Hindu Festivals and Rituals

The system used to track time in Hinduism, based on lunar cycles and solar positions.

A vibrant aspect of Hinduism focusing on celebrations of festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Navaratri, often involving colorful rituals, music, and festive food.

A festival known for its vibrant colors and the joyful throwing of colored powder, representing the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.

A festival during which offerings are made to the deity Krishna, often involving floral arrangements, music, and devotional songs.

A festival marking the victory of good over evil, celebrated with lights, fireworks, and feasting, signifying the triumph of light over darkness.

A festival marking the beginning of a new year in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and new beginnings.

A nine-night festival dedicated to the divine feminine, characterized by dance, devotional songs, and fasting, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

The ultimate purpose and meaning behind Hindu festivals, focusing on the deeper spiritual significance and connection with deities.

The act of applying colored powder or water on others during Holi and Pushpadolotsava, symbolizing the coloring of one's life with spirituality and devotion.

A traditional folk dance performed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan on the evening of Pushpadolotsava, involving sticks and rhythmic movements.

The deeper meaning and purpose of festivals like Holi and Pushpadolotsava, focusing on the spiritual growth and devotion to God.

The celebration of Fuldol by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Sarangpur, attracting devotees from across Gujarat and involving rituals like powder sprinkling and pujā.

A traditional Indian musical instrument played during the Rās dance, often made from bamboo and used for rhythmic accompaniment.

The offering of prayers and rituals to a deity, expressing reverence and seeking blessings.

The Hindu calendar is based on lunar months, which are determined by the moon's revolution around the Earth. Each lunar month has two halves: the bright half, where the moon waxes, and the dark half, where the moon wanes.

The Hindu New Year begins on the first day of the first lunar month, Kārtika, which usually falls in October or November on the Gregorian calendar.

Holi and Pushpadolotsava are spring festivals celebrated with fire and color in the Hindu calendar month of Fālgun.

Holi and Pushpadolotsava are celebrated with bonfires, colored powder, and water. These festivities symbolize joy and the arrival of spring.

The story of Prahlāda, a devout devotee who defied his evil father Hiranyakashipu's attempts to kill him, is the origin story of Holi.

The colorful festivities of Holi and Pushpadolotsava celebrate the arrival of spring, but the true meaning lies in the triumph of good over evil, as exemplified by Prahlāda's story.

Holi and Pushpadolotsava are not just about celebrating spring; they highlight the importance of faith and the victory of good over evil.

Social media often reflects the vibrant celebrations of Holi and Pushpadolotsava, showcasing the joy and community spirit.

A Hindu festival that celebrates the new year, often involving a feast of food known as an annakut, offering thanks to God, and remembering the story of King Bali.

This day of Diwali honors the goddess Lakshmi, who represents ethical economic prosperity, success in their careers, and the benevolent use of wealth. Devotees pray for good fortune in business and financial success.

A day of Diwali where devotees worship Hanumanji for protection from evil. It emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual guidance and protection.

This day of Diwali involves businessmen and students purifying their accounting ledgers and academic books. It symbolizes the importance of ethical practices in business and knowledge seeking.

A feast offered to God, often prepared with a variety of foods, symbolizing the devotion of King Bali to Lord Vishnu, and reminding devotees of the importance of surrender and humility.

A Hindu king who, in his devotion to Lord Vishnu, offered him three strides of land, demonstrating complete surrender and humility.

A verse from Kabir's poem, recited by Bhagwan Swaminarayan during rās, revealing his identity as Purushottam Narayan and Gunatitanand Swami as Aksharbrahman.

An important event celebrated in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, reaffirming faith in the Akshar Purushottam Upasana and honoring Gunatitanand Swami, Aksharbrahman incarnate.

A prayer sung by women devotees in northern Gujarat during Fuldol, seeking protection from māyā (illusion).

A significant Hindu festival that celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Decorative patterns created on porches during Diwali using colorful powders. These patterns symbolize the welcoming of prosperity and good fortune.

Oil candles used to decorate homes during Diwali, symbolizing the light that dispels darkness.

Traditional folk dance performed in Gujarat during Navarātri, often involving sticks (dāndiyā) and rhythmic movements.

Demon who fought Goddess Durga in Navarātri, gaining a boon that he couldn't be killed by humans.

Form of Goddess Parvati, who fought Mahishasura for nine days, ultimately defeating him.

Hindu festivals, like Navarātri, emphasize the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, signifying the triumph of virtue and morality.

Observance of festivals like Navarātri in a way that aligns with their true religious and cultural significance.

The act of celebrating Navarātri in a modern, secular environment, sometimes emphasizing entertainment over religious significance.