DECEMBER : MARGASHIRSHA - POUSH

TIRUPAVAI : The Devotion Of Andal

The month of Margashirsha is special to Vaishnav Hindus who worship Vishnu. In theBhagawad Gita, Krishna identifies himself with Margashirsha, which comes when the full moon is sighted near the stellar constellation of Mriga.

DATTA JAYANTI : The Worship Of Trimurti

The full moon day in the month of Margashirsha brings the festival ofDattaJayanti. Dattatreyais a crnsayz deity consisting of all the gods of the triad - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. He is a guru or teacher. He is often shown standing under a tree with cows and dogs wandering around him. He is a yogin whose supreme meditation makes him a lustrous deity.

HANUKKA : A Festival Of Lights

Among the last fcstivaJs of the year, Hanukka is a rirncofjoy. In the cold days of December, Jews celebrate Hernukka or I he festival of lights.

CHRISTMAS : A Season Of Good Cheer

For the whole month, churches and cathedrals in India are cleaned and decorated for the coming of Christinas, a festival for all Indians. The markets are full of gifts, Christmas trees and decorations. The churches have tableaux of nativity scenes showing baby Jesus in a crib with Mary and Joseph adoring him.