Added: 12/21/2005 |
Hindu Festivals Honor Ancient Religious TraditionsIn India, Hindu festivals are widely popular and eagerly awaited. They reflect ancient history of traditions and religious beliefs, and hence, are regarded as an integral part of the national culture. Among the most celebrated Hindu festivals are Diwali, Holi, Ugadi, Gudi Pawda, Bhaubeej, Dala Chhath, Krishna Janmastami, and Onam, all of which are solemnized.
In 2005, Diwali started on November 1, while in 2006 it will occur on October 26.
The festival is celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and Hindus as the holiday of life and the victory of good over evil. In North India the festival is held on the last day of the Vikram calendar, marking the return of King of Ayodhya from war, in which he murdered the demon king, Ravana.
Because South Indians have a different calendar, Diwali in South India doesn't coincide with the new year's beginning. The most celebrated of Hindu festivals, Diwali is observed all over the world in countries like the Netherlands, Britain, Guyana, Suriname, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Africa, and the United States. The number of countries where Hindu festivals are celebrated is gradually increasing due to the Indian migrations to various parts of the world.
On the second day after the Diwali celebrations, Hindus observe Bhaubeej, which falls on the last day of the Diwali Festival. Women express their love for brothers by putting a special vermillion mark on brothers' foreheads. The festival is also known as Yama Dwiteeya, since it is believed that on this day the King of Death Yamaraj visits his sister Yami, who prays for his prosperity and health. So, it is taken for granted that everyone, who gets a tilak from his sister would never be sent to hell.
One of the important Hindu festivals is Dussehra, also referred to as Vijaya Dasami. It is annually observed by Indians in the Hindu month Ashwin, which corresponds to September or October. The day commemorates the triumph of King Rama over Demon Ravana.
Dussehra is solemnized in different parts of South Asia. In Bengal it is known as Durga Puja or Kali Puja, while in Tamil Nadu it worships Saraswati, Shakti, and Lakashmi. In Nepal the festival has the name Dashain.
Dussehra is seen as a turning point for many families to start education of their children. In 2004 the tradition was accepted by many churches in Kerala, which introduced children to education on this day.
Dala Chhath makes itself conspicuous among the Hindu festivals due to the unique traditions and religious beliefs. The holiday is observed in Nepal and such parts of India as Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. It commences on the sixth day of Kartik, the month of the Hindu calendar.
Regarded as the holiest Hindu festival, Dala Chhath is seen as the event devoted to the Sun God. Four days of the holiday are spent in worships of the Sun for bringing and maintaining life on earth, and fulfilling wishes. People also believe that while worshiping the Sun, they cure a number of diseases, and ensure prosperity and longevity of their relatives and friends.
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