Karva Chauth is a festival, particularly for married Hindu women who fast for the good health and long life of their husbands. It’s a day full of traditions, and one of the most exciting parts of the celebration is the intricate application of mehndi or henna designs. Karva Chauth in the year 2024 will fall on October 20th, Sunday in the USA; Indians are very much excited to decorate with beautiful Mehandi art this year.

Here are some of the popular Mehandi designs and trends to try this year:

1. Traditional Bridal Mehndi

Intricate and Full Hand: The covering is up to the wrist by detailed patterned works on fingertips, involving peacocks, paisleys, and floral motifs.
Symbolic Elements: Popular elements include the moon, bangles, or a picture of a bride and groom often combined for bridal mehndi designs.

2. Arabic Mehndi Designs

Bold and Minimal: Arabic mehndi designs are predominantly bold outlines of intricate large patterns. It usually includes flowing floral patterns and geometric shapes, which are easy to apply but make an amazing display.
More Than Less: Interactions of Patterns: It is more prominent leaving space between the patterns; thus, it will give a modern look with simplicity. Thus, it will be very suitable for individuals who prefer minimalism.

3. Rajasthani Mehndi Designs

Dainty and Dense: Rajasthani Mehndi is known for its richly intricate and detailed patterns. The general motifs include parts that are inspired by the art and culture of Rajasthan; some common ones are royal elephants and dancing figures.
Unique Shading: This art form frequently uses shading to infuse somebody and a dimension into the designs.

4. Trending in Modern Mehndi Designs

Elegant and Simple: For modern trends, simple and minimalist mehndi designs with geometric shapes, lines, and minute floral patterns are quite in.
Cainty Finger/Glove kind of Designs: In modern mehndi, it can be used to highlight only the fingers or the wrists with minimalist patterns.

5. Mandala Mehndi Design

Center-Focused: This starts from the center of the palm and widens out. The design is suitable for a person who is in search of an extremely symmetrical, well-balanced look.
Elegant and Attractive: Mandalas also describe spiritual development apart from the aesthetic appeal. For Karva Chauth, this design would also bring good luck for the couple, so people can choose it.

6. Fusion Mehndi Designs

Mix of Styles: Blends of traditional Indian, modern, or Arabic designs are blended to provide an excellent choice for those who seek both worlds.
Creative Customization: Adding initials a wedding date or personal symbols adds so much beauty to your design.

7. Mehndi for Feet

Ankle and Toe Patterns: As much as the hands are the focal point, it is an equally great tradition to decorate your feet in mehndi as well. Cute florals or leafy vines at the ankle and toes add a lovely finishing touch.
Great with Traditional Outfits: Foot mehndi patterns look very stunning with traditional garments such as sarees and lehengas.

8. Glitter Mehndi

Add Some Sparkle: With a modern twist, many now add glitter to their mehndi designs. It makes the henna stand out more and gives it a festive feel.
Perfect for Celebrations: This style is perfect for those who are going to Karva Chauth celebrations with friends and family. It adds that extra glamour to the design.

9. Jewelry-Inspired Mehndi

Bracelet and Ring Motifs: Mehndi patterns that are imitative motifs from jewelry, such as bracelets and rings, have become quite fashionable features. People who desire a very chic, accessory-like motif will be thrilled with this design.
Refined and Delicate: The motifs will often be pretty small and dainty, thus giving them a rather class and refined look.

10. Children’s Mehndi Patterns

Simple and Wholesome: If you want to include your little kids in this festival, simple designs with hearts, flowers, or cartoon-like shapes are the easiest.
Quick and Easy: These designs are small enough so that they are suitable for children who might not even have the patience for a full, intricate design.

Tips for Applying Mehndi

Quality Henna: Always use natural henna for deep, long-lasting color. Avoid using black henna as it causes some skin allergies sometimes.
Moisturize: Once the henna dries, apply lemon juice with sugar to let the color set deep.
Leave it On: To achieve the strongest color stain, keep the mehndi on for at least 6–8 hours before washing it off.
No matter where you are in the United States, beautiful mehndi on Karva Chauth is a wonderful way to participate in this cultural celebration and have just a bit of fun with the day. SELECT that design you like best and enjoy the celebrations!

The Festival of Lights, commonly called Diwali, is a festivity that involves the use of lights. Also known as Deepavali, Dipavali, Dewali, or Deepawali, it is commemorated, either in October or November. In the year 2024, Diwali will fall on October 31st. The celebrations of Diwali usually persist for approximately five days. Do people residing in the USA generally have a day off on Diwali/Deepavali? The answer is Yes, recently Diwali – The Festival Of Lights has been declared an official holiday in Pennsylvania, USA. In the other cities of the United States of America, business will be carried out as usual. The Diwali festival is observed on the new moon of the Kartik month, which falls 20 days after the eve of Dussehra or Vijayadashami. The 5-day festival starts from Dhanteras and lasts till Bhai Dooj. During this time, it is celebrated with high excitement and enthusiasm. Also, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on this day since she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Complete Time Table of Diwali in the USA

• Diwali 2024 Date: October 31, 2024
• Day: Thursday
• Laxmi Puja Muhurat: 06:25 PM to 08:12 PM
• Amavasya Tithi start: 05:22 AM on November 31, 2024
• Amavasya Tithi end: 07:46 AM on November 1, 2024

History and Significance of Diwali

Diwali finds its origins interwoven within the intricate tapestry of Hindu mythology, where it emerges as a saga of unparalleled significance. At the heart of this narrative stands Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, a divine figure whose epic exploits resonate through the annals of time. His indomitable spirit and valorous triumph over the malevolent Ravana culminated in a joyous return to the celestial realm of Ayodhya. In a fervent celebration of this glorious homecoming, the denizens of Ayodhya illuminated the very fabric of their city with the soft, comforting radiance of diyas, those humble earthen lamps that cast a warm, golden glow upon their homes. The creative artistry of rangolis adorned their doorsteps, a symphony of vibrant patterns painted with the dexterity of tradition. This jubilant festival of Diwali is said to grace the world on the hallowed night of Amavasya, the new moon, when the Hindu month of Kartik paints the sky with its sacred hues.

