THE AUTUMN MOON

NOVEMBER : Kartik - Margashirsha

ONCE THE HECTIC days of Diwali are over, people all over India return to work and prepare for the coming winter. At the end of the year, there are a few festivals but the main season of Hindu festivities - the Chaturmaas- ends with the 11th day of Kartik or Kartik Ekadashi, the last day of fasting or feasting. Vishnu, resting on his cosmic snake Ananta, awakens on this day, called Prabodhini Ekadashi, to begin the work of maintaining the balance of the world. The Varkari Vaishnavas lead their last pilgrimage to the sacred Vitthala temple at Pandharpur, Maharashtra and return home to their routines.

TULSI VIVAHA : The Marriage Of Krishna

Kartik Dwadashi, the day after Kartik Ekadashi, is the celebration of the marriage of Rukmmi or Lakshmi with Krishna. This goddess is represented by the sacred plant, Tulsi. On the evening of this day, the markets are full of sugarcane, berries, tamarind, amlas as well as festive bridal clothes and gold paper headgear for the bride and groom.

GURU NANAK PURNIMA : Brotherhood Among Men

To the Sikhs and Hindus alike, the full moon of Kartik or Guru Nanak's birthday, is holy. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 A.D. at a critical period of history when the people of India were divided into many castes and communities. In this time of misfortune, Guru Nanak came as a divine blessing to India.

DEV DIWALI : Lamps In The Moonlight

The full moon day in Kartik brings in the festival of Dev Diwali. Lamps are lit under the moonlit sky and a family feast celebrates the end of the Diwali fortnight.