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The Holi is a famous Hindu spring festival, which is celebrated in India. Holi or the festival of colors is also referred to as the Phagwah (Bhojpuri), Doljatra or Boshonto Utshob (Bengali). The celebration occurs in Spring the season of love.

The festival of Holi occurs for two days in the end of February or the starting of March. According to the Hindu calendar, the celebration takes place in Phalgun Purnima (Puranmashi or the Full Moon).

Significance of Holi

According to Hindu theology, the king of the demons named Hiranyakashipu was granted a boon by Brahma the creator, which assured him that he would never be killed by a man or an animal; on day or at night; on earth or on sky; by weapons; inside the home or outside. He then became arrogant and attacked the Earth and the Heavens.

However, Hiranyakashipu s son, Prahlad was devoted to Lord Vishnu (the sustainer). After failing to kill his son, Hiranyakashipu commanded Prahlad to sit on a pyre and on the lap of his sister, Holika. The fire would not affect Holika, as she would be wearing a shawl that would not let fire affect her. Everyone was surprised to witness that the shawl flew from Holika to cover Prahlad. Holika was burnt and this is observed as Holi.

Celebration of Holi

On the first day of the festival, bonfires are lit at night to resemble the burning Holika. The second day of the festival is called the Dhulandi, which requires the people to hurl colored water and powder at each other.

However, this activity had a scientific and medical significance, in erasing the occurrence of cold and viral fever that is normally brought in with the spring season. The traditional colors had kumkum, neem, bilva, haldi and other medicinal herbs, which are prescribed by the Ayurvedic doctors in eradicating viral fever and cold.

Mothers make new clothes for their daughters who are married. Colored powder or the gulal is bought. Long syringes and pichkaris are prepared to spray colored water. Colored water balloons are filled and thrown at each other. Colours resemble the passionate rhythm of life.

Food and drink

The food of the festival consists papri, gujjia, kofta curry and kanji ke vade. The special drink of the festival is the thandai , which sometimes contain bhang or the Cannabis sativa . In the later evening, the people invite their friends and relatives and often indulge in feasting and celebrations.

A few days later, Rangapanchami occurs on a Panchami and it depicts the end of the ceremonies that involves colors.

This festival is not predominantly religious; the Sikh and Hindu community celebrates Holi together in Punjab. In Punjab, the festival includes many musical instruments and dholis that are enjoyed by both the adults and children.

Celebration at Mathura and Vrindavan

Lord Krishna grew up in Vrindvan and Mathura. Here, the ceremonies take place for 16 days. The last day is Rangpanchmi celebrating the divine love of Radha for Lord Krishna. Holi is famous for the pranks played by Lord Krishna on the gopis . Krishna complained to his mother of his dark complexion and Radha s fair complexion, to which Krishna s mother put color to Radha s face.

However, Holi is a festival that colors and makes your mood vibrant.

Diwali, Deepavali or Divali is a significant festival of the Hindus. Deep means light and Diwali is the Festival of Lights where lamps are lit to celebrate the victory of good over evil inciting a new hope for mankind.

The formal name of the festival is Deepavali, in North India it is colloquially called Diwali . The celebration of the Diwali festival spreads over five consecutive days at the end of the Hindu month Ashwayuja that corresponds to the months of October or November in the Gregorian calendar. The Diwali festival arrives exactly 20 days after Dussehra.

The Origin Of the Diwali festival

There are several legends and beliefs regarding the origin of Deepavali. The most popular one says that Diwali marks the time when Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. Some people believe Diwali marks the day when Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura. Another story suggests Diwali as the day when Bali returned to rule the nether world obeying the order of Vishnu. The Diwali festival is probably rooted in ancient harvest celebrations.

However, the aesthetic aspect of the Diwali festival has traveled beyond the religious limitations and is enjoyed by all Indians regardless of their religious affinities.

The Five-Day Diwali Celebration

In North India, Diwali is celebrated for 5 days. Divali is a new moon day, which marks the last day of a 15 day half lunar month. The second half lunar month starts off from Diwali.

