5 Most Popular Hindu Festivals

Festivals are an integral aspect of Hindu religion.

In fact, the Hindu religion can be better known as the “religion of festivals.”

Hinduism believes in the ideology that festivity, celebration, joy, and happiness are essential for the all round development of humanity. So, you get to see many festivals in the Hindu religion.

All the year round, Hindus celebrate different festivals. Festivals not only reaffirm our faith and devotion to God but also provide us with the opportunity to make our lives a celebration.

However, amidst all the festivals in Hindu religion, there are some festivals which have become very popular and are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

So, we take this opportunity to share with you 5 most popular Hindu festivals. Let’s get to know more about these most popular Hindu festivals.

Have a look!!

Diwali

Diwali or Deepawali is the biggest and by far the most popular Hindu festivals. Diwali is known as the festival of lights. In fact, Diwali means “rows of lighted lamps.” It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion throughout India.

Diwali is a five-day festival which begins with the celebration of Dhanteras. It is celebrated in the month of Kartika during October or November.

Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil as Lord Rama won over the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. It marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after serving 14 years in exile.

Hindus celebrate Diwali by lighting clay lamps, sharing sweets, festive fireworks, and much more. They also worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi.

Holi

Holi is the most colorful and happening festival of India. It is celebrated with great zeal, pomp, and joy in almost every part of India. Holi is celebrated on the full Moon day in the month of Phalguna which falls in the month of February or March. It is a two-day festival which starts with the “Holika Dahan.” The second day of the fiesta is known as “Dhulandi” wherein people celebrate by sprinkling colors, water, abeer, and gulaal on each other. People forget old enmity and enjoy with friends and loved ones. There is an atmosphere of joy and festivity all around.

Navratri and Dussehra

Navratri is a nine-day festival in which Hindus worship all the manifestations of Goddess Durga. The tenth day of the festival is known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami which celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. During Navratri, people fast for nine days and pray for the well being of their family members. It is celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin which falls in September or October.

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is another very popular Hindu festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the 8th day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada which falls in August or September. People observe fast on this day. Temples are decorated, and prayers are conducted at midnight, as Lord Krishna was born at midnight.

Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is another very important festival of the Hindus. It celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. People observe fast on this day and chant “Aum Namah Shivaya.” Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha in the Magha Month (February-March).

We hope that the post enlightens you about the most popular Hindu festivals. Let us all celebrate the festivals with great joy and happiness.