A Wisdom Archive on Burning Man Festival

Holi:
IN DAYS of yore, there were communities of cannibals in India. They caused much havoc. They threatened the lives of many innocent people. One of them was Holika or Putana. She took immense delight in devouring children. Sri Krishna destroyed her and thus saved the little children. Even today, the effigy or figure of Holika is burnt in the fire. In South India, the clay figure of Cupid is burnt. This is the origin of the great festival of Holi.
 
From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.
 

Read more here: » Holi: Hindu Festivals - The Holi Festival

Presentation of The Golden Age Foundations very extensive and far-reaching rural mission.

The Oneness Festival and The World University of Consciousness is arranged as a joint venture between a team of people in the west, with the headquarters in Sweden, and the Golden Age Foundation in India.

Read more here: » The Rural Mission of The Golden Age Foundation

Holi is an abundant celebration of joy, goodness and the season of spring. The day of Holi on Phalgun Purnima (full moon day) is observed as the birthday of Manu, the start of Sambat (first day in the Hindu calendar). Spiritually, it signifies light prevailing over darkness, fear and ignorance.
 
Holi is associated with mal utsav (smearing of colours) and the Holika bonfire in which dry sticks and cow dung are put to fire and corn seeds burnt to the point of losing their power to germinate. The fire represents the burning away of what is old and worn out. The festivities of Holi have a central message - let bygones be bygones, bury old hatchets and start anew in the spirit of spring.

 
(See also: Holi, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul )

Read more here: » Holi: Colourful Triumph of Good over Evil - about Holi  

Makara Shankranti:
Salutations to Surya, the Sun-God, who on this great day embarks on his northward journey.
 
The Sanskrit term "Shankramana" means "to begin to move". The day on which the sun begins to move northwards is called Makara Shankranti. It usually falls in the middle of January.
 
From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.
 

Read more here: » Makara Shankranti: Hindu Worship - Makara Shankranti:

January every year, devotees throng the Sabarimala temple situated in the Sahayadri ranges in Kerala, to participate in the renowned Mandala Puja conducted during Makara Sankaranti.
 
The deity worshipped here, Lord Ayyappa, is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu and is also known as Sastha and Harihara Sutha. The basic concept of incarnation is that God descends in order to let man ascend.

 
(See also: Makara Sankaranti, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul )

Read more here: » Makara Sankaranti: A Different Kind of Pilgrimage - about Makara Sankaranti  

Ramnavmi
Lord Rama, an Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is measureless, who is of the nature of pure Consciousness and bliss, who is the consort of Sita, Master of Sri Hanuman, and the Lord of the three worlds, who took His birth at His own will in order to establish righteousness, destroy the wicked and protect His devotees.
 
Ramnavami or the birthday of Lord Rama falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April).
 
From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.
 

Read more here: » Ramnavmi: Hindu Worship - Ramnavmi

Shivaratri
THIS FALLS on the 13th (or 14th) day of the dark half of Phalgun (February-March). The name means "the night of Shiva". The ceremonies take place chiefly at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva. Shiva was married to Parvati on this day.
 
From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.
 

Read more here: » Shivaratri: Hindu Rituals and Ceremonies - Shivaratri