3. Origin
 Many stories attached
 The day when Parvati prayed for Shiva’s well being
 The day when Shiva drank the poison that came out of
Samudra Manthan
 The day when Shiva and Shakti married
 Includes Shiva Worship - offering Bael leaves, washing the
Shiv Ling and a 24 hour strict fast

4. Mahashivratri Worship
 According to the Shiva Purana, the Mahashivaratri worship must incorporate
six items:
 Bathing the Shiv Linga with water, milk and honey - representing
purification of the soul;
 The vermilion paste applied on the Shiv Linga after bathing it, representing
virtue;
 Offering of fruits, which is conducive to longevity and gratification of
desires;
 Burning incense, yielding wealth;
 The lighting of the lamp which is conducive to the attainment of knowledge;
 And betel leaves marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures.

5. Shivratri Fairs

6. Pongal
 Harvest Festival in
Tamilnadu
 Festival of Farmers
 Falls typically on the
14th or 15th June (in the
month of Thai in Tamil
calendar)

7. History of Pongal
 Ancient festival of Tamils
 originated as a Dravidian Harvest festival and has a
mention in Sanskrit Puranas
 The celebrations of Sangam Era led to today's Pongal
celebrations

8.  First Day : Bhogi Festival
In honor of lord Indra – the supreme ruler of clouds
that give rains
 Second Day : Perum Pongal
Offering of payasam (rice boiled in milk) to Sun god
 Third Day : Mattu Pongal
Worship of cattle
 Fourth Day : Kaanum Pongal
A day of relaxation and socializing

9.  symbolizes the veneration of the first fruit.
 Indian Thanks giving to nature

10. HOLI

11. Legends and Mythology
The legend of demon King Hiranyakashyap
An ogress Dhundhi
The death of evil minded Pootana.
In South India-The worship Kaamadeva

12. Holika Dahan
Season of Bloom
Play Of Colours
Expression of love&Brotherhood
Ecstasy of Bhang

13. Mythological Cultural
Significance Significance
Significance
Biological
Social Significance
Significance

14. Holi-To The Society
Celebrates together with a spirit of bonhomie and brotherhood
Revitalizing relationships and strengthening emotional bonds between
people

15. The Jain Society
• Basic principle: non-violence towards all living beings
• Also referred to as shramana dharma (self-reliant) or the "path of
the nirgranthas" (those without attachments or aversions)
• Follow teachings of the 24 tirthankars last being Mahavir
• Jains have the highest literacy rate as well as per capita income in India
• One of the best known Jain temples is the Babu Amichand
Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple, Walkeshwar (Malabar Hill)
• Vikram Sarabhai, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, V Shantaram, Gautam Adani are
some of the famous Jain personalities

16. Mahavir
• Means “The Great Hero” in English, he was 24th and the last Tirthankar.
• He established the central tenants of Jainism
• Born as Prince Vardhaman, he renounced his kingdom and family at the
age of 30.
• Attained moksha at the age of 72 before which he established the five
pillars of Jainism namely:
ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya and
aparigraha
• The birth of Mahavir is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti

17. Mahavir Jayanti

18. History
• Bhagwan Mahavir was born on 13th day under rising moon of
Chaitra to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishla
• The day falling in the month of March or April is celebrated as
Mahavir Jayanti
• It is believed that life forms in all three worlds were cheerful and
gods descended from heavens to pay homage
• Mahavir denounced any sort of killing and believed most virtuous
life is spent sitting and fasting
• Jains resolve to follow his teaching on his birth anniversary

19. Celebrations
• Followers visit the temples and offer ceremonial bath, known as
'abhishek', to Mahavira's idol
• Temples are lavishly decorated with flags and chariot processions carried
out
• The four kinds of donations recommended for every Jain on this day
include:
Gyan daan: sharing of knowledge
Abhay daan: protecting people from bad actions
Aushad daan: donating medicines
Ahaar daan: giving food
• Sermons are also held in shrines or temples to preach the philosophy of
spiritual freedom and virtue.

