the best wishes, messages and quotes to share with loved ones.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 3, 2026

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As the festival of colours sweeps across India, Holi 2026 is being celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm, bringing together families, friends and communities in a spirit of joy and togetherness. The celebrations began with Holika Dahan on March 2 in several parts of the country, while some cities observed or are set to observe the ritual on March 3.

Holika Dahan marks the symbolic triumph of good over evil. The following day, people take part in Rangwali Holi, smearing each other with colours, dancing to festive music and sharing sweets. In some regions, the colour-filled celebrations continue into Wednesday, adding to the festive mood.

On this occasion, here are some heartfelt wishes, messages, quotes and social media status ideas you can send to your loved ones.

Happy Holi 2026 wishes

May the colours of Holi brighten your life and fill your days with happiness, success and prosperity. Happy Holi 2026!
Let’s splash colours in the air and celebrate the beautiful bond we share. Wishing you a bright and cheerful Holi!
A very Happy Holi to those who add colours to every day of my life.
Celebrate Holi with enthusiasm, positivity and lots of colours. Wishing you a vibrant and joyful Holi 2026!
Wishing you a Holi as bright and beautiful as your spirit.
Just as colours bring happiness, may Holi bring everyone closer together. Happy Holi 2026!

Happy Holi 2026 messages

May the colours of Holi illuminate your path and bless you with happiness and prosperity.
May your life be as colourful and vibrant as the hues of Holi. Happy Holi 2026!
Wishing my squad a Holi that’s as lively and colourful as our adventures together. Happy Holi 2026!
Holi teaches us to set aside differences and celebrate unity with colours and joy. Happy Holi!
Sending you warm wishes for a Holi filled with love and divine blessings. Happy Holi 2026!
Let’s drench each other in colours of fun, laughter and lifelong memories. Happy Holi 2026!

Happy Holi 2026 quotes

“Holi is the perfect time to celebrate the colours of our beautiful relationship. Happy Holi!”
“May your life become a vibrant canvas this Holi—each splash of colour a reminder of love, hope and dreams.”
“May the whispers of Holi fill your day with tender memories and radiant joy. Happy Holi 2026!”
“Let’s throw colours in the air and renew our bonds with warmth and affection. Happy Holi 2026!”
“On this festival of colours, may your world be filled with joyful moments and bright memories.”
“Let go of negativity and embrace positivity. Celebrate this Holi with vibrant colours. Happy Holi!”

Happy Holi 2026 Facebook and WhatsApp status

Holi is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of life’s happiest moments. Wishing you a colourful Holi 2026!
Holi stands for love, care, happiness and endless fun. Let’s celebrate with all our hearts. Happy Holi!
A Holi picture is worth a thousand laughs. Have a fantastic Holi 2026!
Life becomes brighter when you add colour to it. Spread joy this Holi 2026!
Holi reminds us that good always triumphs over evil. May positivity and success fill your life. Happy Holi 2026!

May every splash of colour bring laughter, love and unforgettable memories. Happy Holi 2026 to you and your family!

Festivals

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026 wishes shared as festival of faith, positivity and new beginnings

Makar Sankranti 2026 marks a new beginning as devotees observe holy rituals and exchange heartfelt wishes across India.

Published

2 months ago

January 14, 2026

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Makar Sankranti is being celebrated across India with great enthusiasm on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, marking one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. Observed as the day when the Sun begins its northward journey, the festival symbolises new beginnings, positive energy and prosperity.

The day holds deep religious importance. Devotees across the country take a holy dip in sacred rivers and perform charity and donations, practices believed to bring spiritual merit and peace. Sun worship is also an integral part of the festival, with many offering prayers at sunrise, seeking happiness, good health and success.

Beyond its spiritual meaning, Makar Sankranti is also known for its vibrant cultural celebrations. From rooftops filled with colourful kites to homes preparing traditional sweets made of jaggery and sesame, the festival brings together families and communities in celebration.

Festival of harvest, harmony and hope

Makar Sankranti is widely regarded as a harvest festival, especially in agrarian regions, marking the arrival of fresh crops and renewed hope. The exchange of sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery reflects the message of sweetness in relationships and warmth in communication.

