In the Hindu faith, there are more holidays than there are days in the year, with adherents of this faith celebrating a wide variety of things with numerous festivals and commemorative events. Major Hindu holidays also vary from region to region, as the faith is practiced slightly differently in certain areas. The two most notable ones are probably Holi and Diwali, celebrated by most Hindus all over the world.
Holi takes place in March, celebrating spring and color. During this holiday, festive street parties take place in which people throw colored powder and water at each other. Each color has a particular religious significance, with many people using medicinal herbs in their balls of powder. Diwali, the festival of lights, takes place in late October. This festival is treated as a national holiday in India, and devout Hindus in other regions of the world may take Diwali off to celebrate with friends and family.
Some other Hindu holidays include days to celebrate the births of specific gods, like Shiva Ratri, commemorating the birth of Shiva in March, and Ganesha Utsava, a day in September to celebrate Ganesha. In August falls Krishna Jayanti, the birth of the god Krisha. Many people also celebrate Navarati, the feast of Shakti, which traditionally includes lots of dancing and partying as people celebrate the various aspects of the feminine.
Events from Hindu mythology are also celebrated. In April, Hindus commemorate the birth of the Lord Rama, and towards the end of the year, they celebrate Dassera, the holiday which celebrates Rama's victory over Ravana. This holiday also marks the triumph of good over evil, and lasts for ten days in some parts of India.
In areas with a large Hindu population, Hindu holidays may be designated as community holidays, reflecting the fact that it will be difficult to get work done, and as a mark of respect to Hindus in the community. Because so many holidays are celebrated, communities usually pick several major dates, such as Diwali, Holi, and Dassera, to designate as official days off.
When working with people of the Hindu faith, it can be important to remember that different people place a different emphasis on different holidays. Asking for time off to celebrate usually reflects regional cultural traditions, not a desire to get out of work with a religious excuse. Many Hindus are also happy to talk about the holidays they celebrate with people who are curious.
