By Ravine, Becky and Courtney Hinduism By Ravine, Becky and Courtney

Key points Hinduism is the most dominant religion in India & Nepal Oldest living religion in the world Closely associated with Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism Hindus sacred scripture is the Veda (knowledge) and follow a common system of values called the dharma Main festival they celebrate is Diwali Other festivals: Holi, Navaratri(fertility and harvest) and Janmashtami(Krishna’s birthday) Hindus believe: Existence is; cycle of birth, death and rebirth governed by Karma The souls next incarnation is based on how the previous life was lived

Diwali Diwali is the festival of light and is celebrated at a different time each year as it depends on the position of the moon and the Hindu Lunar Calendar. This festival celebrates the return of Rama after being exiled for fourteen years and defeating the king Ravana. Those celebrating Diwali also light traditional earthenware oil lamps called diyas which are said to help Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, find her way into people’s homes. They’ll leave their windows and doors of their houses open so that she can enter. During this time, Hindu’s often exchange sweets, dried fruits and gifts to one another and to the less fortunate. As well as this, Hindu’s see this as a time to have a spring clean, wear new clothes and redecorate their homes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20314237 - video

Holi This festival is often called the festival of colour. It marks the turning of spring and involves throwing coloured powder paints over each other. Some believe that this festival was brought to life through Krishna’s mischievous behaviour when he threw coloured water over the milkmaids or Gopi's. This festival also celebrates good conquering evil.

Navaratri Navaratri stands for nine nights and is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. Like Holi it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. it takes place at the beginning of October near harvest time. the festival is dedicated to Durga the mother goddess who represents power. Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura after a relentless battle lasting nine days and nights. This is why the festival lasts for 9 days. Navaratri is celebrated by communities getting together for dances and nightly feasts. To celebrate a good harvest and to propitiate the nine planets, women also plant nine different kinds of food grain seeds in small containers during these nine days and then offer the young saplings to the goddess.

Janmashtami The Krishna Janmashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, one of the most popular Gods in the Hindu religion. Krishna is perceived by most Hindus to be an incarnation of Vishnu, who is regarded as the highest God. It is believed that all other deities are manifestations of him. Krishna is considered to be a warrior, hero, teacher and philosopher by Hindus. The festival lasts for 48 hours and involves the Hindu’s singing songs, preparing food that involves milk and curds as they are believed to be Krishna’s favourite.

Worship Worship Rituals should be performed 3 times a day during home worship Families usually worship together Can worship at home, as well as in the temple At home worships there is normally a shrine – for prayers and offerings

Hinduism pictures Temple Shrine Diwali

OM SYMBOL It is one of the most important spiritual symbols in Hinduism . The visual symbol represents the meaning of AUM Describes the 3 states of consciousness ‘Aum’: A – Wakefulness; U- Dreams; M – Deep dreamless Sleep It also refers to Atman (the soul) & Brahman (ultimate reality)