The Hindu religion has many different festivals. One of the main festivals which is well known by everyone is Diwali. Diwali is celebrated in all over India in a grand way. The name Diwali derives from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning row of lights. The reason behind this celebration is because of Ram and Seeta's return to the kindom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It is said that it was a dark night with no moon and so the villagers put out clay lamps, deeva's, to help them find ther way into the kingdom.
Holi is another well known festival in India. It is said to be the second largest festivals celebrated thoughtout India. The is many legends behind this festival one of them beign to celebrate the joyful and playful God Krishna. This festiaval has been accossiated with the everlasting love of lord Krishna and Radha.
Another festival that is celebrated is Navarati wich means nine nights. The first three nights are dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga, wich is the warrior Goddess. The next three days a devoted to the Goddess Lakshmi, meaing Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The last three days are celebrated on honour of Goddess Saraswati, teh Goddess of knowledge. There is another festival that occurs at the end of Navaratri wich is Dussehra. Dussehra means tenth day. On this day Lord Rama defeated the evil demon-king named Ravana and won over the land called Lanka. On this day some Hindus create gaint paper machie sculpture of Ravana and set fire work inside. On teh day of Dussehra they set this on fire symbolizing the defeat of lord Ravana. Another special time of year is Rakhi. Rakhi is a celebration involing brothers and sisters. The sister ties a colours string around teh brothers wrist wich is supposed to procet the brother from any harm. In return the brother gives the sister either money of a gift.
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