Hindu prayer (puja) is an effective means of cultivating action, devotion, knowledge, and focus. Click on any pooja that interests you for more details of what materials will be necessary.

Hindu festivals follow the lunar-solar calendar. Masa is a lunar month, while paksha and tithi represent lunar fortnights and days respectively.

Tulsi Pujan Diwas

Tulsi Pujan Diwas, also known as Holy Basil Day, is an important Hindu festival honoring spirituality, nature, and cultural heritage. This day-long event involves elaborate rituals and ceremonies intended to sanctify the Tulsi plant and invoke goddess Tulsi and Lord Vishnu’s blessings – such as circumambulating it seven times while reciting mantras or prayers; devotees also light diyas around its base in order to bring an atmosphere of positivity.

Tulsi Pujan Diwas finds its roots in the legendary tale of Vrinda, wife of demon king Jalandhar. According to this tale, Jalandhar became invincible thanks to Vrinda’s purity and devotion; so gods asked Lord Vishnu for help to end Jalandhar’s reign; to do this he used trickery against Vrinda which resulted in him violating her vow of chastity which ultimately resulted in demon’s defeat remorsefully Lord Vishnu transformed her into Tulsi plant!

Naga Panchami

Naga Panchami is an annual Hindu festival commemorating snake and serpent deities. Held annually during the July-August lunar month Shravana (July-August), rituals and offerings performed on this day aim to appease these deities and gain their blessing for health, wealth, and prosperity.

This day is also significant astrologically, as it marks the conjunction of Rahu and Ketu – shadow planets that represent serpentine energy in Vedic Astrology – which can cause sickness, poverty, and misfortune in one’s life. Thus this puja serves as an effective way of dispelling their harmful influences.

Hindu mythology considers snakes (nagas) holy because of their connection to Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh – Brahma sleeping on Shesha while Shiva keeping Vasuki on his neck is further evidence. Furthermore, providing milk offerings to snakes may protect one against snake bites that cause deaths globally; many cultures believe offering milk to these reptiles provides protection.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan (or “the knot of protection”) marks an annual festival to honor and strengthen brother-sister bonds. Held during full moon day in the Shravana month of the Hindu lunar calendar, sisters tie rakhi bracelets around their brother’s wrists as a gesture of love and protection; brothers pledge their devotion by donning one themselves. This promise stems from Draupadi who tied a piece of her saree around Lord Krishna’s cut finger to stop its bleeding; Krishna then promised his protection by promising his lifelong devotion vowed always to protect her in return vowed his lifelong devotion vowed protection upon her actions vowed that Draupadi would always protect him – thus renewing this promise!

Raksha Bandhan begins by creating a small pooja thali filled with an oil lamp (diya), vermilion powder (roli), rice, sweets, and rakhi. Sisters then perform an aarti before their brothers by gently waving the lamp and dotting their foreheads with vermilion powder before gently tying rakhi around their wrists offering prayers for health and success as gifts are exchanged between brothers and sisters.

Deepavali

Puja is an integral component of Hindu worship that helps convey devotion while upholding cultural traditions and rituals. From simple prayer services led by individual worshippers to elaborate ceremonies performed with Brahmin priests, puja provides an avenue for Hindus to show their reverence for one another and their beliefs.

Pooja typically involves worshipping an image or icon of a deity, called murtis, as a focal point for meditation and prayer. These murtis can take many forms: three-dimensional carving or sculpture, photo, flat engraving (bimba) or painting are just some examples. Sometimes, however, puja utensils also serve double duty by being used for cooking food service or serving up dessert – or be used solely as decorative objects such as flowers, fruits and sweets!

Hindu rituals typically occur at temples or shrines; however, online puja is becoming increasingly common among Hindus. Some have claimed that online puja can democratize worship by making it possible for women, low-caste individuals, non-Indians, and others unable to travel physically to attend in person to still make offerings; others argue that companies supporting these services still impose limitations on who can offer what to which image.

Bhai Dooj

Pooja, or worship services in Hinduism, are an integral component of worshipping deities and allow devotees to express their devotion, seek blessings, and deepen their spiritual bond with the divine. Puja services usually take place in a special room dedicated to the god or goddess being honored and can include lighting incense sticks and ringing brass bells; or applying blood-red vermillion paste or “kumkum” directly onto an image being worshipped.

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej and Bhrathri Dwitiya is the final day of Diwali festivities and celebrates the special relationships among siblings. This year it will take place on November 3rd.

This festival takes its name from an ancient legend about Lord Krishna’s sister Subhadra who received him with love and devotion before promising him protection in return. As an act of gratitude to this promise, sisters smudge vermilion onto their brothers’ foreheads and perform an Aarti together; furthermore, they give gifts and pray for their well-being – this ritual celebrates sibling love while strengthening family ties.

