Ganesh Chaturthi 2011

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular festivals of India. It is celebrated on the fourth day from new moon (bright half) of the month of bhadrapada as per the Hindu Month. According to the English Calendar, it occurs usually between 20th August and 15th September. The festival is celebrated for 11 days tills Ananta Chaturthi which is the 14th day of the same month.

In the year 2011, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on 1st of September, and Ananta Chaturthi is considered to be on 12th September.

The following prayer is recited on such an occassion:

Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha

Nirvighnam Kurumedeva Sarvakaryeshhu Sarvada

West Bengal is now Paschimbanga

The state of West Bengal has got its new name as Paschimbanga on 19th August, after the all-party meeting held for the cause. It was unanimously agreed upon by all the members in the meeting. It has been decided that the state will be called Paschimbanga in all languages. The ministers were of the opinion that the state was being disadvantaged as its name starts with the 'W' which comes very down alphabetically.

Janmashtmi Celebrations

One of the most famous pilgrimage spots of North India is Vrindavan, at a distance of around 15 km from the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura. Vrindavan is a sacret place said to have around 5000 temples.

Janmashtmi, also called Krishna Ashtami is celebrated as the birth day of Lord Krishna, on the Ashtami of Bhadrapada maas in Hindu Calendar. At Janmashtmi, the entire city of Vrindavan celebrates with great devotion. It starts the celebrations 7-10 days prior to the actual date. Various Rasleelas and plays are done at different places, and these plays attracts a lot of devotees.

In 2011, Janmashtmi will be celebrated on 22nd of August.