Festivals
The stories, significance and rituals behind India's most beloved spiritual festivals.
Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and his victory over Ravana. Rows of lamps lit the path to welcome him home.
Why we celebrate: It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Ladoo, Kaju Katli, Gujiya, Chakli
Holi
Holi celebrates the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the legend of Prahlad and Holika, where devotion triumphed over the demoness's fire, symbolising the burning away of evil.
Why we celebrate: It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, spreading joy, colour and unity.
Gujiya, Thandai, Malpua, Dahi Bhalla
Navratri
Navratri honours Goddess Durga's nine forms and her nine-day battle with the demon Mahishasura, culminating in her victory on the tenth day, Vijayadashami.
Why we celebrate: It celebrates the victory of divine feminine power (Shakti) over evil and the triumph of dharma.
Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Puri, Singhare Halwa
Janmashtami
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight in Mathura, who incarnated to rid the world of the tyrant Kamsa and re-establish dharma.
Why we celebrate: It honours the descent of the divine to protect the righteous and guide humanity.
Makhan Mishri, Panjiri, Charnamrit, Kheer
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, the 'Great Night of Shiva', marks the night Shiva performed the cosmic dance and, by some accounts, his marriage to Parvati.
Why we celebrate: It is a night of devotion, fasting and meditation to overcome darkness and ignorance.
Thandai, Sabudana Vada, Fruits and Milk
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Clay idols are installed, worshipped and immersed in water over ten days.
Why we celebrate: It invokes wisdom, prosperity and auspicious new beginnings while fostering community spirit.
Modak, Puran Poli, Karanji
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi, celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. A sister ties a rakhi on her brother's wrist, praying for his well-being, while he vows to protect her. Legends recall Draupadi tying a cloth on Krishna's wrist and Krishna's promise to protect her.
Why we celebrate: It honours the lifelong bond of love, duty and protection between siblings.
Ghevar, Kaju Katli, Coconut Ladoo, Rasgulla