Dhan Teras

Dhan Teras or Dhan Trayodoshi is the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. Dhan is wealth and Trayodoshi means 13th day . This holyday is considered auspicious for shopping.

Naraka Chaturdasi

This is the 14th day of the second half of the lunar month. Naraka means of a new era of Light and Knowledge and Chaturdasi means the 14th day .

Diwali

Diwali is the third day of the 5 days. In Diwali, the moon completely disappears and the sky becomes pitch black.

Varsha-Pratipada

Pratipada means the first. This day signifies beginning of the New Year.

Bhayiduj

This is the last day of the festival when the brothers and sisters meet and express their love and affection for each other.

Celebrating the Festival of Lights

Deepavali is a Sanskrit word, which means a range of lights that stands for victory of love over light. But if we delve deeper into Hindu philosophy we will see that Deepavali is the celebration of the Inner Light, which dispels ignorance leading to the awakening of the true self, the Atman . The celebration of Diwali may vary from region to region but the inner essence is the same, rejoicing the oneness of all beings with the Superior omnipotent Soul, the Brahaman.

The evening of the Diwali festival is gorgeous with a varied display of firecrackers. People wear new clothes and share sweets like khil (rice puffs) and patashe (sugar disks) and snacks on Diwali. The houses are cleaned and are decorated with fresh flowers. Many houses display a rangoli , a colorful pattern drawn in rice flour at the entrance. Puja of deities take place at homes and temples with offerings.

In North India, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped together for prosperity. Many North Indian business families start their new financial year from Diwali and open new account books. In Eastern part of India, Kali Puja (worshipping Goddess Kali) sometimes coincides with Divali.

Thus, goes on the joyous festivities of Diwali.

Dussehra is celebrated by the Hindus. It is the last day of Durga Puja or Navaratri. Generally, this day falls in the month of October. The literal meaning of Dussehra means taking away of ten sins. This festival celebrates the defeat of Ravana, the evil, by Lord Rama, the virtuous.

During the nine days preceding Dussehra, Ramlila is held where the legend of life of Lord Rama is enacted. On the tenth day big effigies of Ravana is set afire.

Celebration Of Dussehra In Different Parts Of India

In West Bengal goddess Durga is worshipped in gorgeous Puja Pandals (temporary temples). Goddess Durga is the supreme female deity. The Durga Puja is celebrated with pomp and glory with different montages and collages as decoration. Creativity and celebration fever run high. This is a time for enjoyment for the tummy too. During the festival the region gets infested with stalls offering lip-smacking delicacies and guests are treated with traditional sweets and gifts.

In Gujarat, Navaratri is celebrated with vivacious garba and dandiyaras dances.

Mysore, the city of palaces of Karnataka wakes up in royal style during the ten-day Dussehra festival. Various lights illuminate the Mysore Palace. The calm city cheers up with majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and music. The protector deity of Karnataka is goddess Chamunda, whose mount is a caparisoned elephant.

In Himachal Pradesh, idols of local deities are carried round the town in a colorful procession. Homage is paid to the main deity Raghunathji. A weeklong colorful fair is held at the hill town of Kullu.

In Varanasi, occurs the most extravagant climax of the legend of Rama. The huge images of Ravana are set aflame.

The Legends That Tells The Tale Of Dussehra

In Eastern, Western and Southern India the festival of Navaratri celebrates the death of the demon Mahishasura by goddess Durga, also revered by the name of Chamundeshwari or Mahishasura Mardini.

In North India, Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Rama on Ravana, the ruler of Lanka. Ravana abducted Sita Devi, the wife of Rama and held her captive in Ashokavana in Lanka. Rama with the help of his brother Laxman and allies like Sukhrib, Hanuman and others killed Ravana. Lord Rama worshipped goddess Durga for the preceding nine days prior to the tenth day of his triumph.

