Calendar of Events
Welcome to our Calendar of Events! Here you will find the most up-to-date information on SHARANYA's special events, public worship, and community gatherings. We offer daily worship to the Divine Mother in our dedicated Sanctuary, weekly private pujas on Tuesday and Saturday (by appointment), amavasya (new moon) and purnima (full moon) community ceremonies, and regular monthly public pujas. To see images from some of our past events, click here.
We welcome you to worship, meditate, attend classes (either in person or online, and participate in other events at our sanctuary. Let us know if you'd like to help out at a puja, learn more about our tradition, or have ideas to share with us. Your participation in worship is helping to create a living Tantrick tradition of the West today!
|
Puja Dates
2008
Nov 30
2009
Jan 25
Feb 22
Mar 29
Apr 26
May 31
June 14
July 26
Aug 30
Sept 26
Oct 17
Nov 29
Dec 13
Past Events:
2007
Nov 10: 4th Annual Kali Puja Festival
2008
Oct 25: 5th Annual Kali Puja Festival
See the full calendar below for additional puja and event details...
|
Make your donation in advance to reserve a place with us in worship for any of our upcoming events. We look forward to being with you in the embrace of the Divine Mother. Jai Maa!
Reserve your place at our next puja...
Jai Maa!
Ongoing Open Community Puja
Kali Puja - Devi (Goddess) Worship
Our ongoing puja, or worship ceremony, is open to all! Held in our sanctuary space located in San Francisco, we gather to celebrate the Divine every month as given by the dates to the left. Please note: All regular monthly Kali Puja celebrations take place on a Sunday, except for our Annual Kali Puja Festival, which is held on a Saturday.
All public pujas are at the Cultural Integration Fellowship (CIF) in San Francisco. Click here for directions.
SHARANYA's annual worship calendar also includes the following ceremonies:
- Kali Puja Festival & Divali (October/November)
- Samhain (October 31)
- Winter Solstice/Yule (December 20-23)
- Candlemas (February 2)
- Spring Equinox (March 21-23)
- Beltane (May 1)
- Dark Goddess Festival/Sarah's Day (May 23)
- Summer Solstice (June 21-23)
- Feast of the Queen/Mary Magdalene's Day (July 22)
- Lammas/Initiation Day (August 2)
- The Radical Union/Mary's Day (August 15)
- Autumnal Equinox (September 20-23)
- Navaratri (September/October)
At SHARANYA, we are dedicated in our worship to Goddess Kali in Her myriad forms, including those as She is expressed through the world's various traditions that honor the Dark Goddess, the one who holds the wisdom of the full spectrum of human beingness. Ceremony is held in the Sha'can tradition and lead by Rashani (ordained clergy) with help from community. Our puja infuses methods and practices from East and West in order to create a sacred space for worship, deepening, and opening on the path of the bhakta, or devotee of the Divine. Learn more about what our ceremonies are like with this brief introduction.
|
What to bring... Offerings for the main altar are welcome. It is customary to bring flowers, fruit, wine, vegetarian offerings, or sweets and to refrain from wearing black to our public rituals. If you wish to wear a special color for Kali, we invite you to don red, a color associated with Her power in the phenomenal world as shakti, the activating force and the energy of creation. You are also invited to bring an object you would like to have blessed.
A sliding scale donation of $15-21 is suggested to cover the cost of the space, puja supplies and prasad (blessed food); however, no one is ever turned away for lack of funds, and any donation is graciously accepted--we appreciate so much the offerings you make to support our work and the community.
An R.S.V.P. is requested if you would like to participate. All Kali Puja ceremonies begin at 5:30 p.m. No one is admitted after 5:45pm. Worship usually ends at 8:00pm and is followed by community time and sharing of prasad. Children are welcome, but no childcare is provided. Cushions and chairs are available (arrangements can be made for wheelchair access - kindly let us know in advance).
Call for information, including location and directions to events around the Bay Area: (415) 505-6840, or email us at info@sharanya.org. Note: Pujas are preceded by our teaching circle, Daughters of Kali.
New! Temple Etiquette and Good Things to Know for Puja!
If you are not in the Bay Area or cannot attend the monthly meetings, please join us online for a series of classes that you can work through independently or with your current worship circle. We are currently taking registrations and look forward to working with you!
