One of the largest religions in the world, Hinduism is associated with many gods and goddesses who personify different aspects of Brahma—which Hindus believe is the one supreme cosmic power. The worship of multiple deities has led to many different celebrations that honor them. We highlighted Holi, the Hindu festival that rings in Spring, in an earlier blog post. Following are eight other celebrations observed in the Hindu faith.

1. Diwali
   Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means “rows of lighted lamps.” This festival of lights spans five days and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness—a recurring theme in Hindu celebrations. In the evening, participants light symbolic lamps called “diyas” and place them around their homes.
    
2. Ugadi
   Ugadi, which means “beginning of a new age,” celebrates the start of the Hindu lunar calendar. According to Hindu texts, Ugadi marks the day Brahma began the creation of the universe. Celebrated primarily in the South Indian states, the festival takes place in early Spring and coincides with mango season. During the celebration, people are required to eat Ugadi pachadi, a dish of neem flowers, mango, and jaggery that represents accepting both life’s bitterness and sweetness.
    
3. Maha Shivaratri
   Maha Shivaratri celebrates Shiva the Destroyer, a prominent deity in Hinduism. People celebrate by staying up through the night and praying to Shiva. Dedicated followers of Shiva will fast, chant hymns, and perform Tandava—a dance that honors the God.
    
4. Makar Sankranti
   Makar Sankranti, also known as Pongal, is a harvest festival dedicated to Lord Surya, the Hindu Sun God. On this day, people take a dip in rivers around India to symbolize the washing away of the past year’s sins. It’s also traditional to decorate the house with rangoli—patterns created on the floor or a table using things like dry rice flour, colored sand, and flower petals. During this time of peace and prosperity, many people partake in spiritual practices.
    
5. Onam
   Onam, the state festival of Kerala, celebrates the annual visit of mythical king Mahabali. The ten-day festival commemorates the golden age of Kerala when Mahabali is said to have ruled over the state without class, caste, or religious divides. Revelers celebrate with boat races, traditional dance, and pookalam—intricate floral arrangements placed on the floor.
    
6. Krishna Janmashtami
   Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of the creator God Vishnu. It’s said that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, so Hindus sing songs and observe a fast as the clock strikes twelve. People also wash statues of baby Krishna and place them prominently in their homes for worship.
    
7. Rama Navami
   The Rama Navami festival honors Ramayana, an epic poem that tells the story of Lord Rama, a deity known for his benevolence. The Ramayana is continually recited for a week before Rama Navami. As an offering for Lord Rama, families place fruit and flowers at a shrine. They also place a picture or statue of the deity depicted as a baby into a cradle.
    
8. Ganesh Chaturthi
   Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Ganesh, the God of prosperity and wisdom. Idols of Ganesh are an integral part of the festivities. At the start of the celebration, they’re placed on raised platforms while people chant hymns. Later in the day, the statues are immersed in water to symbolize Ganesh’s homeward journey.

Learn More:
10 Hindu Festivals You Should Know About