Calendar/ Sacred time
Festivals
A religious festival is sacred time usually marked by
fasting or celebration. There are many colourful Hindu
festivals. Popular festivals celebrated each year are Holi
and Divali.
Holi
This is a Spring festival to celebrate Krishna, one of the
most popular Hindu gods. Bonfires are a central part
of the celebrations. People circle the bonfires and share
‘Prasad’, or holy food that has been offered to the god.
Images of the god Krishna are carried through the streets
in colourful processions. Children dress in bright clothes
and play practical jokes. People throw red powder and
coloured water over each other in a spirit of fun. This
reminds Hindus of the playful nature of the god Krishna
when he was young.
Divali
This is a winter festival to mark the beginning of the
Hindu new year. Divali means ‘row of lights’. During
the festival, oil lamps and candles are lit in the temple,
in the home, and in the workplace. Light is a symbol of
goodness. Hindus use it at Divali to show the victory of
goodness over evil and darkness.
Lakshmi is the goddess of good fortune. Many Hindus
believe that once a year at Divali she visits and brings
good fortune to every home where a row of lights are
burning in her honour. Hindus light candles, lamps,
sparklers, and fireworks to attract the attention of the
goddess.
The goddess Lakshmi.
Hindu families make a lot of preparations to receive
the goddess Lakshmi:
 Homes are cleaned from top to bottom.
 Flowers and paper chains are put up.
 Geometric patterns are painted on doorsteps.
 Lights are lit inside and outside the home.
 Everyone wears new clothes.
 Prayers and food are offered to the goddess.
 Cards and gifts are given to family and friends
so that everyone can share in the blessings of
the goddess.
Questions
1. Name two popular festivals in the
Hindu calendar.
2. Choose one Hindu festival:
a. when does it occur?
b. what god or goddess is associated with
this festival?
c. what do Hindus do during this festival?
3. What do Hindus believe about the goddess
Lakshmi?
4. Why do Hindus celebrate Holi?
5. How can taking part in a religious festival
strengthen the religious belief of Hindu people?
Jan
Feb
Mar
April May June July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Hinduism - RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
4
Holi
Divali
A Spring festival in
honour of Krishna.
Festival of Light.
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Section C: Foundations of Religion - Hinduism