2014 Calendar Acknowledgements

Transcription

1 ॐ व त ड मह क य क टस य सम भ न व न क म द व सव क य ष सव द व श य मन प य क ल य न ग णत यम यत त न प ण क य य द नण यम भ कर च य य वव ह सवज तक द ख ट फ ट र वफल फ ट वम य यत त न नभ र ण फ ट य ग णत यक We are pleased to release the 2014 calendar based on Hindu dharma shastra and drika siddhanta. This calendar is specially prepared for the Oklahoma City area, and it may not be applicable in other parts of the world. All time presented here is adjusted for Daylight Saving Time. People usually align the Hindu festivals with the English dates based on the Indian calendar. They think that if an Indian calendar says Janmasthami on a certain date, say September 2 nd 2010, then it will appear as September 2 nd everywhere in the world. The USA is 10:30 to 15:30 hours behind India, so some people will think it will also come the next day in the USA, i.e. September 3 rd They also argue that their family priest in India has told them to celebrate on this particular date and according to him the Indian calendar will apply to all places in the world. This is a completely wrong assumption. If the Earth was flat then you can use Indian calendar everywhere as sunrise sunset will happen all places equally. We won t have any timezones and the world will have only one timezone. Surya Siddhanta, Maharishi Vashistha, Bhaskaracharya taught us to prepare the panchangam based on the longitude, latitude of the place you live for these reasons you cannot bring a calendar from India and use abroad. The English date and changes at midnight; whereas the Hindu date (or Tithi) and day does not change at midnight. Hindu day changes at Sunrise. All days are from one Sunrise to another Sunrise. Sunday will start at one Sunrise and end at the next Sunrise.The Hindu date the Tithi changes depending on the position of the Sun and Moon. It can change anytime between two Sunrises. That is to say that if Prathama Tithi ends today at 23:02 it does not mean that Dwitiya Tithi will end tomorrow at the same time. It can end at 18:00, 18:09 or later. Tithi: In the lunar calendar the Moon takes a month for each revolution around the Earth. The lunar calendar is divided into two groups called Pakshas. The first one is called Krishna Paksha (or dark fortnight) or wanning moon. The second is called Shukla Paksha (or bright fortnight) or waxing moon. Each Paksha is divided into 15 Tithis. The first 14 Tithis are the Sanskrit numbers from 1 to 14 (Prathama, Dvithiya etc). The 15th Tithi of Shukla Paksha is Poornima (full Moon) & the 15th of the Krishna Paksha is Amavasya (Moon is not visible as it is closest to the Sun). Lunar Month: A lunar month consists of 30 Tithis and each Tithi then corresponds to the time taken by the Moon to move 12 degrees with respect to the Sun. Krishna Paksha Tithis are in the darker color and Shukla Paksha Tithis are mentioned in the red color. Names of lunar months are Chaitra, Vaishakh, Jyestha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwayuja, Kartika, Margasira, Pushya, Maha, and Phalguna. Solar Month: A solar month begins when the Sun leaves one rasi and moves into the next. The solar month names are based on 12 signs, they are Mesha, Vrishbha, Mithuna, Karka, Simha, Kanya, Tula, Vrischika, Dhanush, Makara, Kumbha, and Mina. This system is widely used in Tamilnadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Orrisa, Punjab and Assam. Nakshatra: The path of the moon around earth is divided into 27 segments or Nakshatras. A nakshatra changes when the moon leaves one of these 27 segments and enters the next. Nakshatras are in italics. They are Ashwini, Bharani, Kritika, Rohini, Mrisgashirsh, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Poorva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jyestha, Moola, Poorva Shadha, Uttara Shadha, Shravan, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, Poorva Bhadra, U.ttara Bhadra and Revati. Timings listed in the Calendar: The Tithi & Nakshatra times indicate a time when the Tithi or Nakshatra ends. The Panchanga uses the Vedic definition of a day, i.e., A day starts with Sunrise and ends with the subsequent Sunrise. Thus, a Tithi with a time of 29:00 indicates that the Tithi ends past midnight but before the next Sunrise at 5:00 AM (29:00 24:00) on the next calendar day. Hence 24:00 means 00:00 hours of the next day, 25:00 means 1:00 AM of the next day, and 29:00 means 5:00 AM of the next day. This is standard time notation for any Panchangam. The time for Sun s samkramana is when Sun will enter that rasi or sign on that day. e.g. Makara 4:36 means Sun is entering Makara rasi at 4 hour 36 minute. All other times are the ending times. How festival dates are determined? The usual rule to observe a festival is to check the Tithi prevailing at the Sunrise. Each festival has different rules. For example Ganesha Chaturthi has to be oserved when the Chaturthi Tithi is observed during the 8th/15th part of the dinmana. The dinmana is the difference between local Sunset and Sunrise. If Chaturthi is not prevailing during that period then take the second day. For example, if one Tithi is observed at moonrise in India it may or may not exist during moonrise on the same day in a different part of the world. If you are in America then it will be observed on previous day or the next day if you are in Japan, Fiji, Australia and other countries. For example if a total lunar eclipse is visible in India at 5:00 AM it will happen on the previous day in the USA. For these reasons Indian Panchangam you bring from India cannot be used outside of India. Uttarayana / Dakshinayana: The season occur based on earth s position around the Sun. This is due to Earth s tilt of degrees. The Earth circles around Sun with this tilt. When the tilt is facing the Sun we get summer and when the tilt is away from the Sun we get winter. Because of this tilt it seems like the Sun travels north and south of the equator. The Uttarayana is the Sun appearing to move north. The Dakshinayana is the Sun appearing to move towards South. This causes rise to seaons and dependent on equinoxes and solstices. There is a common misconception that Makar Samkranti is the Uttarayana. This is because at one point in time Sayana and Nirayana Zodiac were same. Every year equinoxes slides by 50 seconds due to precision of equinoxes, giving birth to Ayanamsha and causing Makar Samkranti to slide further. As a result if you think Makar Samkranti is uttarayana then as it is sliding it will come in June after 9000 years. However Makar Samkranti still holds importance in our rituals as a Samkranti. All Drika Panchanga makers will use the position of the tropical Sun to determine Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. Hence January 14 th isn t Uttarayana. Actual Uttarayana occurs on December 21 st /22 nd of every year. For more details please visit or write to shastriji@mypanchang.com. About mypanchang.com: mypanchang.com is the leading panchang maker providing the most accurate panchagam in English and various Indian languages and panchangam for over more than 394 cities all over the world based on highly accurate driga ganitha or thiruganitha. Most temples in the world rely on mypanchang.com for accurate Panchang data and festival observance times. Please visit mypanchang.com for more details. If you have any questions about confusion about any festival please contact mypanchang.com 2014 Calendar Acknowledgements Panchangam Data Festivals & Muhurthas Calculated by Advisors Calender Design Management mypanchang.com Pandit Mahesh Shastri Panchang Ganita, Panchang Siddhanti Hindu Poojari, Vedic and KP Astrologer mypanchang.com seattlepandit.com (425) Dr. Ramchandra Joisa, Sistla Somayajulu, Rallabhandi Anjaneyulu, Santhosh Kumar Sharma Gollapelli Parantap Kumar Vyas, Pundit Sandip Shastriji (Indianapolis) Hindu Temple Of Oklahoma, Monica Monasterio, Vikas Pulpa, Mohan Kotha, Chakri Mukkasa, Rama Srinivasan, Paddy Ramaiyanger Nayana Shastri Notes: Any data presented here is copyright of mypanchang.com and its associates along with Hindu Temple of Oklahoma, any portion reproduced without prior written permission of mypanchang.com will be treated as a violation of the United States copyright laws. mypanchang.com World s leading Panchang Maker

2 India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Address India Cultural Foundation 7200 N. Coltrane Oklahoma City, OK Phone: (405) Fax: (405) Mailing Address P.O. Box: 7495 Edmond, OK Website Directions to the Temple From I-35S: Take Exit # 134 (Wilshire exit) Take right on Wilshire and right on Coltrane Temple is on the left side From I-35N: Take Exit # 134 (Wilshire exit) Take left on Wilshire and right on Coltrane Temple is on the left side Temple Hours Week Days 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM Weekends 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM Temple closes at 07:30 PM during January, February & March ICF /HTO Board and Executive committee thank the following donors for sponsoring 2014 year calendar. 1. Dr. Ajay Verma - The Bhajan-Sharda Group, LLC 2. Dr. Ajay Verma - AASNA Property Group, LLC 3. Eye Level Math * Reading * Writing 4. Himalayas The Aroma of India 5. K.S. Ramchand CPA INC Tax, Estate & Gift planning, Investments 6. Nita & Rajni Patel - Spices of India All Indian Groceries ICF/HTO Board and Executive committee thanks the following for their significant contributions for 2014 calendar: Acharya Srinivasa Chary Vedala, Acharya Narayana Chary Parasaram, Dilip Joshi, Venkataraman Kalyanaraman, Seshachalam Dutta, Nathan Shankar, and Bharathi Rao