As part of the celebrations, people are sharing thoughtful wishes and messages with friends, family and loved ones, expressing hopes for happiness, success and togetherness in the year ahead. Many messages highlight themes such as strong bonds, rising ambitions and uncut kites of success, drawing inspiration from the festival’s symbols.

A celebration that unites tradition and joy

With blue skies dotted with flying kites and households resonating with festive prayers, Makar Sankranti continues to stand as a reminder of tradition, gratitude and renewal. The festival encourages people to let go of negativity and move forward with optimism, making it one of the most cherished occasions of the year.

As celebrations unfold nationwide, exchanging warm wishes remains a simple yet meaningful way to make the festival special, reinforcing bonds and spreading joy.

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026 Wishes in English

1.
The sweetness of jaggery, the aroma of sesame,
Colorful kites in the sky and love in every heart.
Wishing you and your family a joyful
and wonderful Makar Sankranti!

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026

2.
If sesame is us and jaggery is you,
If sweets are us and sweetness is you,
As the first festival of the year begins,
May Makar Sankranti bring happiness to you.

Warm wishes on Makar Sankranti

3.
Kites filling the sky,
Sweetness of jaggery all around,
May happiness find a permanent place
in your life this Makar Sankranti.

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026

4.
With sesame laddoos and peanuts in abundance,
Wishing you a joyful and blessed
festival of Makar Sankranti.

5.
Blue skies, colorful kites,
and joy in every direction.
Celebrate Makar Sankranti
with your loved ones.

Heartfelt Makar Sankranti wishes

6.
May your kite never be cut,
May your string always stay strong.
May happiness surround your home,
and success follow you all year long.
May Makar Sankranti bring prosperity
and joy into your life.

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026

7.
Temple bells, sacred prayers,
The golden glow of the rising sun by the river.
May happiness bloom in your life,
Wishing you a blessed Makar Sankranti.

8.
The first harvest of the year
and the first happiness too.
Wishing you a joyful
Makar Sankranti.

9.
May the kite of your success
always soar high in the sky.
Happy Makar Sankranti!

10.
May your flight be high and your string be strong,
May happiness echo around you all along.
May your success rise so high,
That no one can ever bring it down.

Warm wishes on Makar Sankranti

Festivals

Happy Lohri 2026 Wishes, quotes and messages to share with family and friends

Lohri 2026 will be celebrated on January 13. Here are the date, timing, significance and heartfelt wishes to share with loved ones.

Published

2 months ago

January 13, 2026

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Lohri, one of north India’s most vibrant festivals, marks the end of the winter season and the arrival of the harvest period. Known for its colourful traditions, bonfires, folk dances and seasonal delicacies, the festival brings warmth and togetherness during the cold days of January.

In 2026, Lohri will be celebrated in mid-January, continuing the tradition of welcoming prosperity, happiness and new beginnings.

When is Lohri in 2026

According to the Druk Panchang, Lohri will be observed on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

The auspicious time for Lohri Sankranti will begin at 03:13 pm on January 14, while Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Lohri holds cultural significance, especially in Punjab, Haryana and parts of north India, where families gather around bonfires, offer prayers, and celebrate with music, dance and traditional food such as jaggery, groundnuts and popcorn.

Happy Lohri 2026 Wishes, messages and quotes

Here are some heartfelt wishes and messages to share with family, friends and loved ones on Lohri:

Wishing you a Lohri filled with joy, happiness and prosperity. May this festival bring warmth and light to your life.
May the bonfire of Lohri burn away all your worries and bring you warmth, joy and success. Happy Lohri.
On this day of Lohri, may the divine festival fill your life with prosperity and growth. Happy Lohri to you and your loved ones.
As the fire of Lohri flourishes, may all your sorrows and troubles vanish with it. Happy Lohri to you and your family.
May the warmth of the Lohri bonfire fill your home with happiness and love. Happy Lohri.
Wishing you a harvest of joy and prosperity this Lohri. May your days be filled with happiness.
On this auspicious occasion of Lohri, may all your dreams come true.
Let the festival of Lohri bring you endless joy and abundance. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Lohri.
May the Lohri fire burn away sadness and bring warmth, joy and happiness into your life.
Sending you warm wishes for this festive season of Lohri. May it bring prosperity and success.
This Lohri, may the sweetness of jaggery and the warmth of groundnuts add happiness to your life.
May the festival of harvest fill your life with abundance and prosperity. Happy Lohri.