Introduction 

All three of us have been celebrating Indian and/or Hindu festivals throughout our lives. Over the years, we have realized that festivals are more than celebrations. This blog is an attempt to explain some of the key Indian festivals and what we believe about their significance.

Before we get into the details, let’s understand why we celebrate festivals.  We believe that the festivals:

• Help us organize our lives. They happen in the same months year after year.  So our household chores, such as cleaning, can be planned around those times
• Promote healthy habits such as early morning showers, detoxification through fasting, etc.
• Strengthen family and community bonding. Festivals are celebrated with the family and others, bringing them closer and nourishing positive relationships
• Teach us life lessons and help us choose good over evil
• Encourage us to respect nature and habitat
• Last but not least, they are fun

Festivals

Sankranthi

Sankranthi is a harvest festival. It is celebrated in India to thank the Sun God for the bountiful harvest. It is a three-day celebration in Telugu states from January 13th through 15th.

On the occasion of Bhogi (the first day of Sankranthi), people discard their old and useless household items. These items are thrown into the bonfire, “Bhogi mantalu”. In addition, people clean their houses and draw rangoli (decorative art drawn on the floor with colored powders) in front of their homes. People also decorate their houses with marigold garlands and mango leaves. Bogi celebrations drive away all the negative energy from and around the house and make way for positive energy.

Makara Sankranthi/Pongal (the second day of Sankranthi) represents a new beginning. This is supposed to be a Thanksgiving celebration with extended family at the end of the harvest season. Additionally, the winter season comes to an end on this day as the sun crosses over from the southern to the northern hemisphere, bringing with it longer days in India. This festival is a reminder to share what you can with others.

Farmers celebrate Kanuma (the third day of Sankranthi) to worship their cattle and other animals. It is because livestock plays a vital role in the prosperity of farmers. The Kanuma festival is a reminder to be thankful to those who help us develop.

Sankranthi encourages us to release negative energy, share with others, and express gratitude to those who help us grow.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is observed on the day before the new moon in February or March. On this night, the planet’s northern hemisphere is situated so that there is a natural uplifting of energy in a human being.

During Mahashivaratri, fasting is practiced to aid in the body’s detoxification. Collective prayers are also chanted all night long, which denotes mental alertness.

Important life lessons to learn from Lord Shiva:

• Simplicity 
• Meditation
• Love for Art
• Calmness and patience

Holi

Holi is one of the most vibrant and colorful festivals celebrated in India. The festival marks the blooming of spring after a long winter season. It is celebrated on a full-moon day of spring in February–March.

It is a two-day festival. The first evening of Holi begins on Full Moon Day, when bonfires are lit to cleanse all negative energy. Holi’s second day of festivities features water and colored powder games. People call and force each other to come out of the house and join the celebrations.

It’s a day when individuals forget, forgive, release negative energies from their lives, and have fun with each other. The festival serves as a yearly occasion for reunions and community building.

Ugadi

The Ugadi word is a conjugation of two Sanskrit words: Yuga (era) and Adi (beginning), which literally means the start of a new era. Ugadi is Telugu New Year’s Day as per the lunisolar calendar in India (March–April months). Earth completes one full rotation around the sun on Ugadi Day. It goes by a different name in other Indian states. The customs and rituals followed may differ, but the essence of the festival remains the same.

For Ugadi, people make a special dish called Ugadi Chutney, a delectable delight that blends all the flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and tangy). It serves as a symbolic reminder to expect and make the most of all kinds of experiences in the upcoming new year.

The Ugadi festival symbolizes the value of diversity. Every home makes Ugadi chutney differently, yet they are all delicious. Similarly, each person brings a different but unique value to the table.

Rama Navami

Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama and his marriage to Sita Devi during the spring (March–April months).

Rama Navami is observed in various forms across India. It is honored by performing elaborate pujas, holding fairs, and chariot processions in North India. In South India, it is observed by performing the marriage (Kalyanotsavam) of Rama and Sita.

Rama lived a long time ago. Even after all these years, we still continue to admire him and encourage others to “be as Rama” since he lived his life maintaining the dharma (principles). He is a model of what a good son, husband, brother, friend, and leader should be.

