Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet

Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet

Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet
Updated October 19, 2023
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
R45001

Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet

Introduction
Hinduism (or Sanatana Dharma) is the third-largest religion in the world behind Christianity and
Islam, with nearly 1 billion adherents.1 According to the Pew Research Center, about 0.7% of
Americans self-identify as Hindu.2 Originating on the Indian subcontinent, it is often described as
a combination of many religious beliefs and philosophical schools. “Hindu” originated as the
term used by ancient Persians to describe the people who lived beyond the Indus River Valley (in
Sanskrit, “Sindhu”). The term “Hinduism” began to be more widely used by devotees on the
Indian subcontinent and throughout the world by the end of the 19th century.3
This fact sheet is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Hindu holidays. It
contains sample speeches and remarks from the Congressional Record, presidential
proclamations and remarks, and selected historical and cultural resources.
This is part of a series of Congressional Research Service fact sheets on religious holidays in the
United States.
Major Holidays and Observances
Hindu holidays are historically observed following the lunar calendar, which is based on the
waxing and waning of the moon. In India, observance dates are typically determined using both
the solar calendar and the traditional lunar calendar.4 The following are selected major holidays
that may be observed throughout the United States.
Holi
Holi is a spring festival, also known as the festival of colors. It falls in late February or early
March. On the eve of Holi, some practitioners burn an effigy of the demoness Holika, to
commemorate her defeat by a young prince named Prahlada, who was steadfastly devoted to Lord
Vishnu. Among many observers, Holi is tied to the devotion of Lord Krishna and commemorates
his love for his beloved consort Radha. Holi is most known for the practice of playfully throwing
colored powder and colored water balloons at family, friends, and strangers.
Diwali
Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights. It often falls between mid-October and mid-
November, and for some observers coincides with the beginning of the New Year. Although the
specific celebrations vary by region and group, Diwali is a celebration of the “victory of light
over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.”5 It is often

1 Stephanie Kramer, Key findings about the religious composition of India, Pew Research Center, September 21, 2021,
p. 5, https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/09/21/key-findings-about-the-religious-composition-of-india/;
Religious Composition by Country, 2010-2050, Pew Research Center, December 21, 2022,
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/interactives/religious-composition-by-country-2010-2050/.
2 Gregory Smith et al., America’s Changing Religious Landscape, Pew Research Center, May 12, 2015, p. 5,
http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/.
3 J. Brodd et al., Invitation to World Religions (New York: Oxford University Press, 2013), pp. 83-143.
4 R. Rinehart, Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice (Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004),
pp. 123-153.
5 D. Heiligman and V. Narayanan, Celebrate Diwali: With Sweets, Lights and Fireworks (Washington, DC: National
Geographic, 2008).
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Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet

observed by wearing new clothes, participating in pujas (prayer or worship), exchanging gifts,
cleaning the home, lighting oil lamps, participating in festivals, and setting off fireworks.6
Other Significant Holidays
Dussehra
Dussehra, or Dasera, the 10th and final day of the festival of Navaratri, is often observed as a
celebration to commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over the evil Ravana, as told in the epic text,
the Ramayana.7 Dussehra typically falls between late September and early October.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates and honors the bond between a brother and a sister.
Ceremonies often include a sister tying a ceremonial thread or amulet called a rakhi around a
brother’s wrist, as a symbol of her love. The brother provides a gift in return, as a symbol of his
promise to protect her. Raksha Bandhan typically falls in August.
Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna on the 8th day of the dark fortnight.8
Fasting starts the preceding day until midnight. Prayers occur at midnight and temples are
decorated with leaves and flowers. Krishna Janmashtami typically falls between August and
September.9
U.S. Congressional Recognition
Some Members of Congress make floor statements, issue press releases, introduce resolutions, or
enter Extensions of Remarks into the Congressional Record to recognize federal holidays and
observances. The following are some recent examples that may be of assistance in preparing such
statements:
H.R. 3336, Diwali Day Act, introduced on May 15, 2023.
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, “CAPAC Members Celebrate Holi,” press release,
March 8, 2023.
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, “CAPAC Members Celebrate Diwali,” press
release, October 24, 2022.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, “Congressman Krishnamoorthi Joins President Biden At
White House Celebration Of Diwali,” press release, October 24, 2022.
H.Res. 764, Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali,
introduced on November 2, 2021.

6 R. Rinehart, Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice (Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2004),
pp. 149-150.
7 The Ramayana is one of many Hindu sacred texts. Others include, but are not limited to, the Mahabharata, which
contains the Bhagavad Gita, the Puranas, the Upanishads, and the Vedas. (J. Brodd et al., Invitation to World Religions
(New York: Oxford University Press, 2013), pp. 99-103).
8 Britannica Academic, n.d., “Janmashtami,” https://academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/Janmashtami/43341.
9 Britannica Academic, n.d., “Janmashtami,” https://academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/Janmashtami/43341.
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Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet

Representative Buddy Carter, “Hindu Heritage Month,” Congressional Record, daily edition, vol.
167 (October 27, 2021), p. H5955.
U.S. Presidential Recognition
One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor a group or call
attention to certain issues or events. Some recent proclamations and remarks commemorating
Hindu holidays, from the Compilation of Presidential Documents, include
Presidential Statements—Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (2021-)
Presidential Statements—Donald J. Trump (2017-2021)
Presidential Statements—Barack H. Obama (2009-2017)
Presidential proclamations and remarks from 1992 to the present are available through the
govinfo service on the Government Publishing Office website. Earlier remarks (including
selected audio and video clips) are available through The American Presidency Project,
established by the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Historical and Cultural Resources
Numerous resources provide information on the history and culture of Hinduism. Some of these
include the following:
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is a nonprofit advocacy organization for the Hindu
American community. HAF’s website includes information about Hinduism and common Hindu
holidays. It also includes a toolkit on Holi and other Hindu holidays.
ShareAmerica, a resource maintained by the U.S. Department of State, includes several entries
regarding the celebration of Hindu holidays in the United States; examples include “Americans
celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali,” and “Diwali is becoming a big deal in America.”
The National Geographic Society provides resources for educators and learners on Hindu
holidays, including Diwali and Holi.
Related CRS Reports
CRS Report R41990, Federal Holidays: Evolution and Current Practices, by Jacob R. Straus.
CRS Report R43539, Commemorations in Congress: Options for Honoring Individuals, Groups,
and Events, by Jacob R. Straus et al.

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Author Information

Maya V. Thomas

Reference and Digital Services Librarian

Acknowledgments
Sundeep Mahendra originally authored this report. Ben Leubsdorf contributed to subsequent updates.

Disclaimer
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