DronaCrafts

Krishna Janmashtami, also known simply as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It is observed according to Hindu luni-solar calendar, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shraavana of the Hindu Calendar, which overlaps with August and September of the Gregorian calendar.
It is an important festival particularly to the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. Dance-drama enactments of the life of Krishna according to the Bhagavata Purana (such as Rasa lila or Krishna Lila), devotional singing through the midnight when Krishna is believed to have been born, fasting (upavasa), a night vigil (jagarana), and a festival (mahotsava) on the following day are a part of the Janmashtami celebrations. It is celebrated particularly in Mathura and Brindavan, along with major Vaishnava and non-sectarian communities found in Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other regions. Krishna Janmashtami is followed by the festival Nandotsav, which celebrates the occasion when Nanda Baba distributed gifts to the community in honour of the birth.
Significance:-
Krishna was the son of Devaki and Vasudeva and his birthday is celebrated by Hindus as Janmashtami, particularly those of the Vaishnavism tradition as he is considered the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Janmashtami is celebrated when Krishna is believed to have been born according to Hindu tradition, which is in Mathura, at midnight on the eighth day of Shraavana month (overlaps with August and September in the Gregorian calendar).
Krishna was born in an era of chaos, persecution was rampant, freedoms were denied, evil was everywhere, and when there was a threat to his life by his uncle King Kamsa. Immediately following the birth, his father Vasudeva took Krishna across Yamuna, to foster parents in Gokul, named Nanda and Yashoda. This legend is celebrated on Janmashtami by people keeping fast, singing devotional songs of love for Krishna, and keeping a vigil into the night. After Krishna's midnight hour birth, statues of baby Krishna are washed and clothed, then placed in a cradle. The devotees then break their fast, by sharing food and sweets. Women draw tiny foot prints outside their house doors and kitchen, walking towards their house, a symbolism for Krishna's journey into their homes.
Celebrations:-
Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, singing, praying together, preparing and sharing special food, night vigils and visiting Krishna or Vishnu temples. Major Krishna temples organize recitation of Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita. Many communities organize dance-drama events called Rasa Lila or Krishna Lila. The tradition of Rasa Lila is particularly popular in Mathura region, in northeastern states of India such as Manipur and Assam, and in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is acted out by numerous teams of amateur artists, cheered on by their local communities, and these drama-dance plays begin a few days before each Janmashtami.

Janmashtami commemorates the earthly appearance of Krishna, who is described in India’s sacred writings as God Himself. One of the biggest religious festivals in the world, it is celebrated by nine hundred and thirty million people around the world--and two million in the US alone. To devotees, it’s Christmas and New Year’s in one, a day of deep spiritual renewal and celebration that effectively finishes an old year and begins a fresh one.

What is Janmashtami?
But why Janmashtami, you may ask? What’s so special about Krishna, as opposed to any other form of God? It’s His personable-ness. He reciprocates in unique, personal ways with every devotee who offers Him love—He is the most adorable, mischievous son, the most romantic lover, the most compassionate friend. And on Janmashtami, devotees celebrate Krishna in all of these aspects. For just as Krishna reciprocates individually with His relatives and confidantes, he responds to the distinct feelings and desires held most deeply in the heart of every single worshipper.
So remember that whatever way you worship Krishna on Janmashtami, He will reciprocate with you accordingly. It’s a meditation that makes for an extremely rewarding devotional experience.

How is Janmashtami Celebrated?
Where Vaishnava temples exist, festivities begin before dawn and extend all day until midnight, the exact moment of the anniversary of Krishna’s appearance. Events include kirtan, singing the Lord’s name along with other devotees; and japa, private, more intimate prayer. Some devotees cook a feast of over one hundred dishes, while others perform drama and dance. Some clothe and decorate the deity of Krishna while others string enormous flower garlands and other decorations for the temple. Incense burns, scriptures are read, and all but the young and the infirm fast all day. The deities are also bathed with a variety of auspicious liquids in a kind of ablution ceremony called abhisheka. Sometimes taking over two hours, this is performed with great pomp.
Finally, at midnight, priests pull apart the curtains to reveal the
freshly dressed deity of Krishna on a creatively festooned and colored
altar. The excitement builds, and a rousing kirtan ensues.

