Festivals – Diwali, Holi and Navaratri
All of the various Hindu gods and goddesses (thousands of them) have celebrations associated with their stories. All religious festivals connect ancient stories to modern rituals and involve communities gathering to remember, commit and worship.
Three widely loved festivals are A Hindu festival of light, also recognised by Sikhs. It celebrates the return of Rama to his kingdom and his wife Sita, after defeating the demon Ravana. (the festival of lights), Holi is a festival in Hinduism known as the festival of colours. It is celebrated in the spring. (the festival of colours) and A popular Hindu festival in praise of female forms of the divine (devi) which literally means 'Nine Nights' and involves singing and dancing. (the festival of nine nights).
Diwali
Diwali is known as the festival of lights and lasts for five days in October or November. It celebrates the famous story of A Hindu deity, the hero of the Ramayana story, another avatar of Vishnu. and The divine consort of Rama. defeating the evil ten-headed demon king The ten-headed demon in the Hindu Ramayana story.. It is a reminder of the victory of good over evil.
Before and during the festival, Hindus often clean their home, get their finances in order, join in fireworks displays and light Lamps made of cotton wool and purified butter (ghee), lit for worship and for special occasions, eg Divali. lamps. Feasting and generosity are common. Hindus often worship The goddess of wealth., the goddess of wealth and prosperity, in the hope of a prosperous new year.
Holi
Holi is known as the festival of colours. It is celebrated in the spring at new moon and lasts two days. Holi remembers the story of Prince Prahlad, who was a Vishnu is the aspect of Brahman responsible for the preservation of the world. Vishnu forms one part of the Trimurti, along with with gods, Brahma and Shiva. devotee, and his victory over the demon girl In Hinduism, the sister of a king who wanted everyone in his kingdom to worship him. The king’s son, Prahlad, refused. Holika, was immune to fire and tricked her nephew into a fire to destroy him. As she was using her powers for evil, she was destroyed and Prahlad emerged unharmed. Holi (which is a festival celebrated by some Hindus) celebrates Holika’s destruction.. Hindus celebrate the victory by lighting huge bonfires and throwing coloured powders over one another. They also make offerings of food to the deities. Holi celebrates new life and the victory of good over evil.
Navaratri
Navaratri is also known as Durga Puja and takes place at the beginning of October. During this festival, Hindus worship three manifestations of In Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God. – Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Hindus tell the story of Durga’s nine-day battle and victory over the demon Mahishasura. The goddess is worshipped for her power. Families often try to be at home for the nine days of Navaratri. This is a festival in which the divine mother is adored.