Polala Amavasya

Polala Amavasya is one of the important fasting days dedicated to Goddess Poleramma. It is observed on the �amavasya� (no moon day) during the �Shravana� masam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence this festival is also known as �Shravana Amavasya�. According to the Hindu legends, Goddess Poleramma or Goddess Pochamma is considered to be protector or guardian of children, and married women therefore keep the Polala Amavasya vratam for the wellness and longevity of their children. Polala Amavasya is also referred as �Pithori Amavasya�.

Polala Amavasya is majorly a festival observed in South India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and adjoining areas. It is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm. The observance of Polala Amavasya is very much similar to �Shital Sasthi� in Orissa and �Sheetal Saptami� puja in the northern states of India. Goddess Poleramma is considered to be the local deity who protects children from all evils and mishaps. She is believed to be one of main incarnation of Goddess Shakti or Durga. The day of worshipping Poleramma coincides with �amavasya� each year; hence this vratam is called as �Polala Amavasya. On this day special rituals and pujas are organized in Poleramma temples, all across India.

Significance of Polala Amavasya:

The festival of Polala Amavasya holds immense significance for women bearing children. As Goddess Poleramma is the protector of children, mothers worship Her with full dedication and affection. By observing a fast on this day, it is believed that Goddess Poleramma will protect the children from several diseases, particularly small pox and chicken pox. As the month of Shravana corresponds to months of July-August that marks the onset of monsoon season, diseases spread quickly during this time. As Children are most vulnerable, Polala Amavasya vratam is observed to keep children healthy.

Rituals during Polala Amavasya:

• The day of Polala Amavasya is dedicated to Goddess Poleramma and this festival is mainly observed by married women in Andhra Pradesh. The women get up early on this day and finish their morning chores to make preparations for the special puja.
• On this day, women sketch a picture of the �Pochamma Temple� at the place of worship and offer the �shodashopachar� puja there to the Goddess. During the puja, a sacred thread known as �Raksha Daaram� or �Raksha Thoranam� is also worshipped. After the completion of puja rituals, women tie this �Raksha Daaram� to their children to ensure their safety. On this day they also read the story of the mother who brought back her dead children after worshipping Goddess Poleramma.
• On Polala Amavasya special offerings are prepared to offer to Goddess Poleramma. Women prepare fried sweet balls made from jaggery and chana dal for the welfare of male children whereas urad dal vadas are offered to the Goddess for the wellbeing of female child.
• During the time of puja several mantras or prayers dedicated to Goddess Shakti like �Durga Stuti�, �Gauri Astottaram� and �Bhavani Astakam� are chanted all through the day.
• Women also keep a strict fast on this day to please Goddess Pochamma. There is no �Udyapana� for this vratam and it can be observed by all.

2016 Date : 1^stSeptember.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with a belief that Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati, bestows His blessings on His devotees, on this day. It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom. Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which falls around August or September.

The preparation starts one month in advance, with great enthusiasm, to celebrate this auspicious occasion. The festival starts with the installation of beautifully sculpted Ganesha idols in homes and mandaps. These idols are decorated beautifully and show religious themes.

The occasion becomes very lively and enthusiastic with the devotional songs, dances and drum beats being a part of the procession observed by the devotees of Lord Ganesha, as a part of the festivities. Ganesh Chaturthi is the only festival that involves and welcomes the participation of general public.The occasion also sees various cultural events being held every where, in which people participate with interest. After celebration, the time of farewell comes and the idol of the beloved God is immersed in water. The celebration ends with the immersion, accompanied by loud shouts of 'Ganapati Bappa Moraya'.

2016 Date : 5th September, Monday.

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Varaha Jayanthi

Varaha Jayanti is the birth celebration of the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He incarnated himself as a boar to save the world and held Earth on the two tusks from under the ocean. This day is observed and rituals take place on the second day (Dwadashi tithi) of the month of Magh (by the Hindu calendar) in Shukla Paksha. All the different incarnations of Lord Vishnu are celebrated as festivals in different parts of India to receive blessings from the preserver of the Universe according to the Hindu mythology.

It is believed that worshipping Lord Varaha brings all kinds of happiness to the devotee including health and wealth. Half boar half-human Varaha had defeated Hiranyaksha and destroyed all evils. Thus, devotees worship him and pray for goodness to prevail.

