Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Festival: Vasanth Navratri – Day 1 (Hindu New Year)

Event Details:

Abbotsford Temple warmly invites all devotees to celebrate the auspicious beginning of Vasanth Navratri – Day 1, which also marks the sacred Hindu New Year. This spiritually significant day is dedicated to invoking Goddess Durga’s divine blessings for prosperity, health, and success in the coming year.

The celebrations will begin with:

🪔 Kalash Stapana from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
The ceremonial installation of the Kalash symbolizes the invocation of Maa Durga and the beginning of the nine-day Navratri festivities. Devotees may participate in this sacred ritual and offer prayers for family well-being.

📖 Durga Stuti Paath from 06:00 PM to 07:30 PM
An evening devotional recitation praising Goddess Durga, filled with bhajans and collective chanting to create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere in the temple.

All devotees are encouraged to attend with family and friends, take part in seva, and receive prasad. Let us begin the New Year with devotion, positivity, and divine blessings.

Jai Mata Di 🙏

Join us for a sacred and joyful celebration of Holi on Monday, March 2, 2026 (Phalguna Poornima) at Vaishno Devi Mandir Abbotsford as we gather in devotion, prayer, and community spirit.

📍 Address: 31545 Walmsley Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6G5
📞 Phone: (604) 852-1369

🕔 Bhajan & Kirtan: 5:00 PM
🔥 Holika Dahan: 7:30 PM
🌸 Holi Color Play: Immediately after Holika Dahan (outside of temple)

Please note that playing with colors is strictly outside the temple building and not permitted inside. Devotees are welcome to bring their own colors; a limited supply will also be available at the temple.

Significance of Holika Dahan & Holi

Holi is one of the most cherished festivals in Hindu tradition. It is celebrated on the Poornima (Full Moon) of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February - March). The festival marks the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the renewal of faith and devotion.

Holika Dahan, observed on the evening of Phalguna Poornima, commemorates the powerful story of Prahlad and his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu. According to tradition, the demon king Hiranyakashipu sought to harm his son Prahlad for his devotion to God. With the help of his sister Holika, who had a boon making her immune to fire, they attempted to burn Prahlad. However, through divine grace, Prahlad was protected and Holika was consumed by the flames.

The bonfire of Holika Dahan symbolizes the burning away of negativity, ego, and evil, and reminds us that faith and righteousness always triumph.

The following day is celebrated as Holi - the festival of colors - symbolizing joy, unity, forgiveness, and the vibrant spirit of life. It encourages us to let go of past grievances and embrace one another in harmony and love.

🙏 Additional Aartis and temple rituals will follow after the color celebration. Temple closes at 09:00 PM.

We warmly invite you and your family to participate in this auspicious celebration. May this Holi bring spiritual renewal, happiness, and divine blessings to all.