Festivals
The Story Behind Christmas: Saturnalia, Yule and Santa Claus
A researched history of Christmas, from Roman Saturnalia and northern Yule to Victorian trees, Santa Claus and Boxing Day.
Festivals
Festivals are more than dates on a calendar. They are stories of gods and heroes, harvests and history, migration and memory. From Diwali and Holi to Chhath Puja, Navratri, Halloween and Oktoberfest, we look at how these celebrations began, how they changed over time, and why they still matter today. Every festival page here is researched with sources and explains the real story behind the traditions we see each year.
Festivals articles
Festivals
Chhath Puja: The Story Behind the Festival of the Setting Sun
A fact-based look at Chhath Puja: Surya worship, Chhathi Maiya, regional traditions, Arghya, thekua and the real history behind this…
Festivals
The Story Behind Halloween: From Samhain to Trick-or-Treat
How a Celtic festival of the turning year evolved into the Halloween we know today through Christianization, migration and American…
Festivals
The Story Behind Diwali: Why We Light Diyas and What the Five Days Mean
Why do we light diyas on Diwali? The real story behind the five-day festival of lights, from Rama's return to the night Mahavira attained…
Festivals
Navratri and Dussehra: The Story Behind the Nine Nights and the Tenth Day
Navratri's nine nights and Dussehra's tenth day hold two tales, Durga's war on Mahishasura, and Rama's victory over Ravana. Here is what the…
Festivals
Why Is It Called "Oktoberfest"? The Story Behind the World's Biggest Party
Oktoberfest is a festival held in September, named after October, and beer wasn't even the point. It started as a horse race at a royal…
Festivals
Holi: Triumph of Good Over Evil, a Tale of Lasting Love
Holi, the festival of colours, brightens the whole of India. Behind the celebrations lies the triumph of good over evil and a tale of…