Pitru Paksha Shraddh Dates in 2014

Pitru Paksha is a 15 lunar day’s period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, 
especially through food offerings.
Shraddh is the ritual carried out to gratify one's ancestors. It is stated in the texts that a person who 
does not execute the Shraadh of his departed paternal and maternal near and dear ones has to bear 
much in life and even after. In the ancient Indian religious text Garud Puraan and other Puraans it is 
clearly stated that by offering this pooja to the forefathers and departed dear ones, their souls feel 
gratified and they bless the person with wealth, children, knowledge, joys, and pleasures, 
with long and healthy life.

According to South Indian Amavasyant calendar it falls in the lunar month of Bhadrapada beginning 
with the full moon day or day after full moon day.
According to North Indian Purnimant calendar this period falls in the lunar month of Ashwin beginning 
with the full moon day in Bhadrapada or next day of full moon day.

08	September	(Monday)	Purnima Shraddha
09	September	(Tuesday)	Pratipada Shraddha
10	September	(Wednesday)	Dwitiya Shraddha
11	September	(Thursday)	Tritiya Shraddha
12	September	(Friday)	Chaturthi Shraddha
13	September	(Saturday)	Maha Bharani , Panchami Shraddha
14	September	(Sunday)	Shashthi Shraddha
15	September	(Monday)	Saptami Shraddha
16	September	(Tuesday)	Ashtami Shraddha
17	September	(Wednesday)	Navami Shraddha
18	September	(Thursday)	Dashami Shraddha
19	September	(Friday)	Ekadashi Shraddha
20	September	(Saturday)	Dwadashi Shraddha
21	September	(Sunday)	Magha Shraddha , Trayodashi Shraddha
22	September	(Monday)	Chaturdashi Shraddha
23	September	(Tuesday)	Sarva Pitru Amavasya

The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya amavasya. 

Mahalaya amavasya is the most significant day of Pitru Paksha.

Puranmashi 2014 / Pooranmashi 2014 Dates

Every hindu lunar month consists of one puranmashi or full moon day. Full moon day is also known as Pournami, purnima and Pooranmashi. 
Many festivals like Rakhi, Buddha Purnima and Kartik Purnima observed on this day.

Puranmashi dates for the year 2014. 
This may vary by a day according to your location.

16th January 2014 - Thursday -  Paush Puranmashi
15th February 2014 - Saturday -  Magha Puranmashi
16th March 2014 - Sunday -  Phalguna Puranmashi
15th April 2014 - Tuesday -  Chaitra Puranmashi
14th May 2014 - Wednesday -  Vaishakha Puranmashi
13th June 2014 - Friday -  Jyaishta Puranmashi
12th July 2014 - Saturday -  Ashadha Puranmashi
10th August 2014 - Sunday -  Shravana Puranmashi
09th September 2014 - Tuesday -  Bhadrapada Puranmashi
08th October 2014 - Wednesday -  Ashwin Puranmashi
07th November 2014 - Friday -  Kartik Puranmashi
06th December 2014 - Saturday -  Margashirsha Puranmashi

When is Ganesh Chaturthi in 2014

Ganesh Chaturthi vrat is observed on Krishna paksh chaturthi on every month. But Ganesh Chaturthi of shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad is considered to be the significant day and comes once in the year. It is strongly believed that shukla paksh of bhadrapad month is admired as birth of Lord Ganesha. This is the day when Lord Shiva announced lord Ganesha superior of Gods. But, Devotees are strictly forbidden to look at moon on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. It means it is really inauspicious to look at moon on Ganesh Chaturthi of shukla paksh in the month of Bhadrapada.

The grand auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi in 2014 is on August 29. Ganesh Chaturthi is completely dedicated to Lord Ganesha - Lord of beginnings and wisdom, which falls on chaturthi of Shukla Paksh in the month of Bhadrapad (August-September). Lord Ganesha is also admired as creator and remover of obstacles. On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees observe fast and grandly worship Lord Ganesha. Like every year Ganesh Chaturthi in 2014 will also be celebrated on fourth day of waxing moon period in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad.

Mantra for success on Ganesh Chaturthi...

Vakrtund Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha |
Nirbhignam Kurumedaya Sarva Karyashu Sarvada |

Lord Ganesha is son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Thus, worshiping lord Ganesh also help devotees to obtain blessings of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. With loud echo of drum or barrels, and with harmonious songs or bhajans, Lord Ganesha is praised on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. With depth of heart people happily invite Lord Ganesha in their homes. Therefore, new statues of Lord Ganesha is brought and established in shrine place of home on the propitious day of Ganesh chaturthi. That statue is treated as 'Atithi' (Special guest) for ten or eleven days in home. Therefore, people heartily bestow proper homage to Lord Ganesha till his presence in home.On 11th day (Anant Chaturdarshi), the statue of Lord Ganesha is taken through the streets accompanied with beautiful dancing and melodious singing.