Rituals of the Day :

• This festival is mainly celebrated in Southern India. Devotees wake up early and freshen up to worship the God.
• The idol of Lord Varaha is kept in a Kalash (metal pot), which is filled with water and mango leaves along with coconut on the head. This is supposed to be donated to any known Brahmin.
• After the puja is completed, one should read Shrimad Bhagwad Gita and chant hymns to please the God and celebrate the day.
• Devotees who fast on Varaha Jayanti should also daan (donate) money or clothes to the needy people on this day. This would attain more blessings from the Lord.

One old temple of Lord Varaha exists in Mathura where celebration of this day takes place as birth anniversary of the God with joy and happiness. There is another temple in Tirumala; named as Bhu Varaha Swamy temple where the idol of Varaha Swamy is given a holy bath on this day. The bath is given with ghee, butter, honey, milk, and coconut water.

2016 Date : 4^th September, Sunday.

Annada/Aja Ekadashi Vrat

The fast observed during the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapad is known as Annada Ekadashi. It falls in the month of August or September in the Gregorian calendar. While in North India, it is observed during the Krishna Paksha in Bhadra month, in other Indian regions, it is observed in the month of Shravan.

Hindu devotees believe the observance of this vrat eradicates all their sinful and evil activities. Also known as Aja Ekadashi or Ananda Ekadashi, this vrat is dedicated towards Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi.

The legend behind the observance of Annada Ekadashi can be taken back to the famous king Harischandra. He was known for his truthfulness and honesty. One day, Sage Vashista and Sage Vishwamitra betted on the truthfulness of the king. While sage Vashista was in favor of the king, sage Vishwamitra objected that the king also lies. As a result, king Harischandra had to give up his kingdom and leave for Kashi. Though he became an undertaker in Kashi, he never lied. He always stood by his word and followed a proper code of conduct. One fine day, the king happened to meet the great sage Gautama. The king recounted his entire sad story to the sage.

Thereafter, the sage suggested the king to observe the Annada Ekadashi since it had the power to wash away all the sins. Agreed, the king observed the fast and continued with his firm belief in honesty and truthfulness. Hence, as expected, sage Vishwamitra accepted his defeat and returned the kingdom to the king. Moreover, the king was even able to get back his wife and his dead son became alive. Eventually, the king ruled his kingdom happily for many years and finally, attained Moksha (salvation) and reached the Vaikunta. There are no specific rules for observing the fast on Annada Ekadashi. All general rules for the Ekadashi are followed on this day as well. Rice, grains and beans are avoided.

201 Date : 28^th August, Sunday.

IMPORTANT DAYS IN TIRUMALA IN SEPTEMBER 2016

Every day is a festival day in Tirumala. The important occasions in Tirumala includes, Sri Varaha Jayanthi on September 4, special Puja in connection with Vinayaka Chaviti to Lord Ganesha in the temple located at the beginning of second ghat road.

The other festive days includes, Sri Anantapadmanabha swamy vratam on September 15, followed by Brahmotsavams trial run Garud Seva on Pournami Garuda Seva on September 16 and Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam on September 27 in connection with annual Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara from October 3 to 11.

Shravan Purnima

Shravan Purnima is the full-moon day of the month of Shravan, which falls during the July-August months of the western calendar. Shravan is one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar, and many Hindu festivals occur during this month. Coinciding with the beginning of the monsoons, this month marks the beginning of the festive 4-month period of Hindu traditions.

All regions of India celebrate many festivals during this period, including Avani Avittam of Tamil Nadu, Pavitropana of Central India, Raksha Bhandan, Narial Purnima of Maharashtra and Kajri Purnima of Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh. 

Traditions :

The Shravan Purnima or full-moon day of the Shravan Month is celebrated as Kajri Purnima in Central India. It coincides with the Raksha Bandhan celebrations, the tying of the bond of protection or Rakhi on the hands of brothers by sisters.

Kajri Purnima is a Farmers Festival. On the ninth day after Shravan Amavasya or New Moon day, women go out and collect earth in leaf cups. Barley or some other cereal is sown in these leaf cups. A room in the house is cleaned and purified using cow dung and water. In this room, the leaf cups are kept and tended to. The room is decorated with figures drawn in rice flour. Traditional Figures of a child, a house, a woman carrying a pot and a mongoose are the usual figures depicted on this occasion.

