Deepawali
When Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after completing fourteen years in exile, after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps. Since then, the festival of Diwali has been celebrated. People cover streets and buildings in festive lighting and there are lively songs and dance. Dazzling fireworks go off, creating a spectacle of noise and light. This helps to scare away evil spirits and celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is also known as festival of lights. Families also perform Lakshmi Puja and pray to the Goddess of wealth to bless them with health, wealth, and prosperity. Read more
Holi
Holi celebrates Lord Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad. It is the festival of colours, it is a boisterous occasion, characterised by family and friends daubing coloured powders over each other and drenching unsuspecting passers-by with a deluge of water. Everyone is fair game for fun in the spring sunshine.. Holi also celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love and for many, it is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. The festival is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season. Read more
Janmasthami
Janmashtami festival celebrates the birth of the Lord Krishna on the eighth (ashtami) day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). People celebrate by fasting, breaking dahi-handi, singing hymns, visiting temples, preparing feasts and praying together. It is a grand celebration particularly in Mathura and Vrindavan. Raas Lila or Krishna Lila are also a part of the celebrations. Read more
Ganesh Chaturthi
What is Ganesh Chaturthi celebration? Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi, 10-day festival marking the birth of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha, the god of prosperity and wisdom. It begins on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). Lord Ganesh is considered a symbol of wisdom, writing, travel, commerce and good fortune. The 10-day festival starts with the installation of an idol of Lord Ganesha in most households, which culminates with the idol procession that leads to Ganesha Visarjan (immersing the idol of Ganesha in sea waters). Read more