Can Books teach us about Indian Festivals?
Well, if you did not have your parents, grandparents and extended family teaching you about the festivals growing up, like me, then Books about Indian Festivals is the ANSWER!
I have always been fascinated with festivals, their rituals and the meanings behind them. Why do we do the things we do? Why do we celebrate the festival on that particular day and not another? Why is celebrating festivals important, more than just about a celebration and a holiday? and the more practical, what are the rituals, the Do’s and Don’ts behind each festival.
Over the years, I have been studying and learning about these Indian Festivals, and have made simple and easy notes of the Do’s and Don’ts that one needs to follow. You can read more about these HERE.
While there is no one book that is a comprehensive encyclopedia of all the festivals and rituals, however, there are particular authors whose works deep-dive into this subject.
In this blog post, I am sharing a list of authors and books that I found that have helped me understand Indian Festivals, their rituals and importance.
List of Authors & Books on Indian Festival
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Books on the Festival – written in Hindi, available at your local Pooja Samagri/Temple shop –
If you are comfortable reading in Hindi, then some of the most authentic and complete books on every festival can be found at the temple shop – It will list the ritual, prayers and things you need to say and do to placate the God and powers and gain their blessings.
Devdutt Patnaik –
His books are a good introduction to the mythology behind the Indian festivals and their significance. He is a popular author for people just starting out into Indian festivals and mythology.
Hindu Rites and Rituals: Where They Come from and What They Mean
by K.V. Singh –
This is probably the first book that allowed me to dive into the various rites and rituals of Indian festivals and, delve into their historical origins, symbolic meanings, and cultural significance.
In this book, the author writes about a wide array of Hindu ceremonies, festivals, and practices, breaking down their components and explaining their connections to ancient texts, myths, and philosophical traditions. He also explores the diversity of Hindu rituals across regions and communities, emphasizing the flexibility and adaptability of these practices over time.
A lot of things that I had heard about even daily rituals we should follow were explained in this book.
Check it out on Amazon HERE.
“The Spirit of Indian Rituals” by Amish Tripathi –
Amish Tripathi, renowned for his mythological fiction, takes a nonfiction approach in “The Spirit of Indian Rituals.”
This is a good book to read if you want to delve into the spiritual essence and symbolic meanings behind various Indian rituals associated with festivals. This book guides readers through the deeper layers of customs, providing a profound understanding of the spiritual dimensions that underpin Indian celebrations.
“India: A Sacred Geography” by Diana L. Eck:
Diana L. Eck’s extensive work, “India: A Sacred Geography,” serves as a comprehensive guide to the sacred sites and rituals that shape the cultural landscape of India. This book goes beyond the rituals and offers a geographical perspective, she explores how festivals are intrinsically connected to the land, providing readers with a unique lens through which to appreciate the diversity and depth of Indian celebrations. This is a good read to understand how deeply our festivals are integrated into the Indian mindset & persona.
“Chasing the Monsoon: A Modern Pilgrimage Through India” by Alexander Frater:
In the same spirit, Alexander Frater’s captivating travel narrative, “Chasing the Monsoon,” beautifully captures the essence of Indian festivals intertwined with the monsoon season and this too goes beyond the religion and rituals of India festivals.
As Frater embarks on a pilgrimage across India in pursuit of the monsoon, readers are treated to vivid descriptions of festive celebrations, showcasing the cultural richness that comes alive during this period.
Which is your favorite festival? What do you love about celebrating them?
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘BookishCafeBloghop2024’ hosted by Rakhi and Samata Dey Bose
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile
I am more into fiction so all of these non-fiction reads are completely new to me. I have heard a lot about Devdutt Paitnaik. His work Myth and Mthya is amazing. I would surely like to pick up your recommendation. Nice article.
I would like to begin my reading with Alexander Frater’s book. Monsoon and travel and festivities, sound like an eclectic mix. I have read Amish Tripathi’s fiction but never non-fiction. Devdutt Patnaik, of course, is a myth expert and I follow him on social media. A good list have bookmarked it.