The word Dus means ten ; it is the day of annihilation of 10 evils. Ravana s ten faces are the symbol of ten evil facets of human life. And the death of Ravana by Rama signifies the death of evil in the hand of virtue.

Dussehra is the time for us to get victory over our evil sides and celebrate the goodness of human life.

Ganesa Chaturthi (A Festival Related To Ganesha) is a popular festival of the Hindus. Ganesa is the youngest son of Lord Shiva and His wife Parvati. The festival is also known as the Vinayaka Chaturthi (Vinayak is the another name of Lord Ganesa) in Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. According to the Hindu calendar, Ganesa Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of Magh (A Time Period Between January and February). The day has another significance. It is the fourth day of the waxing moon period. The festival runs for long ten days, culminating on the Ananta Chaturdasi.

History and mythological details say that Ganapati or Ganesa is the Lord of the Semi Divine Creatures. The mother Parvati created Ganesa out of sandalwood paste she used for her bath. Later she breathed into the figure. As Parvati went to take her bath, Lord Shiva entered the house. Ganesa did not recognize Him and impeded Him from entering the house. Being extremely enraged, Shiva cut down His head. Later, when He realized that He mistakenly punished His own son, he ordered to bring the head of an elephant and place it on Ganesa s body.

The festival of Ganesa Chaturthi is observed all across the country, especially in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and other states, which formerly were the territories under the Maratha Empire.

It was Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, who first brought the idol of Lord Ganesa to the streets. Balgangadhar Tilak started this auspicious festival to turn people more aware about the freedom movement in India. In Mumbai and Pune neighborhood Ganesas are brought at the immersion site, where thousands of devotees bid Him farewell in an exciting and frenzied style.

The Preparations Of The Great Ganesa Festival

The Kumaras (The Idol Makers) begin preparing the idol from at least two months prior to the date of Ganesa Chaturthi . The idols are placed either on highly raised platforms or the organizers prepare gorgeous and elaborate pandals (Tents) to welcome the Lord. The priest, dressed in red attire utters the chants and starts the puja (Worshipping The God). The initial ritual is known as Pranapratishtha (Breathing Life Into The Deity).

Celebrating Ganesa Chaturthi

Before the festival starts, the Pandals or the Mandapas are richly embellished with the impressions of meaningful Themes . The organizers compete with each other, concerning the best party to make the best arrangements. There can be noticed colors all around with the gifts of song, dance, mirth and merriment. In contemporary Mumbai, Ganesa Chaturthi has become an economic event. The artists, business organizers, singers and dancers find a platform to execute their talent and earn huge as well.

Celebrations In Pune

People of Pune believe that there are five Ganapati Of Honor , who are worshipped by people across the globe. On the first day, a special corner is chosen to place Ganapati , and then the God is received with material and verbal offerings. The Lord is given Red garments and a special thread, which is believed to be silver. Bright lights are lit, bells chime and the puja goes on with offerings of red and yellow flowers. On the day of immersion, the devotees yell, asking the Lord to re-visit earth once again in the next year.

The Festive Foods

The main sweet dish during the festival is Modak , which is also known as Modagam . Modak means something, which brings happiness. It is prepared with the mixture of rice flour, wheat flour, coconut, jaggery and other ingredients. The South Indians too indulge in this habit of preparing Modak during the festival.

Rituals To Be Maintained During Ganesa Chaturthi

According to Swami Shivananda, one should meditate on the sayings about Lord Ganesa on this day. The ladies should rise early, take their bath and visit the temple to worship the Lord. They should offer Him coconut and, sweets and the Indian pudding. One should pray to Him with absolute devotion, so that he or she could achieve the path of Moksha (Freedom From The corporal Bondage) soon. Thus, on the day of Ganesa Chaturthi , feel the pervading spirit of Lord Ganesa, and He would be yours with all His Divine Blessings.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a day for celebrating the presence of Lord Ganesha on earth for all his devotees. It is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. He is the god of prosperity, wisdom and good fortune. The festival is also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Sanskrit.

