Hanukkah or Chanukah is an annual festival of the
Jewish people. Chanukkah is also called as the Festival of Lights. The
eight-day festival starts on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of
the Jewish calendar (December in the Gregorian calendar). As per the
Western calendar, the date for the celebration of Hanukkah differs every
year. In 2007, Chanukkah culminated on December 4th. Hanukkah 2008
begins at the sundown on 21st December night and ends on 29th December.
Hanukkah 2009 will start on 11th of December.
Hanukkah is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the Jewish army
led by Judah Maccabee over the Greek soldiers and the restoration of the
Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is celebrated with joy and devotion.
It is a festival that serves as a reminder of the past and the hope for
a bright future. Chanukkah reminds us of the fact that the Jewish people
endured centuries of strife and conflict. The festival is a time for
rejoice. People eagerly buy beautiful Hanukkah candles that fill warmth
in the homes and lives of the Jews.
When Hanukkah is celebrated by the Jews, they ensure that apart from
all the fun during the holiday, the Hanukkah traditions are strictly
followed. They take special efforts to keep the Menorah lit continuously
throughout the festival and chant all the Jewish blessings before
lighting each candle.
