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Holidays and Observances

This guide provides information about diverse cultural celebrations and religious holidays. It includes calendars and brief descriptions of the events. This resource can assist in event planning and classroom activities.

Background Information

Hinduism is diverse with some regional differences in traditions.

Major Holidays

Diwali

Diwali is a festival of lights and a major festival that is also celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. This is a five day festival celebrated in October or November.

Ganesha Chaturthi

Ganesha Chaturthi is an eleven day festival celebrating the birth of Ganesha. It falls in August or September.

Holi

Holi, a spring festival, generally falls in March.

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is a major festival celebrating the birth of Krishna. It is observed for two days in August or September.

 

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a festival honoring Shiva. It is a fast day in February or March.

Navaratri and Dussehra

Navaratri is a major festival celebrating Mahadevi. It is ten days and ends with Dussehra and is celebrated in September or October.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a holiday celebrating the brother-sister relationship. It usually falls in August.

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