Dates for your 2006 calendar

February
3 Saraswati Pooja
Celebrates the Goddess of Education.

26 Mahashivratri
This is usually a night that Hindus go to the temple to worship Lord Shiva. Milk is poured constantly over the statue of Lord Shiva as a gift. For some families, Mahashivratri is a time of fasting, which means they are not allowed to eat.

March
15 Holi
Holi is the Festival of Colour when liquid dyes, coloured powder and water are scattered over people. The festival is for the end of winter, and celebrates the land and hopes for a good harvest.

7 Rama Navami
Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Rama (another man who was believed to have been God in human form), at Ayodhya in India. Worshippers are not allowed to eat, and must listen to Ramayana, the story of Rama and Sita.

August
9 Raksha Bandhan
Hindu sisters tie a special thread (called Rakhi )around their brotherfs wrists to protect them from evil.

September
16 Janamashtami
Hindus celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna, who lived 5,000 years ago. Lord Krishna was believed to have been God in human form. Worshippers offer poojas (which are prayers) and sing bhajans (which are religious songs).

14 Durga Pooja/Navaratri/Dassehra
A celebration which means the nine nights. The Goddess Durga is the Hindusf most important female god. She is worshipped in a colourful festival celebrating Rama winning his wife (called Sita) back from the demon king (called Ravana).

October
21 Diwali and New Year
Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Its main focus is Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

21 Kali Pooja
A festival to honour the great goddess Maha Devi (also called Kali), who is the goddess of death, decay and transformation.

November
12-13 Diwali and New Year