How to Celebrate Janmashtami at Home
But what if you don’t live near a temple? What if you can’t make it to a major celebration Does that mean you can’t observe Janmashtami? Of course not. It is our sincere devotion that pleases Krishna most, and this can be offered anywhere. So to help you feel more connected to the Lord and His devotees on this special day, here are Krishna.com’s tips on how to celebrate Janmashtami at home:

Invite all your friends and family to participate in the festivities.
Decorating your home for Krishna can be fun, particularly for children. Encourage them in helping to make garlands, hanging balloons and festoons of leaves, and generally making the house beautiful for Krishna’s appearance.
Get a copy of the Vaishnava Songbook and choose some of your favorite bhajanas(devotional songs in praise of God) to sing. Krishna, also known as Murlidhara, or “one who holds the flute,” loves music. And so will your friends and family, as you take turns singing and playing instruments. Alternatively, play bhajan CDs and heighten the spiritual atmosphere.
You can also chant extra rounds of the Hare Krishna mantra on your japa mala (prayer beads). This is an intimate one on one exchange with Krishna, and makes you feel much closer to the Lord.
Read the story of Krishna’s advent and other exciting pastimes from Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead or Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto Ten. Pass the book around, and try dramatic readings to bring the story to life. Janmashtami is all about completely immersing yourself in thoughts of Krishna in a festive way.
If you have Radha-Krishna deities, get extra special new outfits for Them. Exercise your creativity and pay special attention to decorating Their altar.
Recreate the temple program and hold an abhisheka bathing
ceremony for your deities. Simply buy different liquids like yogurt,
honey, ghee and fruit juices and bathe the deity with them while
singing devotional songs.
Temples prepare at least one hundred and eight different food dishes on Janmashtami. Of course, you don’t have to go that far, unless you’re feeling particularly energetic! But it’s always nice to cook some very special preparations to offer to the Lord. Imagine that Krishna was actually right there, in your house—what would you offer Him? This makes for a wonderful meditation while cooking on Janmashtami.
Have a midnight arati (worship ceremony) with a
kirtan. This is the exact time that Krishna appeared on this
planet, so it is most auspicious and spiritually inspiring. If you
have arati paraphernalia, then you can do a full offering. If
not, don’t worry–Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita, “If you
offer Me with love a leaf, flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.”
So offer whatever you can—it’s your love and devotion that matters.
Tune into Krishna.com’s webcams and watch the festivities going on at some of ISKCON’s major temples.
Buy a special gift for the Lord. You can wrap it and write a card to Krishna. Here are some gift ideas:
If you have Deities you can buy or make jewelry, new clothes, garlands, peacock feathers, turban pieces, flutes or water cups Incense Fruit basket Offering plate New picture frame if you worship a picture of Krishna Brand new aratiset.
If you are able to fast from food, fasting until midnight is recommended. If fasting is too difficult, then try to eat only light foods during the day. By putting our own needs aside and concentrating more on Krishna’s, we show our love for Him.

You can engage your children in many of the above activities. Depending on your children’s ages, they can help cook, make garlands, design a birthday card, play musical instruments, dance and chant Hare Krishna. There are many children’s books about Krishna as well as DVDs of Krishna pastimes at the Krishna.com store.

Children also enjoy dressing up as Radha, Krishna and their associates, and re-enacting Krishna’s pastimes. This helps to create a very festive mood.
As you celebrate Janmashtami, remember that just as we enjoy the attention and fun on our birthday, so the Lord also enjoys our attention and gifts on His appearance day. The difference between us and Krishna is that He is able to reciprocate perfectly with each one of us. In the transcendental realm, everything that we offer to the Lord with love and devotion will benefit us unlimitedly, and those benefits will stay with us for eternity.

