It will not be wrong if someone calls Hinduism “a religion of festivals.” Hinduism has lots of festivals compared to other religions. Besides having festivals celebrated worldwide, Hindus also celebrate some regional festivals. Every month, you will find some festivals. Hindus love to celebrate festivals; in fact, they are an eternal part of their lives. We will try to list all Hindu festivals here and explain why and how each is celebrated.
These festivals not only have religious importance, but they are also a part of the economy of India. Plus, they provide a pastime for the people and give them a break from their routine. Most festivals mark natural phenomena and have some science associated with them. E.g. On Makar Sankranti, the Sun transits into Makar Rashi and the day becomes longer. Navratri is the phase between two seasons. On Mahashivratri, Prasadam made up of Neem leaves is distributed which is very good for health. Some festivals like Vat Pournima and Nag Panchami include tree and animal worship, which teach us the importance of nature. Ancient Hindu sages interconnected science, rituals of festivals, and care for nature.
Hindu festivals promote interstate travel to many Hindu pilgrimages and thus promote national tourism in India. Businesses worth millions of dollars take place on the days of festivals. Thus, Hindu festivals also boost the economy of India.
List of important festivals in Hinduism:
1. Diwali: Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It is equivalent to Christmas for Christians and Eid for Muslims. It is celebrated as a victory of light over darkness. It spans 5-6 days. Vasubaras, Dhantrayodashi, Narak Chaturdashi, Laxmi Pujan, Bhai Dooj, and Padwa are the sub-festivals celebrated under Diwali.
2. Gudhipadwa (Hindu New Year)/Chetichand: Gudhipadwa is the first day of the Hindu calendar, i.e., the start of the New Year. When Lord Rama defeated Ravana and returned to Ayodhya, people welcomed him by raising the flags (Gudhi) in their homes.
3. Vijayadashmi or Dashera: Lord Rama defeated and killed Ravana on this day. Hence, the festival is celebrated as a victory of good over evil. People exchange leaves of a tree, greet each other, and come together, forgetting all past quarrels on this day.
5. Mahashivratri.
7. Akshay Tritiya.
8. Makar Sankranti or Pongal.
9. Holi. (Festival of Colors).
10. Hanuman Jayanti.
11. Rakshabandhan.
12. Navratri or Durga Puja.
13. Krishna Janmashtami.
14. Ganesh Chaturthi.
15. Jagannath Rath Yatra.
16. Dahi Handi.
Some other important regional festivals:
1. Karva Chauth.
2. Vat Pournima.
3. Guru Purnima.
4. Kojagiri Pournima.
5. Chhat Puja.
6. Rangapanchami.
7. Onam.
8. Dhulivandan.
9. Bail Pola.
10. Narali Pournima.
11. Sarvapitri Amavasya.
12. Tij.
13. Thaipusam.
14. Ugadi.
15. Bihu.
16. Nag Panchami.
17. Agrasen Jayanti.
18. Cheti Chand.
19. Rishi Panchami.
20. Vyasa Purnima.
21. Vasant Panchami.
22. Bhogi/Lohri.
23. Rangpanchami.
24. Dhulivandan.
25. Gangaur.
26. Ugadi.
27. Vishu.
28. Bihu.
29. Kinkrant.
30. Parshuram Jayanti.
31. Durgashtami.
32. Champashashthi.
33. Karthik Purnima.
34. Bathukamma.
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As given in hindu religion that there are 330 million (33 crore) god and goddess. Is it true and what is the story behind it?
Jai Shree Siya Ram… 🙏
Hindus have only 33 Gods and Demi Gods.
The 33 are:
(8) Eight Vasus (deities of material elements) – Dyauṣ “Sky”, Pṛthivī “Earth”, Vāyu “Wind”, Agni “Fire”, Nakṣatra “Stars”, Varuṇa “Water”, Sūrya “Sun”, Chandra “Moon”
(12) Twelve Adityas (personified deities) – Vishnu, Aryaman, Indra (Śakra), Tvāṣṭṛ, Varuṇa, Bhaga, Savitṛ, Vivasvat, Aṃśa, Mitra, Pūṣan, Dakṣa.
(11) Eleven Rudras – Aja, Ekapada, Ahirbudhanya, Tvasta, Rudra, Hara, Sambhu, Trayambaka, Aparjita, Isana and Tribhuvan.
(2) Two Ashvins (or Nāsatyas), twin solar deities.
i was told by an elder that newlywed should not be going to temple during thaipusam. is this true? would there be a reason for this?
I don’t have any idea regarding this. I would try to find out.