The celebrations and ceremonies continue until Shravan Purnima or Full-Moon day. Women fast during this period. On the day of the Shravan Purnima, the leaf cups are carried out in procession by the women to the nearest pond or lake or river and immersed in it. It is a prayer for a good harvest. They worship Goddess Bhagavathi and seek her blessing for a good crop that year. 

2016 Date : 18th August, Thursday.

2017 Date : 7th August.

Sri Raghavendra Swami Aradhana 2016

Sri Raghavendra Swami was born as the second son of Gopikamba and Thimanna Bhatta in the year 1595. The great saint who was hailed as the incarnation of Prahalada, the great bhakta of Lord Maha Vishnu, was born in the Mrighashirsha Nakshatra at Buvanagiri which is in the present day Tamilnadu.

Born as Venkatanatha and fondly called as Venkata Ramana, Sri Raghavendra Swami was the epitome of piety and bhakti. After serving the world and the lord for a lifetime, Sri Raghavendra Swami attained Jeeva Samadhi in the year 1671. It happened on the Dwitiya of Krishna Paksha of the Shravana month. The Brindavana that houses the samadhi is in the Raghavendra Mutt in Mantralayam and is visited by hundreds and thousands of devotees each year. The day of his Samadhi is celebrated as Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aradhana.

Shloka dedicated to Sri Raghavendra Swami Another important shloka of two lines is as follows:

"Poojyaaya Raaghavendraaya Satya Dharma Rathaayacha Bhajataam Kalpa Vrukshaaya Namathaam Kaamadhenave"

2016 Aradhana Dates :

19th August - Poorva Aradhana

20th August - Madhya Aradhana

21st August - Uttara Aradhana

Narali Purnima

Narali Poornima marks the end of monsoon season in Maharashtra. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan. People offer coconuts to the sea. The festival also marks the beginning of the new fishing season. So, fishermen appease the sea-god before sailing out over the mighty sea. They worship for a safe fishing. Singing and dancing are the main attraction of the festival. Sweet coconut rice is prepared for the day.


Narali Pournima, Shravani Pournima, Rakhi Pournima or Raksha Bandhan are the various names given to this festival. Naral means coconut and coconut is offered to the sea, so it is called the naral poornima.

2016 Date : 18^th August, Thursday.

2017 Date : 7th August.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year on 'Shravan Purnima' (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), which generally falls in the month of August.  It is also called Rakhi Purnima in most of India.

Celebrations :

The preparations for this pious festival begin well in advance. The market places wear a festive look with different varieties of colorful Rakhis on display in shops. Girls start the shopping and preparations quite early for Rakhi. They shop for new clothes and buy Rakhis, especially the ones that have to be sent to the brothers staying away. The sweet shops, the garment shops, gift shops, all are swamped with things to draw people. Rakhis are available in different sizes, colors and shapes from the characteristic round ones to heart shaped, symbolizing the bond of love between brothers and sisters. 

 On the auspicious day of Rakhi, sisters wake up in the morning, take bath, offer prayers to the Almighty and visit their brothers to perform the rituals of Rakhi. The ritual of Raksha Bandhan essentially includes tying of sacred thread by the sisters, on their brothers' wrist. Before tying Rakhi, the sisters would perform an aarti, apply tilak (by mixing rice grains and roli) on their brother's forehead and then offer them sweet. 

History & Legends :

Yamuna was the sister of Lord Yama, the God of death. On every "Shravan Purnima", Yamuna used to tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) to Lord Yama. Since then, it has become a tradition for sisters to tie Rakhi to their brothers on this day.Another incident from the epic Mahabharat concerns Krishna and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. She had once torn a strip of silk off her sari and tied it around Krishna's wrist to stanch the bleeding from a battlefield wound. Krishna was touched by her action and declared her to be his sister, even though they were unrelated.According to a legend the Demon King Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken up the task to guard his kingdom leaving his own abode in Vaikunth. Goddess Lakshmi wished to be with her lord back in her abode. She went to Bali disguised as a woman to seek refuge till her husband came back.

