USEFUL INFORMATION

When: October-November
Nearest Event: October 21, 2025

The brightest and most significant event in the Indian cultural calendar, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

The history of Diwali is associated with various myths and legends in the Hindu tradition. One of the main legends is connected with the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. His exile was caused by plotting against him as described in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. Rama went into exile on his own will, he was forced to abandon his throne to fulfill the promise given to his father to protect his family’s honor.

The city residents greeted them, decorating the city with lanterns to illuminate the way home. This symbolizes the victory of light and good over darkness and evil, which is the main idea of Diwali.

During Diwali, the streets and houses are decorated with flickering lights and candles creating an atmosphere filled with joy and happiness. Fireworks, which fill the sky with colorful flashes, are not just a great performance, but also a symbol of joy and celebration.

Exchanging gifts and giving various sweets become an integral part of this festival. Religious rituals performed at this time include visiting temples, expressing gratitude for the past year, and praying for blessings for the future.

When: March
Nearest Event: March 13−14, 2025

This spring festival celebrates the arrival of warmth and the blossom season, transforming everything into a kaleidoscope of colors.

Participants throw bright colored powders at each other. The powders are made from natural ingredients, such as turmeric, phalaenopsis, sandalwood, and others, mixed with food coloring. While exchanging rainbow colors symbolizing joy, festivity, and the spring rainbow, Indians douse each other with water, engaging in lively water battles.

One of the main legends is associated with young Krishna, who was concerned about his dark skin color and asked his mother Yashoda why Radha, his beloved, had a different skin color. Yashoda advised him to color Radha in whatever color he liked. Thus began the tradition of throwing colors during Holi.

Holi is also connected with the mythological event of the triumph of good over evil. The legend tells of the tyranny of the demon king Hiranyakashipu and the salvation of his devoted son Prahlada by the god Vishnu in the form of Narasimha — half-man, half-lion.

When: September-October
Nearest Event: September 22 — October 2, 2025

One of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the Mother Goddess, and the embodiment of divine feminine energy. The festival spans nine days and nights.

The history of Durga Puja can be traced back to ancient Indian texts recounting the goddess Durga’s battle against the demonic forces represented by Mahishasura. Durga defeated Mahishasura in the epic battle lasting nine days, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, and justice.

During Durga Puja, temporary temples with images of the goddess are erected, and ascension rituals are performed. Religious prayers and hymns fill the air with spiritual energy. Dance, music, and theatrical performances are an integral part of the festival.

When: Once every 12 years
Nearest Event: January13 — February 26, 2025

The largest and most sacred event in Hinduism, gathering millions of pilgrims, priests, sages, and tourists to participate in rituals of bathing in holy rivers.

Kumbh Mela is held at four sacred locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Shipra are believed to be especially blessed at certain times.

Devotees participate in bathing rituals to cleanse their souls of sins and achieve spiritual awakening.

When: August-September
Nearest Event: August 16, 2025

According to the legend, Krishna was born in the city of Mathura to the King Vasudeva and his wife Devaki. The festival is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight (August-September) and is considered one of the most important events in the lives of believers.

On this day, both adults and children dress in colorful costumes of Krishna and Radha. You can see very entertaining scenes in the streets, like competitions on building human pyramids aimed at reaching a high clay pot filled with milk, curd, butter, honey, and fruits. Participants compete by forming human pyramids to reach this delicious prize symbolizing joy and abundance.

When: August
Nearest Event: August 9, 2025

The festival’s history can be traced back to ancient Indian legends. One of them tells of the goddess Lakshmi, who created a rakhi (a talismanic wristband protecting against the evil eye, sorcery, etc.) for her brother King Bali.

The festival is based on the ritual where sisters tie a talisman called rakhi around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing affection, commitment, and promise to protect each other.

Influenced by this story, the festival has become a symbol of promise of sibling support and safety.

When: August-September
Nearest Event: August 27, 2024

This festival fills hearts with faith in miracles, brings hope, and strengthens confidence in one’s own abilities. Devotees sincerely believe that Ganesha is always ready to fulfill their heartfelt desires.

According to the mythology, the goddess Parvati created her son from sand and breathed life into him, instructing him to guard the entrance while she took a bath. When her husband, Lord Shiva, returned home, Ganesha did not allow him to enter, unaware that he was his father. This led to a confrontation in which Shiva severed Ganesha’s head. Parvati, upon learning of what happened, was saddened, and the gods promised to resurrect Ganesha. They offered to use the head of the first creature Parvati would encounter, which happened to be an elephant. Thus, Ganesha was resurrected with the head of this majestic animal.

During Ganesha Chaturthi, devotees create clay images of the god and then perform rituals of worship. After days of prayers and songs, Ganesha statues are immersed in water in an act of worship and farewell. The festival typically spans 10 days and is accompanied by numerous cultural events, public processions, and feasts.