21. Buddha Paurnima
• Celebrates in
remembrance of Lord
Gautam Buddha – The
great spiritual teacher
in India
• Buddha Purnima falls
on the full moon day in
the Hindu month of
Vaisakh
• Also known as Vesak

22. Buddha Paurnima Marks three important events of
Lord Buddha’s life :
• Birth :
Life in Palace, The four sights, Renunciation
• Enlightenment :
Struggle for truth, achieved state of Buddha (the
awakened one)
• nirvana (salvation):
The final stage of life - extinction of desire

23. • Buddha's teachings :
Suffering is unavoidable
• All living beings have the Buddha nature and
can become Buddhas.
• Buddha Paurnima - Hint to us to develop
our inner strength

25. RAKSHA BANDHAN
 Celebration of relations
 came into origin about 6000 years back
 Day of reaffirming the bonds of affection
 Celebrated on full moon day of Hindu month
Shravan
 The name 'Raksha Bandhan' suggests 'a bond of
protection'.
 Sisters tie the silk thread called Rakhi on their
brother's wrist and pray for their well being and
brothers promise to take care of their sisters.

26.  Origin of Raksha Bandhan :
Goddess Lakshmi tied Rakhi to King Bali
for first time
 Stories
of Rakhi :
Lord Krishna and Draupathi
Rani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun
Alexander the great and king Puru

27. THE SIGNIFICANCE
 day to celebrate the sacred relation of a brother
and a sister.
 binding the family together in an emotional bond
of love.
 festival encompasses true sense of peace and
brotherhood
 can bring the much-needed relief from the
ongoing violence and mistrust.

28. Hathi Ghoda Palkhi Jai Kanaihya lal ki..!
28

29. Janmashtami
 Krishna was born without a sexual union, but by divine "mental
transmission" from the mind of Vasudeva into the womb of Devaki.
 Krishna's birth, known as Janmashtami, is 18 July 3228 BCE and
departed on 3102 BCE.
 Krishna belonged to the Vrishni clan of Yadavas from Mathura, and
was the eighth son born to the princess Devaki, and her husband
Vasudeva.
29

30. Janmashtami Uttsav
 Dahi Handi is a popular ceremony, celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and
glee.
 Dahi Handi is an enactment of Lord Krishna's efforts to steal butter from
Matka (earthen pot) suspended from the ceiling.
30

31. 31

32. Janmastami vow
 Janamashtami vow is to
become Karamyogi like
Krishna.
 always follow the right path
and never tolerate injustice.
 Karma yoga is action
(karma) performed without
expectations or thought of
reward.
32

33. ONAM

34. ONAM  portrays the rich cultural heritage
of Kerala.
 Celebrated for a period of ten days
 starting from the first day Atham
and continuing till tenth and the
biggest day called Thiru Onam.

35.  Atham - Day One
 Chithira - Day Two
 Chodhi - Day Three
 Visakam - Day Four
 Anizham - Day Five
 Thriketa - Day Six
 Moolam - Day Seven
 Pooradam - Day Eight
 Uthradam - Day Nine
 Thiruvonam - Day Ten

36. POOKALAM

37. VALLAMKALI

38. Onam Legends of King Mahabali
 The legend
 The Legend of Vanishing Boy
 The Legend of Boat Palliodam

40. Vakratunda Mahakaaya
Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva
Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada
The Lord with the curved trunk and a mighty body, who has the magnificance of a
Million suns, I pray to you Oh Lord, to remove the obstacles from all the actions I
intend to perform.

41. Ganesh Chaturthi
 Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals.
 Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha - the supreme God of wisdom and
prosperity.
 Lord Ganesh was born on a fourth day (chaturthi) of the bright fortnight of
the Hindu lunar month of Magh.
 „Ganesh Chaturthi‟ or „Vinayak Chaturthi‟, is celebrated as birthday of Lord
Ganesha.
 It is observed during the Hindu month of Bhadra (mid-August – mid-
September).
 He is son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the Divine Mother.
41

42. History of Ganesh Chaturthi
 Bal Gangadhar Tilak, brought back the tradition of Ganesh Chaturthi and
reshaped the festival from private family celebrations into a grand public event.
 "to bridge the gap between the Brahmins and the non-Brahmins.
 To unite all social classes -"the god for Everyman".
 It served as a meeting place for common people of all castes and communities.
 An important festival during the Peshwa era, Ganesha Chaturthi acquired
organized form all over India largely due to Lokmanya's efforts
42