During the Shravan Purnima celebrations, Lakshmi tied the sacred thread to the King. Upon being asked, she revealed who she was and why she was there. The king was touched by her goodwill for his family and her purpose and requested the Lord to accompany her. He sacrificed all he had for the Lord and his devoted wife.This thread was yellow that made yellow Raksha Bandhan popular among brothers and sisters.

Thus, devotion to the Lord. It is said that since then it has been a tradition to invite sisters in Shravan Purnima for the thread tying ceremony or the Raksha Bandhan.

Different Names of Rakhi :

• In northern and western part of India, Raksha Bandhan is also called "Rakhi Purnima".
• In Western Ghats and the adjoining regions Rakhi is called "Nariyal Purnima" to signify the full moon like coconut.
• In southern part of the India Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as "Avani Avittam / Upakarmam
• Central India celebrates Rakhi as "Kajari Purnima".
• Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by the name of Pavitrapana in the western parts of India.

2016 Date : 18^th August, Thursday.

2017 Date : 7th August.

Gayatri Japam

Gayatri Japam is a very glorious and holy day for Hindus. It is observed just after Shravana Purnima (full moon day in the Hindu month of Shravana) as per the traditional Hindu calendar. This date corresponds to the months of July-August in the Gregorian calendar. On the auspicious day of Gayatri Japam, also known as �Gayatri Japa Sankalpam�, the Sama Vedi, Rig and Yajur Brahmins chant the Gayatri mantra with utmost devotion and dedication. In the Southern states of India, this ritual forms a part of the Avani Avittam and Upakarma rituals. During this ritual Brahmins who wear the �janeyu� or the sacred thread, chant the Gayatri mantra 108 times. The Gayatri Japam day is celebrated with full fervour all across India and is popularly called as �Gayatri Padyami� or �Gayatri Pratipada� in the Telangana and Andhra regions.

Significance of Gayatri Japam:

The supremacy of Gayatri Mantra is mentioned in several Hindu religious scriptures and puranas. The greatness of this mantra has been known since the Vedic times. This mantra is more powerful than any other mantras and forms the foundation for all other mantra in Hinduism. As per the legends, Gayatri is known to be the Supreme Goddess and is also referred as Mother Goddess. It is believed that a person who performs Gayatri Japam sincerely will be bestowed with all spiritual and worldly happiness. The power of Gayatri mantra is such that it frees the individual from all his/her sins, besides offering self purification.

Rituals during Gayatri Japam:

• Brahmins get up before sunrise and take an early bath on the day of Gayatri Japam. They first offer prayers to their deities to get enlightened with knowledge and wisdom.
• After finishing the initial puja rites, Brahmins chant the Gayatri Mantra for 108 or 1008 times continuously. The mode and sequence of performing this ritual majorly depends on the mutt affiliation. The Gayatri Japam ritual is performed during the morning and within the speculated time.
• Not only Brahmins but any individual can perform the Gayatri Japam ritual. A Brahmachari (on who follows celibacy), a Grihastha (householder) or even one in �Vanaprastha� (old age) can selflessly chant this mantra with a pure conscience.
• Gayatri mantra is dedicated to Sun God. It is believed to be highly meritorious to chant Gayatri Mantra three times during the day, in the morning when the sun rises, at noon when Sun reaches its apex and in the evening when the Sun sets. Gayatri Mantra is one that unites the individual with the Supreme Power, the Almighty.

2016 Date :18^thAugust.

2017 Date : 29th July.

Avani Avittam

Avani Avittam also known as �Upakramam� is a significant ritual for Brahmin community in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is observed on the �Shravan Purnima� (full moon day) of the traditional Hindu calendar, which is the also the day of Raksha Bandhan. The word �Avani� implies the �Tamil month� and �Avittam� is �one among the 27 Nakshatras�. Brahmins community in all corners of the world observe the Avani Avittam ritual with full dedication and devotion.

The Yajur Vedic Brahmins begin reading Yajur Veda on this day for next six months. On Avani Avittam Brahmins are bestowed with a holy thread and it is believed that the third eye (eye of wisdom) opens up. Avani Avittam is celebrated with immense zeal in Orissa, Maharashtra and southern states of India and is also known as �Janeyu Purnima� or �Jandhyala Purnima�.

