Festivals 0.0 / 5 ? Religious StudiesHinduismASWJEC Created by: SINNYMINAJCreated on: 24-03-15 12:28 Holi Festival of colour It is an annual spring festival Takes place on two days in late March or early April Some believe it gets it's name from Holika - daughter of the King of Demons The King demanded that people stopped worshipping the gods and prayed to him instead His own son Prahlada offered prayers to Vishnu so his father poisoned him but it turned to nectar. He was trampled by elephants but remained unharmed He ordered Holika to kill Prahlada with fire - she had the ability to walk through fire unscathed Prahlada prayed to Vishnu for protection and was saved Holika burned to death – the power only worked if she walked through alone first day - a fire is lit to signfiy Holika's burning Other Hindu's celebrate Holi in memory of Krishna He would often play jokes on the cowgirls; throwing coloured powder over them So the second day of Holi consists of people throwing coloured powder, paint and water at eachother 1 of 4 Durga Puja Hindu festival of worship and dance Also known as 'Navarati' - Nine nights Celebrated twice each year - spring and autumn equinox Takes place in evening Celebrates the story of the Ramayana Rama lost his kingdom but also his wife through deception In order to gain strength to conquer Ravana, Rama turned to Durga The main feature is to dance around the shrine to Durga Prayers are offered for protection, health and prosperity Durga is the divine mother and married daughters return home to their mothers Some divide Durga Puja into sections of three days; The first - celebrates Durga's power to destory impureities and defects The next three - celebrates Lakshmi - giver of spiritual wealth The final three - celebrates her wisdom was Saraswati 2 of 4 Dussehra 'Das' meaning 'ten' Celebrates friendship Reminds Hindu's of God's love and care and encourages faithfulness and friendlyness Celebrated at the end of Naravati Remembers that on this tenth day, Rama recieved strength from Durga and defeated Ravana Good triumphed over evil and failed to destroy Laksmana's loyalty and Sita's faithfulness On this day, the spirit of Durga leaves the statue and the murti is carried to the river and immersed in water As it sinks, it is believed to be taking away unhappiness and misfortune Wives honour their husbands just like Sita did to Rama Hindu's will forget any differences and conflict that took place throughout the year 3 of 4 Divali Hindu festival of light Most popular and anticipated festival Marks the victory of good over evil, brightness over darkness Celebrated over five consecutive days in October/November In Northern India, it marks the return of Rama, Sita and Laksmana after killing Ravana In Southern India, it commemorates the killing of Narakasurra by Krishna's wife People light oil lamps in order to light their paths in darkness Home, temples etc and decorated with coloured lights and divas Families come together Boys are thrown parties by their sisters New clothes are worn Houses are cleaned and decorated Animals = washed, decorated and given special foods Accounts are settled and a new business year begins free of debt Presents and cards are exchanged Divali lamps are set afloat. If they stay alight they will have good luck for the coming year 4 of 4
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