43. Celebration
 Today, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the states of India
 The festival is so popular that the preparations begin months in advance. Days
before the actual worship.
 Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and flowers
 During the festival days, the Lord is worshipped with great devotion and prayer
services are performed daily.
 The duration of the Lord's stay varies from place to place; once the worship is
complete, the statues are carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after
one, three, five, seven and ten days.
43

44. Celebration
 This procession and immersion is accompanied with dancing and the sound
of exciting drum-beats, devotional songs and exploding firecrackers.
 As the idol is immersed amidst loud chants “Ganpati Bappa Moraya
mangal murti morya”
 The festival comes to an end with pleas to the Lord to return the next year
with chants of "Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya" (Hail Lord
Ganesh, return again soon next year).
 In the 21st century, with the world turning fast into a global village, Ganesh
Chaturthi is now celebrated all over the world, wherever there is a presence
of a Hindu community.
44

45. Sarvamangalamangalye Shive sarvathasaadhike,
Sharanye triyambake gauri Naraayani namostute!
45

46. Navratri Festival
• Navratri, the festival of nine nights is dedicated to Goddess
Durga and her nine forms.
• Navratri begins from the first day of the bright fortnight of
Ashwin
• The nine days have great religious significance
• The festival is celebrated with true devotion and purity all over
the country
46

47. Celebrations
• The festival is also celebrated with intense fervor and zest, in whole of
India, in the form of Durga Puja. The vibrant festivities last for ten days, of
which nine nights are spent in worship.
Gujarat and western India
• The most famous Navaratri celebrations are held in the western states of
India.
• Traditional dances in the form of Dandiya and Garba take place almost
everywhere.
• After worshipping and 'Aarti', 'Dandiya raas' is performed all through the
night.
47

48. Rituals
• Navratri is divided into sets of three days to adore three different aspects of
the supreme goddess or goddesses.
• On the first three days Durga or Goddess of Energy is worshipped.
• The next three days are devoted to Lakshmi or Goddess of Wealth and the
last three days for Saraswati or Goddess of Knowledge.
• On the fifth day, it is traditional to worship Saraswati to invoke our spirit
and knowledge.
• On the eighth and ninth day, Yagna (sacrifice offered to the fire) is
performed to honor Durga Mata and bid her farewell.
48

49. Nine Days of Navratri
FIRST DAY
• The first day is dedicated to the Goddess Durga is called
Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of
Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva.
49

50. SECOND DAY
• The second day is dedicated to the Goddess Durga is known as
'Brahmacharini'. The name is derivative of the word 'Brahma',
which means 'Tapa' or penace. She is also a form of Mata
Shakti.
50

51. Third Day
• The third day is dedicated to the goddess Chandraghanta, the
symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.
51

52. Fourth Day
• The fourth day is dedicated to the goddess Kushmandas, the
creator of the entire Universe.
52

53. Fifth Day
• The fifth day is dedicated to the Goddess Skand Mata, the
mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army the Skanda.
53

54. Sixth Day
• The sixth day is dedicated to the goddess Katyayani with three
eyes and four hands
54

55. Seventh Day
• The seventh day is dedicated to the Goddess 'Kalratri', meant
to make the devotees fearless.
55

56. Eighth Day
• The eight day is dedicated to the Mata Rani or 'Maha Gauri',
represents calmness and exhibits wisdom
56

57. Ninth Day
• The ninth day is dedicated to Durga also referred as
Siddhidatri. It is believed that she has all the eight siddhis and
is worshipped by all the Rishis and Yogis.
57

58. The divine mother durga, had destroyed the evil force (in the
form of the demon Mahisashura) and Maa Durga is also known
as Mahisashurardini, so we celebrate Valor and courage, Triumph
of good over evil.
58