Raksha Bandhan, also Rakshabandhan, or simply Rakhi,is an Indian and Nepalese festival centred around the tying of a thread, bracelet or talisman on the wrist as a form of bond and ritual protection. The festive Hindu and Jain ritual is one principally between brothers and sisters, observed both before and after she gets married thereby marking her continued relationship with her natal home and brothers. The rite is also found between priests and patrons, and sometimes by individuals to real or potential benefactors. Differing versions of the rite have been traditionally performed in northern India, western India, Nepal, and some Hindu, Jain and Sikh emigrants from the India subcontinent since the 19th-century. It is alternately referred to as Saluno,Silono,and Rakri. The rituals associated with these rites, however, have spread beyond their traditional regions to much of India and have been transformed through technology and migration, the movies, social interaction,and promotion by politicized Hinduism, as well as as a occasion of national solidarity and state tradition.

Raksha Bandhan is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which typically falls in August.On this day, sisters of all ages tie a cotton bracelet or amulet, called the rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers, ritually affirming the bond and support of her brothers, receiving a gift from them in return, and traditionally investing the brothers with a share of the responsibility of their potential care. The expression "Raksha Bandhan," Sanskrit, literally, "the bond of protection, obligation, or care," is now principally applied to this ritual. It has also applied to a similar ritual in which a domestic priest ties string bracelets on the wrists of his patrons and receives gifts of money. A ritual associated with Saluno includes the sisters placing shoots of barley behind the ears of their brothers.

Of special significance to married women, Raksha Bandhan is rooted in the practice of territorial exogamy, in which a bride marries out of her natal village or town, and her parents, by custom, do not visit her in her married home. In rural north India, where territorial exogamy is strongly prevalent, large numbers of married Hindu women travel back to their parents' homes every year for the ceremony.Their brothers, who typically live with the parents or nearby, sometimes travel to their sisters' married home to escort them back. Many younger married women arrive a few weeks earlier at their natal homes and stay until the ceremony. The brothers serve as lifelong intermediaries between their sisters' married- and parental homes,as well as potential stewards of their security.

Among women and men who are not blood relatives, there is also a transformed tradition of voluntary kin relations, achieved through the tying of rakhi amulets, which have cut across caste and class lines, and Hindu and Muslim divisions. In some communities or contexts, other figures, such as a matriarch, or a person in authority, can be included in the ceremony in ritual acknowledgement of their benefaction.Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated by Hindu communities in other parts of the world. Although rooted in Hindu culture, the festival has no traditional prayers unambiguously associated with it. The religious myths claimed for it are disputed, and the historical stories associated with it considered apocryphal by some historians. More recently, after enactment of more gender-neutral inheritance laws in India, it has been suggested that in some communities the festival has seen a resurgence of celebration, which is serving to indirectly pressure women to abstain from fully claiming their inheritance.

Masik Durgashtami
Masik Durgashtami is observed every month during Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha. Masik Durgashtami is also known as Maas Durgashtami or Monthly Durgashtami. This day is observed from morning to evening. This day is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Devotees observe fasts and offer prayers on this day to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. Maa Durga Puja is performed on this auspicious day and devotees are blessed with fulfilment of their desires.
The supreme Mahashtami falls in the month of Ashwin. This is the occasion when Shardiya Navratri festival which is followed for nine days is celebrated with great enthusiasm and emotion.

People worship nine manifestations of Goddess Durga on these days with sanctity. Dishes like Kheer, Halwa and many others are prepared at home with sanctitude. Small girl child denoting these manifestations which are referred to as Kankakein are offered Halwa, Puri and Dakshina. Their feet are washed with holy water and Puja is offered to them.

Durga Puja is dedicated to one of the manifestation called Maha Gauri (eighth manifestation). Worshipping her will relieve the devotees from their sufferings and barriers. Those who observe this occasion with diligence and with the procedures tend to seek blessings and prosperity in their lives.

