Hindu Festivals (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

The Origins & Meanings of Diwali

Hindu Festivals

• Hindu festivals are considered an important part of belief

• By remembering and celebrating festivals Hindus are able to make connections with the divine, as well as many other benefits

• Festivals are generally considered to fall into four main categories, though many cover more than one aspect:

  • Celebrating a key event in the life of a deity

  • Celebrating the birth, life and achievements of a Hindu saint

  • Seasonal celebrations of life and nature

  • Joyful celebrations of family relationships and the cycle of human life

• Two of the most popular festivals within Hinduism are Diwali and Holi

The Origins of Diwali

• Diwali is probably the most popular Hindu festival

• Diwali lasts for five days in October or November

• The word ‘Diwali’ translates as ‘full of light’ and Diwali is known as the festival of lights

• Diwali is celebrated for different reasons in different parts of the world

  • in some parts of India, the festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth

  • in Nepal, Diwali commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura

  • in Bengal, it is associated with Kali, the goddess of time and death

• In Northern India, and many other countries where Hindus live, Diwali celebrates the famous story of Rama and Sita defeating the evil ten-headed demon king Ravana

  • Hindus also have firework displays and light diva lamps in memory of Rama’s heroic rescue of his kidnapped wife and queen, Sita

    • Traditionally, people light diva lamps to help light the way back home for Rama and Sita after Rama defeated Ravana

What happens during Diwali?

• Before and during the festival there are certain practices that take place

  • Hindus often clean their home

  • Get their finances in order

  • Join in fireworks displays

  • Putting up decorations

  • Cooking feast food, particularly Indian sweets and puddings

  • Lighting traditional diva lamps. Many Hindus light a diva as an act of daily worship

  • Fairy lights and candles are also lit

  • Feasting and generosity are common

  • Some Hindus will start a business around this time

  • Colourful patterns called rangoli can be seen on the doorsteps of homes to welcome visitors and good fortune in the shape of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth

  • Some Hindus will leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can enter and grant good fortune

  • Re-telling Diwali stories through drama, song, dance and art

  • Wearing new clothes

  • Exchanging gifts and cards

• The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance

The Origins & Meanings of Holi

The Origins of Holi

• Holi is known as the festival of colours. It is celebrated in the spring at new moon and lasts two days

• There are several stories associated with the origins and meaning of Holi

• Some Hindus believe the origin of the festival lies with Lord Krishna

  • Hindu writings describe Krishna as a very mischievous young boy

  • Stories include throwing coloured water over the maids and even stealing their clothes while they were bathing in the river

  • The practical jokes and paint fights, which are now a common feature of Holi, are thought to have come from these stories

• Some Hindus believe that the festival represents the story of Prahlad

  • Prahlad was a prince and his father wanted everyone in the kingdom to worship him, the King, not God

  • Prahlad refused and worshipped God in the form of Lord Vishnu instead

  • The King's sister Princess Holika believed her evil magic made her immune to fire

  • She tricked Prahlad into sitting on her lap in a bonfire, in order to destroy him for defying the King

  • Lord Vishnu rewarded Prahlad’s devotion by saving him

  • Prahlad emerged from the fire unharmed, while Holika was burned

  • Some Hindus see the festival as symbolising good overcoming evil and is why bonfires are traditionally lit at Holi

What Happens during Holi?

• The Holi festival takes place over one night and the following day

• In the days before the festival begins, people will stock up on supplies, such as food, drink, and wood to create a bonfire

• The first night is known as Holika Dahan and takes place on the first full moon in the Hindu calendar

• This is when people light a bonfire, dance, sing, perform rituals, and burn an effigy of Holika

  • Ashes from Holi bonfires are thought by some Hindus to bring good luck

• The next morning is known as Rangwali Holi, or simply as Holi, and is the most famous part of the festival

  • Throughout the day, street carnivals are held where people celebrate, dance, and throw colourful powder (called gula) and water at one another

  • In the evening, they dress up and visit family and friends to share meals and celebrate together.

  • They also make offerings of food to the deities

• Holi is an opportunity for some Hindus to think about the things they can learn from Scripture

• They are also reminded of the importance of staying true to their beliefs, as Prince Prahlad did

• It signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring, the blossoming of love, a celebration of friends and family, the triumph of good over evil, and the chance to make amends and repair broken relationships