Puja

Adhik Purnima, a highly sacred day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, will be observed on May 30, 2026. This auspicious occasion marks the end of Adhik Maas, an extra month added to balance lunar and solar calendars. Devotees will fast, perform Puja, and chant mantras to seek blessings for growth and success.

A 32-year-old man, Lalatendu Dehuri, visiting his sister for Savitri Puja, was found dead in a forest near Bhatunia village. He left his sister's house on Saturday morning but never reached home. Preliminary investigations found no signs of assault on his body, and police are probing the mysterious death from all angles.

During a religious gathering in Patna, an elderly woman and her daughter-in-law had their gold chains stolen while participating in Vat Savitri Puja. The theft, involving approximately 10-12 grams of gold, occurred amidst a large crowd. Police have registered a case and formed a special team to investigate, analyzing CCTV footage and other leads to identify the culprits.

Chhanda Rani Panda, a government employee from Bhubaneswar, has become a maternal figure to the inmates of a leprosy colony at Janla. For the past four years, she has been providing them with 'Sabitri Saja' – sarees, bangles, vermilion, and fruits – for Sabitri Puja, ensuring they feel loved and included.

Sivakarthikeyan has commenced shooting for his new film 'Seyon', a Sivakumar Murugesan directorial. The team celebrated with a Puja ceremony, releasing a video featuring Sivakarthikeyan with Kamal Haasan. This marks his return to Raaj Kamal Films International after 'Amaran'. The film, also starring Bhagyashri Borse and Bala Saravanan, boasts music by Santhosh Narayanan and promises a rural action-mythology blend.

Today, May 16, 2026, marks Jyeshtha Amavasya, a significant day for ancestral worship and spiritual observances. This auspicious occasion also hosts Vat Savitri Vrat and Shani Jayanti, honoring Lord Shani. Devotees engage in rituals like Pitru Tarpan and Pind Daan, with many opting for holy dips in the Ganga and charitable acts.

Shani Jayanti, honoring Lord Shani Dev, the god of justice and karma, is being celebrated on May 16, 2026. This significant Hindu holiday commemorates the birth of Shani Dev and is observed with various rituals, including lighting diyas, chanting mantras, and performing charity, to seek his blessings and mitigate negative astrological influences.

Hindus observe Chaturthi, a sacred day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This year, Varada Chaturthi falls on May 20, 2026, during Shukla Paksha. Devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, offering prayers and favorite sweets like Modaks and Laddoos. The day involves early morning rituals, adorning the idol, and reciting specific mantras and Katha.

Married Hindu women observe Vat Savitri on May 16, 2026, fasting for their husbands' longevity and well-being. The festival honors the banyan tree, believed to house major deities. The story of Savitri outwitting Yamraj to save her husband Satyavaan highlights the day's significance, with rituals involving prayers and tying sacred thread around the banyan tree.

Shani Jayanti, also known as Shani Amavasya, is being celebrated on May 16, 2026, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Shani. This auspicious day is dedicated to appeasing the deity of karma and justice. Devotees often visit prominent Shani temples and perform specific rituals to seek blessings.

Actress Urvashi Upadhyay opted for a quiet, devotional birthday celebration this year, prioritising prayers and family time over grand festivities.

Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas, begins May 17, 2026, offering a significant spiritual period for devotees. This auspicious time, coinciding with Jyeshtha month, is ideal for enhancing spiritual knowledge and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Engaging in rituals like fasting, chanting, and charity can deepen one's connection with the divine.

Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in Bihar, has launched a fierce attack on the state government over what he describes as a troubling escalation in crimes against women. He drew attention to a shocking increase in incidents of sexual violence and homicides, raising doubts about the government's dedication to ensuring safety and well-being for women.

Devotees will observe the Guru Pradosh fast on May 14, 2026, a highly auspicious day to appease Lord Shiva. The fast, observed from sunrise to sunset, involves prayers and rituals including offering bel patra and bhang. This Thursday's Pradosh is believed to bestow knowledge and wisdom upon observers.

Thursdays hold special religious significance in Hinduism, dedicated to Dev Guru Brihaspati and Lord Vishnu. Observing this day through specific rituals like wearing yellow, donating yellow items, chanting mantras, fasting, and performing Satyanarayan Puja is believed to attract blessings of wisdom, wealth, and success. These practices aim to strengthen Jupiter's influence for a more prosperous and spiritually fulfilling life.

The auspicious Adhik Maas, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, offers a sacred period for spiritual growth until June 15th. This time is ideal for self-discipline, inner purification through meditation and yoga, and acts of charity. Devotees can enhance their connection with the divine by chanting mantras, lighting diyas, and performing Tulsi Puja, seeking blessings and spiritual upliftment.

Shani Jayanti on May 16, 2026, emphasizes discipline, honest work, and selfless service over grand gestures. This observance calls for sincerity in repaying debts, respecting labor, and consistent self-control. Focus on simple acts like lighting an oil lamp and donating practical items to those in need, rather than seeking quick fixes or fearing divine retribution.

Ganga Dussehra, celebrated on May 25, 2026, honors Goddess Ganga's descent to Earth. This festival commemorates King Bhagiratha's penance, which brought the holy river from heaven to cleanse his ancestors' souls. Devotees observe the occasion with holy baths, aarti, and charitable acts, believing ten specific actions can grant forgiveness for ten sins.

Three suspects from Bihar were apprehended in Aurangabad district following a multi-state manhunt for the murder of 19-year-old Hadipa Nikhil in Rayagada. Nikhil was shot and abducted during a local Puja on May 9, with his body later found near the Nagavali river.

Diaspora practice of religious traditions in rental spaces presents unique challenges, particularly concerning fire safety. Navigating lease rules, sensitive smoke detectors, and neighborly considerations necessitates pragmatic adaptations to keep traditions alive safely. This involves understanding the difference between canonical ritual and safe, adapted practices for home environments.

A Bhandar Mekap servitor at Shree Jagannath Temple was suspended for unruly conduct and indiscipline during an inventory of valuables. The dispute, described as a personal matter, did not disrupt the ongoing inventory process. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining servitor discipline at the shrine.

Masik Shivratri, a sacred day for Lord Shiva worship, will be observed on May 15, 2026. Devotees will fast from dawn to dusk, perform abhishekam, and chant mantras like "Om Namah Shivaye" to seek blessings and remove obstacles. This monthly observance on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi is significant for marital harmony and family well-being.