Books on Hindu Festivals | हिन्दू व्रत त्योहार पुस्तक

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FAQs

Q1. What are some questions about Hinduism?

Hinduism, also known as the Sanatan Dharma, is the oldest known religion on earth. According to the Vedic scriptures, it has neither a beginning nor an end. Rather, it is the very intrinsic nature of the soul. Many people ask various questions about Hinduism. Some are: What is the main message of Hinduism? Why are there so many Gods in Hinduism? Is Hinduism a religion or a way of life? What does Hinduism say about the real identity of living beings? What is the philosophy behind the four Varnas mentioned in the Vedas?

Q2. What is the central message of the Hindu festival?

Hinduism is full of festivals and celebrations that come throughout the year. The main festivals are Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, and many more. All these festivals have one common purpose which is to transform our hearts, free from anger, greed, envy, illusion, and false ego, so that we can remember God at every moment. Dussehra, for example, is celebrated as the day on which Lord Ram killed the demon Ravan in Lanka. Ravan is the personification of the Anarthas (negative tendencies) residing within our hearts. Hence, only when we take the shelter of the Lord, can we be freed from them.

Q3. Which is your favourite Hindu festival?

Among many festivals in Hinduism, my favorite is Balaram Jayanti, the appearance day of the elder brother of Lord Krishna. The Vedic scriptures and the Acharyas mention that there is no difference between Krishna and Balaram. Balaram Ji is the Adi Guru or the original spiritual master and thus, whoever takes His divine shelter, definitely achieves the lotus feet of Lord Shri Krishna very easily. Balaram Jayanti is celebrated by performing Abhishekam of Krishna-Balaram and the devotees observe fast and perform their Sadhna with love and devotion to please Balaram Ji.

Q4. Which is the biggest & most important festival of Hindu?

Of all the major festivals celebrated in the Hindu community, the most important is the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights. On this day, Lord Ram along with His eternal consort Sita and brother Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after the end of 14 years of exile. For welcoming the Lord with utmost enthusiasm and to please Him, all the inhabitants of Ayodhya, out of their pure love for Him, decorated the entire city with flowers, flags, festoons, and lit ghee lamps. In this remembrance, Hindus celebrate Diwali in the mood to please Lord Ram. They prepare different sweets and offer them to Him.

Q5. Why do Hindus celebrate so many festivals?

Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma is more than a faith or religion. The Vedic scriptures mention different deities (Ganesha, Chandra, Indra, Varuna, Durga, Shiva, etc) and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu or Krishna. They also mention the form, pastimes, and qualities of them all. Festivals in Hinduism are always centered on one or the other deities; celebrating their appearance and pastimes that come throughout the year. Not a single month goes by without celebrating a festival. Therefore, Hindus always get a chance to remember God in one way or the other.

Q6. What is the most important festival in Hinduism?

Hinduism is full of festivals and celebrations that come throughout the year. Most festivals celebrate the form, qualities, and pastimes of the demigods and the Supreme Lord. Other days mark the appearance and disappearance days of the empowered Acharyas such as Madhavacharya, Ramanujacharya, Shankaracharya, Nimbarkacharya, Rupa Goswami, Bhaktivinod Thakur, etc. Out of all the festivals, Diwali is celebrated as the most important festival. On this day, Hindus decorate their homes with lights and flowers, and in the evening, they light up ghee or oil lamps and worship Lord Ram to welcome Him into their homes and hearts.

Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It is a five-day festival that not only Hindus but people of every community love to celebrate with zeal and jubilation. Diwali is marked with candles, ghee lamps (diyas), and lanterns. Every house and temple is illuminated with lights and decorations of rangoli designs beautify the floors. Cleaning and decorations of homes begin days before the festival. It signifies the cleaning of the dust accumulated in our hearts in the form of lust, anger, pride, illusion, and attachments. The devotees thus invite Lord Ram into their hearts and pray for the welfare of their families. Elderly people read Ramcharitmanas or Srimad Ramayan everyday to remember the lotus feet of the Lord within their hearts.

Dhanteras – A Festival to mark the Prologue to Diwali Dhanteras festival also known as \'Dhantrayodashi\' or \'Dhanvantari Triodasi\' is one of the most momentous festivals of India. On this festival Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to bestow her devotees with good fortune and success in life. On the special event of Dhanteras, articles made of Gold or Silver or even a new utensil are purchased as a sign of good luck. The auspicious occasion of Dhanteras holds an important place in Business community of India and celebrated with utmost divinity and enthusiasm. As the festival of Dhanteras is observed two days before Diwali, it also marks the beginning of grand festivity.

"Durga Puja is more than the periodically observed navratra in the subcontinent..The akaal bodhon Durga Puja has evolved into great socio-cultural significance in the Eastern Delta region, and is the lifeblood of Bengalis everywhere...On dashami the next day, one could sense the pall that descends upon the delta...Ma Durga\'s time in Her girlhood home draws to a close. Now is the final throes of festive exuberance."

The Hindu festival of Navratri is celebrated for nine nights and ten days. The word Navratri itself has quite a literal meaning. It comes from the Sanskirt words Nava, which means nine, and ratri, which means nights. According to a few Hindu texts, including the Vaishnava Puranas and the Shakta, there are actually two or four seasons where Navratri is celebrated. Two of these are specifically known as the Sharada Navaratri and the Vasanta Navaratri. The most prominent and observed of the Navratri festivals is the Sharada Navaratri, which is celebrated near the autumn equinox, in the months of September or October, referred to in the Hindu calendar as the months of Ashbin and Ashwayuja respectively. Regardless of the specific time of year that the Navaratri is celebrated, all of the festivals celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and specifically, are in honor of the noble Hindu goddess Durgu and her victory over the malicious Mahishasura.

Hindu Festivals

"The Ultimate Guide to Hindu Festivals: Books That Illuminate the Rich Cultural Celebrations"