This festival falls on the month of Bhaadrapada (Hindu Calendar). It begins on the Shukla Chaturthi or the fourth day of the waxing moon period and ends with the Ananta Chaturdashi. According to the English calendar, it is celebrated sometime between the 25th of August and the 15th of September. The festival usually goes on for 10 days.

This Hindu festival takes place all over India and with great vigor at Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Origin of the Festival

Goddess Parvati created Ganesh from the sandalwood paste that she used for bathing. She then breathed life into the sandalwood figure. When Parvati was taking her bath, Ganesha stood as a guard and did not permit Lord Shiva to enter the house, as he did not know him. This incident enraged Lord Shiva and he beheaded the child.

When it dawned on Lord Shiva that he had severed the head of his own child, he placed an elephant s head in the place of his son s head. Thus, he became the elephant-headed god.

The Ceremony and Rituals

Ganesh Chaturthi has households worshipping the idol of Shree Ganesha. The festival begins with establishing of the embellished Ganesh idols in adorned mandapas (decorated tents) and homes. The mandapas can be made on religious or current events and themes.

The public ceremonies include competition among the local communities (mandals) for putting up the best and biggest Ganesh idol. Cultural activities like dramas, songs and orchestra also take place.

The offering for the puja or worship is the panchamrut (five nectars), which includes curd, milk, honey, jaggery and ghee. This offering is used to bathe the idol of Ganesh.

Lord Ganesha is then dressed in a red garment and a silver sacred thread. Then he is smeared with red sandal paste. Ultimately, red or yellow flowers are offered, bells are chimed, a lamp is lit and the food offering is provided to the god s five panchapranas (vital breaths) and one to the absolute.

The puja is performed twice daily amid chants of the Ganesh mantra. At last, the family assembles to place rice grains on the idols head and then the idol is symbolically unseated.

The Food

The predominant sweet dish of Ganesh Chaturthi is the modak , which is called modagam in South India. Karanjis also is the sweet dish of the festival. Modak is a dumpling of wheat flour or rice flour stuffed with jaggery, dry or fresh grated coconut and other condiments. This is fried or steamed. The word modak implies that brings happiness . Karanjis are quite similar to modaks , but have the shape of the 4th day moon.

Ganesh Chaturthi in Pune

Pune, the West Indian town celebrates five Ganesh or Ganpati of Honor . At the time of the festival, the people sing aartis (prayers) and visit the houses of their relatives and friends who organize the Ganesh worship at home.

Finally in the immersion day, with the setting of the sun, the images of Ganesh are taken out in boats and immersed into the rivers and sea. This event resembles a sentimental public farewell to their beloved Lord Ganesha.

In Maharashtra, the Ganesh Chaturthi makes way for some important economic activity. There are businesses, artists and industries thriving on this great event. Ganesh Chaturthi acts as a podium for budding artists to bring before the public their talent.

Vasant Panchami is a remarkable festival among the Hindus. This holyday is particularly known for the puja (to worship) of Devi Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Music. It is a waited festival for all and is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magh (A Time Between January-February). It is also the first day of Vasanta Ritu (The Start Of Spring). Hence, Vasant Panchami , is also known as the Spring Festival .

Spring is most beautiful among all seasons. With the flourishing beauty of Nature, the festive mood reaches its height. The Palash (A beautiful red flower often referred as the flame of the forest ) trees are laden with blooming flowers and the air gets heavy with the hot smell of fruits. It is the season of fruition and maturity, adding to the warmth of the seasonal festivity.

Devi Saraswati is the wife of Lord Brahma (The Creator according to Hindu mythology). She is dressed in white or light lemony yellow sari. A mighty, white swan, Her constant companion, accompanies Goddess Saraswati in Her visit to earth. The Goddess possesses four hands, sitting on the swan. Since she is the Goddess of Music , she holds the Veena , a stringed instrument in one of her hands. It is a special day for students and scholars, who pray to the Goddess for prosperous academic careers.

