RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF HINDU FESTIVALS

Abstract

In India, religious festivals play a significant role of exalting and integrating man to higher levels of experience.  The Indian religion is termed ‘Hinduism’ or “Hindu Religions Tradition.”  It is based on Vedas.  Hence, it is more correct to refer Hindu religion as “vaidika-dharma” or “sanatana-dharma” (eternal religion). The distinguishing feature of sanatana dharma is that it is more a name for the cultural tradition of Hindus than exclusively for their beliefs, which are narrowly religious and sectarian.  In it there is an organic relation between religious ideals and social practices.  This organic relationship is expressed through the fact that all forms of life – social, political, and aesthetic have a religious touch (to Gandhi, for instance, even the struggle of Indians in South Africa was a struggle for religious liberty).  Hence, we see that one of the functions of religions is to sanctify the ways of society and make it a part of the sacred tradition by various religious as well as social observances.