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Festivals

There are many important festivals in Hinduism. All of the Hindu gods and goddesses have festivals associated with their stories. Some festivals are linked to important figures in the Hindu faith, such as famous gurus. These festivals are celebrated as national holidays in Hindu countries. However, any place in the world where Hindus live will also hold celebrations of these festivals. Of the many Hindu festivals celebrated worldwide, there are two important ones. These festivals are , the festival of lights, and , the festival of colours.

Diwali

Diwali is one of the most recognised and celebrated festivals in Hinduism and is known as the festival of lights. It is usually celebrated in October or November and lasts five days. It links to the famous story of and and remembers the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated by cleaning the home and getting the accounts in order for the next financial year. Hindus also have firework displays and light diva lamps in memory of Rama’s heroic rescue of his kidnapped wife and queen, Sita.

It is said that long ago people lit diva lamps to help light the way back home for Rama and Sita after Rama defeated the evil ten-headed demon king , who had kidnapped Sita.

Hindus also worship , the goddess of wealth, in the hope that they will have a prosperous new year, as Diwali is the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

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During Diwali, Hindus will light diva lamps in memory of the story of Rama and Sita

Holi

Holi is known as the festival of colours and is celebrated during the spring. Hindus wear brightly coloured clothes and throw coloured powders over each other, which covers them from head to toe. The festival lasts two days and is in February or March, at a time when the moon is full.

At Holi, Hindus remember the victory of Prahlad over the demon girl Holika. Holika was ordered by an evil king to slay Prahlad, the king’s son. Prahlad was very devoted to Vishnu whereas the king hated Vishnu. The festival is a celebration of good over evil because Holika was burnt in a fire when she tried to kill Prahlad. The festival became known as Holi to remember these events.

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Holi, the festival of colours. Hindus wear brightly coloured clothes and throw coloured powder to celebrate the victory of Prahlad