One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” Light is a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated, often with rows (avali) of clay lamps (deepa), for which the […]
The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names in different parts of India and the Hindu world. Names include Magh Bihu, Maghi (preceded by Lohri), Thai Pongal and so on. It also marks the day of Winter Solstice as per the Hindu tradition. Makara Sankranti is observed with social festivities such as colorful decorations, rural children going house […]
Saraswati Puja, also called Vasant Panchami, is celebrated to honor Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning. Hindu temples and households are full of activity on this day. This 'Panchami' is also known as Saraswati Day, because it is believed that on this day, the goddess Saraswati was born, bringing rhythm, order and knowledge into […]
This is the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love." Holi signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. People celebrate this day by meeting together and tossing colored powders or colored water on each other. More information can […]
Today is Puthandu (also called Puthuvarudam or Tamil New Year). Many Hindus consider today the solar new year and mark the occasion by thanking God/Universe for another new year and new beginnings. Traditional celebrations include an elaborate feast with 6 different tastes - sweet, sour, spice (hot), salt, bitter and ‘thuvarpu’ (like Umami). This is […]
Also called Rakhi or Rakhi Purnima, this day celebrates the bonds between sisters and brothers. Sisters of all ages tie a sacred thread, called the rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers, symbolically protecting them, and in return they receive a gift from their brothers. Traditionally, brothers also promise to take a share of the […]
This is a 10-day festival, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi, that celebrates the birth of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. The festival is marked by the installation of clay idols of Ganesh privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals (temporary stages) with ornate statues. Hymns, prayers, and fasting are typical practices during this […]
The festival literally means “nine nights” in Sanskrit and occurs over ten days and nine nights. It is celebrated differently in various parts of India with prayer, elaborate pandals (platforms), fasting, folk dances, displays of dolls, sharing of sweets, and bonfires. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of righteousness, […]
Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami, Dasara, or Dashain) is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It specifically commemorates when Lord Rama killed Ravana, as told in the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is a gazetted holiday in India, which is marked on the 10th and last day of Navratri, according to the Hindu […]
One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” Light is a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness. During the celebration, temples, homes, shops and office buildings are brightly illuminated, often with rows (avali) of clay lamps (deepa), for which the […]
"Everything you should do you will find in this: Do nothing to others that would hurt you if it were done to you."
- Mahabharata 5:1517
Hinduism