3 HINDUISM INTRODUCTION Hinduism, aptly called Sanatana Dharma came down from millennia from great Rishis by the revelations through divine grace, passed on verbally for generations but with no single founder. Sanatana Dharma formulates a way of life to promote personal fulfillment, societal and family responsibilities as established by Vedas, so it is called Vedic dharma. It includes the duties of four Varnas and obligation at different stages of human life (ashramas). Dharma also states the concept of right and wrong, nonviolence by thought and action, truthfulness, refrain from greed and avarice, and cognizance of oneself in kinship with universal souls(brahmacharya Brahme charati Brhmacharyam). Sanatana dharma is rational, not fundamentalist and ever evolving. While there are many strands of ancient traditions in Hinduism, at philosophical level they abide by four principles, that Atman is eternal, imperishable, every action (karma) has a consequence either in this life or future births, the belief in reincarnation due to karma and liberation of Atman resulting in Moksha or Nirvana and joining with Brahman or God.

4 January 2014 Uttarayana Shishir Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Vijaya Samvatsara Pushya - Magha Dhanus - Makara Margazhi Thai Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 New Year Puja 11 Vaikuntha Ekadashi 13 Bhogi Goda Kalyanam 14 Thai Pongal, Makar Samkranti 16 Thai Poosam Panchami 12:29:29 Shatabhisha 10:18:35 5 Shashthi 10:45:30 P.Bhadrapada 09:10:53 6 Saptami 09:49:12 U.Bhadrapada 08:49:44 7 Pausha S Prathama 25:20:54+ P.shadha 20:30:36 1 Uttaarayana Shishir Ritu New Year Abhishekam, Muttangi Seva 10:00 AM Ashtami 09:41:09 Revati 09:15:33 8 Dvitiiya 21:32:47 U.shada 17:25:13 2 Navami 10:18:15 Ashvini 10:24:59 9 Tritiiya 18:01:16 Shravana 14:34:12 3 Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Dashami 11:34:12 Bharani 12:11:38 10 Chaturthi 14:57:05 Dhanishta 12:08:47 4 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM Ekadashi 13:20:46 Krittika 14:27:16 11 Sri Kartikeya Puja 6:30 PM Vaikuntha Ekadasi Puja 7:30 AM Dvadashi 15:29:09 Rohini 17:03:15 12 Trayodashi 17:51:15 Mrigashirsha 19:51:50 13 Bhogi Lohari Goda Kalyanam 6:30 PM Chaturdashi 20:20:34 Aardra 22:46:51 Sun : Makara 01:38:32 14 Thai Pongal Makar Samkranti Lord Ayyapa Puja 6:30 PM Purnima 22:52:09 Punarvasu 25:43: Kanuma Pausha K Prathama 25:22:09+ Pushya 28:38: Thai Poosam Sri Kartikeya Abhishekam 6:30 PM Dvitiiya 27:46:57+ Aslesha 31:28: Tritiiya 30:02:14+ Magha full night 18 Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Chaturthi full night Magha 10:08:16 19 Chaturthi 08:02:25 P.Phalguni 12:33:00 20 Panchami 09:40:30 U.Phalguni 14:35:29 21 Shashthi 10:48:43 Hasta 16:07:59 22 Saptami 11:19:31 Chitra 17:03:10 23 Ashtami 11:07:00 Svaati 17:15:28 24 Navami 10:08:01 Vishaakha 16:42:14 25 Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 4:30 PM Thyagaraja Aradhana Sri Rama Puja 6:30 PM Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:30 PM Dashami 08:22:47 Ekadashi 29:54:54+ Anuraadha 15:24:17 26 Dvadashi 26:50:56+ Jyeshtha 13:25:58 27 Trayodashi 23:19:44 Mula 10:54:40 28 Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturdashi 19:31:47 P.shadha 08:00:05 U.shada 28:53: Amavasya 15:38:31 Shravana 25:47: Magha S Prathama 11:51:47 Dhanishta 22:53:26 31

5 Concept of One God In Hinduism, though one worships many forms of God, in reality there is only One God. As an individual is the father, son, uncle etc. to different people, he is in reality one person. So is God. The Nasadiya Sukta tells us of a single primordial and extremely abstract principle designated THAT - which is Pure Consciousness, unfathomable and unknowable by ordinary human minds and from which the entire world of Many has evolved, is called The Brahman. In Hinduism, God in this state of existence is called Nirguna Brahman, or the Impersonal and Attribute less God. When one tries to think of the infinite Brahman with his finite mind, he unknowingly projects human characteristics or qualities on Nirguna Brahman to make Him a personal God, Saguna Brahman. Ishvara or God is sexless, yet the Hindus can look upon Ishvara as both father and mother. Ishvara, has three basic aspects: (1) the creator, (2) the preserver and (3) the destroyer. Aside from these, Ishvara has endless qualities. One or more of these can be personified as a deity in Hinduism. According to one s mental attitudes, preference, identification, they can establish other relationships with God and can worship a single Personal deity. For example, as giver of knowledge and learning, that aspect of Ishvara is personified as the deity Sarasvati. Deities are not many different Gods, but merely the personifications of various attributes of one s mind and the same Ishvara and one God. Ekam sad vipraha bahudha vadanti God is One, whom the sages call by various names. In the sweet memories of Ch. Devi Singh and Smt. Bhuro Devi (Grand Parents and Great Grand Parents) Ajay, Anita, Shilpa, Nimisha and Ankit The Bhajan-Sharda Group, LLC

6 February 2014 Uttarayana Shishir-Vasant Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Vijaya Samvatsara Magha Makara - Kumbha Thai Maasi Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 Sri Varada Ganesha Jayanthi 5 Ratha Saptami 10 Bhishma Ekadashi 27 Maha Shivaratri Magha S Dvitiiya 08:23:21 Tritiiya 29:24:19+ Shatabhisha 20:24:06 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM 1 Chaturthi 27:04:25+ P.Bhadrapada 18:29:51 2 Panchami 25:31:13+ U.Bhadrapada 17:19:11 3 Shashthi 24:49:11+ Revati 16:57:34 4 Saptami 24:58:49+ Ashvini 17:26:33 5 Ashtami 25:56:26+ Bharani 18:43:24 6 Navami 27:34:20+ Krittika 20:41:20 7 Dashami 29:42:05+ Rohini 23:10:34 8 Sri Varada Ganesha Jayanthi Abhishekam 4:30 PM Vasant Panchami Sri Kartikeya Puja 6:30 PM Ratha Saptami Sri Suryanarayana Puja 8:00 AM Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Ekadashi full night Mrigashirsha 25:59:59+ 9 Ekadashi 08:08:14 Aardra 28:58: Bhishma Ekadasi Vishnu Sahasranama Puja 6:30 PM Dvadashi 10:42:00 Punarvasu full night 11 Trayodashi 13:14:36 Punarvasu 07:58:25 Sun : Kumbha 14:38:40 12 Chaturdashi 15:39:41 Pushya 10:51:53 13 Purnima 17:53:00 Aslesha 13:34:53 14 Magha K Prathama 19:51:38 Magha 16:04:26 Masi Magham Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM 15 Dvitiiya 21:33:11 P.Phalguni 18:18:06 16 Tritiiya 22:54:51 U.Phalguni 20:13:13 17 Chaturthi 23:53:09 Hasta 21:46:25 18 Panchami 24:24:00+ Chitra 22:53:34 19 Shashthi 24:23:08+ Svaati 23:30:23 20 Saptami 23:47:06 Vishaakha 23:33:09 21 Ashtami 22:34:00 Anuraadha 22:59:43 22 Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 6:30 PM Navami 20:44:11 Jyeshtha 21:50:14 23 Dashami 18:20:29 Mula 20:07:27 24 Ekadashi 15:28:10 P.shadha 17:56:48 25 Dvadashi 12:14:33 U.shada 15:25:53 26 Sri Rama Puja 6:00 PM Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Trayodashi 08:48:32 Chaturdashi 29:20:03+ Shravana 12:44:03 27 Maha Shivaratri Rudrabhishekam 5:30 PM Amavasya 25:59:38+ Dhanishta 10:01:48 28 Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:30 PM