59. The Bengali Society
• West Bengal – fourth most populous state of India
• Kolkata served as capital of British India for several years – British
influence in architecture and society is evident
• Also, intellectual hub of India - Rabindranath Tagore, Swami
Vivekanad etc
• Religion – 72.5% Hindusim
• Durga Pooja is the biggest festival of the state celebrated over 6
days
• Tertiary sector biggest contributor to economy – 57.8% of STP

60. Durga Pooja

61. Outlook
• Celebrated widely in Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Tripura and
West Bengal - 5 day annual holiday
• Marks the slaying of Mahishasura by Maa Durga on the
Vijayadashmi after nine days of fierce battle
• Includes all the 6 days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha
saptami, Maha ashtami, Maha navami and Vijadashami

62. Significance
• Gained importance during British raj
• Reformists identified India with Durga
• Symbol of Indian Independence Movement
• Became an important meeting opportunity for freedom
fighters
• Identifiable with Dussera celebrations in many parts of the
country

63. History
• As per scriptures – actual worship – Chaitra/Basanta
• Popular form Sharadiya (autumnal) – Akal Bodhon
• First such Puja organised in honour of Lord Clive in the year 1757.
• He wanted to thank the lord but lack of a church forced him to take
part in the local celebrations
• Wealthy mercantile and Zamindar families in Bengal
made British Officers of the East India Company guests of honour in
the Pujas.

64. Customs
• Starts off with the Mahishasurmardini – radio programme
• Pandals housing Durga idols are put up
• At the end of six days, idol is taken for immersion in a
procession
• Chants of Hope - 'aashchhe bochhor abar ‘ & Durga Maa ki Jai
• Environmental Hazards

65. Dussehra

66. • Dasara/ Dussehra is derived from Sanskrit
Dasha-hara meaning "remover of bad fate"
meaning remover of ten heads of
Ravana's.

67. Dussehra is a festival celebrated across
India.

68. It is culmination of the 10-day
annual festival of Navaratri – 9
nights.

69. The 10th day/night after Navaratri heralds the festival of
Dussehra, that commemorates…

70. …the legend in which the Goddess Durga, vanquishes the
demon Mahishasura.

71. the same festival also
commemorates the victory of
Rama, over the ten headed
demon Ravana.

72. The Ramlila, a dramatization of the
Ramayana is enacted as street-side plays
during these days

73. On the 10th day effigies of Ravana are burnt,
signifying the victory of good over evil.

74. These rituals are intended to rid the household of the
ten bad qualities, which are represented by ten heads
of Ravana as follows
1. Kama vasana 6. Matsara
(Lust) (Jealousy)
2. Krodha (Anger) 7. Manas (Mind)
3. Moha (Delusion) 8. Buddhi (Intellect)
4. Lobha (Greed) 9. Chitta (Will)
5. Mada (Over 10. Ahankara (Ego).
Pride)

75. On this day, people inaugurate new ventures, ceremonially asking
God to bless new beginnings.

77. Significance
• King Rama's coronation
• Goddess Lakshmi‟s Birthday
• Krishna Killed Narakaasur
• Vishnu Rescued Lakshmi
• The Return of the Pandavas
• Special Day for the Sikhs
• Special Day for the Jains
• Coronation of Vikramaditya
• Special Day for the Arya Samaj
• Hindu New Year day
• Harvest Festival

78. A Five Days Festival
• Day 1: Dhanteras
• Day 2: Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi / Kali Chaudas
• Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
• Day 4: Padwa / Bali Pratipada / Govardhan Puja /Annakoot
• Day 5: Bhaiduj

79. Diwali Rituals
• Tradition of Playing Cards
• Tradition of Crackers
• Rangoli
• Tradition of gifts
• Tradition of Lights

80. ISLAM
• Islam is religion of peace
• Islam means „submission to God‟, „peace‟ and „way of
peace‟
• based on Holy Quran and sunnat (saying) of Holly
Prophet Muhammad
• Islam is the second largest religion
• There are two main sects in religion of Islam i.e. Sunni
and Shia

