Siddha Yoga Holidays 2010

The Siddha Yoga holidays mark occasions of significance in the Siddha Yoga calendar. These are times when Siddha Yogis celebrate the abundant spiritual legacy of the Siddha Yoga path, engaging with the teachings and practices that honor that holiday. They are indeed holy days. There are eight Siddha Yoga holidays in the year. Each focuses on a particular Siddha Yoga practice.

Please contact the Siddha Yoga ashram, Siddha Yoga meditation center, or chanting and meditation group nearest you for the scheduling of Siddha Yoga Celebration Satsangs.

January 1	New Year's Day
February 11	Mahashivaratri
May 27	Baba Muktananda's Lunar Birthday
June 24	Gurumayi's Birthday
July 25	Gurupurnima
August 8	Bhagavan Nityananda's Solar Punyatithi
August 15	Baba's Divya Diksha
October 22	Baba's Lunar Mahasamadhi

These dates are based on the US calendar. For lunar holidays, please adjust them for your time zone.

In addition to these holidays, Pitru Paksha is a Siddha Yoga observance. This sacred time from the Indian tradition is devoted to remembrance of one's ancestors. In 2010, Pitru Paksha is September 24 – October 7.

Mahashivaratri is known as the ‘great night of Shiva,’ the night especially sacred to Lord Shiva. On the Siddha Yoga path, students repeat Lord Shiva’s name in the form of the mantra, Om Namah Shivaya. Traditionally, it is said that on this night each repetition of the mantra is equal to the merit of a thousand repetitions.

In India, the full moon of the month of Ashada (July-August) is honored as the most auspicious and important of the entire year. This moon's luminous brilliance and perfect form are seen as expressions of the Guru's gift of grace and the attainment of Self-realization. Siddha Yogis focus on the practice of dakshina during this holiday.

(lit. Punya- spiritual merit tithi-observance, rememberance)
The anniversary of a great being's passing. Siddha Yogis honor Bade Baba’s Solar Punyatithi on August 8 each year.

(lit. divine initiation)
The moment of initiation of a disciple by a Siddha Guru. This initiation takes the form of the awakening of kundalini shakti and is known as shaktipat diksha.

The Mahasamadhi of a saint is the time when he leaves his physical body and merges with supreme Consciousness. Each year, that day is a time to honor and pay tribute to the saint’s teachings and legacy. Baba Muktananda took Mahasamadhi on the night of the full moon in October 1982.