Significance of Avani Avittam:

The festival of Avani Avittam signifies a new beginning of learning Veda. In the Hindu mythology, this day is considered very auspicious as Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Hayagriva, the God of knowledge, on this day. Lord Hayagriva was the one who reinstated the Vedas to Lord Brahma. This day is also celebrated as �Hayagriva Jayanti�. Avani Avittam holds immense importance to Yajur, Sama and Rig Vedic Brahmins. Avani Avittam is also celebrated as the day to express gratitude towards the Rishis for the spiritual knowledge and ancestors for their existence. The day after Avani Avittam is celebrated as �Gayatri Japam�. In some regions of southern India, this day is known as �Upakarma�.

Rituals during Avani Avittam:

• On the day of Avani Avittam a sacred vow or �Mahasankalpam� is taken for compensation of the sins committed in the past year. Sacred mantras are chanted during this time.
• Brahmins get up at sunrise and take a holy dip. On Avani Avittam Brahmins wear a new sacred thread called as �Janeyu� or �Yajnopavit�. It is the most important ritual on Avani Avittam and Vedic mantras are chanted during this time. It is usually a community observance that is performed on the banks of a river or pond.
• After wearing the new thread or Janeyu, the older one is discarded to signify a new beginning.

2016 Date : 18th August

2017 Date : 28^th July.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna.Sri Krishna was born in the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) to King Vasudeva and Devaki Devi on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti and Krishnashtami.

The Shravana month corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha, according to Barhapatyamana. It is said that Lord Krishna took birth in the year of Visvavasu, about 5,227 years ago. He was the avatar of Lord Vishnu which came to the earth in Dwapara Yuga.In present time, this festival is rejoiced for over two days because the nakshatra called Rohini and the 8th day of Krishna Paksh may not fall on the same day.

This is why this festival is celebrated for two days, in which the first day is known as Krishnashtami, as on this day Lord Krishna took birth which comes on the eighth day after the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan whereas the second day is called as Kalashtami.

HISTORY & LEGENDS :

For Hindus, the life of Krishna exemplifies morality and virtuousness. Some historians have surmised 3227 BC to be the year of birth of Lord Krishna. It was prophesied that the eighth son Of Devaki and Vasudeva will kill the demon king Kamsa. Upon hearing the divine proclamation, Kamsa imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. Krishna, the much awaited eighth son of Devaki, who was to free the earth from all demons, was born in prison at the stroke of midnight. Though, Kamsa succeeded in killing all the previous seven children of Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna was saved by divine intervention.

During the Mahabharata war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Krishna acted as the charioteer of Arjuna, one of the Pandavas. While delivering his discourse to Arjun, which has been compiled in the sacred Hindu Scripture of 'Bhagwat Gita', he spread the concept of karma and divinity to the entire human race. In one of the verses Krishna says, "Whenever there is decay of righteousness, O! Bharata and a rise of unrighteousness, then I will manifest myself." Hindus still believe that, Lord Krishna will be born again to banish all that is evil and profane and will thus re-establish the religious sanctity.

Hindus, since ages, have been celebrating the birth of their great savior, Lord Krishna on the occasion of Janmashtami, with great devotion and ardor. Celebrated all across India, the festival of Janmashtami bears a special significance in Indian culture and is marked for the inspirited festivities. If you wish to make this pious occasion of Janmashtami special and memorable for your loved ones, send a wonderful gift bearing all your love and hearty wishes.

Rituals and Traditions :

The most common and essential ritual followed on the day of Janmashtami is the fasting by devotees. Most of Lord Krsihna�s devotees fast for on this day and open the fast at midnight when it is assumed that Lord Krishna has been born. At the time of midnight also, the people who have observed fast whole day prefer to have only milk and milk products as they are considered auspicious as well pure. Some of the ardent devotees of Krishna observe the fat for the entire day even without consuming water- it is called �Nirjal Vrat�. There are other devotees who observe two day fast in the honor of Lord Krishna.

