Hindu Holy Days

Raksha Bandhan – Hindu

Celebrates bonds of protection, love, and mutual care, traditionally symbolized by tying a rakhi.

Krishna Janmashtami – Hindu

Celebrates the birth of Krishna with fasting, devotional singing, dramatic reenactments, and midnight worship.

Ganesh Chaturthi – Hindu

Celebrates the birth of Ganesha, remover of obstacles and patron of wisdom and new beginnings.

Sharad Navaratri – Hindu

Nine-night festival honoring the Divine Feminine in forms including Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Vijayadashami / Dussehra – Hindu

Celebrates the victory of good over evil, associated with Rama’s victory over Ravana and Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

Diwali / Deepavali – Hindu/Jain/Sikh

The Festival of Lights, marked by prayer, lamps, family gathering, food, and celebration of light over darkness.

Maha Shivaratri – Hindu

A major night of devotion to Shiva, often observed with fasting, prayer, vigil, and meditation.

Holi – Hindu

The Festival of Colors, celebrating spring, renewal, community, and the triumph of good over evil.

Vaisakhi – Hindu/Sikh

A spring harvest festival and solar new year observance in several communities; also central to Sikh tradition.