Nalini Parasram-Rajballie, Chairperson, SWAHA Publications Committee
October welcomes Kaartik Maas, one of the most sacred months in the calendar, full of deeply spiritual observances that guide us toward purification, devotion and self-realisation.
It is a month in which rituals, festivals and kathas remind us of the many pathways to the Divine, whether through worship, service, knowledge or devotion. From the daily reverence of Tulsi Maa, to the enlightenment of Divali and the inspiring leela of Shree Krishna on Govardhan Puja, each observance offers us eternal guidance for spiritual growth.
Kaartik Maas and Tulsi worship begins on October 7. Tulsi Maa is revered as sacred and indispensable in worship, considered to house the energy of all deities within her leaves, roots and branches. Tulsi is honoured daily in Kaartik, with puja, mantra recitation and use in offerings. Tulsi represents healing in Ayurveda and bhakti (devotion) expressed through simplicity, purity and surrender.
Divali, celebrated on October 20, urges us to move from tamaso maa jyotir gamaya (“from darkness of ignorance to the light of spirituality”). It commemorates the appearance of Lakshmi Devi during the churning of the ocean (samudra manthan), symbolising the rewards of perseverance, sacrifice and discipline. Lakshmi Devi bestows not only material prosperity but, more importantly, spiritual wealth. The shat sampat (six forms of inner wealth): faith, serenity, endurance, tranquillity, control of the senses and renunciation of selfish actions, are highlighted as the true treasures to seek. Moreover, the occasion reminds us to nurture even-mindedness, inner peace and self-restraint so that we may radiate light in the world.
Celebrated the day after Divali, Govardhan puja honours Shree Krishna as Govardhan Giridhari, the lifter of Mount Govardhan. The story: Krishna taught the villagers of Vraj to honour Govardhan, the earth and nature, reminding us of the true sources of sustenance. Shree Krishna lifted the mountain with his little finger, sheltering his devotees for seven days, and proving that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Govardhan symbolises both the natural world and the internal “mountain of yoga”, the journey of raising consciousness through discipline, devotion and ascent of the divine energy within. The Lord accepts even the simplest offering made with love and always shelters his devotees, guiding them inward to realise the eternal truths of life.
Together, these October observances remind us of the interconnectedness of devotion, discipline and divine grace. Kaartik teaches us about surrender to the Divine, Divali inspires us to seek the internal light and manifest spiritual wealth, and Govardhan Puja assures us that the Divine manifests again and again, sheltering and uplifting all who turn to Him with pure hearts.