Saraswati Symbolising Satwa Guna

Devi Saraswati symbolizes Satwa Guna , which stands for Purity and Individuality . The key factors of Satwa Guna are Education , Music and Fine Art . Devi Saraswati is worshipped among all, since the value and worth of education is unparalleled. It is a universal fact that, a man of power demands honor, but a learned man spontaneously achieves it from other people.

The Celebrations Of Saraswati Puja

Saraswati Puja or Vasant Panchami is basically the festival for students. On this holyday the students worship the Goddess with full reverence. It is the day, which is considered pious to start education. Men remember their ancestors through a special ritual, known as Pitri Tarpan . People of other sects feed the Brahmins , who belong at the highest order of religious hierarchy among Hindus. An interesting fact is that, the God of Love , Kamdeva (According to the Hindu Mythology) is worshipped as well.

On the holyday of Vasant Panchami , people get dressed in yellow. Yellow has a special significance, since the color of the Goddess s attire itself is yellow. Some people dye their duppatas (stoles) and saris and turn them yellow.

Sweetmeats and yellow colors are distributed among close relations. Saffron is also added to the food in order to bring the yellow color. Kesari Halwa (a sweet dish, prepared with Saffron) is prepared among the North Indian people.

Vasant Panchami In Different States

Vasant Panchami is mostly celebrated in the states of Bengal and Bihar in India. Bengalis prepare artistic Pandals (Tents) to welcome the Goddess. They keep the books and musical instruments in front of the Goddess, in order to seek Her blessings. The Bengalis generally do not study on this day, since they believe that the books should be kept with the Goddess at least for a single day.

In Jaipur, Rajasthan, the festive mood reaches its ultimate height. Here too, the predominance of the Yellow color can be noticed.

Saraswati Puja is a very important event in the universities and colleges of India. Thus, Vasant Panchami or Saraswati Puja is an occasion of calm sacredness celebrating the power of knowledge and wisdom.

Raksha Bandhan (which in Hindi means the bond of protection ) or Rakhi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the sublime bondage of love between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shraavana and in 2007; the auspicious occasion will be celebrated on August 28.

Ceremony

The ceremony or ritual, so to say, on the Raksha Bandhan day revolves round tying of the Rakhi thread. Sisters tie the sacred thread around the brothers right wrist, praying for their long life and well-being. Brothers too lavish gifts on their sisters, pledging to protect them and take every care of them.

Origin/Mythology

The festivity of Raksha Bandhan is believed to have mythological origin. A legend has that Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, had torn a strip off her sari and tied it around Krishna s wrist, which was left bleeding by the chakra (blade) he had used to severe the head of Shishupala during the Rajsuya Yagya. Lord Krishna was so moved by Draupadi s gesture that he promised to repay this debt manifold. When years later Draupadi was being humiliated in the royal court by her evil brother-in-law Duryodhan (and Dushshashan who was trying to disrobe her), she prayed to Krishna for help and he elongated the sari by his divine powers. Draupadi was saved from being disgraced publicly.

Another legend linked to the origin of Raksha Bandhan is based on Yama (the Lord of Death) and his sister Yamuna. It is believed that Yamuna tied Rakhi to Yama, bestowing immortality on him. Yama was so overwhelmed that he made a declaration that a brother who gets a Rakhi tied from his sister and promises her protection will become immortal.

History

Raksha Bandhan is thus not bound by blood relations. It transcending family barriers and women tie Rakhis to their cousins, friends, and neighbors. In fact, any male member of the society can be adopted as a brother by a woman if she ties a Rakhi. Indian history is replete with stories when a woman has sent a Rakhi and adopted a brother, finding her safety and security at risk. Thus, Rani Karnavati of Chittaur adopted Mughal Emperor Humayun as her brother seeking protection from him by sending him a Rakhi when her territory was under threat. Humayun immediately came to her rescue.

Celebrations In Contemporary India

In the present times, Raksha Bandhan commemorates social kinship and solidarity. It is a symbol of harmonious co-existence as brothers and sisters, each promising to protect and help each other. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore had organized congregational Raksha Bandhan to promote brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims so that they could oppose the partition of Bengal as a united force.

