We take this opportunity to welcome ‘Maasi’ maasam and hope it brings all goodness in to your life. Maasi month is the 11th month in Tamil Calender. This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva and to our ancestors (Pitrus). ‘Maha Shivaratri’ which falls on 13th Feb 2018 and ‘Maasi magam’ that falls on 1st March 2018 are two major festiivals in the month of Maasi. In addition 'Karadiyan Nonbu' also falls towards the end of the month on 14th March.

Significance of Shivarathri

The fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is known as Shivratri. Among all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, "Mahashivratri", the one that occurs in Maasi is considered to be of the most spiritual significance. It is believed that, on this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. This is a day when nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is to make use of this, that in our tradition, we celebrate Shivrathri by following a night long vigil or "Jaagran". One of the fundamentals of this night-long festival is to ensure that – to allow this natural upsurge of energies to find their way – you remain with your spine vertical – you stay awake. It is said that fasting (upavaasam) on Shivaratri is to link our intellect with the highest power and stay in His company. Upvaas (Up-vaas) means to stay close. ‘Jaagran’ or awakening also means overcoming of 'darkness and ignorance' in life. Let us all celebrate Shivaratri with true spirit and fervour.

Significance of Maasi Magam

Magam is among the twenty-seven stars in the astrological system. Magam star in the Masi month usually falls on the full moon day and hence it is considered auspicious across South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry (Pondicherry) and Kerala. It is one of the most powerful Full Moon day of the year since the moon aligns with Magha. It is the birth Star of the Kings and Ancestors. This event occurs only once a year and signifies the descent of heavenly beings to the earth. Masi Magam offers abundance and prosperity associated with the Full Moon and the Magha star. It gives an opportunity to acquire power and energy. Maha Maham is of great importance at the Adi Kumbeswaran temple in Kumbakonam. There is sacred tank called Maha Maham. On this day is the Temple idols are taken to the seashore or ponds. Hence, the festival is also known as holy bath ceremony. Processions from different temples arrive at the sea with the idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Idols of Shakti are also brought to the sea. Pujas and other rituals are performed at the sea shore. Maasi Magam is the most appropriate time to destroy our ego and surrender ourselves at the feet of the divine.

Significance of Karadiyan Nombu

Karadiyan Nonbu also known as “Savithri Nonbu Vratham” is an important festival for the married women in Tamil Community. On this day, Women offer prayers for the longevity and well being of their husbands.The special naivadya prepared is called “ Karadiyan Nonbu Adai”. It is belived that, Savithri prepared this Adai with unmelted butter offered to Lord Yama, as a thanksgiving gesture for returning the life of her husband,Satyavan

SIS Health and Happiness Event - Saturday, the 24th February 2018

  • 'Let's talk Gynae' interactive Talk show with with Dr. Geetha Venkat, MBBS, DGO, MD, FRCOG Director at Harley Street Fertility Clinic. Dr.Geetha Venkat will be answering questions related to women's Gynecological health, weight management, Harmone problems etc, HRT, Menopause management etc.
  • ‘'Awaken the Shakti within' – Happiness program to cater for all age groups by Mrs.Mita Samani who has been a student of Vedanta since 1999. She is also a member of the Chinmaya mission.
  • ‘'Short talk on 'Celebrating life' – Youth empowerment talk by Sahithya Natarajan

Address: Church of Ascension Hall,Beaufort Road, Ealing, W5 3EB
Registration: 2.45.(Please arrive promptly to help us start on time)
Event Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, followed by light refreshements.

Please note there are NO ticket prices for this event but prior Registration is compulsory.

To book your place for the above event please email sisnambalava@gmail.com.

SIS Satsang – Saturday, the 03rd March 2018 – RSVP Required

Mr. Balasubramanian and Mrs. Padma Balasubramanian have volunteered to host the March Satsang at their residence on Saturday the 03rd of March, 2018.

Please RSVP by Friday, 02nd March either by e-mailing sisnambalava@gmail.com

See you all at the Satsang.

Note: Mr Balasubramanian, one of SIS long time members, has been leading a monthly Sampradaya bhajan of like minded members for many years. The next monthly Bhajan will be held on 18 Feb 2018 at 2.00 PM at Old Graham Park Library, 15 Quackers Concourse Colindale, NW9 5XL.

The Website

We trust that the articles that we are publishing on the website are interesting and useful. We are encouraged by the number of hits that have gone up multi-fold. Please visit www.sisnambalava.org.uk, read the articles and let us know your views. We are very keen to receive your feedbacks and views and will be uploading more interesting articles. We welcome articles written by our members that are relevant to the objectives of SIS, ie., South Indian arts, culture and vedic religion and these will be uploaded after review by the editorial panel. Please feel free to ask for detailed guidelines.

Your Participation

South Indian Society as an organisation has come to shape with lots of hard work and contribution from several veterans of our community in this country over the years. We sincerely thank each and every one who has contributed towards the growth of this organisation. This organisation runs for all of us and without your involvement, contribution and participation it cannot succeed.