HINDU Festivals

The Purpose of a Festival

1. Festivals have a social function in bringing families and communities together, and reminding them of their common bonds

2. They serve a religious and cultural function, as festivals are often rooted in the religious beliefs and practices and therefore educate the younger generations in the teachings and practices of the faith

3. They have an emotional and psychological function in providing the opportunity to reflect on one’s life and experience the feelings of joy and suffering which are an inevitable part of one’s own life, as well as providing a shared experience with the community

Question:

Can you distinguish between the social and the religious aspects of festivals?

Explain each aspect in your own words.

Holi The Festival of Colour

• Celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February)

• For Hindus, Holi is a celebration of the coming of spring, along with the joys of hope and happiness in family, relationships and friendships

What is done during Holi?

• Night before, Hindus light a bonfire and roast grain and other things as offerings to the gods

• During the day, Hindus through coloured powder at each other

• Rules of behavior and caste as broken

The Story of Holi

• Holika & Prahlad

• Purpose of the story is to remind Hindus of the rewards of loyalty and devotion to god and how faith can overcome evil

The Religious Meaning of Holi

• Religiously, Holi expresses happiness of being alive and to remove barriers of hatred and bitterness that causes unhappiness

• It reminds Hindus of the importance of loyalty and devotion to god and the belief that goodness can overcome evil.

The Social Meaning of Holi

• It celebrates togetherness and unites in friendship all people, regardless of caste and social background

• It helps to renew bonds of friendship and unity among family and the community

DivaliThe Festival of Lights

• Begins at the dark end of Asvina (October) to the beginning of the new moon of the next month, called Karttik (November)

• Divali marks the new year for Hindus

• There is a puja for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth

The Story of Divali

• The name of the festival means ‘Cluster of Lights’ and refers to the clay lamps related to the story of Rama and Sita

• Rama & Sita

The Religious Meaning of Divali

• The triumph of good over evil

• The coming of light or wisdom into the darkness of evil and ignorance

The Social Meaning of Divali

• The opportunity to make a new start in all aspects of life

• Hindus in North America and Britain say that Divali is their Christmas because there is plenty of special food, exchange of presents and greeting cards and lots of lights

HomeworkYou are each responsible to complete the following questions that accompany the document titled Hindu Festivals.

• What is the Religious message of each of these festivals?

• What do you think is the most important function of festivals for the Hindu community both for Hindus living in India and the Hindu Diaspora.