Important life lessons to learn from Lord Rama:

• Respect Elders
• Do the right thing
• Duty is God
• Keep your promises

Hanuman Jayanti 

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of Chaitra, the first month of the lunar calendar, which falls in March – April. This day signifies the birthday of Lord Hanuman.

Devotees observe fasting and offer prayers (Hanuman Chalisa and other devotional songs). The regular chanting of Hanuman Chalisa purifies both body and mind and is deeply elevating. At temples, food drives are organized to feed the hungry. People also chant Sundar Kaand, a section depicting the adventures of Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Lord Hanuman is worshiped for his devotion, strength, faith, valor, energy, and selfless love. He represents:

• Loyalty to Lord Rama through his actions 
• Motivation with his can-do attitude. He never allowed roadblocks to prevent him from moving Sanjivini Mountain or searching for Sita
• Humbleness. Even though Hanuman is extremely strong and powerful, he humbly kneels before Lord Rama

Vishu  

Vishu is a spring festival celebrated on April 14th or 15th in Kerala, the southern state of India. Vishu celebrations begin at sunrise. Vishukkani, a tray of yellow flowers, fruits, vegetables, rice, new cloth, and coins, is placed beside a lamp in the family pooja/prayer room the previous night. The celebration commences with the Vishukkani, the first auspicious thing that people see on the day. Each item in Vishukkani has a meaning. Other states in India also celebrate the new year, and each state has its own name for the festival, such as Bihu in Assam, Baisakhi in Punjab, etc.

Families celebrate it together with a feast called ‘Sadya’ that promotes bonding. The younger members take blessings from the elders. The elders give money to the younger ones as it is considered to bring luck and growth. This money-giving tradition is known as VishuKaineettam.

Vishukkani points to a year of abundance, both spiritually and materially. People are motivated when they start a new task optimistically. Optimism and family bonding are key aspects of Vishu.

Learn more about this festival here.

Jagannath Rath Yatra

Dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), his sister Goddess Subhadra, and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, the Jagannath Yatra is a religious procession. This festival is celebrated for nine days in the June–July months, during which Lord Jagannath and the other two deities visit the Gundicha Temple and Mausi Maa Temple in Puri, India. The prime attractions of the Rath Yatra of Jagannath are the chariots.

It is believed that taking part in the Rath Yatra takes you one step ahead towards self-realization. This festival allows devotees to serve God.

Interesting fact:  The festival is known to have received rainfall every year on the day of the procession. As per the data, there has not been a single Rath Yatra without rainfall.

Guru Poornima

Guru Poornima is a holiday dedicated to paying respect and expressing gratitude to teachers. Guru means teacher, and Poornima means full moon day. The festival always falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha (typically occurring between June and July). On Guru Poornima Day, we appreciate everyone who has taught us something. We are a byproduct of all the teaching and guidance that our teachers provided for us.

It is celebrated by organizing cultural programs and feasts and offering prayers to gurus, saints, mentors, and teachers.

Naga Panchami

Naga Panchami is observed on the 5th day leading to the full moon (Shukla Paksha Panchami Tithi) of the Hindu month of Shravan. In some parts of India, this festival is observed on the 5th day leading to the no-moon of the Hindu month of Shravan.  It falls in July – August. Snakes (Naga) are worshiped for good health and prosperity. They are worshiped with milk, sweets, flowers, lamps, and the chanting of hymns.

This festival signifies how our culture gives importance to each element of nature.

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)

The festival of Raksha Bandhan is observed as a symbol of duty between brothers and sisters. Raksha means protection, and Bandhan means to tie.

The occasion is meant to celebrate any type of brother-sister relationship between men and women who may or may not be biologically related. The festival is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Sharavan, which falls in July–August. The sister initiates the celebration by lighting lamps, putting kumkum (vermilion powder) on the brother’s forehead, tying rakhi (a sacred thread) on the wrist of the brother, and praying for the brother’s well-being. If the sister is unable to meet the brother, the rakhi is mailed to the brother, and the celebrations are performed virtually. The brother promises to protect the sister and gives gifts to her.

