Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago Temple

Many festivals are celebrated at the temple throughout the year.[3]

Some of the major festivals celebrated are:

Sri Ramanavami occurs in April and celebrates the birthday of Sri Rama and his marriage to Sita Devi which also took place on his birthday. Rama the seventh incarnation of Sri Vishnu, was born on the ninth (navami) day of Chaitra (March–April) maasa (month).

Shiva Ratri is celebrated on Krishna Chaturdashi day (14th day of a Lunar Month) in the month of Magha (Feb-March) to commemorate the day on which Shiva protected the world from total annihilation by drinking the Kalakanda poison which was held in his throat.

Janmastami celebrated the birthday of Sri Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Sri Vishnu. Rasa Lila is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha. The image of Krishna is bathed at midnight, placed in a cradle and worshiped.

Deepavali or Diwali is a festival celebrated throughout India with different regional significances. Deepavali is known as the festival of lights. Deepavali celebrates the homecoming of Rama after defeating Ravana.

Dussera or Dasara festival lasts for ten days. During this festival, Ram Leela or the story of Sri Rama is enacted with the burning of the effigy of Ravana. The festival is also known as Navarathri and is celebrated over nine days. The tenth day is known as Vijaya Dasami.

Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna (February/March). The festival is celebrated with children and adults throwing colors at each other and concluding the festival with a bonfire. The bonfire, called Holika Dahan, signifies victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion to God.

Other major festivals celebrated at the temple include (but not limited to) Ganesha Chaturthi, Makara Sankranthi, Brahmotsavam, Summer Festival (Greeshma Mela) and New Year’s Day.