Big Festivals
What is Holi?
This spring festival is called the “Festival of Colors.”
What is Somvar Vrat?
This Monday fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
What is Janmashtami?
This day celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth.
Who is Ravana?
This demon king kidnapped Sita, leading to the Ramayana war.
What is kumkum / tilak?
This red powder is often worn on the forehead as a blessing.
What is Diwali?
This festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
What is Ekadashi?
This monthly fast happens on the 11th day after the full moon and new moon.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
This festival celebrates the elephant-headed god known as the remover of obstacles.
Who is Hanuman?
This monkey god helped find Sita and burned Lanka with his tail.
What is a raksha sutra / mauli?
This sacred thread is tied around the wrist for protection during rituals.
What is Navratri?
This festival begins when nine nights are dedicated to worshipping different forms of Goddess Durga.
What is Karva Chauth?
This fast is observed by married women for the well-being of their husbands.
What is Saraswati Puja / Vasant Panchami?
This day honors the goddess of learning, music, and wisdom.
Who is Krishna?
This avatar of Vishnu is the central figure of the Mahabharata.
What is a diya?
This item is lit to remove darkness and invite positive energy.
What is Dussehra / Vijayadashami?
This festival marks the celebration of Rama returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
What is Devshayani Ekadashi?
This fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu marks the beginning of Chaturmas.
What is Gokulashtami / Krishna Jayanti?
The festival where devotees break pots (dahi handi) in celebration of Krishna’s childhood.
Who is Lord Rama?
This king received 14 years of exile but stayed righteous.
What are durva grass / bilva leaves?
These leaves are offered to Lord Ganesha because he loves them.
What is Lohri?
This harvest festival celebrated in Punjab involves bonfires and marks the end of winter.
What is Chhath Puja?
This vrat is done to worship the Sun God for family prosperity, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
What is Durga Ashtami?
This festival celebrates the goddess who defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Who is Durga / Kali?
This goddess took the form of Kali to defeat powerful demons.
What is a deepam / deepak?
This special lamp with multiple wicks is used during aarti.