What do Hindus celebrate instead of Christmas?

Answer 1

Many Hindus revere and recognise Jesus as a Prema-Avatar, an Avatar of Divine Love. This is because many of his teachings were about finding the God within, and service of your fellow man.

However, Christmas does not fall in the Hindu Calendar. Hindus celebrate Diwali (festival of lights, sometimes called Deepavali) and the New Year.

There is a festival every year for homes and families. It is called Pancha Ganapati a festival to the five-faced elephant God. It is five days of gift-giving and festivities within the home, especially for the children. There is no need for a tree nor wreaths, nor a Santa. Lord Ganesha does it all in five days of merriment and mirth.

This home festival from December 21 through the 25 can include outings, picnics, feasts, exchange of cards and gifts with relatives, friends and business associates. Each day a tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Pancha Ganapati, often prepared and presented by the children. Chants, songs and hymns are sung in His praise. After offering at the altar, the sweets are shared as consecrated food. Each day gifts are given to the children, who place them before Pancha Ganapati to open only on the fifth day. Greeting cards are exchanged, always offering Hindu wisdom or verse from scripture.

During each of the five days the entire family focuses upon a different spiritual work. Because of the importance of this festival as a new beginning and mending of all mistakes of the past, a festive shrine is created in the main living room of the home. At the center is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced statue of Lord Pancha Ganapati. If this is not available, a large picture of Lord Ganesha will do. Each morning the children dress or decorate Ganesha anew in a different color: golden yellow on December 21, then ruby red, royal blue, emerald green and finally brilliant orange.

Answer 2

Hindus celebrate various festivals throughout the year, such as Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, and Raksha Bandhan, instead of Christmas. Each festival is associated with specific customs, traditions, and religious significance.

Answer 3

Christians in India decorate mango or banana trees at Christmas time, they sometimes decorate their houses with mango leaves.