7 Hindu Sacred Texts-Shruti Shruti: These are revealed texts not authored. They consist of the four Vedas, Samhitas, Brahmanas, Vedanta etc. Shruti also means heard so these were passed orally from one to another and not given in written form. They are Mantras or Hymns sung in a very systematic manner that it was preserved without any change for eons. It is an amazing feat when compared to modern events that change so frequently. The word Veda originates from the Sanskrit root Vid which means to know so it literally means knowledge. Vedas according to Hindu theology are Apourasheya, which are not the creation of humans and are the foundation of Hinduism. The Divine Vedas were revealed to Rishis, committed to memory, and so were not written. They are eternal, absolute, veritable and inviolable. They were organized into Rig, Yajur and Sama and Atharva Veda by MahaRishi Veda Vyasa. Rig Veda, the oldest and largest,-10,552 Mantras, which are rituals and prayers to Nature Gods such as Indra, Agni, Vayu, Surya, Varuna, etc, for welfare and happiness. The Nasdiya and Purusha Suktas are a part of Rig Veda. Yajur Veda contains 1,975 Mantras, explain the significance of Yajnas-the rituals. It includes Ashwamedha, Rajasuya Yajnas etc. Sama Veda describes the tunes in which Mantras are to be chanted musically with devotion. It contains 1,875 Mantras. Shri Krishna proclaimed to be Sama Veda among the Vedas and this is so dear to God Shiva. Atharva Veda has 6,077 Mantras dealing with medicine, warfare, architecture, commerce, statesmanship and personal perfection. It introduces the concepts of Swarga and Naraka as well as sin and virtues. Derived from Vedas, the Samhitas contain hymns for Yajna-the rituals; the Brahmanas explain the meaning of the rituals; the Aranyakas meditate philosophically and spiritually on those ideas. The Upanishads, or Vedanta literally means the end parts Antha of Vedas. They are the core and culmination of Vedic Philosophy. The Upanishads contain the knowledge about ParaBrahman, Atman, Universe and Liberation. There are 108 Upanishads in existence.

8 March 2014 Uttarayana Vasant Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Vijaya- Jaya Phalguna - Chaitra Kumbha - Mina Maasi - Phanguni Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Amavasya 13:44:39 U.Bhadrapada 15:00 30 Chaitra S Prathama 11:55:06 Revati 13:56:08 31 Jaya Ugadi Gudi Padwa Samuhika Satyanarayana Puja 6:30 PM 15 Holi 16 Lakshmi Jayanthi 31 Jaya Ugadi, Gudi Padwa Phalguna S Prathama 22:57:51 Shatabhisha 07:30:05 P.Bhadrapada 29:19:45+ Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM 1 Dvitiiya 20:24:46 U.Bhadrapada 27:40:52+ 2 Tritiiya 18:29:21 Revati 26:41:48+ 3 Chaturthi 17:18:33 Ashvini 26:28:28+ 4 Panchami 16:56:28 Bharani 27:03:18+ 5 Shashthi 17:23:32 Krittika 28:24:40+ 6 Saptami 18:35:54 Rohini 30:26:42+ 7 Ashtami 20:25:36 Mrigashirsha full night 8 Sri Kartikeya Puja 6:30 PM Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Navami 23:41:30 Mrigashirsha 09:59:51 9 Daylight Saving Begins Dashami 26:10:54+ Aardra 12:52:15 10 Ekadashi 28:41:27+ Punarvasu 15:51:35 11 Dvadashi 31:02:43+ Pushya 18:46:42 12 Trayodashi full night Aslesha 21:28:54 13 Trayodashi 09:07:05 Magha 23:52:14 Sun : Mina 12:32:34 14 Chaturdashi 10:49:46 P.Phalguni 25:53: Holika Dahan Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Purnima 12:08:19 U.Phalguni 27:30: Lakshmi Jayanthi Abhishekam 10:30 AM Havan/Puja 4:30 PM Phalguna K Prathama 13:01:53 Hasta 28:44: Dvitiiya 13:30:25 Chitra 29:33: Tritiiya 13:34:05 Svaati 29:58: Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturthi 13:12:59 Vishaakha 29:59: Panchami 12:27:07 Anuraadha 29:36: Shashthi 11:16:34 Jyeshtha 28:49: Saptami 09:41:58 Mula 27:39: Ashtami 07:44:46 Navami 29:27:34+ P.shadha 26:09: Dashami 26:54:19+ U.shada 24:22: Ekadashi 24:10:13+ Shravana 22:24:49 26 Sri Rama Puja 6:30 PM Dvadashi 21:21:40 Dhanishta 20:21:43 27 Trayodashi 18:35:55 Shatabhisha 18:21:07 28 Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:00 PM Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturdashi 16:00:53 P.Bhadrapada 16:31:09 29

9 Hindu Sacred Texts-Smruti Smruti: These are written by great enlightened scholars. In contrast to the Divine source of Vedas, the Smruti Shastras, were written by Great Sages, not revealed. They include important works such as the Dharma Shastras, Puranas, Sutras and Itihas. The Dharma Shastras written by Sages Manu, Yajnavalka, Narada et al. contain laws and moral codes of conduct for individual and society. Gruhya sutras are vedic domestic ritual texts composed by great sages like Aswalayana, Bodhayana, Paraskara, Gobhila etc., They deal with domestic rituals such as conception, Birth, Initiation (Upanayana), Marriage, Death etc., The Puranas written by VedaVyasa, convey through stories and parables, the complex message of Vedas in an interesting and simple manner for ordinary people. The Itihasas contain the two Great Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata. Ramayana written by Valmiki describes the life of Lord Rama who exemplifies virtues of an Ideal Man, Family, Society. Mahabharata written by VedaVyasa is valued as the fifth Veda describes the complexes of life, virtues, loyalty, dharma etc. Mahabharatha contains 100,000 verses of which 700 comprise the Divine Bhagvad-Gita. The Bhagavad Gita is the essence of all Upanishads as given by Lord Krishna, the Great Acharya or Teacher. The fourfold system of Jnana, Karma, Raja and Bhakti Yoga explained in the Gita clearly provides the path for liberation for mankind. BEST WISHES FOR 2014 TAX PLANNING, ESTATE /GIFT PLANNING, INVESTMENTS K.S. RAMCHAND, CPA INC PHONE: (405) ;

10 April 2014 Uttarayana Vasant-Grishma Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Chaitra - Vaishakha Mina - Mesha Phanguni Chittirai Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 8 Rama Navami 14 Hanuman Jayanthi 20 Meenakshi Kalyanam Chaitra S Dvitiiya 10:39:17 Ashvini 13:26:01 1 Tritiiya 10:02:43 Bharani 13:35:02 2 Chaturthi 10:08:40 Krittika 14:25:46 3 Panchami 10:57:09 Rohini 15:57:26 4 Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Shashthi 12:24:28 Mrigashirsha 18:05:25 5 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM Sri Kartikeya Puja 4:30 PM Saptami 14:22:59 Aardra 20:41:16 6 Ashtami 16:41:42 Punarvasu 23:33:38 7 Navami 19:07:37 Pushya 26:29:39+ 8 Sri Rama Navami Janmotsavam 10:00 AM Sita Rama Kalyanam 6:30 PM Dashami 21:27:36 Aslesha 29:16:49+ 9 Ekadashi 23:30:08 Magha full night 10 Dvadashi 25:06:34+ Magha 07:44:36 11 Trayodashi 26:11:40+ P.Phalguni 09:45:29 12 Chaturdashi 26:43:23+ U.Phalguni 11:15:12 Sun : Mesha 21:03:18 Panguni Uttiram 13 Purnima 26:42:16+ Hasta 12:12:34 14 Hanuman Jayanthi Abhishekam 9:30 AM Tamil New Year Vishu Kani Chaitra K Prathama 26:10:44+ Chitra 12:38:44 Lunar Eclipse (00:58-4:33 AM) 15 Dvitiiya 25:12:19+ Svaati 12:36:30 16 Tritiiya 23:51:04 Vishaakha 12:09:37 17 Chaturthi 22:11:12 Anuraadha 11:22:14 18 Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 6:30 PM Panchami 20:16:47 Jyeshtha 10:18:31 19 Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Shashthi 18:11:40 Mula 09:02:32 20 Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Meenakshi Kalyanam 4:30 PM Saptami 15:59:25 P.shadha 07:38:00 U.shada 30:08: Ashtami 13:43:25 Shravana 28:37: Navami 11:27:02 Dhanishta 27:08: Sri Rama Puja 6:30 PM Dashami 09:13:42 Shatabhisha 25:45: Ekadashi 07:07:09 Dvadashi 29:11: P.Bhadrapada 24:31:40+ Varuthini Ekadashi Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:30 PM Trayodashi 27:30:54+ U.Bhadrapada 23:32:24 26 Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 4:30 PM Chaturdashi 26:10:17+ Revati 22:52:04 27 Amavasya 25:14:19+ Ashvini 22:35:28 28 Vaishakha S Prathama 24:47:26+ Bharani 22:47:05 29 Dvitiiya 24:53:11+ Krittika 23:30:27 30

