Festivals

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Festivals
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• Divali
• Holi
• Navaratri
• Summary

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Divali

• Divali is the Hindu new year and the festival of
  lights.
• The festival is associated with the story of the
  Ramayana.
• Lakshmi is worshipped, as the goddess of wealth
  it is hoped that she will bring wealth to people
  in the new year, so houses are lit with Diva
  lamps to mark Lakshmis route to the house and to
  recall Rama Sitas return from their exile.
• Fireworks are set off and homes are decorated
  with lights.

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Holi

• Holi is a springtime festival.
• It is associated with the stories of Holika
  Prahlad and Krishna.
• Fires are burnt at Holi and water and coloured
  powders are thrown over people.
• Holi is similar to April Fools Day.

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Navaratri

• Navaratri is a West Bengal festival celebrating
  Durga.
• It is associated with the story of Durgas defeat
  of the buffalo demon.
• Navaratri lasts 10 days Women congregate in the
  Mandir and dance.
• There will usually be a six-sided shrine called a
  Madh in the Mandir a deity usually Lakshmi is
  worshipped in the Madh at Navaratri.

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Summary

• Holi is a spring festival connected with stories
  of Holika and Krishna.
• Divali is the new year and festival of light
  connected with the Ramayana and Lakshmi.
• Navaratri is associated with Durga and is
  celebrated in the Mandir.