From last-minute shopping reminders to identifying the correct Mahurat for Pujas, Amazon Alexa is offering several use-cases and features that can help people prepare for the festivities. Be it Eid, Dussehra, Diwali, or Christmas, Alexa has something for everyone in the family to try out. Here are some of the things you can do with Alexa this festive season:

Save the dates:
As a country of various cultures and celebrations, it is easy to lose track of what’s next. With Alexa, you can stay on top of the next big festivity by just asking, “Alexa, दशहरा कब आएगा?”, “Alexa, when is Chhat Puja?”, “Alexa, अगले महीने कौन सा त्योहार है “, “Alexa, ईद-ए-मिलाद कब है?” and “Alexa, how many days until Christmas?”

Know your festivals:
We often search for things to be done on these days, or even wonder why we celebrate certain festivals. Now with Alexa, this information is only a voice command away. Just ask, “Alexa, what is the significance of Dussehra?”, “Alexa, how is Sharad Purnima celebrated?” or “Alexa, दुर्गा पूजा में क्या करते है ?”.

Identifying the correct Muhurat for Pujas:
Many Indian families follow auspicious dates and times known as Muhurats to start something new or carry out the religious puja. Identifying auspicious times has never been easier. You can just ask Alexa,
“Alexa, what is the pooja time for Dhanteras?”, or “Alexa, लक्ष्मी पूजा का मुहूर्त बताओ”. Alexa can also guide you through your Puja, just ask “Alexa, start Diwali Pooja”.

Soak in devotion and mythology:
What’s better than bringing in the spirit of festivities with Aartis! Just ask, “Alexa, open Lakshmi Aarti” or “Alexa, play Diwali Aarti.” You can also listen to the story about Karwa Chauth by simply asking “Alexa, करवा चौथ की कथा सुनाओ”. Experience the stories of Ramayana and listen to verses from the Bhagavad Gita by asking, “Alexa, play Ramayan Katha” or “Alexa, open Gita chanting.”

Alexa burst crackers
Let Alexa take care of your to-do list this festive season

Manage your festive tasks:
The festive season sets families abuzz with all the cleaning, shopping and cooking. You can rely on Alexa to create to-do lists, “Alexa, add clean kitchen cabinets to my to-do list”; set reminders, “Alexa, remind me to place diyas at home at 5:30 PM”, and even create shopping lists, “Alexa, add a kurta to my shopping list”. You can also learn to make festive delicacies by asking “Alexa, give me kheer recipe” or “Alexa, give me Christmas special recipes” from the comfort of your kitchen.

Light up your home with magic:
Just plug any string of lights into an Alexa-compatible smart plug and control them with your voice. Say, "Alexa, turn the Christmas lights on” or “Alexa, दिवाली लाइट्स ऑन करो” or “Alexa set the living room light to yellow” and watch the magic happen.

The perfect host and dost for your celebrations:
Alexa and Amazon Echo Devices can help you become the best party-host this season. Just say “Alexa, play latest Bollywood hits” or “Alexa, JioSaavn se Diwali party hits play karo” to liven up your festive get-togethers. Entertain your guests with a round of fun games with Alexa; simply say, “Alexa, start Hungama music quiz,” or “Alexa, start Impossible Bollywood Quiz.” For a comprehensive package of festive fun and delights, choose the smarter way of preparations with Alexa.