Hinduism
Hindus believe in transmigration or reincarnation, as a journey on the way to God, The Supreme Reality which Hindus call Brahman.
Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti is celebrated in January and a number of prayers are recited during the day. A special sweet made of sesame seeds symbolising life is distributed to friends and relatives and children celebrate by flying kites.
Vasant Panchami: The festival of Vasanta Panchami is celebrated by Hindus in January/February, mainly in honour of Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, wisdom and fine arts.
Shiv Ratri: The festival of Shiv Ratri is celebrated by Hindus in February/March. On this occasion people offer bilwa leaves to an iconic representation of Shiva (Shiva-Linga) and spend the whole night in prayer (japa) meditation of Shiva (dhayana).
Holi: Holi announces the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. It is a festival that breathes an atmosphere of social merriment. People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind. Every nook and corner presents a typically colourful sight. Holi has long traditional links with several legends. According to one popular legend, the word Holi is derived from the demoness, Holika.
She was the sister of Hiranyakashyap, a demon king, who having defeated the Gods proclaimed his own supremacy over everyone else in the Universe. Enraged over his son, Prahlad's ardent devotion to Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashyap decides to punish him. He takes the help of his sister, Holika, who is immune to any damage from fire. Holika carries Prahlad into the fire but a divine intervention destroys her and saves Prahlad from getting burned. Thus Holi is celebrated to mark the burning of the evil Holika. It is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.
Rama Navami: Sri Rama Navami as a festival marks the birth of Lord Rama but is celebrated and worshipped in the form of re-creating the wedding between Lord Rama and Sita by the Hindus seeking well being of all people. Such community celebrations are held in not only Rama temples but also in many other temples too. Watching the ritualistic celebration in itself evokes a spiritual feeling and bestows blessings on the worshippers.
Raksha Bandhan: The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolises love affection and feeling of brotherhood. It is usually celebrated with joy and excitement in the month of Sravan. The tradition of tying a thread or "rakhi" around the wrist to convey different feelings has been coming down through the ages since the Vedic times. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, there is a lot of excitement among the girls. After an early bath, the sister invites her brother to wear the rakhi and reaffirm the bond of love. She applies `tilak' or vermilion powder on his forehead and ties the rakhi on the right hand. She then performs aarti and offers her brother some sweets. After she completes the traditional formalities, the brother gives her a gift as a token of his love and affection. It could be in the form of jewellery, new clothes, money or blessings too! But its value is immeasurable!
Janamashtmi: The birth of Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu in the Dwapar Yuga, is celebrated all over India as Krishna Janmashtami. This day is marked by religious festivity and devotion. Lord Krishna or "He who is all-attractive", descended on this earth to subdue the rakshasas ruthlessly and save mankind from all evils. He is regarded, as the epitome of transcendental qualities, which made him the most, loved one.
Ganesh Chaturthi: The festival of Ganesh or Vinayak Chaturthi, the day on which Ganesh was born. It is the most joyous event of the year. Throughout India the festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. In Andhra Pradesh, like Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated for ten days. It is said that Ganesh was the creation of Goddess Parvati, who breathed life into a doll, which she made out of the dough she was using for her bath.
Navrati: This is a nine-day festival celebrated in October. The celebration is held in the honour of the goddess known as Lakshmi, Durga and Sarasvati. During the nine days the images of these goddesses are installed in houses
Dusshera: The tenth day after Navrati is called Dussehra. The main feature, is the recital of Ram-Lila story based on Ramayana. This festival is celebrated by dancing (Garbas and dandiyas).
Karva Chauth: Karva Chauth is celebrated in October and prayers are offered to the God Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Women fast on this day. At dusk upon sighting the moon, water and flowers are offered to the household deity. On this occasion, mothers bless their married daughters and present them with jewellery, garments and sweets.
Diwali (Deepavali): Deepavali, the festival of lights, comes close on the heels of Dasara. It is a festival that marks the victory of good over evil. Deepavali means a "row of lights", and it brings along with it glowing happiness and the touch of sparklers all around. It signifies the advent of joy and happiness. Every year, people look forward to this occasion, which is celebrated for two days. The children await this festival to rejoice with firecrackers, wear new clothes and savour delicious eats. The adults take this occasion as an ideal time for gatherings, exchange of gifts and, of course, invest in gold, silver and new acquisitions for their homes. This is also the time when houses are given a fresh coat of paint.
Best Varash: Bestu Varash is the day after Diwali. It is the Hindu new year. Food and sweets are brought to the temple, to be blessed. They are then distributed to the worshippers. On this day relatives and friends visit each other's house to wish them a happy new year.
