Hinduism: Holy Days and Holy Places

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing major Hindu holy days, festivals, rituals, and sacred places.

Ganesh Chaturthi

A Hindu festival that celebrates Ganesh's birthday, during which murtis are submerged in water.

Murtis

Sacred images or statues that are submerged in water during the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Diwali

The Hindu festival of lights that celebrates light conquering darkness in the world, with regional emphasis on either goddess Lakshmi or prince Ram's return to Aydohya with Sita after defeating Ravana.

Ramayana

The epic story emphasized during Diwali in certain regions, recounting prince Ram's return to Aydohya with Sita after defeating Ravana.

Lakshmi

The goddess upon whom regional emphasis is placed during Diwali to celebrate light conquering darkness in the world.

Holi

The Hindu festival of colors based on Vishnu/Krishna.

Kumbh Mela

A huge pilgrimage that involves bathing in the holy waters of holy rivers to purify from sins and help reach moksha.

Moksha

Spiritual liberation that pilgrims seek to reach by bathing in holy waters to purify themselves from sins during events like the Kumbh Mela.

Ganges River

A major holy river in India whose sacred waters are central to purification rituals, pilgrimages, and holy observances in Hinduism.

The Himalayas

The prominent northern mountain range noted as a significant sacred geographical feature of India.