Hindu Holy Days

Raksha Bandhan – Hindu

Hindu festival honoring the loving ties between brothers and sisters in a family.

Krishna Janmashtami – Hindu

Hindu commemoration of the birth of Krishna – the 8th incarnation of the god Vishnu who took the form of Krishna to destroy the evil king Kansa.

Navaratri – Hindu

Hindu Festival of the divine mother honoring Durga, wife of Shiva, and seeking her blessings. Also observed as a celebration recalling the days of Lord Krishna.

Dasara (Dussehra) – Hindu

Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Lord Rama is remembered as winning a victory over evil.

Diwali – Hindu – Jain – Sikh

Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizing the human urge to move toward the light. Gift exchanges, fireworks and festive meals.

Holi – Hindu

Spring festival; a carnival occasion featuring bright colors, pilgrimages and bonfires.

Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – Hindu – Sikh

Anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa (the army of the Pure Ones) in 1699.