Asian Hindu Festivals
Diwali
Diwali is known as the festival of lights and celebrates the New Year in India. During this festival, delicious food is cooked in every household and homes are filled with candles and diyas. Families wear new, bright clothes and in India many people visit riversides to float lamps on the water. Some families visit temples or gurdwaras and light candles to represent good fortune and health.
Fireworks are lit in the evening, similar to Bonfire Night, and families gather together to share food prepared during the day. Homes are cleaned so that Lakshmi may visit and bless the household with good fortune. Diwali is usually celebrated in October or November and is observed by both Sikhs and Hindus. For Sikhs, the festival also marks the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment at Gwalior.
Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival mostly celebrated in India and marks the arrival of spring, symbolising new life and energy. Houses are decorated with flowers and families prepare a variety of meals to share with visitors.
Holi is known as the festival of colours. Participants wear light-coloured clothing and throw dry coloured powders onto one another. Families gather to sing, dance, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Holi also celebrates Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahalad.
Krishna Jayanti
This festival celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna. After fasting, the celebration continues after midnight with singing and dancing.
Lohri
Lohri marks the harvesting season in Punjab and the end of winter. It is celebrated particularly when there has been a recent marriage or a new birth in the family. Families distribute sweets, peanuts, and clothes, prepare traditional dishes, and gather around a bonfire.
Navratri
Navratri is a ten-day dance festival celebrating the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Effigies are burned, and meat is eaten on the final day.
Rakhi
Rakhi is celebrated across Indian religions and represents the bond between sisters and brothers. Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers, who in return give gifts or money. Sweet shops are filled with colourful displays, and families prepare special dishes.
Karva Chauth
Karva Chauth is observed mainly by married women, who fast from sunrise until moonrise for the long life of their husbands. Women dress in their finest clothes and prepare special foods during the day.
In the evening, women gather to wait for the moon to rise. Once sighted, the fast is broken and husbands present gifts as a symbol of love.
Asian Sikh Festivals
Birthday of Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 at Nankana Sahib. His birthday falls on Kartik Purnima and is celebrated with sermons, hymn singing in gurdwaras, communal meals, and often fireworks.
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the tenth Sikh Guru, was born in 1666. He founded the Khalsa and introduced the Five Ks. His birthday is observed in December or January according to the lunar calendar.
Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. Celebrations include city processions, cultural performances, stalls, funfairs, and langar where free food is served to all.
The Ten Gurus
- Guru Nanak Sahib
- Guru Angad Sahib
- Guru Amar Das Sahib
- Guru Ram Das Sahib
- Guru Arjan Sahib
- Guru Hargobind Sahib
- Guru Har Rai Sahib
- Guru Har Krishan Sahib
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib
- Guru Gobind Singh Sahib
Asian Muslim Festivals
Al Hijra
Marks the migration of Muslims from Mecca to Medina.
Ashura
Observed in dedication to the martyrdom of Hussein, the second son of Ali.
Eid ul-Fitr
Celebrates the end of Ramadan. Families gather for prayers, charity is given to the poor, and communities celebrate together.
Eid ul-Adha
The second major Islamic festival, linked to the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Ramadan
A sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Power commemorating the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
Information kindly supplied by Krishna Devi from Wolverhampton.
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