81. Five pillars of islam
• Shahadah (faith)
• Salah (Prayer)
• Zakat (Alms-giving)
• Sawn (Fasting)
• Hajj (mecca)

83. Allah & Mohammad
• Allah and Muhammad are central figures in Islam. Allah is the
supreme god in Muslim worship while Muhammad is his
prophet and messenger.
• Allah is the Creator, and Muhammad is the creation (in
extension, the founder of Islam).
• Muslims give worship to Allah and high respect to
Muhammad.
• He is the last prophet and messenger which signifies the
fulfillment of Allah‟s other revelations and prophets.
• The quran is the product of Allah‟s revelations to Muhammad

84. Ramadan Month
• Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar
• Ramadan - the month of holy fasting
• month of blessing
• Significance-
– Allah revealed the Quran
– victory in greatest battle at Badr.
– Laylat al-Qadr, a night which is better than a thousand months.
• There are three parts to the month of Ramadan:
– Rahmat or mercy of God;
– Maghfirat or forgiveness of God;
– Nijat or salvation.
Each period lasts about 10 days, or one-third of the entire month.

85. A practices during Ramadan
• Fasting
• Prayer and Reading of quran
• Iftar
• Charity
• Laylat al-Qadr

86. Eid ul fitr
• "Festival of Breaking the Fast“
• EID-UL-FITR is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the
completion of Ramadan.
• Many Muslims may also prepare festive meals to share, wear new
clothes, visit relatives and give presents to children. Cards can also
be sent, often featuring the words “Eid Mubbarak”
• The devotees gather in the mosques to pray, friends and relatives
meet and exchange greetings. Prayers, family get-togethers and
feasts are the major highlights of the festival.
• A time for increased religious devotion and self-examination.

87. Bakri Eid
– Allah challenged Prophet Ibrahim
– Ibrahim's faith in Allah
– Ibrahim sacrifices his son

88. Eid al adha
• The month of Dhul Hijja. (10th day)
• Eid-Ul-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice or Day
of Sacrifice) is observed after the Hajj - the
annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) in
Saudi Arabia.

89. Christmas
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ,
who according to the Christian religion, is the
son of God and the founder of the Christian
religion

90. Christmas
Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem,
the native village of Joseph, because of the
census ordered by Caesar.
Finding no place to sleep in Bethlehem, Mary
gave birth in a stable.

92. Christmas
 Choice of the date
• Pagan celebration for Mithra, persian god of light
• Day of the winter solstice
• In 330, the roman emperor Constantine decided to
establish Christmas on the 25th of December to
counter the pagan celebration
• The real birth of Jesus Christ happened in the year 7 or
8 BC
• The festival is celebrated as a mark of respect to Lord
Jesus, who is considered as the son of God and founder
of the Christian religion

93. Christmas
 Etymology:
– Latin languages: Noel, Natale, Navidad come from
« de natalis » (day of birth)
– English: Cristes Maesse, ‘ mass of christ ’
 Meaning of the symbols
• Christmas crib: representation of Jesus’ birth
• Advent: liturgical period to prepare the arrival of Jesus
• Midnight mass

94. Jesus came to earth,
To show us how to live,
How to put others first,
How to love and how to give.
Then He set about His work,
That God sent Him to do;
He took our punishment on Himself;
He made us clean and new.
He could have saved Himself,
Calling angels from above,
But He chose to pay our price for sin;
He paid it out of love.

95. Our Lord died on Good Friday,
But the cross did not destroy
His resurrection on Easter morn
That fills our hearts with joy.
Now we know our earthly death,
Like His, is just a rest.
We'll be forever with Him
In heaven, where life is best.
So we live our lives for Jesus,
Think of Him in all we do.
Thank you Savior; Thank you
Lord.
Help us love like you!

96. Significance
• Humanity receives its new lease on life, its liberation from
both death and, thus, the fear of death.
• If Christ didn't rise from the dead, then there is no
justification for our faith

97. Easter Customs…
• Attending sunrise services/Night Vigil
• Exclaiming the Paschal greeting,
• lighting of the large Paschal candle (symbolic of the Risen
Christ)
• Renewal of Baptisim Promises
• Blessing of the Home
• Easter Eggs and Bunny

98. Across Religions…
What is celebrated?
• Christian religion: the résurrection of Jesus
• Jewish religion: the célébration of the Exodus, when
Moses freed the Jewish people
• Pagan célébration to lionize the return of spring