Hindu Holy Days

Raksha Bandhan – Hindu

Festival celebrating the bond between siblings, during which sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing love, loyalty, and mutual care.

Krishna Janmashtami – Hindu

Celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, and is observed with devotional singing, fasting, reenactments of Krishna’s life, and midnight celebrations of his birth.

Sharada Navaratri – Hindu

Nine-night Hindu festival honoring the Divine Feminine in her forms as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, celebrated with fasting, music, dance, rituals, and devotion across India.

Dasara/Dussehra – Hindu

Major festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and the goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.

Diwali – Hindu/Jain/Sikh

Also known as the Festival of Lights; major celebration symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, marked by lighting lamps, family gatherings, prayers, and fireworks.

Holi – Hindu

Known as the Festival of Colors; a joyful Hindu celebration of the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, marked by vibrant color throwing, music, dancing, and festive gatherings.

Vaisakhi – Hindu/Sikh

Major festival that commemorates the founding of the Khalsa (the collective body of initiated Sikhs) in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, and also marks the spring harvest festival in Punjab.