11 Goals of Life- Purusharthas Purushartha means that which a man seeks to achieve. In order of significance, they are: 1. Dharma-Righteousness, Observance of religious duties and training in selfsacrifice. One gets spiritually uplifted as he tries to fulfill his obligations to all. Dharma controls the individual and the society and hold everything together. 2. Kama-Means Desire. Satisfying the desires for pleasures of the senses including food, smell, music, dance and procreation. When this combines with Gunas, different qualities ensue. So Kama with Rajas creates-leadership, dynamism etc, Satva creates love, tolerance,forgiveness and Tamas, creates greed, violence etc. In Higher states of Bhakti, Kama is considered pure as in Krishna-Radha rasaleela. 3. Artha-Acquistion of worldly possessions to lead a peaceful life and help the needful but not hoarding or being greedy. Earning enough for one s sustenance and more leading to benevolence is the essence of this. 4. Moksha- Salvation achieved through God and self-realization, Liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The Divinity is equally present in all but not equally manifest. The purpose of spiritual practice is to manifest this inherent Divinity through prayer, bhakti, yoga, spiritual inquest. When this Divinity becomes fully manifest, a person is considered to have become a Godrealized soul and have attained Moksha.

12 May 2014 Uttarayana Grishma Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Vaishakha Jyestha Mesha Vrishabha Chittirai Vaikaasi Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 23 Hanumath Jayanthi Vaishakha S Tritiiya 25:33:33+ Rohini 24:47:33+ Akshay Tritiya 1 Chaturthi 26:48:05+ Mrigashirsha 26:37:52+ 2 Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Panchami 28:33:11+ Aardra 28:57:46+ 3 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM Aadi Shankara Jayanthi Puja 4:30 PM Ramanuja Jayanthi Puja 5:00 PM Shashthi full night Punarvasu full night 4 Sri Kartikeya Puja 4:30 PM Shashthi 06:41:44 Punarvasu 07:40:06 5 Saptami 09:03:13 Pushya 10:34:29 6 Ashtami 11:24:49 Aslesha 13:28:19 7 Navami 13:33:07 Magha 16:08:31 8 Dashami 15:15:58 P.Phalguni 18:23:17 9 Ekadashi 16:24:07 U.Phalguni 20:03:45 10 Dvadashi 16:52:07 Hasta 21:04:48 11 Trayodashi 16:38:24 Chitra 21:25:12 12 Nrisimha Jayanthi Puja 6:30 PM Chaturdashi 15:44:50 Svaati 21:07:06 13 Purnima 14:15:53 Vishaakha 20:15:19 Sun : Vrishabha 17:5 14 Annamacharya Jayanthi Buddha Purnima Vaishakha K Prathama 12:17:47 Anuraadha 18:56:26 15 Dvitiiya 09:57:49 Jyeshtha 17:18:01 16 Tritiiya 07:23:37 Chaturthi 28:42:42+ Mula 15:28:00 17 Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 4:30 PM Panchami 26:02:04+ P.shadha 13:34:00 18 Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Shashthi 23:27:49 U.shada 11:42:58 19 Saptami 21:05:01 Shravana 10:00:48 20 Ashtami 18:57:29 Dhanishta 08:32:09 21 Navami 17:07:58 Shatabhisha 07:20:20 22 Dashami 15:38:11 P.Bhadrapada 06:27:33 23 U.Bhadrapada 29:55:05+ Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:00 PM Hanumath Jayanthi Abhishekam 6:30 PM Ekadashi 14:29:14 Revati 29:43: Dvadashi 13:41:56 Ashvini 29:54: Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 4:30 PM Trayodashi 13:17:13 Bharani full night 26 Memorial Day Chaturdashi 13:16:11 Bharani 06:28:06 27 Amavasya 13:40:12 Krittika 07:25:54 28 Sri Rama Puja 6:00 PM Jyeshtha S Prathama 14:30:26 Rohini 08:49:04 29 Dvitiiya 15:47:20 Mrigashirsha 10:38:11 30 Tritiiya 17:29:43 Aardra 12:52:25 31

13 Life Style: Ashramas Ashrama is an age based social system as prescribed in the Manu-Smruti. It is somewhat in correspondence with the Purushartha goals of human life. The four stages of Ashrama in one s life are: Brahmacharya: This is stage of a learning-in a Gurukul system, a boy or a girl of age six spends upto twelve years at his teachers-guru s home. During this time he gets formal education, practices complete celibacy, obedience and cultivate his character by virtues. (Manusmriti) He learns to practice Dharma and learn the 64 kalas. Grahastha: The stage of a house holder He is married and enters the life of a householder following the dictates of the scriptures. In this stage, he sustains the society, takes care of the elderly in the household and try to raise family. He pursues Artha, Kama and Dharma, performs prescribed sacrifices, karmas and duties. Vanaprastha: The stage of a retired person or hermit-many men and women move to holy places of pilgrimages, secluded area and live a pious life of prayer, worship and penance. Here he turns himself towards attaining moksha and giving up the other three purushartas. He lives by taking alms and giving up wordly possessions and turns inward. Sanyasa: The stage of a monk or ascetic- This stage is a natural transition from a life of a hermit to a life of an ascetic where the man renounces all his worldly desires and devotes his life completely for the world welfare and to attain salvation or Moksha.

14 June 2014 Uttarayana-Dakshinayana Grishma-Varsha Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Jyestha - Ashaadha Vrishabha Mithuna Vaikaasi Aani Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Jyeshtha S Chaturthi 19:34:01 Punarvasu 15:28:36 1 Panchami 21:53:33 Pushya 18:20:41 2 Shashthi 24:18:28+ Aslesha 21:19:25 3 Sri Kartikeya Puja 6:30 PM Saptami 26:36:29+ Magha 24:12:59+ 4 Ashtami 28:34:22+ P.Phalguni 26:48:23+ 5 Navami 29:59:55+ U.Phalguni 28:53:22+ 6 Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Dashami full night Hasta full night 7 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM Dashami 06:43:47 Hasta 06:18:16 8 Ekadashi 06:40:39 Dvadashi 29:49:29+ Chitra 06:57:19 9 Trayodashi 28:13:14+ Svaati 06:49:08 Vishaakha 29:56:25+ Vaikasi Visakam 10 Chaturdashi 25:57:50+ Anuraadha 28:25: Purnima 23:11:27 Jyeshtha 26:23: Vata Savitri Vrat Jyeshtha K Prathama 20:03:29 Mula 24:02: Dvitiiya 16:43:53 P.shadha 21:31: Tritiiya 13:22:36 U.shada 19:00:24 Sun : Mithuna 00:29:14 Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 4:30 PM Chaturthi 10:09:00 Shravana 16:39:52 16 Panchami 07:11:28 Shashthi 28:36:55+ Dhanishta 14:37:53 17 Saptami 26:30:24+ Shatabhisha 13:01:00 18 Ashtami 24:54:59+ P.Bhadrapada 11:53:36 19 Navami 23:51:35 U.Bhadrapada 11:17:48 20 Dashami 23:19:23 Revati 11:13:34 21 Dakshinayana Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Ekadashi 23:16:21 Ashvini 11:39:14 22 Dvadashi 23:39:56 Bharani 12:32:16 23 Trayodashi 24:27:42+ Krittika 13:49:58 24 Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturdashi 25:37:41+ Rohini 15:30:05 25 Sri Rama Puja 6:30 PM Amavasya 27:08:26+ Mrigashirsha 17:30:54 26 Ashaadha S Prathama 28:58:30+ Aardra 19:50:58 Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:30 PM 27 Dvitiiya full night Punarvasu 22:28:25 28 Dvitiiya 07:05:39 Pushya 25:20: Tritiiya 09:26:05 Aslesha 28:20:38+ 30

