Hindus in India celebrate a number of festival related holidays. Some of the most festivals are very well known in Hinduism. Many Hindu festivals, holidays and sacred days are observed by Hindus in India.
Diwali – People get holidays for around 5 days to celebrate is Diwali which is also called the festival of lights. Victory of good over evil is celebrated during Diwali. This major holiday is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. In fact some of the Jain people even opt to fast for two days during Diwali.
Holi – Holi is a spring festival. During the day of Holi, people celebrate the festival of colors and spring time.
Mahashivratri – This is a great festival dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. On the Mahashivratri holiday, most people observe vigil and fasting on the day, all night worship (the night before) and chant Lord Shiva’s name.
Raksha Bandhan – The beautiful loving bond of protection between sister and brother is celebrated on Raksha Bandhan. Sisters and brothers visit each other on this holiday. Sisters tie a rakhi on the brother’s wrist, puts a Tikka on his forehead, offers sweets and in return the brother offers her a gift thus celebrating love and brotherhood.
Navaratri – Navaratri is a celebration of harvest and fertility and also the victory of the Durga Devi over the demon Mahishasura. People dress in colorful attire and perform a dance form called Garba and Dandiya continuously for 9 days.
Dussera – Dussera is an important day which is the tenth day of the Navaratri festival.
Krishna Janmashtami – Krishna Janmashtami is a tribute to Lord Krishna.
Ganesh Chaturthi – The birth of Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva is celebrated on this day. During the 10 holidays on Ganesh Chaturthi holidays, people bring the Ganesh Murti at home and also keep a common Murti in their society’s for worship.