Want to learn more about sacred sound and the mantras we use in our Kali Puja? Join us for teachings on the ancient language of Sanskrit! We are now offering introductory Sanskrit classes for those who wish to learn the devotional language of Kali Maa. The focus is on learning pronunciation, vocabulary and basic grammar in order to facilitate your worship as well as deeper understandings of the mantras you use and eventual readings of the scriptures in devanagari. Classes meet once a month at 11:00am on the day of puja. Cost is $45 for the hour. For more information, email sanskrit@sharanya.org
Monthly Calendar: 2008
October
Purnima (10/14) Full moon in Aries, 1:02 pm (PDT)
SHARANYA's 5th Annual Kali Puja Festival (10/25) This is the big one! Come share in a special celebration of the Divine Mother on the night of Kali Puja and Divali, just after Navaratri, the Nine Nights of the Goddess.
Amavasya (10/28) New Moon in Scorpio, 4:14 am (PDT)
Samhain (10/31) Also known as Halloween, Samhain is the Celtic celebration of the Underworld, the beloved dead, and all witchery. It is believed that the veil between the worlds is thinnest on this day, allowing us do delve into deep divination, the dark gods, and the faery realm. (Closed community worship)
November
Skanda Sashti (11/3) Celebrated during the month of Aippasi, Skanda Sashti is a Saivite festival commemorating the victory of Lord Kartikeya, Siva's son, over the asuras (demonic forces). Participants typically engage in ritual fasts, devotional singing to Kartikeya, and dramatic battle reenactments.
Chhat Puja (11/4) A festival of Sun worship, Chhat Puja is usually celebrated a week after Diwali. Celebrations generally include fasting, ritual bathing, and sacred offerings to the Sun. This is more of a regional festival, with festivities in Terai, Nepal and Bihar, India most common.
Prabodhani Ekadasi (11/9) A Vasnavite celebration, Prabodhani Ekadasi commemorates Vishnu's awaking from deep sleep in the cosmic ocean of milk (kshirsagar). Devotees gather on this day to offer lotus flowers and seeds to Vishnu and His consort, Lakshmi. Charity to the poor is also common.
Kartik Purnima (11/14) During this lunar festival following Diwali, devotees celebrate Siva's defeat over the demon Tripura. Cattle play a major role in this festival and are often ritually bathed and sold in auction. It one of the most auspicious Siva festivals, inviting us to release fear and embrace love, hope, and the spirit of renewal.
Purnima (11/14) Full moon in Taurus 10:17 am (PDT)
Amavasya (11/27) New Moon in Sagittarius, 8:54 am (PDT)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (11/30) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
December
Gita Jayanthi (12/9) During this winter festival, devotees throughout India celebrate the inception of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most beloved Hindu spiritual texts. Krishna devotees the world over celebrate this day by reciting verses from the Song of the Lord, fasting, performing pujas, and singing bhajans (devotional songs). Many often go house to house spreading messages of love, peace, and devotion to the divine.
Karthigai Dheepam (12/10) Karthigai Dheepam is a festival of light during the lunar month of Karthikai. An ancient Tamil celebration, devotees light rows of oil lamps (dheepam) in their homes and streets in honor of Lord Siva. Some consider it an extension of Diwali, the Hindu New Year.
Purnima (12/12) Full moon in Gemini, 8:37 am (PDT)
Winter Solstice (12/21) Celebrated by nearly all indigenous cultures, the Winter Solstice is a celebration of light and warmth. In modern Witchcraft, it commemorates the birth of the Sun God heralding joy, hope, and renewal. (Open to community and invited guests)
Amavasya (12/27) New Moon in Capricorn, 4:22 am (PDT)
Monthly Calendar: 2009
January
Purnima (1/10) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Community Meeting (1/12) SHARANYA's organizational gathering, open to everyone, to discuss business, logistics, planning, and fun!