15 Samskaras (16 Sacraments) 1. Garbhadhana - ritual to guarantee conception. This is part of the nuptial ceremonies. 2. Pumsavana - ritual to protect the fetus and to have a healthy baby 3. Seemantonayana - ritual done during the last month of pregnancy to ensure that the baby will be healthy and happy. 4. Jatakarma - the bathing of the child and preparation of his or her astrological chart by the priest, based on his exact time of birth. 5. Namakarana - ritual of naming the child. This ceremony is performed in the home, usually when the child is between ten and forty days old. 6. Nishkramana - ritual of taking the child out of the house for the first time into the sun to see the outside world. 7. Anna prasana - the feeding of rice(food), transitioning from milk usually done in front of the god in a temple. 8. Chudakarana - ritual of cutting the child's hair for the first time, symbolizing purification. 9. Karnavedha - ritual of piercing the child's ears and having in gold earrings. HIMALAYAS - Aroma of India Whenever you feel hungry think of us Lunch & Dinner Buffet - Ala Carte Catering 700 N. Moore Ave, Moore, OK Phone: (405)

16 July 2014 Dakshinayana Grishma Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Ashaadha Shravana Mithuna Karka Aani Aadi Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1-4 Brahmotsavam 11 Guru Purnima 30 Aandal Jayanthi 31 Garuda Panchami Ashaadha S Chaturthi 11:53:33 Magha full night Brahmotsavam 1 Panchami 14:19:06 Magha 07:22:02 2 Brahmotsavam Shashthi 16:31:29 P.Phalguni 10:13:49 3 Brahmotsavam Sri Kartikeya Puja 6:30 PM Saptami 18:18:28 U.Phalguni 12:44:01 4 Brahmotsavam Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Independence Day Ashtami 19:28:38 Hasta 14:40:50 5 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM Navami 19:53:10 Chitra 15:54:39 6 Dashami 19:27:11 Svaati 16:19:28 7 Ekadashi 18:10:11 Vishaakha 15:53:42 8 Harishayani Ekadashi Dvadashi 16:05:39 Anuraadha 14:40:07 9 Trayodashi 13:20:21 Jyeshtha 12:45:06 10 Chaturdashi 10:03:17 Purnima 30:24:53+ Mula 10:17:46 11 Guru Purnima Sri Vyas Puja 6:30 PM Ashaadha K Prathama 26:36:14+ P.shadha 07:28:57 U.shada 28:30: Dvitiiya 22:48:32 Shravana 25:33: Tritiiya 19:12:31 Dhanishta 22:50:21 14 Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturthi 15:58:00 Shatabhisha 20:30:22 15 Panchami 13:13:22 P.Bhadrapada 18:42:02 Sun : Karka 11:19:29 16 Shashthi 11:05:00 U.Bhadrapada 17:31:17 17 Saptami 09:36:51 Revati 17:01:10 18 Ashtami 08:50:04 Ashvini 17:11:46 19 Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Navami 08:43:10 Bharani 18:00:27 20 Dashami 09:12:25 Krittika 19:22:39 21 Ekadashi 10:12:43 Rohini 21:12:50 22 Dvadashi 11:38:34 Mrigashirsha 23:25:30 23 Trayodashi 13:24:49 Aardra 25:55: Chaturdashi 15:27:07 Punarvasu 28:39: Amavasya 17:41:44 Pushya full night 26 Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Sri Rama Puja 6:00 PM Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:30 PM Shravana S Prathama 20:05:05 Pushya 07:33:50 27 Dvitiiya 22:32:51 Aslesha 10:34:12 28 Tritiiya 24:59:17+ Magha 13:35:58 29 Chaturthi 27:16:46+ P.Phalguni 16:32:29 30 Aandal Jayanthi Abhishekam 6:30 PM Panchami 29:16:00+ U.Phalguni 19:15:15 31 Garuda Panchami Abhishekam 6:30 PM Naag Panchami

17 Samskaras (16 Sacraments) contd 10. Akshara Abhyasam - to bless when the child begins to learn the alphabet 11. Upanayana Upa+nayana means taking somebody near (upain) knowledge. In ancient times, after the ceremony was performed, the child was sent to the guru's house (gurukul) for education, where the child remained until completion of education. After this, the boy is known as a Dvijan "twice born". 12. Vedarambha - the commencement of the religious studies. 13. Keshanta - the ritual of shaving the head of the newly initiated religious student's head, leaving only a tuft like a small ponytail. This symbolizes removing all previous sins in preparation for his new life. 14. Samavartana - ritual of coming home after finishing one's period of religious studentship. 15. Vivaha - the marriage ritual. 16. Anthyesthi - funeral rites. EYE LEVEL I am the key MATH, READING & WRITING Call us today at (405) NW 178 th Street; Suite #114, Edmond OK 73012

18 August 2014 Dakshinayana Grishma-Sharad Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Shravana Bhadrapada Karka Simha Aadi Avani Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Shashthi 18:44:48 Vishaakha full night 31 Sri Kartikeya Puja 4:30 PM 8 Varalakshmi Vratam 10 Raksha Bandhan, Rik Yajur Upakarma 17 Sri Krishna Janmasthami 29 Ganesh Chaturthi Shravana S Shashthi full night Hasta 21:34:26 Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM 1 Shashthi 06:46:51 Chitra 23:20:05 2 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM Sri Kartikeya Puja 4:30 PM Saptami 07:39:48 Svaati 24:23:43+ 3 Ashtami 07:47:29 Vishaakha 24:39:49+ 4 Navami 07:05:49 Dashami 29:34:40+ Anuraadha 24:06:38+ 5 Ekadashi 27:17:29+ Jyeshtha 22:46:26 6 Dvadashi 24:20:53+ Mula 20:45:04 7 Trayodashi 20:53:41 P.shadha 18:11:10 8 Vara Lakshmi Vratam Abhishekam 10:00 AM Havan & Puja 5:00 PM Chaturdashi 17:06:08 U.shada 15:15:12 9 Purnima 13:09:20 Shravana 12:08:45 10 Raksha Bandhan Rik & Yajur Upakarma 7:00 AM Vaikhanasa Jayanthi Prathama 09:14:33 Dvitiiya 29:32:49+ Dhanishta 09:03:45 Shatabhisha 30:11:52+ Raghavendra Swami Aradhana 11 Tritiiya 26:14:27+ P.Bhadrapada 27:43: Chaturthi 23:28:34 U.Bhadrapada 25:49: Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 6:30 PM Panchami 21:22:27 Revati 24:35: Shashthi 20:00:57 Ashvini 24:05: Saptami 19:26:01 Bharani 24:22:08+ Sun : Simha 19:42:20 Sri Krishna Janmasthami Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM 16 Ashtami 19:36:23 Krittika 25:22: Sri Krishna Janmasthami Puja 4:30 PM Navami 20:27:47 Rohini 27:01: Dashami 21:53:37 Mrigashirsha 29:11: Ekadashi 23:46:02 Aardra full night 20 Dvadashi 25:56:58+ Aardra 07:44:39 21 Trayodashi 28:19:05+ Punarvasu 10:33:35 22 Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:00 PM Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturdashi 30:46:07+ Pushya 13:31:05 23 Amavasya full night Aslesha 16:31:22 24 Amavasya 09:12:44 Magha 19:29:27 25 Bhadrapada S Prathama 11:34:04 P.Phalguni 22:20:34 26 Dvitiiya 13:45:03 U.Phalguni 24:59: Sri Rama Puja 6:30 PM Tritiiya 15:40:05 Hasta 27:20: Haritalika Teej Gowri Puja 6:30 PM Chaturthi 17:12:47 Chitra 29:17: Ganesh Chaturthi Havan/Abhishekam 9:30 AM Ganesha Puja 6:30 PM Panchami 18:16:26 Svaati 30:42: Rishi Panchami

