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What are the main festivals celebrated in Pushti Marg Vaishnavism?

Pushti Marg Vaishnavism, also known as Pushti Bhakti Marg, is a Hindu sect founded by Vallabhacharya in the 16th century. This sect is based on the principles of devotion and love towards Lord Krishna and emphasizes the importance of personal relationship with the divine. Pushti Marg Vaishnavism has a rich tradition of celebrating festivals and observing rituals, which play a significant role in the spiritual and cultural life of its followers.

The main festivals celebrated in Pushti Marg Vaishnavism are closely connected to the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. The most important festival is Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna. This festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the followers of Pushti Marg Vaishnavism. Devotees fast, sing devotional songs, and offer prayers to Lord Krishna on this auspicious day. The celebrations also include the enactment of Krishna's childhood pastimes, known as the 'Raas Leela', and the breaking of a pot filled with curd, which symbolizes the playful nature of Lord Krishna.

Another significant festival in Pushti Marg Vaishnavism is Holi, also known as the 'Festival of Colors'. This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. On this day, devotees play with colors, sing devotional songs, and offer prayers to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. The celebration of Holi is also associated with the divine love between Radha and Krishna, which is the central theme of Pushti Marg Vaishnavism.

Apart from these two major festivals, Pushti Marg Vaishnavism also celebrates other festivals such as Annakut, Govardhan Puja, and Diwali. Annakut is a festival that involves the offering of a variety of food items to Lord Krishna, while Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.

In addition to these festivals, Pushti Marg Vaishnavism also observes various rituals and ceremonies throughout the year. These include daily prayers, devotional singing, and the offering of food to the deity, known as 'bhog'. The followers of Pushti Marg Vaishnavism also perform 'seva' or selfless service to the deity, which is considered an important part of their spiritual practice.

In conclusion, the festivals celebrated in Pushti Marg Vaishnavism are not just a means of entertainment but also hold deep spiritual significance. They serve as a reminder of the teachings of Lord Krishna and the importance of devotion and love in the path of spiritual enlightenment. These festivals bring the followers of Pushti Marg Vaishnavism