It is said that chanting Lord Krishna�s name with entire devotion brings immense joy and pleasure in the life of the devotee. So, on the birthday of Lord Krishna, devotees indulge in continuous chanting of Krishna�s name for the entire day. They chant sholkas, mantras, richas from the Veda. They also read Bhagwat Geeta and sing bhajans in the name of Krishna. It is said that chanting 108 names of Lord Krishna brings auspiciousness in one�s life. 

Bhajans are a vital custom of the Janmashtami celebrations. Devotees sing and dance with fervor in the name of Lord Krishna. In many temples of Mathura and Vridavana, you will find devotees mesmerized and overwhelmed with their love and devotion for Shri Krishna.

It is known to everybody that Lord Krishna was extremely fond of sweets and dairy products. So on the day of Krishnashtami, devotees of Lord Krishna prepare umpteen varieties of sweets and dairy products and offer them to the idols of Krishna. This ritual is called �bhog�. Later, these sweets are distributed amongst the devotees as � Prasada�. 

 Celebrations :

The festivities of Janmashtami can last for two to three days in different parts of India. During these days, special prayer sessions are organized in the temples. Devotees visit Krishna temples in large numbers to pay homage to the Lord. The celebrations and prayer ceremonies reach to their zenith at midnight of the first day when Shri Krishna was born. To symbolize this auspicious occasion, the idol of the infant Krishna, also known as Bal Gopal, is bathed with milk, butter and honey. The idol is later placed in a beautifully ornamented cradle. With the blowing of a conch shell, Krishna's avatar is announced to the world. To celebrate this pious occasion, many homemade dishes are prepared throughout India to present as an offering to Lord Krishna, like Murukku, Vella Seedai, Paal Payasam, Peda and Shrikhand.

Devotees from all over the world visit Krishna temples placed at Vrindhavan, Mathura and Dwaraka for the celebrations of Janmashtami, as it is believed that Lord Krishna spent most of his life in these places. In some parts of Northern India, the festivities of Janmashtami are even more elaborate. Dance dramas based on various incidents of Lord Krishna's life are performed and enjoyed by the public. 'Dahi Handi' contests are organized in which groups of youngsters compete to reach and then break the pot of curd or butter hung on a rope quite high from the ground.

Janmashtami Pooja :

 Some of the very important puja items for Krishna Janmashtami include a puja thali, bell, diya (earthen lamp), rice, cardamom, betel nuts (pan supari), beetle leaves, roli, small container (lota) filled with Gangajal, honey, vermilion (sindoor), incense sticks, flowers and clarified butter (ghee). Apart from this, one also requires new clothes and jewelry for the deity as well as a small cradle. The items needed to make the Panchamrit include Gangajal, honey, ghee, milk and yogurt. 

Special puja is conducted at Lord Krishna temples on Janmashtami. The puja for the festival usually begins early in the morning, when a sacred bath is given to the idol of baby Krishna, using the holy water of Hindus - Ganga jal (water collected from River Ganga). After bathing, the idol is adorned with new clothes (that are decked with precious stone) that are made especially for embellishing it on the auspicious occasion. Yellow, orange and red may be the color of the clothes. Thereafter, the idol is clad with jewelry. The holy place is illuminated with diyas, while the devotees chant mantras and sing bhajans, praising Lord Krishna. Next, the idol is swung in a cradle, during which conches are blown. When the entire pooja is over, the devotees break their fast by having 'panchamrit'. Thereafter, the prasad is distributed among the devotees.

Janmashtami Fast 

Nirjal Fast (Fast Without Water)

On this day, the devotees of Lord Krishna observe Nirjal Fast to give honour to the God and also to celebrate the festive occasion of Janmashtami. In this type of fast, people do not take any type of food and not even water for the entire day. The followers of Lord Krishna keep this type of fast to come closer to the divine being. Also, they ask forgiveness for the sins they have committed till the date. At 12 o'clock, at night the ardent followers perform special puja and aarti, and offer prasad to the Lord Krishna. After this, they break their fast by eating the prasad.

Phalahar Fast (Fast With Fruits)

On the day of Janmashtami, the followers of Lord Krishna also observe Phalahar Fast. In this type of fast, one is allowed to take water, fruits and milk. However, salty food items and cereals are not permitted. The entire day people keep them busy in singing Janmashtami songs and chanting the mantras of Lord Krishna. According to them, this is the best way to make the God contented and to be in close contact with Lord Krishna. Also, they observe this fast to apologise for the mistakes they have done in their life till the time.

