Shree Swamiji Resources

Barsana Dham Celebrates all the Major Hindu Religious Festivals on a Grand, Colourful And Lively Scale

The Hindu calendar is resplendent with joyous festivals and celebrations that present an enhanced opportunity to enrich and revitalize our faith and dedication to God. Celebration dates of Hindu festivals are calculated according to the lunar calendar, and every auspicious occasion has social, devotional and divine significance.

Maha Shivratri, Holi, Ram Naumi, Guru Poornima, Krishn Janmashtmi, Radha Ashtmi, Sharad Poornima and Divali (the festival of lights) are some of the most important annual celebrations in the Hindu tradition that are celebrated by the followers of His Divinity Swami Prakashananad Saraswati at Barsana Dham. Each festival has its unique meaning, but all serve as a source of spiritual inspiration to further one's personal relationship with God.

On September --- , more than 3,000 people participated in the colorful celebration of --- at the Barsana Dham Hindu Temple in Hays County. During this joyous annual festival, pink powder called gulal was distributed to participants. Throwing "color" on each other symbolizes opening the heart and eliminating any grievances and negative thinking against others. Meeting with friends, family and the community on Holi, with a fresh mind and an attitude of forgiveness and acceptance, enhances harmony in society. Spiritually, Holi is a time to deepen devotion and feel drenched in the "color" of God's love.

Hindu scriptures explain that God descends on Earth from time to time to grace the souls and to reveal the direct path to divine realization. The appearance day of Bhagwan Shree Ram-Ram Naumi is celebrated in April. On this auspicious day, readings from the scripture Ramayan, which reveal the divine history of Lord Ram, a descendant of God, are sung in the temple. Devotees listen to a discourse explaining the relevance that Shree Ram's teachings have in today's world and perform arti, the traditional waving of the light. Following the worship service, everyone partakes of prasad, a meal of blessed food.

Traditionally Hindu celebrations are a time to reflect on the true meaning and purpose of life. The community comes together to sing the glories of God's names and to hear the inspiring message of the spiritual master. Sharing prasad meals prepared by community members allows everyone give thanks to God for the divine blessings in their lives in the company of family and friends. Children, youth, adults and seniors all actively participate in the festivities.

Major events at a Hindu temple include programs of Indian classical and folk dances and songs expressing love and devotion to God and keeping alive the vibrant culture of the Earth's oldest civilization. Youths enthusiastically practice for weeks to present dances and songs that explain historical events from the lives of saints in stage enactments called leela plays.

Hindu religious celebrations are a time to express gratitude for the precious gift of human life. We live in an age of great conflict, with our planet ravaged by war and instability. The theme of Hindu celebrations is to realize that in every situation it is wise to be devoted to God. Love and devotion to God develop good qualities in the mind and purify the heart. During every Hindu religious festival the message of love and peace is conveyed. Just as darkness cannot exist in the presence of light, so too the light of divine love overpowers the darkness of negativity.

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