Here is the list of the 5-day festival of lights:

1st Day – Dhanteras: It is an auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, and other commodities.

2nd Day – Naraka Chaturdashi: It is ideal for banishing evil spirits by lighting diyas in the morning.

3rd Day – Diwali Puja: People dress up in new clothing, adorn their homes with rangolis and lights, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi.

4th Day – Govardhan Puja: The puja is carried out to please the Govardhan mountain and seek his blessings.
5th Day – Bhai Dooj: It honors the relationship amid brothers and sisters.

Celebration of Diwali in the US

The festival is a testimony of the events where goodness triumphs over evil, knowledge prevails over ignorance, and light triumphs over darkness. Diwali is rooted in diverse customs and cultural practices that vary across India yet share components in common. Here are some of the most important components of Diwali custom and culture:

• Diwali Fairs And Cultural Performances
• Family Reunions And Festive Feasts
• Gifts And Sweets Exchanged
• Philanthropy And Charity
• Puja (Prayers) And Worship
• The Lighting Of Lamps And The Display Of Fireworks
• Traditional Attire

Epilogue

The festival of lights – Diwali is now an official holiday in the state of Pennsylvania, United States of America. It is nothing short of an achievement for this special occasion which is a clear and traditional representation of victory of good over evil. It will be celebrated in the USA, India, and other countries on 31st October 2024.

Dussehra is a prominent festival that is celebrated by the Hindu community-based in the USA, UK, India, and other countries. It falls on Saturday, October 12, 2024, and the puja muhurat timings are 01:28 AM to 11:38 PM (Eastern Daylight Time). Also called Vijayadashami, the Dussehra festival is observed to mark Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, who was a demonic ruler of Lanka. It is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm in the USA by the Hindu and other communities.

When Is Dussehra 2024 In The USA?

The date of Dussehra in the year 2024 is October 12. It marks the end of the grand Navratri festival and the beginning of Diwali preparations. On this festival, family members get together and celebrate it on a grand scale.

What Is Dussehra 2024 Muhurat And Puja Timing in the USA?

Dussehra is celebrated by the entire Hindu community spread throughout the globe. On October 12, 2024, puja muhurat timings are 01:28 AM to 11:38 PM (Eastern Daylight Time). During these 45 minutes, the devotees should chant mantras and aartis to pay respect to God and enjoy the occasion. Apart from this Vijayadashami Muhurat, there is a separate time for the Aparahna Puja – 01:10 PM to 03:32 PM (EDT).

What Is The Significance Of The Dussehra Festival?

The profound significance of the Dussehra festival finds its roots deeply entwined in the tapestry of Hindu mythology and age-old traditions. This august celebration unfurls its vivacious splendor with unbridled enthusiasm throughout the Hindu community in the USA, UK, and India. Its reverberative gist reverberates the timeless adage that proclaims the ascendancy of virtue over vice, akin to the triumphant saga of Lord Rama vanquishing the formidable demon king, Ravana.

The festival bears testimony to the conclusive victory of righteousness and moral uprightness prevailing over malignity and moral decay. The festival signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana (the ruler of Lanka) after a battle that lasted 10 days. The event is an enduring testament to the unequivocal conquest of truth, dharma (righteousness), and justice.

How is Dussehra Celebrated in the USA?

Popular Dussehra customs such as garba dances, Durga pooja, and so on are often observed on a huge scale in many US cities. Dussehra not only honors the occasion of Goddess Durga destroying the monster Mahishasura, but it also celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.

In several American towns, the dandiya and garba dances are performed. Numerous Indians residing in the US get together for traditional dance performances dressed in traditional wear. They dance merrily to traditional folk music, bringing holiday pleasure to a distant nation.

On the occasion of Dussehra, many Indian American committees and organizations, including the American Telugu Association and the Bengali Association, among others, organize a variety of cultural and entertainment programs. Several locations in the USA also conduct Ram Leela, which is a theatrical production based on the Ramayana.

What Are The Best Locations In The USA To See Dussehra Celebrations?

Every US neighborhood with a sizable Indian population celebrates the event in the same manner as it is done in India. Dussehra is celebrated lavishly by the numerous Indian residents in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, and Seattle. New Jersey is renowned for hosting the most impressive Dussehra celebrations in the USA out of all of these locations. For Duja Puja during Navratri, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and other organizations erected huge, elaborately painted pandals throughout New Jersey.

New Jersey Locations For Dussehra 2024 Celebrations

Here are a few locations where you might travel during Dussehra to participate in Durga Puja festivities.

• Ananda Mandir, Somerset, 269 Cedar Grove Lane
• Garden State Cultural Association, Park Avenue in Plainfield
• Garden State Indian Community Centre, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany
• Bengali Cultural Society of New Jersey at 820 NJ-73, Marlton