Even though our country is popular for many factors, one of the prime aspects that makes India stand out from other countries is its diverse cultures and traditions. India is famous for a wide range of religions, with most Hindus. Even though every religion has its own stories of deities, Hindus are known for enormous mythologies and stories related to different deities. Among the infinite number of gods and goddesses in Hinduism, lord Vishnu is a prime deity who is a part of the divine trinity, along with lord Brahma and lord Shiva. Every god is memorialized through various festivals. For example, Lord Shiva is honored on Maha Shivrathri. But do you know what the events associated with lord Vishnu are?
This blog will aid you with a list of festivals of lord Vishnu. But diving into it, let's summarize more about lord Vishnu and his significance in Hinduism.
Lord Vishnu, God of Preservation
Being known as the god of protection, lord Vishnu is one of the prime deities in Hindu mythology and is well-known for his ten incarnations. Even though his various incarnations, occurred in different situations and events, the main goal behind his appearance in each form was to defeat evil and stand for righteousness. Based on the Hindu mythologies, lord Vishnu was considered an eternal and sel-exited deity with an appearance of blue complexion.
His blue complexion throughout the body reflects the limitless sky and ocean. As per the mythological belief, it is said that Lord Vishnu and his consort goddess Laxmi are in the celestial city called Vaikunta. So, it's time to learn more about the festivals associated with lord Vishnu and how it is celebrated.
Read more: Top 10 Avatars of Vishnu and Their Significance
4 Festivals of Lord Vishnu
Ram Navami
From the word, ‘Ram Navami', you can guess that the festival is associated with lord Ram. But since lord Ram is one of the prime incarnations of lord Vishnu, Ram Navami is also considered as the festival of lord Vishnu.
This festival usually comes during March or April. People celebrate this day to commemorate the birth of lord Ram. The festival is deeply related to the well-known epic Ramayana. Lord Ram was born in an ancient place called Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya. It is believed that he was born at noon time on the ninth day of the Chaitra month.
The devotees start and celebrate this festival by fasting and visiting the temples of lord Vishnu or lord Ram. The devotees conduct prayers and rituals based on cultures and traditions and recite hymns. With immense devotion, they participate in the rituals and offer flowers. To make others about the festival, people share the stories of Ramayana and play devotional songs.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Have you heard about Vaikuntha Ekadashi? Even though this festival might not seem to be as popular as Ram Navami, it is one of the significant festivals to commemorate and honour lord Vishnu and his deeds.
This festival celebrated in December or January, comes during the eleventh day of the waxing moon. This festival is celebrated based on the belief that on this auspicious day, the celestial place of Vaikuntha was open wide, welcoming the devotees. People celebrate this day by keeping fasts. Devotees visit the temples of lord Vishnu and participate in the bhajans and the prayers to seek blessings from lord Vishnu.
Narasimha Jayanthi
If you know about his other incarnations, you might be aware of his avatar as lord Narasimha. This incarnation of lord Vishnu appears as a partial human and lion. This festival comes in April or May.
Lord Vishnu took this avatar to defeat the demon Hiranyakashipu, who got the blessing that he would not die during the day or night by man or animal and even on earth or stars. So, to commemorate the actions of lord Narasimha, people celebrate this festival by fasting and visiting temples, specifically of lord Narasimha or lord Vishnu.
Krishna Jayanti
Lord Krishna is one of the most praised deities according to Hinduism. He is known for actions and teachings related to love, compassion, righteousness and justice. The stories of lord Krishna are depicted in Hindu epics such as Mahabharata and Bhagavad Geeta. Even though he was born to King Vasudeva and Queen Devaki, he was taken to cowherd Nanda and his wife, Yashoda. His love story with Radha is well-known and said to be the benchmark for love.
Krishna Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of lord Krishna. This festival usually comes around August or September. People celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and devotion. Devotees decorate their houses and idols of lord Krishna with flowers. They also undergo fasting, participate in bhajans, and reenact lord Krishna’s childhood.
Let’s Praise and Honor lord Vishnu to Seek His Blessings.
These festivals not only deepen our connection with lord Vishnu but also attach us closer to the traditions and culture. Being considered the lord of preservation the significance of lord Vishnu will never decrease and will be unwavering in the future. People remember his deeds, incarnations and stories with great respect and honour. It is believed that all his incarnations were associated with defeating evil, embracing justice and maintaining the cosmic balance.
People place the idols of lord Vishnu to conduct rituals related to him and visit temples to seek his blessings. As you know, the beliefs and stories related to lord Vishnu, celebrating these festivals will be an opportunity to come closer to the traditions with impressive experiences.