Durga Ashtami Rituals :

Devotees wake up early in the morning to perform puja of Goddess Durga.
Devotees light 'Akhand Jyot' in front of Durga's idol on this day.
According to beliefs, devotees do not leave their house vacant on this day.
Devotees also offer incense ticks, coconut and ring the bells or blow the shank to invoke the Goddess.
People also observe the ritual of growing wheat or barley in the earthen pots during Durga puja. The plantation of the seeds signifies prosperity and growth.
Durga Ashtami Vrat :

Devotees observe fast on the occasion of nine-day-long Durga Puja celebrations every year with full faith and sincerity. The purpose of observing fast is to impress Goddess Durga and seek her blessings.

Benefits of fasting on Durga Ashtami :

Fasting on this day has a great importance and has a spiritual significance. Milk and fruits are consumed on these fasting days. The purpose of the fasting is to show the spiritual devotion towards the Goddess. Devotees who fast during these days with diligence are blessed with love, prosperity, growth, success and peace.

Independence Day is annually celebrated on 15th August, as a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India still retained King George VI as head of state until its transition to full republican constitution. India attained independence following the Independence Movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British India was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to religious violence. On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and gives an address to the nation.
The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. This is a national holiday.

History
European traders had established outposts in the Indian subcontinent by the 17th century. Through overwhelming military strength, the British East India company subdued local kingdoms and established themselves as the dominant force by the 18th century. Following the First War of Independence of 1857, the Government of India Act 1858 led the British Crown to assume direct control of India. In the decades following, civic society gradually emerged across India, most notably the Indian National Congress Party, formed in 1885.123 The period after World War I was marked by British reforms such as the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms, but it also witnessed the enactment of the repressive Rowlatt Act and calls for self-rule by Indian activists. The discontent of this period crystallised into nationwide non-violent movements of non-cooperation and civil disobedience, led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
During the 1930s, the reform was gradually legislated by the British; Congress won victories in the resulting elections.195–197 The next decade was beset with political turmoil: Indian participation in World War II, the Congress' final push for non-cooperation, and an upsurge of Muslim nationalism led by the All-India Muslim League. The escalating political tension was capped by Independence in 1947. The jubilation was tempered by the bloody partition of the subcontinent into India and Pakistan.

Independence Day before Independence
At the 1929 Lahore session of the Indian National Congress, the Purna Swaraj declaration, or "Declaration of the Independence of India" was promulgated,[6] and 15 August was declared as Independence Day. The Congress called on people to pledge themselves to civil disobedience and "to carry out the Congress instructions issued from time to time" until India attained complete independence. Celebration of such an Independence Day was envisioned to stoke nationalistic fervour among Indian citizens, and to force the British government to consider granting independence.19 The Congress observed 26 January as the Independence Day between 1930 and 1946.The celebration was marked by meetings where the attendants took the "pledge of independence".19–20 Jawaharlal Nehru described in his autobiography that such meetings were peaceful, solemn, and "without any speeches or exhortation". Gandhi envisaged that besides the meetings, the day would be spent "... in doing some constructive work, whether it is spinning, or service of 'untouchables,' or reunion of Hindus and Mussalmans, or prohibition work, or even all these together". Following actual independence in 1947, the Constitution of India came into effect on and from 26 January 1950; since then 26 January is celebrated as Republic Day.

Immediate background
In 1946, the Labour government in Britain, its exchequer exhausted by the recently concluded World War II, realised that it had neither the mandate at home, the international support, nor the reliability of native forces for continuing to control an increasingly restless India. In 20 February 1947, Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced that the British government would grant full self-governance to British India by June 1948 at the latest.
The new viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, advanced the date for the transfer of power, believing the continuous contention between the Congress and the Muslim League might lead to a collapse of the interim government. He chose the second anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, 15 August, as the date of power transfer. The British government announced on 3 June 1947 that it had accepted the idea of partitioning British India into two states;[16] the successor governments would be given dominion status and would have an implicit right to secede from the British Commonwealth. The Indian Independence Act 1947 (10 & 11 Geo 6 c. 30) of the Parliament of the United Kingdom partitioned British India into the two new independent dominions of India and Pakistan (including what is now Bangladesh) with effect from 15 August 1947, and granted complete legislative authority upon the respective constituent assemblies of the new countries. The Act received royal assent on 18 July 1947.