Mesmerizing new statues of Ganesha is brought and established in home. For establishing statue of Ganesha, decorate shrine place of home and establish first the wooden platform in north-east direction in home. Wrap the wooden platform with red piece of cloth. Put raw rice, wheat and flower in this wooden platform and establish statue of Lord Ganesha. Offer new cloth, mukut, kumkum, modak, pan, supari, janeu, roli, dubi ghas, blessed food, and fruits to Lord Gansha.

Ganesh Utsav is majestically celebrated from Ganesh chatruthi to Anant chaturdarshi. Every year on the day of Ganesha Chaturthi devotees install or establish new statues of Ganesha in shrine places of home or temporary structure mandaps (pandals).

Ganesh visarjan is performed on the 11th day from Ganesh chaturthi, and this day is known as Anant Chaturdarshi. 

People temporarily establish statues of Ganesha at home with the belief that God Ganesh will certainly bring immense happiness in home. With this belief they admire Ganesha as a special guest who came in home and thus they offer pleasant homage, innumerable offerings and serve him varieties of food. Modak or laddoo is very dear to Lord Ganesha. 

Considering Lord Ganesha is very fortunate, devotees heartily invite this deity at home. They offer homage with very pleasing manner till 10 days, and on 11th day the statue of Ganesha is taken through the streets for the purpose of immersion of statue of Gansha in water. With depth of heart, and with loud echo, devotees shout 'Ganapati Bappa Morya, Pudachya Varshi Laukar ya'. It means 'O Lord Ganesha, come again early next year'.

Akshaya Tritiya in 2014

Akshaya Tritiya in 2014 will be celebrated on 2nd of May. Many people also know this auspicious day as Akha Teej.
Every year, this great day falls on the third day of the bright half of Hindu month Vaishakha.

'Akshaya’ is a Sanskrit term, which means ‘never diminishing’; and ‘Tritiya’ means ‘the third day’. It is believed that any spiritual activity (including meditation, chanting, donation and different forms of worship) performed on this day stays with the person forever.
Akshay Tritiya brings luck and success to the life of the believer. In order to make the inflow of wealth continuous, people also buy gold and precious jewelry.

The auspicious day of AkshayaTritiya is governed by the Lord Vishnu.  People born on the day of Akshay Tritiya shine like stars in the world.

On this auspicious day 

• Perform meritorious deeds (Punya Karma), like:
• Snana (ritual bath)
• Dana (donation)
• Japa (chanting)
• Tapa (penance)
• New relationships can be made on this auspicious day.
• You may make commitments on this day.
• Akshay Tritiya is considered very auspicious for spiritual activities.

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What one should not to do on Akshaya Tritiya?

• Don’t perform Upnayana (wearing sacred thread or something like that).
• Don’t perform Udhyapan (ending of fasts)
• House construction should not be initiated and if running already then should be avoided on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
• Don’t make the first entry to the house on this day.
• Avoid travelling on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
• Planting a new tree is also prohibited.

Chaitra Navratri March - April 2014

The festival of Navratri is dedicated to the workship of Shakti.
The literal meaning of Navaratri is nine nights, where nava stands for nine and ratri stands for nights.

Navratri Dates - In 2014, Navratri will start from March 31, 2014 to April 8, 2014


Navratri  Day 1 -      2014 March 31    Ghatsthapana
Dwitiya -      2014         April 1    Sindhara Dooj
Tritiya -      2014         April 2    Gaur Teej, Saubhagya Teej
Chaturthi -      2014         April 3    Varadvinayak
Panchami Vrat 2014        April 4    Sri Laxmi Panchami Vrat, Naag Vrat Pujan
Shashthi         2014 April 5 Skand Shashthi, Yamuna Jayanti
Mahasaptami 2014 April 6 Mahasaptami Vrat, Chaiti Chath, Vijaya Saptami
Mahaashtami 2014 April 7 Sri Durga Mahaashtami, Annapurna Ashtami
Navratri Day 9 - 2014 April 8 Ram Navratri /Chaitra Navratri ends

Saturn's Retro in Libra on Mar 2nd 2014

Saturn becomes Retrograde On - March 02, 2014 (Sunday) at 22:11

Saturn becomes Progressive On - July 21, 2014 (Monday) at 02:10

Total Retrograde days = 141 Days.

Before Saturn becomes retrograde it enters into retrograde zone and starts slowing down. Before it becomes stationary and starts moving into backward direction, it keeps moving into forward direction with retarded speed. Saturn remains into stationary motion for some moments before it starts moving backward. 