PNB Housing Finance, one of India’s largest housing finance companies, launched the second edition of its inspirational series— ‘AchievHer 2.0’, reinforcing its commitment to diversity, empowerment, and inclusion. Building on the success of the previous edition, this initiative continues to throw the spotlight on the remarkable journeys of women within the organization, recognizing their resilience, dedication, and leadership across the organization.

‘AchievHer 2.0’ is an extension of the company’s ‘Aikyam’ initiative, a people-first initiative designed to foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. Through a compelling video series, the campaign delves into the personal and professional journeys of its female employees, capturing special moments of their achievements, challenges, learnings and growth. PNB Housing Finance remains committed to creating a supportive and thriving workplace, where women are encouraged to break barriers and excel in their respective fields.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Girish Kousgi, MD & CEO, PNB Housing Finance, said, “The success of ‘AchievHer’ last year reaffirmed our belief in the power of storytelling. With ‘AchievHer 2.0,’ we are once again celebrating the inspiring journeys of our female employees, who embody determination and excellence. At PNB Housing Finance, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where every individual, irrespective of gender, can thrive and lead by example.”

Watch the AchievHer 2.0 teaser here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teYsnKwFs8Y

About PNB Housing Finance

PNB Housing Finance Limited (PNB Housing) is a registered housing finance company with National Housing Bank (NHB). It was incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 and commenced its operations on November 11, 1988. PNB Housing is promoted by Punjab National Bank (PNB). The Company came out with a public issue of equity shares in November 2016. Its equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) with effect from 7th November 2016. With over three decades of specialised experience in housing finance, PNB Housing has a robust network of branches spread across the country which help its customers avail financial services (loans and deposits) seamlessly. PNB Housing provides housing loans to individuals and corporate bodies for purchase, construction, repair and upgradation of houses. It also provides loans for commercial space, loan against property and loan for purchase of residential plots.

Women Empowerment: A Path to Progress

Women’s empowerment is crucial for building an inclusive and progressive society. It involves equal rights, education, financial independence, and leadership opportunities. Empowered women significantly contribute to economic growth, innovation, and social transformation.

In recent years, women entrepreneurs have emerged as powerful changemakers, leading businesses in technology, fashion, healthcare, and finance. Government initiatives such as Startup India, Stand-Up India, and Mudra Yojana have played a pivotal role in supporting women-led businesses by providing financial and technical assistance.

Despite these advancements, women still face challenges like funding gaps, gender bias, and limited networking opportunities. Organizations and incubators dedicated to women’s entrepreneurship have been instrumental in overcoming these barriers. Successful women like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon), Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), and Vandana Luthra (VLCC) have paved the way for future generations.

International Women’s Day 2025: Celebrating Women’s Achievements

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, highlights the achievements of women while emphasizing the need for gender equality. Events and activities across India bring attention to both progress and challenges women continue to face.

Upcoming Women’s Day Events in India – March 8, 2025

International Women’s Day 2025 will be marked by various events and initiatives across India, focusing on women’s empowerment, leadership, and gender equality. Here are some key celebrations expected to take place:

1. Leadership & Business Conferences

Several business forums and industry groups will organize panel discussions, networking sessions, and mentorship programs to support women in entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. These events will provide insights into women-led startups, investment opportunities, and policy discussions on gender diversity in workplaces.

2. Cultural and Awareness Programs

Across major cities, various marches, rallies, and cultural performances will highlight women’s achievements and raise awareness about ongoing gender-related challenges. Educational institutions and community groups will host workshops on financial independence, career growth, and legal rights to empower women across different sectors.

3. Women’s Health and Wellness Campaigns

Healthcare organizations and wellness centers will conduct free medical check-ups, self-defense training sessions, and mental health awareness programs. These initiatives will focus on women’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being, promoting a holistic approach to empowerment.

4. Special Initiatives and Government Programs

The government is expected to introduce new schemes, awards, and initiatives that support women’s education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Various events will recognize exceptional women achievers in diverse fields, encouraging more women to break barriers and excel.

5. Community and Social Media Campaigns

Several online campaigns will celebrate inspirational women, success stories, and impactful social initiatives. Organizations will encourage people to participate by sharing motivational messages, personal stories, and appreciation posts for the remarkable women in their lives.

How to Participate?

• Attend conferences, panel discussions, or leadership summits.
• Join community events, workshops, or awareness drives in your city.
• Support women-led businesses and initiatives.
• Spread awareness by sharing inspirational messages and stories.

Women’s Day 2025 will serve as a powerful platform to honor achievements, address challenges, and promote gender equality in all aspects of society.

How to Celebrate Women’s Day?

• Attend women empowerment events and conferences.
• Support women-led businesses and initiatives.
• Share motivational messages and greetings with women who inspire you.

With continuous efforts, education, policy reforms, and community support, the future of women empowerment and entrepreneurship in India looks promising.