19 Rituals In every great religion, Ritual is a necessary as creed. It instructs, nourishes and often begets belief: it brings the believer into comforting contact with his God; it charms the senses and the soul with drama, poetry and art; it binds individuals into fellowships and a community by persuading them to share in the same rites, the same songs, the same prayers and at last the same thoughts. They educate, coordinate and sublimate our lives. Rituals are our Treasures. The whole of Hindu practices can be divided into 1.Samskaras, 2.Vratas, 3. Pujas and 4. customs. Samskaras are:-jatakarma, Nama karana, Annapraashana, Vivaha etc. Vrataas are observance of sacred Thithis such as Amavasya, Pournami, Chaturthi, Sashti, Ekadasi, Trayodashi etc Pujas are for deities like Ganesha, Krishna, Saraswati, Durga, Shiva, Rama, Hanuman, Skanda, Durga,etc. Customs depend on the region, language, family practices etc. One can confuse a ritual and a customary practice but they are different, in that customs vary a lot according to local practices. Hindu rituals have material, spiritual, health, and social purpose. Apart from these, the rituals also have moral purpose as they lay down the rules of conduct that should be followed by a disciplined individual. These rules of conduct in turn help an individual to develop his personality as a complete man. The rituals incorporate the elements such as prayers, appeals, blessings, sacrifices, and symbolism. The rituals are the combination of physical, mental, and spiritual aspects that make an individual a perfect human. Thus the Hindu rituals are an admixture of social customs, and rules about eugenics, ethics, hygiene, science, and medicine. BEST WISHES FOR 2014 TAX PLANNING, ESTATE /GIFT PLANNING, INVESTMENTS K.S. RAMCHAND, CPA INC PHONE: (405) ; RAMCHAND@SBCGLOBAL.NET

20 September 2014 Dakshinayana Sharad Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Bhadrapada Aashvayuja Simha Kanya Avani Purataasi Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Bhadrapada S Saptami 18:33:01 Vishaakha 07:30:39 Labor Day 1 Ashtami 17:38:27 Anuraadha 07:37:49 Jyeshtha 31:02:29+ 2 Navami 16:01:17 Mula 29:46:14+ 3 Dashami 13:44:30 P.shadha 27:53:35+ 4 Ekadashi 10:53:38 U.shada 25:31:30+ 5 Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Dvadashi 07:36:12 Trayodashi 28:01:09+ Shravana 22:48:51 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM Onam 6 Chaturdashi 24:18:23+ Dhanishta 19:55:43 7 Anant Chaturdashi Purnima 20:38:09 Shatabhisha 17:02:53 8 Bhadrapada K Prathama 17:10:45 P.Bhadrapada 14:21:11 Mahalaya Paksha Begins 9 Dvitiiya 14:06:07 U.Bhadrapada 12:01:02 10 Tritiiya 11:33:13 Revati 10:11:53 11 Sankathara Chaturth Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturthi 09:39:40 Ashvini 09:01:31 12 Panchami 08:30:56 Bharani 08:35:24 13 Shashthi 08:09:46 Krittika 08:55:59 14 Saptami 08:35:32 Rohini 10:02:14 15 Ashtami 09:44:07 Mrigashirsha 11:49:34 Sun : Kanya at 19:38:48 16 Navami 11:28:11 Aardra 14:10:18 17 Dashami 13:38:07 Punarvasu 16:54:42 18 Ekadashi 16:03:17 Pushya 19:52:18 19 Dvadashi 18:33:26 Aslesha 22:53:16 20 Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Trayodashi 20:59:39 Magha 25:49: Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 4:30 PM Chaturdashi 23:14:51 P.Phalguni 28:33: Amavasya 25:13:44+ U.Phalguni 31:01: Mahalaya Amavasya Sarva Pitru Shradham Amavasya Tarpanam Aashvayuja S Prathama 26:52:22+ Hasta full night 24 Sri Rama Puja 6:00 PM Sharad Navaratri Devi Puja 6:30 PM Dvitiiya 28:07:44+ Hasta 09:08:35 25 Devi Puja 6:30 PM Tritiiya 28:57:16+ Chitra 10:52:56 26 Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:00 PM Devi Puja 6:30 PM Chaturthi 29:18:46+ Svaati 12:11:38 27 Devi Puja 4:30 PM Panchami 29:10:21+ Vishaakha 13:02:28 28 Shashthi 28:30:44+ Anuraadha 13:23:34 29 Saptami 27:19:38+ Jyeshtha 13:13:50 30 Devi Puja 4:30 PM Sri Kartikeya Puja 6:00 PM Devi Puja 6:30 PM Devi Puja 6:30 PM 6 Onam Sharad Navaratri

21 Bhakthi Sampradaya The word Bhakti means devotional service. Bhakti can also refer to a practice of a spiritual discipline meant to bring one to a state of pure love of God. Hinduism believes in one god but many forms. People chose the form through which they wanted to seek god, like Shiva-Rama- Krishna-Durga etc., but Hindus focus their attention in worshipping one as the Supreme deity, Ishvara. A Sampradaya can be translated as "tradition" or a "religious system. The concept of Sampradaya is closely tied to the guru or parampara, the lineage of spiritual masters who both carry and transmit the tradition. The main sampradaya in current practise include Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Smartha. Each of those four branches share rituals, beliefs, and traditions, but each school has a different philosophy on how to achieve life's ultimate goal, which is Moksha or liberation. Each of the Sampradayas, has their own Guruparampara, sacred texts, monastic and lay following, holy places and temples. Despite the fact that the main these traditions are different and distinct, they are interconnected and share a common heritage of concepts and beliefs, like Avataravada, karma, reincarnation, temple worship, sacraments, Gurushishya tradition, acceptance of the Vedas as the highest scriptural authority and most importantly belief in One God Ishvara. Best Wishes for 2013 Sh. Ashok Chaudhary and Smt. Padma Kumari (Parents and Grand Parents) Ajay, Anita, Shilpa, Nimisha and Ankit AASNA Property Group, LLC

22 October 2014 Dakshinayana Sharad-Hemant Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Aashvayuja ayuja Kartika Kanya Tula Purataasi - Aipaasi Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1-2 Navaratri 3 Vijaya Dashami 11 Karwa Chauth 22 Naraka Chaturdashi & Diwali 24 Gowardhan Puja Annakot 29 Skanda Shasthi Dvadashi 14:57:50 Shatabhisha 27:13:44+ 5 Trayodashi 11:48:52 P.Bhadrapada 24:52:24+ 6 Chaturdashi 08:43:35 Purnima 29:50:34+ U.Bhadrapada 22:40:04 Sharad Purnima 7 Aashvayuja S Ashtami 25:38:02+ Mula 12:33:13 Durga Asthami Bathukamma Panduga Devi Puja 6:30 PM Aashvayuja K Prathama 27:18:23+ Revati 20:45:38 Lunar Eclipse 4:14 AM 7:34 AM 1 8 Navami 23:28:23 P.shadha 11:23:11 2 Maha Navami Devi Puja 6:30 PM Dvitiiya 25:15:13+ Ashvini 19:17:42 9 Dashami 20:54:40 U.shada 09:46:48 3 Vijaya Dashami Sri Durga Puja 6:00 PM Shami Puja Sri Venkateshwara Kalyanam 6:30 PM Tritiiya 23:48:21 Bharani 18:23:52 10 Ekadashi 18:02:17 Shravana 07:48:46 Dhanishta 29:35:17+ Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM 4 Chaturthi 23:03:26 Krittika 18:10:09 11 Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 4:30 PM Karawa Chauth KarwaChauth Puja 7:00 PM Panchami 23:03:39 Rohini 18:40:06 12 Shashthi 23:48:59 Mrigashirsha 19:54:03 13 Saptami 25:15:33+ Aardra 21:48:30 14 Ashtami 27:15:34+ Punarvasu 24:16: Ahoi Asthami Navami 29:37:57+ Pushya 27:06: Dashami full night Aslesha 30:06:31+ Sun : Tula at 07:38:23 17 Dashami 08:09:49 Magha full night 18 Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Ekadashi 10:38:16 Magha 09:04:21 19 Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Dvadashi 12:52:03 P.Phalguni 11:48:44 20 Dhanteras Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Trayodashi 14:42:43 U.Phalguni 14:11:16 21 Dhana Trayodashi Chaturdashi 16:05:01 Hasta 16:06:38 22 Naraka Chaturdashi Diwali Lakshmi Puja Sri Rama Puja 6:00 PM Diwali Havan/Puja 6:30 PM Amavasya 16:56:37 Chitra 17:32:25 23 Solar Eclipse 14:37 PM 18:51 PM Kartika S Prathama 17:17:33 Svaati 18:28:31 24 Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:00 PM Gujarati New Year Gowardhan Puja Annakot Puja 6:30 PM Dvitiiya 17:09:26 Vishaakha 18:56:27 25 Tritiiya 16:34:47 Anuraadha 18:58:40 26 Chaturthi 15:36:32 Jyeshtha 18:38:02 27 Nagula Chavithi Panchami 14:17:39 Mula 17:57:26 28 Shashthi 12:40:56 P.shadha 16:59:41 29 Skanada Shasthi Sri Kartikeya Puja & Abhishekam 6:30 PM Saptami 10:49:04 U.shada 15:47:24 30 Ashtami 08:44:41 Navami 30:30:33+ Shravana 14:23:17 31

