It’s been a busy season for Hindu festivals. Autumn is one of the most auspicious times for Hindus all the way from India to Mauritius to the United States. In Minnesota, home to about 40,000 Hindus, the second half of the year gives way to a burst of widespread celebrations and festivities that bring communities together in a beautiful display of culture and faith.
Festivities started in August with the coming of Raksha Bandhan, a day commemorating the relationship between brothers and sisters. A week later was Krishna Janmashtami, believed to be the birthday of the deity, Krishna. Celebrations of Janmashtami typically involve long nights of singing and dancing to songs about the stories of Lord Krishna. One of the largest Hindu temples of the United States, the Hindu Temple of Minnesota, hosted a grand celebration of the festival. Music groups led songs while hundreds of devotees sang along. In celebration of his birthday, little boys dressed as baby Krishna, and little girls as his “girlfriend” Radha. Throughout the night they clapped, danced, and even walked through a runway. The temple holds many such events for people to come together – the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in early September was also celebrated at the temple.
Later in September, the festival of Navratri began. Lasting nine days, the holiday celebrates Devi, the feminine aspect of God. Navratri is one of the most loved festivals in the Indian state of West Bengal. Communities commemorate Durga pooja, where they welcome Goddess Durga, a symbol of power and protection, into their homes in the spirit of their daughter coming home. The Bengali Association of Minnesota hosted its own celebrations with a large pandal, an elaborate, ornate structure with statues of God, for which West Bengal is famous for during Durga pooja celebrations. The Indian state of Gujarat, on the opposite side of the nation as West Bengal, also celebrates Navratri with great pomp. Folk dances like garba and dandiya occupy most nights of the festival. In Minnesota, the Gujarati Samaj of Minnesota hosted several garba nights—opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate through the joy of dance. In South Indian homes, displays of dolls called Golu decorate homes and tell stories from Hindu texts.
The final day of Navratri is called Dussehra or Vijayadashami. On this day, effigies of the ten-headed demon Ravan—each of his ten heads representing either his intelligence or ten sins—are burned to symbolize his defeat. The Hindu Temple burned a large statue of Ravan, preceded by a two hour long performance of Ram Leela, a theatrical version of the Hindu epic, Ramayan. Others concluded Navratri with Ayudha puja, the worship of tools such as musical instruments and books.
While these festivities are often times of togetherness, families also celebrate within their individual houses. On the most awaited day and the culminating festival of the year, Diwali, families bring the joy of celebrations to their homes. Houses are cleaned and areas of worship are decorated. For some, rangoli or kolam designs made of powder decorate the floors of entrances. Flowers and lit diyas are arranged around the house and families light fireworks and sparklers at night. Neighborhoods host their own Diwali parties and exchange sweets. Around Minnesota, communities celebrate in their own ways. The Rajasthan Association of Minnesota held a Diwali celebration filled with folk dances, regional food like dal bati, and a musical tribute to the singer Mirabai. The Edina Asian American Alliance hosted its annual mela, or Diwali gathering, with live music, henna, dinner, and vendors.
Celebrations are times of joy and togetherness. Festivals are opportunities for people of all beliefs to come together and enjoy life. Furthermore, they keep people rooted to their cultures. Minnesota’s vibrant celebrations are representative of the diversity of the state’s community; they foster inclusion and awareness of different cultures and offer a way for people to connect with each other through fun and spirited festivities. I wish everyone a happy Diwali!