Krishna Janmashtami Decorations :

During Janmashtami, temples of Lord Krishna are beautifully decorated. Generally, the temples are decorated with natural flowers and the tableaus depicting popular incidents from Lord Krishna's life. The grandeur of the decoration of Janmashtmi at Dwarakadheesh temple in Mathura is worth watching.

Rasa Leela On Janmashtami :

On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, the devotees of Lord Krishna would enjoy the scenes of Rasa leela performed by professional artists. Generally,  boys aged between 10 and 13 years are selected to enact as Lord Krishna in Raslila. The main theme of the dance drama revolves around the formative years of Lord Krishna. Apart from Raslila, other themes are also chosen for the performance. These may include Janamleela (the birth of Lord Krishna), Shanklarleela, Putanaleela (the assassination of the demon Putana) and Nagleela (the killing of serpent Kaliya). The troupes perform the dance drama with utmost devotion. In fact, Shri Krishna Rasa leela is one of the main forms of entertainment on Janmashtami.

Significance Of Rangoli

Rangoli or kolam forms a significant part of Janmashtami. This is because on the day, Lord Krishna is expected to visit the homes, which are kept neat and beautifully decorated. Since the devotees of lord Krishna expect his visit, they scrub-clean their house and premises, decorate the place with festoons and draw his footsteps, using rice flour, at the entranceway. The footsteps are considered complete, only when they are complemented by a beautiful kolam. This is the reason why on the occasion of Janmashtami, people draw kolam at their entranceway. Moreover, rangoli is considered auspicious for any Hindu festival. All the decorations are given a finishing touch by beautiful rangoli motifs.

Janmashtami In India

In India, Janmashtami is celebrated with fun and fervor. The festivities extend to six days or a week in some of the famous Lord Krishna temples located in Mathura and Vrindavan. People observe fast (either nirjal or phalahar) during the day time and break it at the midnight stroke of the eighth day of Savana month, when Lord Krishna was born. Cultural programs are organized by various committees. Sri Krishna Raslila, the dance drama depicting the important phases of the deity's life, is one of the highlights of the cultural programs. Mouthwatering sweets made of milk and milk products are served during the festival.

2015 Date : 5th September, Saturday. 

2016 Date : 25th August, Thursday.

Sri Bhagavan Venkaiah Swamy Aradhana - 2016

Sri Swamy demised on August, 24th 1982 at Golagamudi.Every year Aradhana festival is celebrating on this day and lakhs of devotees will attend on these days. Aradhana Mahotsavams will start every year on 18th August and ends on 24th August.

Date	Vahana sevas	Time
August 18	Sarvabupala vahanaseva Kalpavruksha vahanaseva	10:00 AM 9:00 PM
August 19	Hanumantha vahanaseva Chandraprabha vahanaseva	10:00 AM 9:00 PM
August 20	chinnasesha vahanaseva Hamsa vahanaseva	10:00 AM 9:00 PM
August 21	Suryaprabha vahanaseva Gajavahana vahanaseva	10:00 AM 9:00 PM
August 22	Ashva vahanaseva Peddasesha vahanaseva	10:00 AM 9:00 PM
August 23	Simha vahanaseva Garuda vahanaseva	10:00 AM 9:00 PM
August 24	Radhotshavam Teppa Mahosthavam	10:00 AM 8:00 PM

Daily schedule at the time of Aradhanamahosthavalu from August 18 to August 24

S.No	Details	Time
1.	Go Pooja	1:30 AM
2.	Sri Swamy Vari Suprabhata Seva	2:00 AM
3.	Vishnu Sahastranama	2:15 AM
4.	Abhishekam	2:45 AM
5.	Swamy Vari Pooja	4:00 AM & 11:00 AM & 6:30 PM
6.	Harathi &Prasadam	5:00 AM & 12:00 PM & 7:30 PM
7.	Abishekam for Usthava murthy &Sahastrnama pooja&Dhuni Pooja	4:00 AM
8.	Vahana Seva	10:00 AM
9.	Vahana Seva	9:00 PM
10.	Sri Swamy vari Ekanta Seva	11:00PM

Aaradhana Date is 24th august.