Hindus observe numerous sacred days, holidays and festivals.
Some of the most well-known include:
- Diwali: the festival of lights
- Navaratri: a celebration of fertility and harvest
- Holi: a spring festival
- Krishna Janmashtami: a tribute to Krishna’s birthday
- Raksha Bandhan: a celebration of the bond between brother and sister
- Maha Shivaratri: the great festival of Shiva
Medieval and Modern Hindu History
The Medieval Period of Hinduism lasted from about 500 to 1500 A.D. New texts emerged, and poet-saints recorded their spiritual sentiments during this time.
In the 7th century, Muslim Arabs began invading areas in India. During parts of the Muslim Period, which lasted from about 1200 to 1757, Islamic rulers prevented Hindus from worshipping their deities, and some temples were destroyed.