Source: Shrinivas Tilak
October 26, 2002: Following are the major and minor festivals of Hinduism for the next month. October 26, KARVA ( or Karwah) CHAUTH: Married Hindu women of North India observe fast and offer prayers seeking the welfare, prosperity, and a long life of their husbands and families. The fast is broken only after the moon is sighted in reflection in water and special rituals and prayers marking the day have been offered. New brides are encouraged to wear their bridal outfits and others wear outfits woven with gold. Bangles and other jewellery are worn and special mehendi patterns are applied on the hands. Special food delicacies are served and the night is spent in much fun and frolic. November 4, DEEPAVALI, Diwali or Lakshmi Puja: This day is reserved for the worship of Devi in her manifestation as Laksmi. Fortune and good luck will then not leave the house in that year. Presents are given to relatives, friends, and subordinates. All over India houses, temples, and sacred spots are ablaze with thousands of small oil and colorful decorative paper lamps. Children let off firebands and crackers to their hearts’ content. Merchants who follow the Vikrama calendar close shops and worship their books today and pray to Laksmi for a prosperous new year. November 15-19, TULSIVIVAHA: The Tulsi plant (Indian Basil) is grown in a special brick enclosure (Vrindavan) and is tenderly cared for and worshipped for its sacredness. In the auspicious month of Karttika Tulsi is ceremonially married to Vishnu, which then marks the opening of the marriage season in India. November 18, VAIKUNTHA CHATURDASI: Vaikuntha, the paradise of Vishnu, is located on southern slopes of Mount Meru flowing through which is the celestial river Ganga. On this day eternal nearness to Vishnu in his paradise is facilitated to all his devotees. Note: Festival dates are calculated according to Hindu astrology and depend upon latitude and longitude. Hence dates for the same festival may differ around the world.