The same is true while Saturn becomes progressive i.e. when it starts moving into forward direction. Before Saturn becomes progressive it remains into retrograde zone and starts moving into forward direction till it gains full speed. The time when Saturn just starts moving into forward direction.

During the period when Saturn is transiting retrograde, it is essential that we go back and assess and solidify commitments made, projects started and responsibilities undertaken in the past.  

Only deal with issues from the past; do not take on new ones!

It is essential that you do not start any new business activity while Saturn is retrograde!! 

Starting a business with Saturn Retrograde indicates that the business will need some restructuring and reorganizing. If you are willing to do this, then it will be fine.

Masi Magha - Saturday, 15th of February 2014

Masi Magha is a festival observed by the Hindus in the month of Magha, also called Masi in Tamil, corresponds to the months of February-March. This happens when the Moon(Full Moon) aligns with the Magha star during the month of Masi.
The deity presiding over the Magha asterism is said to be Brihaspati (Jupiter), considered by the people to be the preceptor of the gods also. 

Masi Magha drives our way towards the path for prosperity and ensures to enhance a trouble-free, successful, and a wealthy life of honor!  It is also believed to be a great occasion to get rid of the negative effects of karma in you.

This is the time to move towards positivity and set life long positive targets for a healthy and wealthy and respectful life by removing all negative atmosphere around yourself. 

Masi Magha unlocks areas of new opportunities, that helps in leading a peaceful and joyful life.

We have inner support in abundance on this day, Masi Magha, the Full Moon of Magha, the births star residing in Leo, the Lion King!

Hence offering worship to him on this festive occasion is believed to confer on people all the desired boons, if it is done in the right way and in the right spirit.

The Year of the Wood Horse - 2014 Chinese Horoscope

In Wood years, teamwork brings out the best in everyone. You'll find it easier to craft common sense solutions and have fun in the process. Families working together can attract exciting opportunities in the first half of the year. Later there will be more time to follow your heart.

Love is in the air! A Horse year is especially lucky for taking a romantic relationship to the next level. Marriages made this year hold the promise of exceptional happiness and stability. 

Those born in Tiger, Horse, or Dogs years will enjoy a boost of cheerfulness that makes you quite popular. You'll have more fun with friends old and new. Positive feedback enhances self-confidence. Share your thoughts. Social networking will allow you to spread your influence. 

Those born in Rat, Dragon, and Monkey years have permission to work less and play more. You'll be willing to take more risks to get what you want. Your intuition is strong and creative juices are flowing! Even though you like to take the lead, it will be easier to be a team player. 

Those born in Ox, Snake, and Rooster years will use patience and determination to support a foundation for success. What you sense about people and environments will be quite accurate. People are drawn to you. It's an ideal year for research and developing your skills in any area of interest. 

Those born in Rabbit, Goat, or Pig years will be well respected for their kindness. You'll play a quiet but vital role in any group or family activity. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace life to the fullest. Anything that brings you joy is where to focus more time and attention.

New Moon in Aquarius at 21:38 on the 30th January 2014

The New Moon in Aquarius plants the seeds of new possibilities. As a sign, Aquarius energy is geared towards the future. Ruled by Uranus, Aquarius thinks outside of the box and has no fear of trying something new or going against the grain. When the New Moon in is Aquarius, it’s a time to start thinking about the future you would like to build. 

Thursday morning the Moon in Aquarius applies into conjunction with the Sun. The exact conjunction is the new moon. Particularly in Aquarius, this a hopeful, fresh energy. It’s not a time to rush but to take things as they come, organically, and ready yourself to renew.

It’s perfect for seeking out new connections to help you towards your goals. Whilst independent action also comes under the jurisdiction of this sign, Aquarius knows that everything is connected. You are part of society and the wider world.

Often called a Blue Moon, this gives us a second chance to write out our new resolutions, or rewrite some of our older affirmations that haven’t come to fruition yet. Those whose birthdays are near this New Moon will be starting a new lunar cycle whose energy will last for a few months.

This is New Moon of opportunity. In order to take advantage of this, it may be necessary to get out of your own way – adjustments are needed. There may be a tendency to over plan or simply to take a shot in the dark riding on an optimistic high.Make a plan and have faith that it will work.

Find what works. Negotiate a better future.

The New Moon in Aquarius on the 30th — the evening hours of the 30th, and the daytime hours on the 31st will be the best times to write out your affirmations and wishes. Be creative in your thinking, dig into your deepest recesses to “feel” just what it is you truly want and/or need at this time. Believe in the power of your innate being to be able to use the Universal energies to help you achieve your best self, and find your most steadfast pathway in this lifetime here on Earth.