Top 10 Biggest Religious Events in the World

People tend to be religious in many things, inheriting the culture that they have adopted from their parents, and other ancestors. These religious events are a part of our character, as a person and an individual that appreciates the value of the mundane, and exalts the divine. Even though the celebrations are focusing on different aspects of religion from one culture or nation to another, their respect and reverence to deity binds them as one. Let us see the biggest religious events being celebrated in the world by many nations.

10. Navratri

 

This is a major Hindu festival that literally means “nine nights”. This is a few of the festivals in the world that is celebrated four times a year. Worshipping the Divine Mother is the main theme of this event, which is usually done at the beginning of spring and autumn. The celebration is divided into three days, adoring the various aspects of the gods and goddesses.

9. Krishna Janmashtami

This religious event is being celebrated by many of the Hindu people in respect to the avatar god of Vishnu, Krishna and his birth. This is when Rasa lila is being played to portray the life of Krishna, and showing his fun filled youthful days. Dahi Handi is another story, but brings out the mischievous side of him, which is being portrayed by groups of young men, forming a pyramid to break a high-hanging pot of butter.

8. Setsubun

Blooming cherry blossoms all over, with people sharing meals together on a picnic setting, looking at the majestic view of Mt. Fuji on some places. This is how Setsubun has been pictured in the minds of many people all over the world. This celebration marks the welcoming of spring, apart from the cold and chilly season of winter. They offer their prayers in a Shinto temple for good luck and fortune. Throwing beans all over the place is their way of warding evil spirits away.

7. Pentecost

Literally interpreted as the “fiftieth day”, the celebration of Pentecost is a reminder of the giving of the Ten Commandments, fifty days after the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. It is also celebrated at the time when the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ had received the endowment of the Gift of the Holy Ghost through the tongue of fire that symbolized its presence. It also denotes of the “Birthday of the Church” after the Savior’s Ascension into heaven.

6. Ramadan

This is the month of fasting where Muslims are abstained from eating, drinking, smoking, love making, and even engaging in worldly pursuits, during the hours of the day. This is done for Allah, and for showing their sincerity and submissiveness to his will. It teaches patience, humility, and spirituality to the Muslim people. This is the best time where their relationship with Allah is even closer.

5. Diwali

Known to be as the “festival of lights”, Diwali unifies Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, in celebrating one event, even though they have different reasons on why and how it is celebrated. At this time, lamps are lit to show that good reigns over evil. All the celebrants wear new clothes and share treats with family members and friends.

4. Chinese New Year

Celebrated by the world’s most populous people, the new moon experienced on the new lunar calendar is the mark of this very colorful, lively, and religious celebration. Fireworks in the sky symbolize of the flourishing of the heavens, and firecrackers are used to ward of devils so that people will not have bad luck. They also buy certain food, such as mooncake to emphasize stickiness or bonding in the family, or round fruits signifying good fortune.

3. Easter

Known as the day when Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, after the third day he was crucified on the cross, Easter is about the standing witness that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. There were also other adaptations of its celebration, where children find painted eggs or thinking of the Easter bunny.

2. Hajj

This is the only religious event in the world that has the most number of visitors, pilgrims, and passage seekers from all the corners of the earth. Whether it may be a Muslim member in Indonesia, or somewhere in the United States, they will find a way to earn money for a ticket to get to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, or every time if they have the financial means to do so. It is celebrated on the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.