Feast of Passover:
The Feast of Passover or Pesach is a major festival in Judaism, celebrated starting on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan (March/April). It is also known as Hag HaMatzot (festival of unleavened bread), Z’man Cheruteinu (the time of our freedom), and Hag HaAviv (the festival of spring). This seven-day festival in Israel (eight days in the diaspora) commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt in the 13th century BCE. The festival begins with a ceremonial feast called the Seder. Historically, Passover was one of the pilgrimage festivals, but with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, this practice is no longer possible. Nonetheless, many Jews still visit Jerusalem during Passover.
The Bene Israel community of Indian Jews have maintained the traditions of the Feast of Passover.
Purim:
‘Purim’ or the ‘Festival of Lots’ is observed on the 14th day in the Jewish month of Adar. It commemorates the first recorded victory of Jews over anti-Semitism. The festivities include prayer meetings, fasts and feasts.