Bhai Dooj is a similar festival celebrated two days after Diwali (October–November) in North India. The brother initiates the celebration by visiting his sister’s house on Bhai Dooj. This festival also signifies the love and duty between brother and sister.

Varalakshmi Vratham

This festival is observed on the 2nd Friday, or the day before the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which falls in July–August.  Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped to obtain prosperity and health. Married women decorate pooja (worship) places and idols and offer special prayers to goddess Lakshmi. Many women buy gold/silver as a sign of good luck.  Women tie a red or yellow-colored sacred thread on their right wrist before the pooja; this thread is a symbol of divine blessings and protection. The host prepares a feast, invites neighborhood women to take part in pooja, and provides small gifts to the invitees.

Refer to this link for step-by-step details on how to perform the vratham.

In addition to praying for the family, this festival promotes communal harmony and bonding for women. It also reminds us to see God in everyone (gift giver and receiver).

Onam

Onam is the harvest festival of the southern state of Kerala, celebrated by all faiths during the Malayalam month of Chingam, which falls in August–September.

Onam is celebrated by making floral designs (pookalam) in front of the house and elaborate feasts (sadya). Tiger dance and boat races also happen on Onam.

Onam explains the relationship between humans, nature, and culture. It is a time when all aspects of nature are celebrated. From new clothes (Onakodi) to floral designs (pookalam), raw materials of the feast (Sadya), the tiger dance (Pulikali), and the snake boat race, all of nature’s elements have their roles to play.

Vinayaka/Ganesh Chathurthi

The festival is celebrated on the 4th day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which typically falls in August – September. It is observed as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvathi.

The festival is celebrated for 10 days. Idols of Lord Ganesha are placed at home and in elaborately decorated public tents and worshiped by offering fruits, flowers, and special food items. Special religious prayers and bhajans are chanted.

Links: Vinayaka Chathurthi Vratham and Katha (story).

Idols are submerged in local water bodies after 10 days of worship, which teaches us the significance of detachment when required. Ganesh Chathurthi’s stories also remind us to accept everyone as they are and not judge them based on their appearance.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is celebrated on the 8th day of the Hindu month Bhadrapada, which typically falls in August – September. The festival is observed as the birthday of Lord Krishna.

The festival is celebrated by offering prayers to Lord Krishna. Devotees observe fasting on the day till midnight, the hour when Lord Krishna was born. Temples and homes are decorated, and religious chanting is done. Devotees enact Krishna stories. Pots of sweets/milk are hung on tall poles, and kids attempt to break the pots. This is to remember how Lord Krishna and friends attempted to take the milk/yogurt that was out of reach of the kids.

This festival helps bring the community together through group singing, dancing, and fun activities. It also serves as a reminder of how, despite facing several obstacles at every turn in life, Lord Krishna performed a variety of roles—that of a son, friend, husband, brother, mentor, etc.—with such cheerfulness and positivity.

Dasara Navaratri

The festival is celebrated as the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura after a fierce battle lasting for more than nine days. The festival typically falls in the months of September – October.

One of the most important components of Dasara is Ayudha Pooja. Ayudha Pooja refers to the practice of treating all tools with respect, whether used in education, employment, business, agriculture, or anything else.

The purpose of Navratri’s nine days is to worship the goddess Parvati, or Durga, in one of her nine manifestations, each of which has a distinctive personality and set of skills.

Lessons for life from each form are:

• Be moral even in difficult times—Adi Lakshmi
• Conquer hurdles to achieve success—Vijaya Lakshmi
• Respect nature—Dhanya Lakshmi
• Maintain lifetime learning—Vidhya Lakshmi
• Treat every living being with love and respect—Gaja Lakshmi
• Consider children to be the greatest treasures of family life—Santhana Lakshmi
• Understand that wealth consists of financial, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual prosperity—Dhana Lakshmi
• Be courageous—Dhairya Lakshmi
• Be the source of positive energy—Mahalakshmi

Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth means offering water (‘Argya’) to the moon using an earthen pot known as Karwa in the Karthika month (October–November). The festival falls on the fourth day of the waning fortnight (Chaturthi).

