Today, suddenly—even though it’s Sunday—someone called asking to meet for non-vegetarian food. Usually, Sunday is just for enjoying food, so I was confused, because I believe in all gods and respect all days.

Then I realized that today is Sankashti Chaturthi. So I felt a bit sad that Sunday would “go to waste.” Still, I kept that feeling inside and had sabudana vada / fried chips instead. Today’s attempt to follow discipline and live simply is actually praiseworthy, because it gives rest to the body, reduces digestive strain, and isn’t just about satisfying the tongue.

But one thing bothers me—maintain some discipline. After eating or going out, take a proper gap.

On Sundays, Fridays, parties, birthdays, or free feasts—people indulge freely, as if Lord Ganpati or Lord Shankar are present only then. Many people decide what to eat or where to go based on what’s available at home, and sometimes say they ate outside. But do they visit relatives or friends’ homes on occasions like Sankashti, Dussehra, Akshaya Tritiya, or Gudi Padwa? Think about that.

On Gudi Padwa in Dombivli, seeing people dressed up happily felt reassuring—something is still left of our traditions, values, and festivals that bring joy.

Today is Ganesh Chaturthi—people worship Ganesh, but why not also worship his elders? They are strict. Worship Mother Parvati—she represents moral strength. Is it because Ganesh is playful and lenient about food that people feel closer to him?

There are many forms of the Goddess—Navratri, Saraswati Puja, Shakambhari Navratri, Renuka (a tamasic form), Chaitra Navratri—but people don’t observe all of them. However, Ashwin Navratri (a more “pleasing” form) is widely celebrated because it is not strict.

In reality, humans face problems through planetary influences. Shani, Rahu, Ketu, and Mangal are major forces, with their higher authorities being Surya, Shankar, Kalbhairav, and Shani. When obstacles arise, people worship them like going to a lawyer or police for help.

Devotion to Ram and Krishna ultimately leads to Vishnu—reciting Satyanarayan Katha is very beneficial.

A true Guru experiences worldly suffering and understands pain—but a Guru is not just for Thursdays; one should live with Guru-like conduct every day.

All virtues are embodied in Goddess Parvati (Janak’s daughter), Lakshmi (Rama), and Saraswati (effort and learning). From them come the forms of Navdurga. One should praise and connect with these qualities through texts like Stree Sukt, Navchandi, Devi Mahatmya, and Durga Saptashati.

People go to Tirupati because the deity is considered wealthy—but that is a form of Vishnu. Then why not recite Vishnu Sahasranama?