Yogini Chakra (1/17) (Closed circle)
Devoted to Mahadevi (The Great Goddess): Class One (1/22) (Open class... >>)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (1/25) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
Amavasya (1/26) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
February
Candlemas (2/2)
Devoted to Mahadevi (The Great Goddess): Class Two (2/5) (Open class... >>)
Infinite Admiration: A Relationship Puja & Kundalini Kirtan (2/6) (Open workshop... >>)
Purnima (2/9) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Yogini Chakra (2/14) (Closed circle)
PantheaCon (2/14) SHARANYA's annual P-Con Kali Puja Experience!
Devoted to Mahadevi (The Great Goddess): Class Three (2/19) (Open class... >>)
Amavasya (2/24) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (2/22) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
March
Devoted to Mahadevi (The Great Goddess): Class Four (3/5) (Open class... >>)
Purnima (3/10) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Devoted to Mahadevi (The Great Goddess): Class Five (3/19) (Open class... >>)
Spring Equinox (3/21)
Yogini Chakra (3/21) (Closed circle)
Amavasya (3/26) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (3/29) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
April
Devoted to Mahadevi (The Great Goddess): Class Six (4/2) (Open class... >>)
Purnima (4/9) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Community Meeting (4/13) SHARANYA's organizational gathering, open to everyone, to discuss business, logistics, planning, and fun!
Devoted to Mahadevi (The Great Goddess): Final Class (4/16) (Open class... >>)
Yogini Chakra (4/18) (Closed circle)
Amavasya (4/24) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (4/26) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
May
Beltane (5/1)
Purnima (5/9) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Yogini Chakra (5/23) (Closed circle) & Saint Sarah's Day
Amavasya (5/24) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (5/31) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
June
Yogini Chakra (6/6) (Closed circle)
Purnima (6/7) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
SHARANYA's Yoni Puja (6/14) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, the power of Earth, and the sacredness of our bodies!
India Pilgrimage (6/21 - 7/5)
Amavasya (6/22) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
July
Purnima (7/7) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Yogini Chakra (7/18) (Closed circle)
Amavasya (7/21) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (7/26) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
SHARANYA's Introduction to Daughters of Kali (7/26) Open to everyone!
August
Yogini Chakra (8/1) (Closed circle) & Lammas
Purnima (8/5) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Community Meeting (8/10) SHARANYA's organizational gathering, open to everyone, to discuss business, logistics, planning, and fun!
Amavasya (8/20) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (8/30) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
SHARANYA's Introduction to Daughters of Kali (8/30) Open to everyone!
September
Purnima (9/4) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Initiation Day for Daughters of Kali (9/11) (Closed community circle)
Welcoming Havan (Fire Ceremony) (9/12) (Closed community circle)
Kaula Abhivaadaye (9/15) (Closed community circle w/new initiates)
Amavasya (9/18) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (9/26) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
October
Yogini Chakra (10/3) (Closed circle)
Purnima (10/4) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Community Meeting (10/12) SHARANYA's organizational gathering, open to everyone, to discuss business, Kali Puja Festival logistics, planning, and fun!
SHARANYA's 6th Annual Kali Puja Festival (10/17) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names at this special New Year's time!
Amavasya (10/18) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Samhain Ritual (10/31) (Closed circle)
November
Purnima (11/2) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Amavasya (11/16) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Yogini Chakra (11/21) (Closed circle)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (11/29) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
December
Purnima (12/2) Full Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Yogini Chakra (12/5) (Closed circle)
SHARANYA's Kali Puja (12/13) Open to everyone. Come join us in worship of the Divine Mother, Goddess Kali Maa, by all Her names!
Amavasya (12/16) New Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Yule Celebration (12/20) (Open to community and invited guests)
Purnima (12/31) Full (Blue) Moon - Evening of dhyana (meditation), spiritual teachings, and/or ceremony (Closed community celebration; extended spiritual family and guests welcome)
Notes:
- All Full and New Moon dates are based on Pacific Standard Time, and festival dates are based on Sha'can tradition observances.
- A Blue Moon is the second full moon in a calendar month; a Black Moon is the second new moon in a calendar month. Both are considered particularly auspicious for ritual work.
- Download SHARANYA's 2009 Community & Teaching Circle Calendar!
Feel free to contact us if you would like to participate in any of our community's more intimate gatherings, such as purnima full moon or amavasya new moon meditation, spiritual teaching, and ritual circles. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for updates on open circles, special events and other news!
|