Every year, married women celebrate the one-day festival of Karva Chauth, during which they fast from dawn to moonrise and offer prayers for their husbands’ health and longevity. Unmarried people who pray in the hopes of a compatible life partner also observe the event. This festival is similar to AtlaTadde, which is celebrated in Telugu states, and Teej in North India.

Women break their fast in the evening after seeing the moon through a sieve. The moon of Kartik is said to release certain hazardous rays as soon as it begins to rise. People search for filtered light and divine blessings while using a sieve to shield their eyes from those dangerous rays.

The moon is regarded as a symbol of joy, serenity, and love since it is lovely, cool, and beloved. The women ask God to provide their husbands with all of these attributes, as well as a long and prosperous life.

It is a celebration of love, marriage, and the unbreakable bond shared between a husband and wife.

Diwali

Diwali is observed every year in early autumn, after the conclusion of the summer harvest. It coincides with Amavasya Day (the waning moon) and is deemed the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar (October–November). In northern India, people celebrate the story of King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after he defeated the demon Ravana. Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna and Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura.

During the festival, diyas (oil lamps) are used to illuminate homes, temples, and businesses. At dawn, one takes a ritual oil bath. Diwali is also celebrated with fireworks, rangoli designs, and other house decorations. Families enjoy feasts and share sweets, and food is a major theme.

The festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families but also for communities. Many towns hold neighborhood fairs, parades, and open-air musical and dancing performances.

Diwali signifies more than just the victory of good over evil and wisdom over ignorance. It also celebrates courageous women like Satyabhama, who defeated the demon Narakasura. In the face of adversity, she rose to the occasion and did everything it took to prevail.

Karthika Masam

Karthika Masam (October–November) is considered the propitious and holiest month for Hindus. The name of the Karthika Masam is derived from a star called “Krithika” (a source of power and energy). It is also said to be the favorite month of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

The Significant Rituals of Karthika Masam: 

Karthika snanam (Bath) – A complete month of early morning baths. In winter, people tend to grow drowsy due to the chilly days. Early morning showers are said to be good for both physical and mental wellbeing, according to science (Link for more info). It is said that by bathing in the river during Karthika Masam, one can absorb the energy the river takes from rainfall during Aswayuja Masam (the month prior to Karthika Masam). Nowadays, people practice karthika snanam at home because it is impractical to take a river bath due to urban living. 

Karthika Dipam (Lighting of Diya) – Before sunrise and soon before sunset, during Karthika Masam, diyas are lit and placed in front of the Tulasi (Holy Basil) plant and close to the home’s main entrance. During the winter, the days are shorter and nights are longer. Before the invention of electricity, people used oil lamps, or diyas, to light their homes. Since then, lighting diyas to beautify homes for this month has become customary.

Vratam – Nattalu or Natta Vratam, which is observed throughout the entire month of Kathika Masam, and Somavar Vratam, which is observed exclusively on Mondays, both refer to a complete day of fasting and eating only after viewing the stars in the evening. Because there is less movement in the winter, digestion takes longer. So fasting is practiced to prevent overeating. As a result, it supports keeping a healthy body during the winter.

Karthika Pournami – The month of Kartika’s full moon is celebrated. People light 365-wick oil lamps at temples and homes.

Vanabhojanalu (garden picnics) – People would go out with families and friends to nearby parks or farms to have picnic lunch during the Karthika Masam. People appreciate spending relaxed time with their loved ones and taking time for themselves in the midst of nature. As a result, it helps to maintain friendly interactions between family and community members, which in turn promotes the development of a happy society.

These rituals give us an ongoing way to structure our lives and bind us to nature and the seasons.

Conclusion

This blog is our attempt to give an overview of key Indian festivals that the three of us have been celebrating and to help you understand when and how to celebrate them. We also tried to explain the significance of each festival as we understood it and how valuable these festival traditions are for family, community, and ourselves. Traditions are important, and let’s try to keep them going.

If you have any questions or have a comment, please feel free to reach out to us via this blog, email, IG, Twitter, and Facebook.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on our own experiences, beliefs, and information collected from various sources. If there is an inaccuracy, let us know, and we are willing to fix it.