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Hindu festivals |
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Diwali, das Lichterfest: Dieses farbenfrohe Spektakel im Oktober oder November ist zweifellos das beliebteste hinduistische Fest, das den Sieg des Guten über das Böse und des Lichts über die Dunkelheit symbolisiert. Häuser erstrahlen in hellem Glanz mit Diyas (Öllampen), Rangolis (Bodenverzierungen) und Feuerwerk. |
Diwali, the Festival of Lights: This colorful spectacle in October or November is undoubtedly the most popular Hindu festival, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Houses shine brightly with diyas (oil lamps), rangolis (floor decorations) and fireworks. |
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Holi, the festival of colors: An exuberant rush of colors welcomes spring in March with bright colors, cheerful splashes of water and uninhibited happiness. Holi breaks social boundaries and brings communities together in a joyful cacophony of dance, music and laughter. |
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Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva: This festival in honor of Lord Shiva takes place on the darkest night of the lunar month of February or March. Devotees observe fasts, perform pujas (worship) and attend night vigils to seek Shiva's blessings for spiritual progress and liberation. |
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Dussehra, the festival of victory: Also known as Vijayadashami, Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil in September or October and marks the triumph of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon king Ravana. Burnings of Ravana effigies symbolize the burning of negativity and ignorance. |
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Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival of Ganesha: This ten-day festival in August or September honors Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Homes and temples welcome clay Ganesha idols to which prayers and delicious modaks (sweet dumplings) are offered for success, knowledge and prosperity. |
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Navratri, the Nine Nights of the Goddesses: Navratri is celebrated nine nights and ten days before Dussehra and honors the nine forms of the divine feminine. Each day is dedicated to a particular goddess, and devotees celebrate with fasting, devotional singing and the lively Dandiya Raas (stick dance). |
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Ram Navami, the birth of Rama: The birth of Lord Rama is celebrated with Ram Navami in March or April. Devotees perform pujas, sing bhajans (devotional hymns) and organize processions, celebrating the virtues of righteousness and the ideal king. |
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Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala: Onam in August or September is a ten-day harvest festival in Kerala that marks the mythical return of King Mahabali. Homes are decorated with Pookalam (flower carpets), traditional boat races are held and the delicious Onam Sadhya (feast) is enjoyed with family and friends. |
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Kumbh Mela, the pilgrimage festival: Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world and a four-month-long pilgrimage and festival in four holy cities. Millions of Hindus gather to bathe in the holy rivers and seek purification and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. |
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Makar Sankranti, the solstice festival: Makar Sankranti in January marks the sun's entry into Capricorn and is a harvest festival celebrated across India. Bonfires are lit, kites take to the air and tilgul (sesame and jaggery ladoos) are exchanged to symbolize sweetness and new beginnings. |
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Krishna Janmashtami, the birth of Krishna: Janmashtami in August or September celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees fast, sing bhajans, build human pyramids to reach Krishna's cradle and enjoy traditional sweets like dahi bhalla and jalebi. |