Hindu Festivals

Hindu festivals also play a vital role in promoting unity and togetherness among the Hindu community. Whether sharing sweets and savouries or exchanging greetings and well-wishes, Hindu festivals allow people to come together and strengthen their social bonds.

The most beautiful part of Hindu festivals is that they serve as a means of preserving Hindu traditions and cultural heritage. Through the performance of traditional rituals, the passing down of legends and myths, and the continuation of age-old customs, Hindu festivals play a crucial role in preserving the unique cultural identity of Hinduism.

Hence, Hindu festivals are an integral part of Hinduism, celebrating life, faith, and culture. They bring the Hindu community together, provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal, and help preserve the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism for future generations.

Let us read more about the significance of Hindu festivals!

Hindu Festivals and Their Association with Astrology

Many Hindu festivals have a close association with astrology, with some being based on the lunar calendar and others being determined by the positions of the sun and the moon in the sky. In Hindu astrology, the movements of celestial bodies are believed to influence the fortunes and destinies of individuals, and festivals provide an opportunity for Hindus to align their lives with the cosmic forces and seek blessings from the gods.

For example, the Navaratri festival is celebrated when the moon is in the constellation of Ashwin and is believed to bring good fortune and success to those who observe the festival with devotion. Similarly, the festival of Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, when the moon is in conjunction with the constellation Rohini, which is considered an auspicious alignment. If you want to know which today festival Hindu calendar marks for the upcoming year, set a reminder on the Hindu Panchang, available free on the InstaAstro website!

In addition to being based on the movements of celestial bodies, Hindu festivals also often involve astrological rituals, such as making auspicious pujas and offerings to the gods, the timing of which is determined by the positions of the planets and stars.

Mythology and Hindu Festivals

Mythology plays a significant role in Hindu festivals, as many are based on stories and legends from Hindu mythology. In addition, Hindu mythology provides a rich source of stories, symbols, and rituals that help to explain the mysteries of the universe and serve as a way to connect individuals with the divine. Each Hindu festival name has originated from the meaning and practices involved in the festival. For example, since Durga puja signifies the worship of Goddess Durga, hence the christening.

One of the most prominent examples of the significance of mythology in Hindu festivals is the celebration of Diwali, which is based on the story of Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana and his triumphant return to his kingdom after a 14-year exile. This story marks the win of good over evil and serves a reminder to have faith in ‘Karma’. Diwali traditionally takes place on the fifteenth day of the Luni-solar month of Kartik

One more prime example is Navratri, the festival which celebrates the victory and power of Durga over Mahishasura. This story highlights the win of good over evil, and the achievement of good things through determination.

In addition to serving as the basis for Hindu festivals, Hindu mythology also provides a wealth of symbols and rituals used to invoke the gods and seek their blessings. For example, the lighting of diyas or earthen lamps during Diwali is a symbolic representation of the victory of light over darkness.

Some Common Hindu Festivals

Here is the list of Hindu festivals and their significance:

1. Diwali: Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolises the power of light, goodness, and honesty. It is marked by lighting diyas, bursting firecrackers, exchanging sweets, and performing puja to the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
2. Holi: Holi is known as the festival of colours, and is the symbolisation of the end of winter and arrival of spring. It is celebrated by throwing coloured powders and water at each other, singing and dancing, and eating special foods.
3. Navaratri: Navaratri nine day long festival that celebrates the victory of the Hindu goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is marked by performing puja to the goddess, fasting, dancing, and singing devotional songs.
4. Ram Navami: Ram Navami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, one of the most revered Hindu gods, and is marked by singing hymns, performing puja, and reciting stories from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
5. Janmashtami: Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most loved Hindu gods, and is marked by fasting, singing devotional songs, and performing puja.
6. Maha Shivaratri: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maha Shiv Ratri is a celebration meant for Mahadev, one of the most powerful Hindu gods, and is marked by performing puja, fasting, and singing devotional songs.
7. Raksha Bandhan: Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, and is marked by the tying of a sacred thread, called the Rakhi, around the wrist of the brother.

In conclusion, Hindu festivals celebrate life, faith, culture, and nature and provide an opportunity for Hindus to honour and seek blessings from the gods, reinforce cultural and religious traditions, and promote social cohesion. You can read more about these festivals in detail on the InstaAstro website. You can also download the InstaAstro app to get regular reminders of upcoming Hindu festivals!