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

5 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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Good Friday 2026: History, significance and why it is observed by Christians

Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed with prayer, fasting, and reflection by Christians worldwide.

Published

7 months ago

April 3, 2026

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Good Friday, one of the most solemn days in Christianity, will be observed on April 3, 2026. The day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is marked by reflection, prayer, and remembrance of his sacrifice for humanity.

Also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, or Black Friday, the occasion holds deep spiritual importance for Christians around the world.

History of Good Friday

According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ was arrested and brought before the Roman authorities after being accused of blasphemy by religious leaders. He was later sentenced to death by crucifixion under the orders of Pontius Pilate.

Following the trial, he was made to carry a wooden cross to the site of execution, where he was nailed to it and died. Crucifixion at the time was considered one of the harshest punishments, typically reserved for serious crimes.

For Christians, this event represents the ultimate act of sacrifice, believed to have been undertaken for the redemption of humanity’s sins.

Significance of the day

Good Friday is observed as a day of mourning, prayer, and repentance. Churches hold special services that include scripture readings, hymns, and reflections on the final hours of Christ’s life.

Many traditions associated with the day emphasize solemnity—church bells remain silent, lights are dimmed, and statues may be covered. Devotees often fast, participate in processions, and engage in charitable acts as a form of spiritual observance.

While the day reflects sorrow and sacrifice, it also carries a message of hope. It precedes Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes renewal and the promise of new life.

Festivals

Eid Mubarak 2026 wishes and greetings highlight joy and togetherness

Eid ul-Fitr 2026 is marked by prayers, celebrations and the exchange of heartfelt wishes that reflect joy, gratitude and togetherness.

Published

8 months ago

March 20, 2026

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As Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated across the world in 2026, people are sharing warm wishes and messages with family and friends, reflecting the spirit of unity and gratitude. The festival marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims globally.

The occasion is traditionally associated with prayers, acts of charity, and festive meals, while modern celebrations increasingly include exchanging greetings through digital platforms. Messages shared via social media and messaging apps have become an important way to stay connected with loved ones, especially those living far away.

Sharing joy through meaningful messages

People are expressing their emotions through simple yet heartfelt wishes that capture the essence of the festival. Here are 20 messages widely shared during the celebrations:

Eid Mubarak! May your home be filled with happiness and peace.
Wishing you and your family a joyful and blessed Eid.
May this Eid bring success, health, and prosperity to you.
Eid Mubarak! Stay happy and keep smiling always.
May Allah bless you with endless joy this Eid.
Sending warm wishes and love on this special day.
Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones.
May your prayers be accepted and your heart be content.
Wishing you peace, happiness, and good health this Eid.
May this festival bring new hope and opportunities.
Eid Mubarak! Enjoy every moment with your family.
May your life be filled with light and positivity.
Wishing you a day full of laughter and celebration.
Eid Mubarak! May all your dreams come true.
May this Eid strengthen our bond and bring us closer.
Sending you blessings and warm hugs this Eid.
May your days be bright and your heart be light.
Eid Mubarak! Celebrate with love and gratitude.
May happiness surround you today and always.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Eid with your loved ones.

While traditional customs remain central to the festival, the growing role of digital communication highlights how celebrations are evolving with time. The exchange of messages has become a key way to spread positivity and maintain connections.

Eid ul-Fitr continues to serve as a reminder of compassion, generosity, and togetherness, bringing people closer as they celebrate the end of a spiritually significant month.

Festivals

Eid 2026 in India may fall on March 20 or 21, moon sighting on March 19 to decide

Eid al-Fitr 2026 in India is expected on March 20 or 21, depending on the crescent moon sighting on March 19.

Published

8 months ago

March 19, 2026

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Eid al-Fitr 2026 in India is expected to be celebrated on either March 20 or March 21, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of March 19.

The festival, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is observed based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Religious authorities and moon sighting committees across the country will confirm the date only after verifying the visibility of the Shawwal moon.

Eid 2026 date in India

As per astronomical predictions and traditional practices, if the crescent moon is sighted on March 19, Eid will be observed the next day on March 20. However, if the moon is not visible, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will be celebrated on March 21.

The final announcement is typically made later in the evening after confirmations from different regions.

Chand Raat 2026 timing

“Chand Raat,” the night marking the sighting of the moon, is expected to be observed on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026. It begins shortly after sunset when people look for the crescent moon.

This night holds cultural importance, with markets witnessing increased activity as people prepare for Eid celebrations.

Significance of Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and charity. The festival represents gratitude, spiritual renewal, and a sense of unity within the community.

How Eid is celebrated

The day begins with a special congregational prayer held at mosques and open grounds. People dress in new clothes, exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” and visit friends and family.

Traditional dishes, especially seviyan, are prepared and shared. Giving Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity, is considered essential to ensure that everyone can participate in the celebrations. Chand Raat is also marked by shopping, applying henna, and festive preparations.