23 Means of Liberation: Various yogas Everyone wants Infinite Existence and Eternal Bliss. This is the principal motivation for achieving Moksha. By achieving Moksha, we liberate ourselves from the cycle of life and death and rebirth and merge with ParamAtman who is Sat-Chid-Ananda-which is Eternal Existence, Infinite Knowledge and Boundless Bliss, all in one Itself. Hinduism offers multiple means of achieving this goal. Hinduism proclaims that while every living entity is unconsciously proceeding toward Moksha, the human birth offers the greatest opportunity to achieve Liberation. As humans we can practice Pravritti Marga, the Path of Desire; or the Nivrutti Marga, the Path of Renunciation. In Bhagvad-Gita, Shri Krishna Himself has provided a four-fold path of liberation, that is practical and achievable namely, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. The Seeker of Moksha may use one or more, or any combination of these, to achieve Moksha. Karma Yoga: Nishkam Karma, or Desire less Work. Attachment is the root cause of all misery. It causes the cycle of life-death-rebirth. This bondage can be broken by performing our duties, without attachment to the fruits of the same. Work performed this manner does not create Karma that binds us to Samsara. Jnana Yoga: This is a path in which one withdraws his mind from this material world and search for answer to the question of Who am I?. With intense and sustained spiritual practice, one is directly able to gain Atma-Jnana' or Self Realization and realize that one's Atman is nothing but the Sat- Chid-Ananda ParamAtman Itself! Raja Yoga: This path involves rigorous exercises of body and mind. Through intense practice of Ashtang-yoga or the eightfold path of moral, physical and mental purification, one achieves last stages of Samadhi; Asamprjnata Samadhi. When the Asamprjnata Samadhi is attained the mind becomes perfectly still and the Divine Glory of ParamAtman becomes at once visible and the Yogi realizes he is nothing but Sat-Chid-Ananda himself. Bhakti Yoga: This path is the easiest and most enjoyable path and is prescribed for the Kali yuga. We are all emotional by nature. Love is the greatest emotion that sways us. Bhakti Yoga taps the emotion of love and focuses it on the Lord Himself. By Loving God dearly, we surrender to Him Totally and place ourselves in God's hands. We offer all that is I, Ours "to Him. We become his Servant, Child, Mother, Lover, Friend, and seek nothing but His Grace. The compassionate Lord responds to Bhakta's love and guides him, finally liberating him from Samsara.

24 November 2014 Dakshinayana Hemant Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Kartika Margashira Tula Vrischika Aipaasi Kartikai Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Navami 13:13:13 P.Bhadrapada 14:45: Ksheerabdi Dwadashi 6 Kartika Purnima 27 Subramanya Shasthi Kartika S Dashami 27:09:49+ Dhanishta 12:50:14 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM 1 Ekadashi 24:46:14+ Shatabhisha 10:11:37 2 Devothana Ekadashi Daylight Saving Ends Dvadashi 22:24:11 P.Bhadrapada 08:31:28 U.Bhadrapada 30:54:35+ 3 Ksheerabdi Dwadashi Tulasi Kalyanam 6:30 PM Trayodashi 20:08:55 Revati 29:26:36+ 4 Chaturdashi 18:06:18 Ashvini 28:13:46+ 5 Purnima 16:22:47 Bharani 27:22:43+ 6 Kartika Purnima Deepa Puja 6:30 PM Kartika K Prathama 15:05:00 Krittika 26:59:59+ Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM 7 Dvitiiya 14:19:15 Rohini 27:11:17+ 8 Tritiiya 14:10:41 Mrigashirsha 28:00:37+ 9 Chaturthi 14:42:30 Aardra 29:29: Panchami 15:54:44 Punarvasu full night 11 Shashthi 17:43:27 Punarvasu 07:34:51 12 Saptami 20:00:15 Pushya 10:10:43 13 Ashtami 22:32:52 Aslesha 13:06:12 14 Navami 25:06:34+ Magha 16:07:43 15 Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 4:30 PM Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Dashami 27:26:26+ P.Phalguni 19:00:43 Sun :Vrishchik 06:29:35 Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM 16 Ekadashi 29:19:43+ U.Phalguni 21:31:59 17 Dvadashi 30:37:26+ Hasta 23:31:29 18 Trayodashi full night Chitra 24:53: Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Trayodashi 07:15:05 Chaturdashi 31:12:19+ Svaati 25:35: Amavasya 30:32:13+ Vishaakha 25:41: Margasira S Prathama 29:20:08+ Anuraadha 25:13: Dvitiiya 27:42:44+ Jyeshtha 24:20: Tritiiya 25:47:09+ Mula 23:08:21 24 Chaturthi 23:40:16 P.shadha 21:44:04 25 Panchami 21:28:15 U.shada 20:14:10 26 Shashthi 19:16:13 Shravana 18:43:58 27 Saptami 17:08:02 Dhanishta 17:17:27 28 Ashtami 15:06:25 Shatabhisha 15:57:26 29 Sri Rama Puja 6:30 PM Subramanya Shasthi Sri Kartikeya Puja & Abhishekam 6:30 PM Thanksgiving Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:30 PM

25 CONCLUSION While the Hindu is immersed in the scriptural, philosophical ocean of knowledge, with choice of several paths for Moksha, he is often aware of human limitations which will not allow grasping the inexorable divine dimensions with his limited mind. It is this limitation that made great saints and philosophers to accept God in manifest form rather than Unmanifest (Nirguna) and worship their chosen form as deity. Man has to have humility, accept the only way is to worship God in a chosen form and surrender his ego, live by the great principles of right conduct as enunciated in Sanathana Dharma and Vedas and surrender to God who releases from the cycle of birth leading to Mukti or Moksha. It is said philosophy leads to gates of Promised Land not into it, for there Bhakti is the one needed than acquisition of scholarship. It is by his Grace one can reach Him, so it is said in the Vedas.

26 December 2014 Dakshinayana-Uttarayana Hemant-Shishir Ritu India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jaya Samvatsara Margashira Pushya Vrischika Dhanush Kartikai - Margazhi Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Margasira S Dashami 11:29:43 U.Bhadrapada 13:43:40 1 Ekadashi 09:57:17 Revati 12:52:36 2 Geeta Jayanthi Puja 6:30 PM Mokshada Ekadashi Dvadashi 08:37:43 Ashvini 12:14:25 3 Trayodashi 07:33:37 Chaturdashi 30:48:32+ Bharani 11:51:51 Deepa Puja 6:30 PM 4 Purnima 30:26:43+ Krittika 11:48:32 5 Sarvalaya Deepam Sri Durga Puja 6:30 PM Margasira K Prathama 30:32:37+ Rohini 12:08:44 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam 10:00 AM 6 Dvitiiya 31:10:09+ Mrigashirsha 12:56:43 7 Tritiiya full night Aardra 14:15:53 8 Tritiiya 08:21:35 Punarvasu 16:07:38 9 Sankathara Chaturthi Sri Ganesha Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturthi 10:06:20 Pushya 18:30:11 10 Panchami 12:19:54 Aslesha 21:17:43 11 Shashthi 14:53:15 Magha 24:20: Saptami 17:33:15 P.Phalguni 27:23: Ashtami 20:04:18 U.Phalguni 30:12: Navami 22:10:46 Hasta full night Sun : Dhanus at 21:10:48 15 Dashami 23:39:41 Hasta 08:33:54 16 Dhanurmasa Begins Ekadashi 24:22:34+ Chitra 10:15:11 17 Dvadashi 24:16:12+ Svaati 11:10:20 18 Trayodashi 23:22:14 Vishaakha 11:18:01 19 Pradosham Shiva Abhishekam 6:30 PM Chaturdashi 21:46:05 Anuraadha 10:41:23 20 Sri Hanuman Puja 10:30 AM Amavasya 19:35:49 Jyeshtha 09:27:03 21 Uttarayana Sri Krishna Puja 10:30 AM Pausha S Prathama 17:00:52 Mula 07:43:52 P.shadha 29:41: Dvitiiya 14:11:12 U.shada 27:30: Tritiiya 11:16:32 Shravana 25:20: Sri Rama Puja 6:30 PM Chaturthi 08:25:44 Panchami 29:46:21+ Dhanishta 23:19:35 Christmas Day 25 Shashthi 27:24:11+ Shatabhisha 21:33:57 26 Sri Mahalakshmi Puja 6:00 PM Sri Kartikeya Puja 6:30 PM Saptami 25:23:13+ P.Bhadrapada 20:08:23 27 Ashtami 23:45:26 U.Bhadrapada 19:05:21 28 Navami 22:31:16 Revati 18:25:31 29 Dashami 21:40:05 Ashvini 18:08:18 30 Ekadashi 21:10:53 Bharani 18:12:38 31 Vaikuntha Ekadashi Puja 7:30 AM 31 Vaikuntha Ekadashi