Ascension of Baha-u-llah is an important observance to the members of the Baha i faith. This holy day is commemorated on the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahai faith, Baha’u’llah. Baha u llah passed away peacefully at the age of 75 in the early morning of 29th May 1892. He now lies buried in a shrine on Bahji, in Israel surrounded by a spectacular garden, which symbolizes the order of the world in the future. The Baha i pilgrims visit the shrine in Israel to pray there.

In the early hours of the calendar day of 29th May at 3 am (sometimes 4am where daylight saving time is at force) Baha is commemorate to observe the passing away of the prophet Baha u llah. Often they turn towards Bahji in Israel. The commemoration process varies from community to community.

Life Of Baha’u’llah

Baha u llah was born to a noble family in Persia. He was a wise and noble person and earned the nickname Father of the poor because of his charity. But he embraced the new religion when the word of the Bab reached him and put everything under jeopardy.

Bah ‘u’ll h was imprisoned in 1852 on fabricated charges connected to the attempt by two crazy B b s to assassinate N siri’d-D n Sh h. He was kept in the prison, S y h-Ch l, which literally meant the Black Pit . There he was weighed down by a heavy chain and was kept amongst the worst of the criminals. In this Black Pit he had a revelation, God told him that he is the Promised One and his embracing the Bab was foretold.

After his release from the prison he was stripped of his wealth and was sent in exile to Baghdad. This was his first banishment. He suffered three more banishments to Constantinople, Adrianople, and finally to the prison city of Akk in the Israel. Wherever he went he received admiration of the mass but the authority feared his popularity and his influence and wanted to get rid of him. In the mean time Baha u llah s half brother Mirz Yahy was appointed by the the Bab as the Head of the Faith until the Promised One arose. Mirz Yahy became jealous of the influence of Baha u llah and plotted to murder him by mixing poison in his teacup. Baha u llah nearly escaped death.

Ascension Of Baha-U-Llah

In 1863, Bah ‘u’ll h declared Himself to be the Promised One of all religions and Messenger of God for this age. The title Bah ‘u’ll h means The Glory of God .

He spent his last days in tranquility as a marginal prisoner outside the walls of Akka, in a mansion known as Bahji. Six days before his death he called for a Baha is assembly in the Bahji mansion and gave his last address to his distraught followers with the affectionate words I am well pleased with you all, Ye have rendered many services, and been very assiduous in your labors. Ye have come here every morning and every evening. May God assist you to remain united. May He aid you to exalt the Cause of the Lord of being .

Baha u llah s physical condition deteriorated and finally he ascended from this world at the hour of dawn at 3 am on May 29, 1892.

Baha u llah scribed his preaching in some 100 volumes, which are addressed, to king and common people, friends and foe and believers and non-believers.

Ascension of Baha-u-llah is a holy day observed in memorial to the founder Prophet of the Baha i Faith and signifies the journey and growth of a new religion from Iran.

Ramadan Begins in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Hijri). The word has been derived from the term Ramd , that means To Burn . The occasion of Ramadan is older than the Islamic calendar and it initially fell in the summer. The Muslims celebrate Ramadan for a whole month. Prophet Mohammed told His disciples that during this time the gates of Heaven would be opened and the gates of Hell would be closed. The Muslims keep a long fast throughout the month, and break it with the most celebrated occasion called Eid ul-Fitr .

The key factor of Ramadan or Ramzan is fasting, which is often prescribed as the fourth pillar of Islam. They believe that a long fast would cleanse all their previous sins. However, the Muslims pass the fasting month with a great devotion and start the first day of the next month with pomp and pageantry.

Muslims consider the practice of fasting a decree of God. They honor the practice, since they believe, God ordered every able person to fast. But people who have problems with this practice do take little food. The fast starts with the Holy view of the full moon. Through this long fast, the Muslims seek Divine blessings and pray for their prosperous life.

