Hindu Holidays

The general perception is that Hindus have a holy day for every day of the year, but sometimes it may be an understatement. Hindu festivals are unlimited, as their exact number is not known. Some scholars of Hinduism have listed more than a thousand different Hindu festivals.

Many of the Hindu holidays are traditionally based on the cycle of nature. They are the signs of change of seasons, some celebrate the harvest.. Other festivals are dedicated to a particular god, like Shiva or Ganesh. Some other popular holidays signify events in the life of Rama or Krishna.

Hindu festivals "are known to purify, and divert evil influences. The festivals include a lot of rituals, like offering prayers, processions, music, dancing, eating, drinking, and feeding the poor.

Shivarathri:

This falls on the 13th or 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalgun (between February-March). The name of the festival actually means "The Night of Shiva". The ceremony actually takes place chiefly in the night. It is a festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva.

Holi:

The Asuras were causing much havoc on earth and threatened the lives of many innocent people. One of them was Holika. She liked devouring small children. Sri Krishna killed her and saved the small children. To date, the effigy or figure of Holika is burnt in the fire, thus the great festival of Holi is celebrated with great pomp.

Raksha Bandhan:

Raksha Bandhan is also called as Avani Avittam in South India. This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Sravan (August-September). It is one of the important Hindu festivals. Hindus who wear a new holy thread offer their respects to the ancient Rishis by offering them water on this day.

Telugu New Year's Day:

This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra (March-April).This is a happy day and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This is New Year's Day for the people of Andhra Pradesh and also the Telugu people all over the world.

Navarathri:

This festival is celebrated twice in a year, once it is celebrated in the month of Chaitra and then again in Aswayuja. It lasts for nine days in honour of the nine forms of goddess Durga. During Navaratri devotees of her observe a fast. Brahmins are given food and prayers are offered as it is believed that this provides protection of health and property.

Ganesh Chaturthi:

Ganesh Chaturthi is most popular of all Hindu festivals. It is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is the most sacred day for Lord Ganesha. It falls on the 4th day of fortnight called Bhadrapada (August-September). It is observed throughout India , as well as by devoted Hindus in all parts of the world.

Krishna Janmashtami:

It is the birthday of Lord Krishna, who is the eighth Divine Incarnation. This festival comes on the 8th day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Many people go on a twenty-four hour fast on this day, which is broken at midnight.

Ramnavmi:

Lord Rama, is an Incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama is considered to have measureless power, and is of the nature of pure Consciousness and bliss. He s the divine consort of Sita , Master for Sri Hanuman, and the Lord of the three worlds. He took birth on this day in order to establish righteousness, and destroy the wicked to protect His devotees.