Partition and independence
Millions of Muslim, Sikh and Hindu refugees trekked the newly drawn borders in the months surrounding independence. In Punjab, where the borders divided the Sikh regions in halves, massive bloodshed followed; in Bengal and Bihar, where Mahatma Gandhi's presence assuaged communal tempers, the violence was mitigated. In all, between 250,000 and 1,000,000 people on both sides of the new borders died in the violence. While the entire nation was celebrating the Independence Day, Gandhi stayed in Calcutta in an attempt to stem the carnage. On 14 August 1947, the Independence Day of Pakistan, the new Dominion of Pakistan came into being; Muhammad Ali Jinnah was sworn in as its first Governor General in Karachi.
The Constituent Assembly of India met for its fifth session at 11 pm on 14 August in the Constitution Hall in New Delhi. The session was chaired by the president Rajendra Prasad. In this session, Jawaharlal Nehru delivered the Tryst with Destiny speech proclaiming India's independence.
“    
Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.
    ”
— Tryst with Destiny speech, Jawaharlal Nehru, 15 August 1947

The members of the Assembly formally took the pledge of being in the service of the country. A group of women, representing the women of India, formally presented the national flag to the assembly.

The Dominion of India became an independent country as official ceremonies took place in New Delhi. Nehru assumed office as the first prime minister, and the viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, continued as its first governor general.6 Gandhi's name was invoked by crowds celebrating the occasion; Gandhi himself however took no part in the official events. Instead, he marked the day with a 24-hour fast, during which he spoke to a crowd in Calcutta, encouraging peace between Hindu and Muslim.

Celebration
Independence Day, one of the three National holidays in India (the other two being the Republic Day on 26 January and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on 2 October), is observed in all Indian states and union territories. On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the "Address to the Nation". On 15 August, the prime minister hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site Red Fort in Delhi. Twenty-one gun shots are fired in honour of the solemn occasion. In his speech, the prime minister highlights the past year's achievements, raises important issues and calls for further development. He pays tribute to the leaders of the Indian independence movement. The Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana", is sung. The speech is followed by march past of divisions of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces. Parades and pageants showcase scenes from the independence struggle and India's diverse cultural traditions. Similar events take place in state capitals where the Chief Ministers of individual states unfurl the national flag, followed by parades and pageants.Until 1973, Governor of State hoist the National Flag at State Capital. In February 1974, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.Karunanidhi took up the issue with then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that Chief Minister should be allowed to hoist National flag on Independence Day just like how Prime Minister hoists National flag on Independence Day.

Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes take place in governmental and non-governmental institutions throughout the country. Schools and colleges conduct flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural events. Major government buildings are often adorned with strings of lights. In Delhi and some other cities, kite flying adds to the occasion. National flags of different sizes are used abundantly to symbolise allegiance to the country. Citizens adorn their clothing, wristbands, cars, household accessories with replicas of the tri-colour. Over a period of time, the celebration has changed emphasis from nationalism to a broader celebration of all things India.

The Indian diaspora celebrates Independence Day around the world with parades and pageants, particularly in regions with higher concentrations of Indian immigrants. In some locations, such as New York and other US cities, 15 August has become "India Day" among the diaspora and the local populace. Pageants celebrate "India Day" either on 15 August or an adjoining weekend day.