I read “Chasing the Monsoon” long time back and I think I need a refresher course in it. Devdutt Pattanaik ofcourse, is my favourite mythologist
Nice listicle. It always a joy to read about festivals and celebrations. My favourite festival is Dussehra as it has everything in it from fasting to feasting.
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I’m amazed by such a vast collection of books on festivals. When I looked up I couldn’t find much but reading wonderful blogs such as yours has introduced me to many lovely books. Thank you for this recommendation.
Such books do educate us on the festivals and traditions of our country.
So, your post will act as recommendation to a person like me who is away from most of the Festivals and need to gain ample lot of knowledge about them. If we happen to read in hindi the source you mentioned of a book based on Festivals at the temple shop is something I would like to explore now a bit
Chasing the monsoon sounds like a wonderful book. Checking it out!
I would like to pick up The first two books- Hindu rites and Rituals by K V Singh for some times following the ritual passed on by our ancestors make no sense, it would be good to know the background. For the same reason – Amish Tripathi’s Spirit of Indian Rituals too is interesting.
Chasing the Monsoon seems like an interesting pick! Your list of books here is quite outside of my comfort reading but this seems so intriguing. I must say you have a wonderful blog here and I am glad to have discovered it!
My favorite festivals are tied between Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. More than the non-fiction books out there, I enjoy the festivals blending into my favorite fiction genres like romance and thrillers
Wow! Who knew of these non fiction gems that showcase Indian festivals so well. I always tend to pick up fiction and hence this is the first time I am reading about these books. I might pick up one or two of them pretty soon, especially the one what our rituals and festivals mean.
Thanks for sharing this list!
I like the recommendations! The idea behind Indian festivals has always fascinated me, and I’d love to read books by Devdutt Patnaik and Amish Tripathi. They are the authors I’ve heard a lot about and can’t wait to check out.
These are some very good recommendations that I would like to add to my tbr. Amish is my fav but k. V. Singh is new to me. So I will try and pick up his book to know more about the rituals he has written about. Thanks for sharing .
That was an interesting selection of books – I haven’t read any of these, so hope to pick some up.
Exploring these books offers a deeper understanding of the rich traditions, rituals, and stories that define various Indian festivals. It’s a wonderful reminder of the diverse tapestry of Indian culture and the joy of sharing these stories with readers of all ages. Thank you for sharing these delightful recommendations!
Alexander farters book looks interesting. Your list is completely new to me and I’m sure I will add some to my TBR
Interesting. These books can really give us a peek into the Hindu festivals I have also over the years noticed that the traditions of the festivals changes at every 50 kilometre in India and that always fascinates me. Thanks for sharing this reading list.
That’s an interesting post about festivals and books. I’ll surely try getting my hands on it.
Let me accept frankly. I haven’t read any of the books you penned here. I am adding all your recommendations to my shopping cart for my next purchase. While it is an accepted fact Indian festivals not only bring harmony but also bind us to the relationship and togetherness and your blog recommendations are on those lines too. I still remember waiting eagerly for festivals like Shankranthi, Diwali and Ugadhi so that I could meet my entire family cluster.
There are such vast books to know and understand the Indian culture and festivities. I would love to read the book by Alexander Frater.
You are enlisted some really thought provoking books on Indian festivals. Rituals are such an integral part of our culture and so are our festivals. They indeed define us.
A good recommendation of books on Indian festivals. Thanks for this post.
The one by Alexander Frater looks pretty interesting to me from the list that you have shared. Will add it to my TBR
I appreciate the work you have done in finding out the books on festivals. Though I have not read any one of these but will like to read them.
As a child, the Amar Chitra Kathas were my source to know all about the festivals. I haven’t had a chance to pick the books you listed. I will surely check them out. Thanks for sharing about them.