Hindu Festivals :Religious and Spiritual Significance

DIWALI:

Celebrates the victory of good over evil. It’s the festival of lights.
Celebrates the goddess Lakshmi and the return of Rama and Sita after the defeat of the demon king
It’s the Hindu new year and Goddess Lakshmi blesses all with wealth and good fortune
It is celebratedin October or November each year.
It is celebrated by lighting candles, decoration, fireworks, prayers, gifts, feast, and sweets
Some people like bursting crackers

HOLI:

Holi is Festival of Love and Color.
It marks the coming of spring.
It is held in March or April.
It is celebrated for victory of Vishnu over Hiranyakashipu and eternal love of Radha and Krishna.
People light a bonfire called Holi Dahan on a day preceding Holi.
individuals play with colors and eat delicious food.

DUSSEHRA:

Navratri, Durgotsav, Vijayadashami also known as Dasara, is derived from Sanskrit Dasha-hara meaning “remover of bad fate “.
This day celebrates victory of Goddess Durga. Mahishasura was defeated and killed by Durga. So, this festival is also called Vijay Dashami
On this day Lord Rama, killed the great demon Ravana

Navratri Festival of nine nights Celebrated around harvest time

devotees of goddess Durga offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess.
Good food, music, cultural programs are hallmarks of this festival

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI

Krishna Janmashtami is observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna
Lord Shree Krishna was born on this day as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Devotees share food and sweets.

RAKSHA BANDHAN

1. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is, dedicated to brothers and sisters.

2. Goddess Indrani when tied Rakhi to Lord Indra, it resulted in his victory over demons.

3. On this auspicious day, sisters tie a thread on her brother’s wrist and pray for his long and prosperous life. The brother promises to her protection.

4. Gifts and sweets are exchanged and all family members wear new clothes.