Hinduism is an extremely diverse religion. It has numerous sects, each
with their own unique religious practices and methods. Hindu festivals thus are
naturally variegated each resembling a different cultural diversity and
celebration methods. Festivals in India stem from various religious beliefs,
myths, and folklores or from historic or mythological events and usually
associated with change of seasons. It is interesting how one festival in India
can have myriad back stories to it – Some based on an event, some based on an
ancient practice and some stemming from philosophical or mythological legend
and usually differs based on different cultural communities and their beliefs.
Although the word ‘festival’ signifies a feast or fiesta, most Hindu festivals
actually have a concrete mythological significance which defines the methods of
practice and other details of the festival.
Let’s take a look
at some of these important Hindu festivals and their mythological significance.
- Shivaratri
Shiva – The
destroyer is the Maha Yogi who is one of the three forming a holy triad. There
are many legends and stories surrounding the start of this auspicious festival
which is celebrated throughout India and by all Hindus irrespective of cultural
differences. The most significant folklore states that once a poisonous pot
emerged from the seas which was capable of ending the entire world. Lord Shiva
in order the save the world, drank the entire pot of poison and held it in his
throat. This turned his throat blue also giving him the name Neelkanth. To
celebrate this event when Shiva saved the world, ‘The Night of Shiva’ or
Shivaratri is observed by a strict fasting. This auspicious festival falls
sometime during January-February.
- Holi
Holi is the
festival of colors and is celebrated by young and old by playing with colors.
It is a joyous festival celebrates the burning and death of Holika – an ogress.
This carnival of merry making and harmony also marks the occasion of Lord
Vishnu saving BhaktPrahlad, a devotee. Holi is enjoyed throughout the country
by all ages and all cultures of people. In certain parts, it is also called
Kaman-Pandigai as a festival of Kama Deva or the God of love. Holi is the
spring break festival usually occurring during March-April.
- Onam
Onam is widely
celebrated in Kerala as a 10-day joyous festival to harmonize and reignite
family ties. Onam signifies the mythological tale of Maha-Bali asura and
Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a dwarf. Before Mahabali was put down
he had asked for a boon – to be allowed to visit his family and people at least
once a year. Lord Vishnu granted this boon to him which is celebrated as Onam.
- Janmashtami
Janmashtami
signifies the birth of Lord Krishna to destroy all evil and it thus also marks
the triumph of good over bad. The birth of Krishna, an incarnation of Lord
Vishnu is celebrated all over the country particularly in Vrindavan and Mathura
by fasting the entire day till midnight which is believed to be the auspicious
birth time of Lord Krishna. This festival occurs during August-September.
- Dussehra
or Durga Puja
Known by different
names and celebrated marking different folklores by diverse cultural sects,
this is one of the most important festivals for the Hindus. While Dussehra is
mostly celebrated in the North to mark the event of Lord Rama killing Ravana,
Durga Puja resembles the event of the death of Mahisasura (an Ogre) by hands of
Goddess Durga. Celebrated during September-October this festival is
particularly of great importance to Bengalis too.
- Diwali
The festival of
lights is celebrated during October-November to mark the return of Lord Rama
after his victory over Ravana and Lanka. Also in some parts of the country, the
mythological story behind this event is the death of Narakasura by Lord
Krishna.
Procedures and
process of worship are same though, deities worshiped vary.
