Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet Page: 1 of 3
3 p.View a full description of this report.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
CRS Reports & Analysis
Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet
October 31, 2017 (R45001)
Sundeep Mahendra, Senior Knowledge Services Librarian (smahendra~crs.loc.gov, 7-9007)
Related Author
Sundeep Mahendra
Introduction
Hinduism (or Sanatana Dharma) is the third largest religion in the world behind Christianity and Islam, with nearly one
billion adherents. According to the Pew Research Center, about 0.7% of Americans self-identify themselves as Hindu.1
Originating on the Indian subcontinent, it is often described as a combination of many religious beliefs and
philosophical schools. "Hindu" originated as the term used by ancient Persians to describe the people who lived beyond
the Indus River Valley (in Sanskrit, "Sindhu"). The term "Hinduism" began to be more widely used by devotees on the
Indian subcontinent and throughout the world by the end of the 19th century.2
This fact sheet is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Hindu holidays. It contains sample
speeches and remarks from the Congressional Record, presidential proclamations and remarks, and selected historical
and cultural resources.
This is part of a series of Congressional Research Service fact sheets on religious holidays in the United States.
Major Holidays and Observances
Hindu holidays are historically observed following the lunar calendar, which is based on the waxing and waning of the
moon. In India, observance dates are typically determined using both the solar calendar and the traditional lunar
calendar.! The following are selected major holidays that may be observed throughout the United States.
Holi
Holi is a spring festival, also known as the festival of colors. It falls in late February or early March. On the eve of Holi,
some practitioners burn an effigy of the demoness Holika, to commemorate her defeat by a young prince named
Prahlada, who was steadfastly devoted to Lord Vishnu. Among many observers, Holi is tied to devotion of Lord Krishna
and commemorates his love for his beloved consort Radha. Holi is most known for the practice of playfully throwing
colored powder and colored water balloons on family, friends, and strangers.
Diwali
Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights. It often falls between mid-October and mid-November, and for
some observers coincides with the beginning of the New Year. Although the specific celebrations vary by region and
group, Diwali is a celebration of the "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and
hope over despair."4 It is often observed by wearing new clothes, participating in pujas (prayer or worship), exchanging
gifts, cleaning the home, lighting oil lamps, participating in festivals, and setting off fireworks.iOther Significant Holidays
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This report can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Report.
Mahendra, Sundeep. Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet, report, October 31, 2017; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1043327/m1/1/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.