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What are the major festivals celebrated in Vaishnavism?
Vaishnavism, a major branch of Hinduism, is centered around the worship of Vishnu, the preserver and protector deity in the Hindu trinity. It is a devotional and monotheistic form of Hinduism, with a strong emphasis on personal devotion and surrender to Vishnu. As such, there are several major festivals celebrated in Vaishnavism that revolve around the worship of Vishnu and his avatars.
One of the most important festivals in Vaishnavism is Vaikuntha Ekadashi, which falls on the 11th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Margashirsha (December-January). It is believed that on this day, the gates of Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, are open for devotees to enter and attain moksha (liberation). Devotees observe fasts and offer prayers to Vishnu, seeking his blessings and forgiveness.
Another significant festival is Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It falls on the eighth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September). Devotees celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm, by performing puja (ritual worship), singing devotional songs, and enacting the life of Krishna through plays and dramas.
Rama Navami is another important festival in Vaishnavism, which commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. It falls on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). Devotees celebrate this festival by reciting the Ramayana (epic poem about the life of Rama), offering prayers, and participating in processions.
Narasimha Jayanti is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Vishnu. It falls on the 14th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Vaishakha (April-May). On this day, devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek the blessings of Narasimha, who is believed to be a fierce protector of his devotees.
Apart from these major festivals, there are other important festivals in Vaishnavism such as Gita Jayanti (celebrating the day when Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna), Vaishnava Ekadashi (observed on the 11th day of every fortnight), and Govardhan Puja (celebrating the lifting of Govardhan hill by Lord Krishna).
In conclusion, the major festivals celebrated in Vaishnavism revolve around the worship of Vishnu and his avatars, and are marked by devotion, rituals, and celebrations. These festivals not only strengthen the bond between devotees and their