Nag Panchami is one of the most important Vrats performed in Hinduism. Fully dedicated to worshipping the snake gods called as Nag devtas, this vrat is fervently observed across the country in different forms and different ways. Essentially Nag Panchami falls in the Shravan month (July – August) and observed during panchami thiti (fifth day) of Shukla Paksha (bright half of lunar month). Hindu scriptures herald this day as Nagamanandakari meaning the happiest day for Nag Devtas (serpent gods).
Generally, Nag Panchami comes two days after Hariyali Teej. Though there are several variations to observing this vrat, most commonly, women offer their worship to Nag devta on this day. The main part of the puja is offering milk to serpents on this day. The main prayers on this day are for the welfare of the brothers of the women. In general, this puja is said to confer prosperity and welfare to all in the family.
In the south India, there is yet another version of this vrat called as Nag Chaturthi. Chaturti is the fourth day of Shuklapaksha falling one day before the panchami.
Some of those who customarily observe Nag Panchami observe fasting on Nag Chaturthi to conclude it with the puja the next day. However, in most parts of South India, Nag Chaturti vrat is observed with elaborate ritualistic puja for snake gods. This version of Nag Chaturthi comes after Diwali celebrations. The other version of this vrat include Nag Panchami in Gujrat observed during Krishnapaksha Panchami (fifth day of the dark half of lunar month) on Shravan month.

Before the beginning of the puja on the Nag Panchami day, reciting this mantra as many times as possible is considered highly beneficial and will set the right phase for the performance of this vrat.

Nag Panchami Mantra before beginning the Puja -

Anantham Vasukim Sesham Padmanabham Cha Kambalam

Shankapalam Dhartharashtram Thakshakam Kaliyam Thatha

Ethani Nava Namani Naganaam Cha Mahatmanam

Sayamkale Pathennithyam Pratahkale Viseshata

Thasmai Vishabhyam Naasthi Sarvatra Vijayee Bhavet


Meaning of Nag Panchami Mantra : In this mantra, the nine important snakes that appear in the purana stories are listed out and the snake is heralded as the reclining bed of Lord Mahavishnu (Padmanabha). It also goes on to say that chanting this mantra in the mornings and evenings regularly shall help avert harms from all forms of poisonings both internal and external and that the chanters will get success in every walk of their life.

Typically, the puja is performed either in Nag temple or at home. During the puja, sankalpam is done for vrat and puja. The main part of the vrat is offering a holy bath to the Nag devta idol. Milk is the main material used for this holy bath. Sandal paste, turmeric and vermilion are applied on the idol. Offerings are done and camphor is waved in front of the idol.

At the end of the puja, the performers chant the following.

Nag Gayatri Mantra

Om Nagkulaya Vidmahe Vishadantaya Dheemahi Tanno Sarpa Prachodayat

during the conclusion, Nag Panchami Vrat story is read and prasad is distributed to all those who are assembled.

The Teej Festival and How it's Celebrated
The Teej festival is an important festival for married women, and much anticipated monsoon festival. It commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, after she paid a penance of 100 years separation. The invocation of Parvati's blessing during the festival is believed to bring about continued marital bliss.
When is the Festival Celebrated?
"Teej" refers to the third day after the new moon, and third day after the full moon, every month.
During the monsoon season, these festivals are celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Shravan, and on the third day of the waning and waxing moons during the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. This means that there are actually three Teej festivals -- known as Haryali (Green) Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej. In 2018, these festivals will take place on August 13-14,  August 28-29, and September 12 respectively.
How is the Festival Celebrated?

