Hinduism
Key Holidays
HOLI
An annual festival celebrated on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna which is early March. Holi celebrates spring, commemorates various events in Hindu mythology and is time of disregarding social norms and indulging in general merrymaking. Holi is probably considered the least religious of Hindu holidays.
DIWALI
Diwal's is translated to row of lights and different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. The festival of Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts.
MAHASHIVARATRI (SHIVA RATRI)
This festival is observed for one day and one night only. Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Lord Shiva, which occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna. It falls on a moonless February night, when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Shivratri (Sanskrit 'ratri' = night) is the night when he is said to have performed the Tandava Nrityaor the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.
