In the Hindu tradition, most holidays and celebrations commence at night, depending on the phase of the moon. The holidays are often celebrated at different times, depending on where on the globe you are.
Maha Shivarathri Celebrated in mid-February, Maha Shivarathri is dedicated to Shiva. At this time of the year, the planets are said to be aligned to foster spiritual balance. Hindus fast and hold vigil at night for this sacred celebration. Holi and Dhuleti This bright, joyous two-day festival, on the full moon of the month of Phalguna (February-March), celebrates the onset of spring season. This holiday has a light-heartedness that inspires practical jokes and brightly colored decorations.
Rama Navami This holiday in late March celebrates the birth of Rama, who is believed to be the reincarnation of the revered god Vishnu. Hindus often fast, breaking their fast at midnight with only a piece of fruit. This celebration brings together Hindus of all social castes and offers a release of social tensions. In some areas of India, the feast is celebrated for one night, while in others, the celebration lasts nine days. On the ninth night, Hindus stay awake in anticipation of Rama’s birth and hold a thanksgiving at dawn.
Janmashtami Celebrated on the night of the new moon in the Hindu month Bhadrapada (August-September), this happy celebration honors the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Vishnu declared that his eighth incarnation would defeat the evil King of Mathura. Krishna followed through with this predestined mandate and restored power to the proper king. This celebration requires a fast until midnight as well as visits to temples in devotion to Krishna.
Dusserah This ten-day festival in September-October honors Durga, the goddess of primal energy. The prominent aspect of this festival is the recounting of the epic tale of the Ramayana. In this story, an exiled prince, Rama, battles the evil King Ravana to save his wife. Finding it nearly impossible to defeat the King, Rama prayed for nine days to Durga and found the strength to defeat King Ravana, thereby saving his wife and restoring peace to the land. Throughout this festival, dramatizations of the story take place in many forms, ending with the burning of large effigies of King Ravana.
Diwali This five day festival in October-November is a time to pray and meditate to Laksmi, the goddess of prosperity, to Durga, the goddess of primal energy, to Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, and to Vishnu, the god of protection, sustenance, and maintenance. This New Year festival, celebrated at the new moon, is a time to contemplate peace and celebrate the new harvest. This celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights, because lights shine throughout the festival, symbolizing new beginnings.
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