Rituals During Ramadan

There are interesting rituals associated with Ramadan. During this spiritually beneficial year of the Islamic month the Muslims pray, fast and indulge in charitable programs. Since the festival is related to the lunar calendar, it does not rise at the same place globally. Hence, the rituals vary according to the particular lunar sight individual experiences.

1. First comes the reference of fasting. Ramadan is the other name of fasting, which in the Islamic terminology is known as Swam .
2. Eating, Drinking and sexual intercourse are not allowed till the sun sets.
3. During Ramadan people it is unfair to indulge in greed, lust, anger, backbiting and jealousy. These vices are against the ethics of Islam.
4. During Ramadan people go through the Koran and teach their children the ethics and principles of Islam.
5. During Ramadan people need to be absolutely pure. They must retain purity both in their thoughts and deeds.
6. Maintaining self-discipline, sacrificing for others, helping the under trodden are actions the Muslims must execute during Ramadan.
7. During Ramadan special prayers called Tarawih are held every night in the mosques.
8. The people also commemorate the fact that it was during the Ramadan that Mohammed first revealed the Holy Koran .

The Culmination Of Ramadan With Eid Ul-Fitr

The festival of Eid Ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the fasting period of Ramadan. The Muslims break their fast by seeing a new moon on the day of Eid-Ul-Fitr . Everyone put on new dresses, and distribute new clothes between the poor. The festival continues while people hold communal prayers, feast and visit the friends and relatives.

Thus, Ramadan begins with a grave devotion and sacrifice ending with mirth and celebration.

The Hindus celebrate Ram Navami as the birthday of Rama. According to the Hindu religion, it is the Shuklapaksha Navami of Chaitra; that is the ninth day of the Hindu lunar year. Ram Navami is a special festival of the Vaishnav sects among Hindus. Ram Navami indicates the start of the Vasanthothsavam; that is the festival of Spring, starting with Ugadi and continuing for long nine days.

If you throw a glance on the life of Rama, you will definitely find it interesting. Rama is believed to be a perfect Avatar of the supreme protector Vishnu. He was an ideal son of king Dasharatha, an ideal king and an ideal husband. Rama was the epitome of morality, truth, virtue and chivalry. The most important part is that His adventurous and heroic deeds still inspire the present generation very much.

Though it is the birthday of Rama, people also worship Sita, His wife and Lakshmana, His younger brother on Rama Navami. Hanumana, the monkey god, who was an ardent devotee of Rama is worshiped too.

On this auspicious day, temples are decorated with the idol of Lord Rama richly bejeweled. On the pious day of Rama Navami the priests offer the Vedic readings to Lord Vishnu and Rama. Excerpts from famous novels like Ramacharitmanasha , praising Ram, are also recited.

There are some important features related to Ram Navami. On this holy day, the priests perform several marriages. This ritual is known as the Kalyanam . These marriages are generally performed on banks of the river Godavari. The riverside marriages are known as Bhadrachalam. You can also see colorful processions with a play of watercolors. At Ayodhaya, where Rama was born, a big fair takes place. In South India, the Rama Navami festival is held and it continues till the ninth day.

On this holy day of Ram s birth, Hindu ladies fast or restrict themselves to a specific diet. The fast is regarded as the vrat . The Hindus believe that, it is through the vrat, they can gain peace in the material world and achieve salvation at the same time. Besides, a special sweet dish, named Penakam is prepared on this day mixed with jaggery and pepper.

Celebrations

• On Rama Navami, the houses are cleaned and decorated
• The personal shrines get richly embellished
• After an early bath, Vedic chants are recited
• The youngest female member of the family starts the puja
• She puts tilak or a red mark on the other members foreheads
• Initially a photo of baby Rama is worshipped
• Then the prasada is distributed among the family members
• It is a day, when serious devotees fast in order to pay their insoluble respect to the Lord

Thus, Ram Navami stands as an important day among the Hindus. It is a day when you can really feel the sacredness and piety of Hindu religion.