Religion-Hinduism

Hinduism is also called Sanatana Dharma, a phrase meaning 'the eternal law.' Hinduism is the world's third largest religion, with 750 million followers.About 80 percent of India practice Hinduism.The religion started in Northern India about 4000 years ago making Hinduism the oldest religion in the world. One of the major festivals that have to do with Hinduism is called Diwali, the festival of lights. It is a five day celebration for the New Year. It falls on different days each year. People get together and cover each other with coloured powder. The festival is in honor of Lakshami, who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. They pray to Lakshami for good luck in the coming year. The word Diwali means, 'row of lighted lamps.' Some other Hindu festivals are:

//Choosing one of these festivals will take you to the festival page where you can find out more information about them.// Holi-celebrated with bonfires and street parties. Shivarati-celebration honoring Shiva. Janmashtami-birthday of Krishna. Dusserah-celebrating good over evil. Ganesh Chaturthi-birthday of Ganesh.

They believe in the ongoing cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Aum is the symbol of Hinduism. It is also spelt om, because when you sound out the vowels, a and u it becomes an o sound. It represents important triads: The three worlds-earth, atmosphere and heaven. The three major Hindu gods- Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The three sacred Vedic scriptures- Rg, Yayur and Sama.

Here is a photo of the symbol:



Hindus actually only believe in one god, Brahma. All the other gods and goddesses are just different forms of Brahma. A Mandir is a Hindu building where people from the community pray although most people would just pray in their home. There are three basic practices with Hindus. 1. Worship-offerings to the gods and praying. 2.Cremation- they burn the dead, not bury. 3.Compliance with the rules of the caste system- whatever your occupation was everyone was equal and had rules to obey.