Growing up as children in India as a Hindu, one learns a great deal from our numerous festivals. It is not taught but one’s awareness becomes heightened watching family members. All the festivals are based on triumph of good over evil. I am sharing with you the history and background and how this becomes a part of one.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Ganesha and his return to his parents, Shiva and Parvati on Kailash Parvat. Ganesha is the God, who removes all obstacles in one’s life. It also signifies the cycle of birth, life and death. One can start a new beginning in life and forget about the past. Everyone loves Ganesha and knows his story. He respected his parents, and he was very smart. It is taken for granted that he rides a mouse and loves laddus. There are many stories about Ganesha, and they are repeated to children.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri celebrates the power of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva protects his devotees from negative and evil spirits. There are several stories narrated about the reason. It is celebrated because it is the marriage anniversary of Shiva and Parvati. Another story is that Lord Shiva drank the poison that got churned out from the ocean. By doing this he protects the universe from evil spirits, negativity, darkness and dismay. One fasts on this day and then seeks Lord Shiva’s blessings.

Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami are solemnized in Spring. In Chaitra Navratri the nine forms of Durga are worshipped and then Lord Rama and his three brothers descended on earth. It commemorates Ma Durga’s birth of the Cosmos and all living things in it. Durga Ma is also worshipped because an ancient King called Surath got his lost kingdom back after worshipping the goddess. Therefore, one worships Ma Durga for blessings and divine guidance. It is also considered the birthday of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. And it is the start of the Hindu New Year.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is the birth of Lord Krishna. It is observed with great fervor and joy. Krishna is a symbol of divinity, love and righteousness. Krishna inspires one to lead a life of dharma, karma and bhakti.

Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali are three separate festivals, but they all emphasize good triumphing over evil. Navratri is nine nights of worship of Ma Durga as Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Dassehra is the defeat of Ravana and Diwali is when Rama and Sita return home.

All our festivals stress that one must be pure of heart and remove negativity from it. The rest is happiness and joy at the sweet treats and gifts.

My dear ones, the takeaway is unspoken.

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Udayaditya Barua on Unsplash