Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami, Dasara, or Dashain) is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is a gazetted holiday in India, which is marked on the 10th day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashvin (Ashwayuja), according to the Hindu calendar
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. The preparations and observances typically last five days.
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 […]
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 […]
"The way we treat people is the way we treat God."
Sikhism