27 \ India Cultural Foundation Inc 7200 N Coltrane, Oklahoma City, OK 73121, Phone: (405) , Fax: (405) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Start End Start End Start End Start End Start End Start End Start End Start End Start End Start End Start End Start End 1 12:33 13:47 10:07 11:25 09:51 11:17 16:42 18:16 15:09 16:51 18:51 20:38 17:10 18:59 11:52 13:36 08:40 10:16 13:19 14:47 10:33 11:53 08:36 09: :47 15:01 16:39 17:57 16:59 18:25 13:33 15:08 11:45 13:27 08:04 09:52 13:34 15:22 10:08 11:52 16:41 18:18 14:47 16:15 16:13 17:32 14:47 16: :21 12:34 08:47 10:06 08:24 09:50 15:08 16:42 10:02 11:44 17:04 18:52 15:22 17:11 18:47 20:30 13:29 15:05 11:50 13:18 08:14 09:34 12:19 13: :08 11:21 15:22 16:41 15:34 17:00 11:58 13:33 18:35 20:17 13:28 15:16 11:46 13:34 08:25 10:08 15:04 16:40 10:23 11:50 14:52 16:11 13:34 14: :16 17:30 12:44 14:03 12:41 14:08 10:22 11:57 08:18 10:01 15:16 17:04 09:58 11:46 17:02 18:45 11:52 13:28 17:39 19:07 12:13 13:32 11:06 12: :54 10:08 14:03 15:23 14:08 15:35 18:19 19:54 16:53 18:36 11:40 13:28 18:59 20:47 13:35 15:18 10:17 11:52 08:57 10:23 13:32 14:51 09:53 11: :04 16:18 11:24 12:44 11:14 12:41 08:45 10:20 13:26 15:10 09:52 11:40 08:10 09:58 15:18 17:01 18:12 19:47 16:10 17:37 10:54 12:13 16:02 17: :36 13:50 10:04 11:24 09:46 11:13 16:44 18:20 15:10 16:53 18:54 20:42 17:10 18:58 11:52 13:35 08:43 10:18 13:17 14:43 09:36 10:55 08:41 09: :51 15:05 16:44 18:05 18:03 19:31 13:31 15:08 11:42 13:26 08:04 09:52 13:35 15:23 10:10 11:52 16:35 18:10 14:43 16:09 16:08 17:26 14:49 16: :23 12:37 08:43 10:03 09:16 10:44 15:08 16:44 09:58 11:42 17:06 18:55 15:23 17:10 18:41 20:23 13:26 15:00 11:50 13:16 08:19 09:37 12:22 13: :09 11:23 15:25 16:46 16:36 18:04 11:54 13:31 18:39 20:23 13:29 15:18 11:47 13:35 08:29 10:11 15:00 16:34 10:25 11:50 14:49 16:07 13:36 14: :22 17:36 12:44 14:05 13:40 15:08 10:16 11:53 08:13 09:57 15:18 17:07 10:00 11:48 16:58 18:39 11:52 13:25 17:32 18:57 12:14 13:31 11:10 12: :55 10:09 14:05 15:26 15:08 16:37 18:22 20:00 16:55 18:40 11:41 13:30 18:57 20:45 13:34 15:16 10:19 11:52 09:00 10:25 13:31 14:48 09:58 11: :08 16:23 11:23 12:44 12:10 13:39 08:37 10:15 13:26 15:11 09:52 11:41 08:14 10:01 15:15 16:56 18:04 19:37 16:05 17:30 10:57 12:14 16:03 17: :39 13:54 10:01 11:22 10:40 12:09 16:46 18:24 15:11 16:56 18:56 20:45 17:10 18:57 11:53 13:34 08:46 10:19 13:15 14:40 09:40 10:57 08:46 09: :55 15:10 16:50 18:12 18:07 19:37 13:30 15:08 11:41 13:26 08:04 09:53 13:35 15:22 10:12 11:53 16:29 18:01 14:39 16:03 16:04 17:21 14:51 16: :25 12:40 08:37 09:59 09:08 10:38 15:08 16:46 09:55 11:41 17:08 18:57 15:22 17:09 18:35 20:15 13:24 14:56 11:51 13:15 08:25 09:41 12:26 13: :09 11:25 15:29 16:51 16:38 18:08 11:50 13:29 18:43 20:28 13:31 15:20 11:49 13:36 08:33 10:13 14:55 16:27 10:27 11:51 14:47 16:04 13:39 14: :27 17:43 12:44 14:06 13:38 15:08 10:11 11:50 08:09 09:55 15:20 17:09 10:03 11:49 16:53 18:33 11:51 13:23 17:25 18:48 12:15 13:31 11:14 12: :53 10:09 14:06 15:29 15:08 16:39 18:26 20:06 16:58 18:44 11:42 13:31 18:55 20:41 13:33 15:12 10:20 11:51 09:05 10:28 13:31 14:47 10:01 11: :13 16:29 11:20 12:43 12:06 13:37 08:30 10:10 13:26 15:12 09:54 11:43 08:17 10:03 15:12 16:51 17:56 19:27 16:00 17:23 11:00 12:15 16:06 17: :41 13:58 09:56 11:20 10:34 12:05 16:48 18:28 15:13 16:59 18:58 20:47 17:08 18:54 11:53 13:32 08:49 10:20 13:14 14:36 09:44 11:00 08:50 10: :58 15:14 16:54 18:18 18:11 19:43 13:28 15:08 11:40 13:27 08:05 09:54 13:36 15:22 10:14 11:53 16:23 17:53 14:36 15:58 16:02 17:18 14:55 16: :25 12:42 08:31 09:55 09:00 10:32 15:08 16:48 09:53 11:40 17:10 18:59 15:22 17:07 18:28 20:06 13:21 14:51 11:51 13:14 08:30 09:46 12:29 13: :09 11:25 15:31 16:56 16:40 18:12 11:47 13:28 18:47 20:34 13:32 15:21 11:50 13:36 08:36 10:15 14:51 16:21 10:30 11:52 14:47 16:02 13:43 14: :33 17:50 12:43 14:07 13:35 15:08 10:06 11:47 08:06 09:53 15:21 17:10 10:05 11:51 16:47 18:25 11:51 13:21 17:18 18:40 12:17 13:32 11:17 12: :51 10:08 14:07 15:32 15:08 16:41 18:30 20:11 17:01 18:48 11:44 13:33 18:51 20:36 13:31 15:09 10:21 11:51 09:09 10:30 13:32 14:47 10:05 11: :17 16:35 11:17 12:42 12:02 13:35 08:24 10:05 13:27 15:14 09:55 11:44 08:21 10:06 15:08 16:46 17:47 19:17 15:55 17:16 11:03 12:17 16:10 17: :43 14:00 10:28 12:01 16:50 18:32 15:14 17:02 18:59 20:48 17:05 18:50 11:53 13:30 08:53 10:22 13:13 14:34 09:49 11:03 08:52 10: :01 15:19 18:15 19:48 13:27 15:09 11:40 13:27 08:07 09:56 13:36 15:20 10:16 11:53 16:16 17:45 14:34 15:54 16:01 17:16 14:59 16: :25 12:43 08:52 10:26 09:52 11:40 15:20 17:04 18:20 19:57 11:53 13:13 12:33 13:46