DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.636#0440
43° Hindu Fasts, Festivals, and Holy Days.
females are not allowed to take part in the worship of this
goddess, though she be of their own sex.
Maha-Siva-ratri, or 'great Siva-night,' is held on the 14th of
the dark half of Magha (about the middle or end of February).
A fast is observed during the day, and a vigil kept at night,
when the Liriga is worshipped (see p. 90). At this season
many pilgrims flock to the places dedicated to Siva.
Holi or Hutasanl festival—identified with the Dola-yatra,
or rocking of the image of Krishna1—is celebrated, espe-
cially in the upper provinces, as a kind of Hindu Saturnalia
or Carnival, and is therefore very popular. It commences
about ten days before the full moon of Phalguna (February-
March), but is usually only observed for the last three or
four days, terminating with the full moon. Boys dance about
in the streets, and inhabitants of houses sprinkle the passers-
by with red or yellow powder, use squirts and play practical
jokes. Rough sports, obscene songs, loud music, merriment,
mid-night orgies, and excesses of all kinds are the rule.
Towards the close of the festival, about the night of full moon,
a bonfire is lighted and games—representing the frolics of the
young Krishna—take place around the expiring embers.
Rama-navami—the birthday of Rama-c'andra—is observed
on the 9th of the light half of the month Caitra (March-
April), and is kept by some as a strict fast. The temples
of Rama are illuminated, and his image adorned with costly
ornaments. The Ramayana is read in the temples, and
Naches (Nautches) are kept up during the night.
Naga-pancami is held on the 5th day of the light half of
Sravana, in honour of the Nagas.
Two days later comes the Sltala-saptaml, in honour of the
Small-pox goddess (p. 228), when only cold food is eaten.
Krishna-janmashtamI, the birthday of Krishna—kept on
1 The meaning of Holi is doubtful. It may be merely an imitation of
the sounds and cries made by the revellers. By some the festival is said
to be in commemoration of the killing of the demon Madhu by Krishna.
females are not allowed to take part in the worship of this
goddess, though she be of their own sex.
Maha-Siva-ratri, or 'great Siva-night,' is held on the 14th of
the dark half of Magha (about the middle or end of February).
A fast is observed during the day, and a vigil kept at night,
when the Liriga is worshipped (see p. 90). At this season
many pilgrims flock to the places dedicated to Siva.
Holi or Hutasanl festival—identified with the Dola-yatra,
or rocking of the image of Krishna1—is celebrated, espe-
cially in the upper provinces, as a kind of Hindu Saturnalia
or Carnival, and is therefore very popular. It commences
about ten days before the full moon of Phalguna (February-
March), but is usually only observed for the last three or
four days, terminating with the full moon. Boys dance about
in the streets, and inhabitants of houses sprinkle the passers-
by with red or yellow powder, use squirts and play practical
jokes. Rough sports, obscene songs, loud music, merriment,
mid-night orgies, and excesses of all kinds are the rule.
Towards the close of the festival, about the night of full moon,
a bonfire is lighted and games—representing the frolics of the
young Krishna—take place around the expiring embers.
Rama-navami—the birthday of Rama-c'andra—is observed
on the 9th of the light half of the month Caitra (March-
April), and is kept by some as a strict fast. The temples
of Rama are illuminated, and his image adorned with costly
ornaments. The Ramayana is read in the temples, and
Naches (Nautches) are kept up during the night.
Naga-pancami is held on the 5th day of the light half of
Sravana, in honour of the Nagas.
Two days later comes the Sltala-saptaml, in honour of the
Small-pox goddess (p. 228), when only cold food is eaten.
Krishna-janmashtamI, the birthday of Krishna—kept on
1 The meaning of Holi is doubtful. It may be merely an imitation of
the sounds and cries made by the revellers. By some the festival is said
to be in commemoration of the killing of the demon Madhu by Krishna.