Women dress up in their finest clothes and jewelry to worship the Goddess Parvati. They also get their hands decorated with henna, accompanied by the singing of special Teej festival songs.
Swings are fixed to branches of large trees, and the women take turns to joyfully swing on them.
During both days of Haryali Teej in Jaipur, a spectacular royal procession featuring an idol of the Goddess Parvati (Teej Mata), winds its way through the lanes of the Old City. Known as Teej Sawari, it comprises antique palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, decorated elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, and dancers. A bit of everything really! The procession starts out from Tripolia Gate in the late afternoon and goes through Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, and ends at Chaugan Stadium. Tourists can watch and photograph it from the special seating area organized by Rajasthan Tourism on the terrace of the Hind Hotel, opposite Tripolia Gate. What's also noteworthy is that Teej Sawari is one of only two occasions when Tripola Gate opens each year. The other is the Gangaur festival procession
A fair is held during Kajarai Teej in Bundi and there's also a colorful street parade featuring a beautifully decorated idol of Goddess Parvati.
What Rituals Take Place During the Festival?
Girls engaged to be married receive a gift from their future in-laws on the day before the festival.
The gift consists of henna, bangles, a special dress, and sweets. Married daughters are given a number of gifts, clothes and sweets by their mother. After the worship has been completed, they're passed on to the mother-in-law.
What to Expect During the Festival?
The Teej festival is a very uplifting occasion, filled with singing, swinging, and dancing. There's plenty of feasting too.

Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Each month, Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha is known as Masik Shivaratri.

Masik Shivaratri in month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to Amavasyant School. However according to Purnimant School Masik Shivaratri in month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. In both schools it is naming convention of lunar month which differs. However both, Purnimant and Amavasyant Schools, celebrate all Shivaratris including Maha Shivaratri on same day.

According to Indian Mythology, in the midnight of Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva was appeared in form of Linga. Shiva Linga was first worshipped by Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Hence Maha Shivaratri is known as birthday of Lord Shiva and devotees worship Shiva Linga during Shivaratri. Shivaratri Vrat is popular since ancient time. In Hindu Puranas we get references of Shivaratri Vrat. According to scriptures even Goddess Lakshmi, Indrani, Saraswati, Gayatri, Savitri, Sita, Parvati, Rati observed Shivaratri fast.
The Shivaratri vrata is a very powerful and auspicious vratham that is dedicated to the Supreme Lord Shiva. The greatness of this vrata is mentioned in the all the major Hindu puranas. The Skandha Purana especially provides all the details and other information for observing the Shivaratri vrata. There are four main Shivaratris mentioned in the Skandha Purana. The Nitya Shivaratri is the first one which is observed daily, that is, every night. The next one is called as Masa Shivaratri and is observed every month on the Chaturdasi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning or diminishing phase of moon). The Maga Shivaratri is then the third one and is observed for a period of thirteen days in the Hindu month of Maga. It starts from the prathama (first) titi and ends on the Chaturdasi (fourteenth) night when Lord Shiva is worshipped for the whole night. The Maha Shivaratri, is the main and is called as Maha Shivaratri. It is observed on the Chaturdasi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) in the month of Maga. The Maha Shivaratri is observed in major parts of the country and is celebrated in a grandeur manner.



All Masik Shivaratri dates in 2018 and Shivaratri Puja Time
15 January          (Monday)    Masik Shivaratri    16 00:09 AM - 16 01:02 AM
13 February        (Tuesday)    Masik Shivaratri    14 00:15 AM - 14 01:06 AM
15 March             (Thursday)    Masik Shivaratri    16 00:11 AM - 16 00:59 AM
14 April               (Saturday)    Masik Shivaratri    15 00:03 AM - 15 00:49 AM
13 May                (Sunday)    Masik Shivaratri    14 00:01 AM - 14 00:44 AM
12 June               (Tuesday)    Masik Shivaratri    13 00:05 AM - 13 00:47 AM
11 July                (Wednesday)    Masik Shivaratri    12 00:11 AM - 12 00:53 AM
09 August           (Thursday)    Masik Shivaratri    10 00:10 AM - 10 00:54 AM
08 September    (Saturday)    Masik Shivaratri    09 00:01 AM - 09 00:47 AM
07 October        (Sunday)    Masik Shivaratri    07 23:50 PM - 08 00:39 AM
05 November    (Monday)    Masik Shivaratri    05 23:44 PM - 06 00:36 AM
05 December    (Wednesday)    Masik Shivaratri    05 23:50 PM - 06 00:44 AM