Special Days

Diwali/Deepavali	The festival of Light. A celebration of the victory of Rama over Ravanna, and the homecoming of Rama and Sita. Candles and lights are lit in all houses to guide Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune and prosperity to bless the house. Gifts are exchanged and fireworks are lit. The Festival celebrates the victory of light over evil.
Holi	Again celebrates the victory of good over evil. It also signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Celebrations involve coloured water and coloured powder, which is thrown at family and friends. Some people may choose to fast. People meet in their homes,temple or community centre to sing religious songs.
Janamashtami	This is a celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna.  Plays may be presented to depict the life of Lord Krishna. Again, many people will attend their local temple where religious songs are sung. Hindus may fast all day until midnight and some people may fast during the following day.
Mahashivratri	A celebration of the birth of Lord Shiva
Navarati	The 'festival of nine lights' leading up to Dussehra.  Dedicated to Mother Goddess Durga or Amba.
Dussehra	The tenth day after nanarati. Celebrations of Mother Goddess Durga – the female principle of energy and motherhood. Family celebrations occur and presents are exchanged.
Raksha Bandhan	A celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.
Rama Navami	Celebrates the birth of Rama, the incarnation of Vishnu and the hero of the epic poem, the Ramayana. A day of fasting and prayer.
Ganesh Chaturthi	The celebration of the god of prosperity and good fortune – Ganesh. This god is revered as the remover of obstacles and is perceived as the symbol of happiness.
Saraswati Puja	A celebration of Saraswati, the goddess of learning and art.